Discover Kent | A Visitor's Introduction to Kent

Why is Kent Worth a Visit?

Kent is worth visiting for its blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. The county is home to some of England's most iconic landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, and the White Cliffs of Dover. Kent’s historic towns and cities, such as Rochester, Tunbridge Wells, and Faversham, offer a mix of medieval architecture, charming high streets, and lively markets. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the rolling landscapes of the Kent Downs, the serene coastline, and scenic walking routes like the North Downs Way. Kent is also a foodie haven, with renowned vineyards, orchards, and a growing reputation for its local produce, seafood, and fine dining experiences.

Kent Highlights: Things to See and Do in Kent

1. Canterbury Cathedral
No visit to Kent is complete without a trip to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most famous and oldest Christian structures in England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a key pilgrimage site, made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Visitors can explore the stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the atmospheric crypt. The cathedral is set within the historic city of Canterbury, where you can wander cobbled streets, visit museums, and enjoy the vibrant café scene.

2. Leeds Castle
Often called "the loveliest castle in the world," Leeds Castle is a stunning fortress set on two islands in a picturesque lake. Located near Maidstone, the castle dates back to 1119 and has served as a royal residence, a palace for Henry VIII, and even a private retreat. Today, visitors can explore its lavish interiors, extensive grounds, and formal gardens. Leeds Castle also offers fun family activities such as a maze, falconry displays, and boating on the lake. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular destination for weddings, events, and picnics.

3. White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most iconic natural landmarks, symbolising the country’s defence and heritage. These dramatic chalk cliffs, which rise up to 350 feet above the English Channel, offer breathtaking views across to France on a clear day. The White Cliffs Visitor Centre provides insight into the area's natural history and strategic importance, while walking trails along the cliffs offer stunning views of the coastline. Nearby, you can visit Dover Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that played a key role in Britain’s defences throughout history.

4. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a fascinating maritime museum and heritage site that showcases over 400 years of naval history. Located in Chatham, this 80-acre site features historic warships, interactive exhibitions, and original dockyard buildings. Visitors can explore three iconic warships, including HMS Cavalier, a World War II destroyer, and take part in hands-on activities. The dockyard’s history of shipbuilding, which dates back to the days of the Royal Navy’s dominance, is brought to life through displays, events, and immersive experiences.

5. Hever Castle
Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is a Tudor gem located near Edenbridge. This charming double-moated castle is steeped in history, with beautifully preserved interiors, including Anne Boleyn’s bedroom and the Tudor Hall. The castle’s gardens are equally impressive, featuring Italianate and rose gardens, a maze, and a picturesque lake. Visitors can explore the castle’s fascinating collection of historical artefacts, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, or attend one of the castle’s seasonal events, such as jousting tournaments and outdoor theatre performances.

6. Kent Downs and North Downs Way
For those who love outdoor adventures, the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and peaceful valleys. One of the best ways to experience this scenic landscape is by walking or cycling along the North Downs Way, a long-distance trail that stretches from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. The route passes through picturesque villages, vineyards, and historic landmarks, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Kent Downs provide an idyllic backdrop for outdoor activities.

7. Whitstable and Margate
Kent’s coastal towns offer a charming mix of traditional seaside fun and modern cultural appeal. Whitstable, famous for its oysters, is a laid-back town known for its working harbour, pebble beach, and vibrant independent shops and art galleries. Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh oysters and fish at the harbour or at local restaurants like The Whitstable Oyster Company. Margate, on the other hand, is a more bohemian seaside town with a growing art scene, largely thanks to the Turner Contemporary, an award-winning art gallery. Margate also boasts a retro vibe, with vintage shops, amusement arcades, and the Dreamland amusement park offering nostalgic seaside fun.

8. Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, is one of England’s most famous gardens. Located near Cranbrook, the garden is renowned for its romantic planting schemes and stunning design. Divided into “rooms” by hedges and walls, each area of the garden has its own unique character, from the iconic White Garden to the Rose Garden. Sissinghurst is a must-visit for garden lovers, offering tranquillity and inspiration in every season.

9. Faversham and Shepherd Neame Brewery
Faversham is one of Kent’s most charming market towns, known for its medieval streets, independent shops, and the historic Shepherd Neame Brewery, the oldest brewery in Britain. A visit to the brewery offers a fascinating look at the brewing process, from traditional methods to modern techniques, along with tastings of their famous Kentish ales and lagers. The town itself is rich in history, with beautiful medieval architecture, a lively market square, and scenic walks along the creek.

10. Deal and Walmer Castles
Deal is a picturesque coastal town known for its historic seafront and vibrant community. Along the coast, visitors can explore Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII as a defensive fortress, and nearby Walmer Castle, a Tudor artillery fort that later became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Walmer Castle is set within beautiful gardens and offers a fascinating look at military history, as well as connections to famous figures like the Duke of Wellington. Deal’s pier and high street, filled with independent shops and cafés, also make it a lovely town to explore.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There:
Kent is easily accessible from London and other parts of the UK. By train, there are high-speed services from London St Pancras International to Canterbury, Ashford, Margate, and other major towns, with journey times as short as 35 minutes to Ashford International. For drivers, Kent is well-connected by the M20, M2, and A2 motorways, offering easy access to key destinations. International visitors can also reach Kent via the Eurostar at Ashford International or the ferry port in Dover. For those flying, London Gatwick is the nearest major airport, around an hour’s drive from most parts of Kent.

Parking:
Most towns and attractions in Kent offer ample parking, though it can get busy in popular areas like Canterbury, Whitstable, and Margate, especially during weekends and summer. Many car parks operate on a pay-and-display basis, so it’s advisable to carry change. Some areas, such as the White Cliffs of Dover and Leeds Castle, also offer dedicated parking for visitors.

Dining:
Kent is a food lover’s paradise, with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, traditional pubs, and seafood spots. Many restaurants focus on using local ingredients, such as Kentish lamb, fresh seafood, and produce from local farms. The Sportsman in Seasalter, a Michelin-starred pub, is known for its innovative use of Kent’s best ingredients. For fresh seafood, Wheelers Oyster Bar in Whitstable is a local institution. Kent’s vineyards, such as Chapel Down and Biddenden, also offer excellent local wines, while Shepherd Neame’s pubs serve traditional Kentish ales.

Shopping:
Kent’s towns and villages are great places for independent shopping, offering a range of antiques, local crafts, and artisan food. Whitstable and Faversham are particularly known for their independent shops and galleries, while Royal Tunbridge Wells offers a more upmarket shopping experience in The Pantiles, a historic colonnade lined with boutiques and cafés. Canterbury’s Whitefriars Shopping Centre offers a mix of high street brands and smaller stores.

When to Visit:
Kent is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to September), when the gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor attractions are at their best. This is also when many of Kent’s festivals take place, such as the Whitstable Oyster Festival in July and the Canterbury Festival in October. Autumn is another great time to visit, especially for exploring Kent’s vineyards during harvest season. Winters in Kent are quieter, but the towns and cities offer festive Christmas markets and cosy pubs with roaring fires.

Local Events:
Kent hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from food and drink festivals to historical reenactments and arts festivals. The Canterbury Festival, held each October, is the region’s largest arts festival, featuring music, theatre, dance, and talks. The Faversham Hop Festival, held in September, celebrates the county’s hop-picking heritage with live music, parades, and local food stalls. During summer, Kent’s castles, including Leeds Castle and Hever Castle, host outdoor theatre, concerts, and jousting tournaments.

Exploring Beyond Kent:
Kent’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby destinations. London is just an hour away by train, offering world-class museums, shopping, and entertainment. Across the Channel, France is easily accessible via the Eurotunnel or ferry from Dover, making it possible to take a day trip to Calais or even Paris. For a more local adventure, head to the South Downs National Park in neighbouring Sussex, which offers more stunning countryside and coastal walks.