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Things To Do in Kent

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Kent, famous for the dramatic white cliffs of Dover, stunning English landscape, bustling seaside resorts, award-winning heritage coastline, historic castles and towering cathedrals.  Long known as 'The Garden of England', the county of Kent is home to lush green countryside scattered with glorious gardens and vineyards producing tasty English wine. 

A walkers and cyclist's paradise, with a wealth of national trails and cycle routes that criss cross their way through the Kent countryside.  Rich in history and heritage, it is full of stories from a time, long since passed, home to world renowned Canterbury Cathedral and the best preserved medieval village in England, Sandwich.  With a host of royal connections, film and TV links, entertaining indoor and outdoor attractions, there's no shortage of things to do in Kent.  

Places to visit in Kent

Take a short break to Kent and delve into the county's famous past, with a visit to the historic city of  Canterbury .  No visit here is complete without the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site , take a stroll or a boat trip along the Great Stour river, wander the winding streets to see the historic timber-framed buildings with overhanging upper floors.   

Head to Kent's award-winning coastline, a beautiful place to visit all year round.  Explore the iconic White Cliffs of Dover , the infamous Dover Castle , or join an exhilarating trip to view the White Cliffs from the water and see seals in their natural environment.  Head along the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Deal , frequently highlighted as one of the best places to live in Britain, offering scenic views of the English Channel out towards the notorious Goodwin Sands, mixing fishermen’s cottages with well-preserved Georgian town houses. Don't miss the chance to make a stop along the way in the coastal village of St Margaret's at Cliffe , before heading on to Sandwich with its romantic charm and perfectly preserved medieval houses.

In 2021, Kent's Heritage Coast was on only part of the UK featured in the Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022.  Definitely one to add to your 2024 visit list.

Explore historic Maidstone , known as the events capital of Kent, with its eclectic mix of unique stores and high street favourites, and the River Medway at its heart, linking Rochester and the Thames Estuary.  Home to the famous Leeds Castle , an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Kent countryside.

The Isle of Thanet is a peninsular at the most easterly point of Kent, comprising of  Margate , Ramsgate and Broadstairs , it regularly boasts the most blue flag beaches in the UK. Home to the famous Margate Caves, the iconic Dreamland amusement park, the only 'Royal' harbour in the country, with a thriving arts and culture, food and drink scene, its the perfect place to discover your retro vibe. 

Find out more about the towns and villages that make up the Garden of England using our interactive map of Kent .

Top 15 things to do in Kent

• Hever Castle & Gardens , Edenbridge
• Kent and East Sussex Railway, Ashford
• Bedgebury National Pinetum , Cranbrook
• Leeds Castle , Maidstone
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery , Dover
• Coptree Manor Park , Maidstone
• Ramsgate Maritime Museum , Thanet
• Betteshanger Park , Deal
• Walking & Sightseeing at the White Cliffs of Dover , Dover
• Chapel Down Winery , Tenterden
• McArthurGlen Designer Outlet , Ashford
• Balfour Winery , Tonbridge
• Dickens House Museum , Broadstairs
• Walmer Castle and Gardens , Deal
• Mote Park, Maidstone

Find more things to do in Kent today by using the search box or viewing the map at the bottom of this page.

Things to do in Kent this weekend

Many of Kent's tourist attractions are open all year round so find something to do today with activities listings each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Seasonal events in Kent  take place all year round so whatever weekend you're visiting, there's bound to be a fun day out to be had near you.

Those who prefer their meals brought to them are always keen to try out a great country pub, where one of Kent’s most famous assets, the local wine, can be sampled. For a more active way to unwind Kent’s blue flag beaches offer ample opportunities to take part in the water sports, and for those who are looking to dive deeper into Kent, there are plenty of accommodation options for somewhere to stay if you’d like to experience more than a day.

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List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Kent

For more information about Kent, including ideas for days out, attractions and events, view the list below for information on things to do and towns and villages within the county. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.

Number of results:

Number of results: 119

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Ramsgate Maritime Museum

Situated in the Clock House on the quayside at Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate Maritime Museum focuses strongly on Ramsgate and its immediate environs, with a brief introduction to the rest of the region's maritime past.

Dickens House Museum

Historic House / Palace

The museum is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.

Margate Museum

Margate Museum is opened by a group of volunteers called the Friends of Margate Museum who work with Thanet District Council to open Margate Museum on a regular basis.

Cobtree Manor Park

Adventure Park / Playground

Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing collection of trees and shrubs. The Park features a themed play area, along with a sculpture trail, plenty of space for picnics, and a visitor centre and café serving…

Dumpton Gap

Dumpton Gap offers one of the best low tide walking routes to Ramsgate during low tide.

Sandgate Beach

Just west of Sandgate Town Centre beach, this is a quieter single beach. A lovely spot for walking and quite popular for fishing.

St Augustine's Abbey

Abbey / Priory

This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.

Tankerton Beach

As you walk along the Whitstable front you will come to grassy banks that gently slope down to the beach, characterised by pretty wooden beach huts and an established sailing club.

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery

Dover Museum, the district's largest and most varied museum, has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of Dover, along with the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing…

Whitstable is like no other town by the sea. Its traditional charms, strong arts culture and rich maritime history complement Whitstable's modern appeal.

Brogdale Collections

The National Fruit Collection has over 3000 varieties of fruit trees including apples, pears, quince, plums and cherries. The orchards are a living history and heritage of fruit waiting to be discovered.

Brogdale Collections hosts a wide selection…

Go Ape Leeds Castle

Climbing / High Ropes

Just 7 miles southeast of Maidstone, you can find us in the grounds of Leeds Castle. We're just off the B2163 - through the main entrance on Penfold Hill. In addition to free parking, Go Ape boasts three high ropes experiences.

St. Thomas a Becket Church

Church / Chapel

Capel Le Ferne

Basically a Norman church from the 14th Century with significant wall paintings of 13th Century on the north wall.

Gillingham is an important retail centre serving the local community. It has a twice weekly market which is ideal for the bargain hunters to wander around.

Sandwich Guildhall Museum

Located in the heart of Sandwich Town Centre in the 16th century Guildhall, the museum tells the story of Sandwich from Mesolithic times to the modern day.  There’s an array of artefacts plus display of an original Magna Carta and Charter of the…

Reculver Beach

Reculver's shingle beach is a haven for those looking for a peaceful hideaway in the rural setting of the Reculver Country Park, where people come to relax and admire the stunning Kent coastline.

The historic heart of the Eden valley, Edenbridge is a small Kent town that offers history, heritage and fantastic opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast

Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery is an exceptional regional museum housed in the gorgeous Chillington Manor, an Elizabethan manor house.

Sissinghurst

Sissinghurst is a small village in the county of Kent and was originally called Milkhouse Street before changing its name in the 1850s.

Westgate-on-Sea

A completely tidal bay, with a long stretch of sand when the tide is out.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Kent (England)

15 Best Places to Visit in Kent (England)

In the far southeast of England , you could say there are two Kents.

There’s the soft rural Kent of posh towns, National Trust houses and quaint villages, and then coastal Kent, fortified to defend the entranceway to England but also adapted for seaside fun in the 19th century.

In rural Kent, the county lives up to its nickname the “Garden of England” for its verdant countryside of hop farms and orchards, and florid villages with pastoral scenes of duck ponds, pubs, village greens and Norman churches.

Something in the Kent countryside that you won’t see anywhere else are “oast houses”, barns and houses on hop farms with conical roofs capped by a white vent to draw in air and dry the hops that would be stored on the upper floor.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Kent :

1. Canterbury

As beautiful as it is significant, Canterbury is a university crammed with history.

It is the seat of the British Isles’ first diocese, founded in the 6th century.

The Archbishop of Canterbury remains one of the most influential public figures in England.

The magnificent Norman and gothic cathedral is the showpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was the scene of one of the pivotal moments in English medieval history: The murder of the Archbishop Thomas Beckett by supporters of King Henry II at the altar in 1170. There’s much to keep you enthralled in Canterbury, whether it’s Roman mosaics, the ruins of the castle and abbey, the city walls or the bulky Westgate, the biggest medieval city gate in England.

This town has always been the entranceway to the British Isles from continental Europe, and is the main ferry port for crossings from France and Belgium.

Approaching from the water, the first thing you see are those exalted white chalk cliffs.

On land you can take a memorable walk along the grassy cliff-tops, on a route that will get you to Kingsdown eight miles away.

As the closest port to France, the town needed to be fortified, and Dover Castle took its current form in the 12th century, during the reign of Henry II. There’s an overwhelming amount of history on this site from the Roman Lighthouse (one of England’s oldest buildings), to the 18th century artillery emplacements and the secret Second World War tunnels.

3. Ramsgate

As with six other beaches within a brief drive, Ramsgate Sands is a Blue Flag beach traced by a promenade and cliffs.

When the weather’s good there’s all the nostalgic treats of an English seaside resort, and in winter and autumn it’s a brooding scene for invigorating walks.

Ramsgate has the distinction of being the only Royal Harbour, and this is best seen from the long piers that protect it from the open sea and give it an almost-Mediterranean accent on the hottest days in summer.

Also a must is a descent into the Ramsgate Tunnels, deep air-raid shelters dug for the Second World War and now open for tours.

4. Broadstairs

With the advent of steam power and railways in the 19th century Londoners were able to get to Broadstairs in a matter of hours, and they came for the sea air and seven bays of inviting golden sand.

Charles Dickens chose Broadstairs for his holidays and wrote David Copperfield at Bleak House on the cliff above Viking Bay and with views of the North Foreland chalk headland.

On sunny days Broadstairs is still the Thanet’s best option for a day at the seaside, thanks to its historic high street with independent shops and the retro charm of old-school holiday amenities like beach huts, a bandstand and 50s-style ice cream parlours.

5. Sandwich

Like Dover, Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports, a confederation of five medieval towns on the Kent and Sussex coast that cooperated for trade and defence.

And there are lots of hints about Sandwich’s history around the town today, like gates from the old town fortifications, two stunning almshouses and a handful of pubs that have been serving customers for hundreds of years.

Rural ways of life in days gone by are explained at the White Mill, a windmill built in the 1700s and fully restored.

And a few minutes outside the town is Richborough Castle, a ruined but compelling Roman and Saxon fortress and the mooted landing site for the Claudian Invasion in AD 43.

6. Rochester

If you’re familiar with the early chapters of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations then you’ll feel like you’ve read about the muddy Medway River, even if the author never mentioned it by name.

Dickens grew up close by in Chatham and moved back to Gad’s Hill Place, a mansion just outside Rochester later in life, where he passed away.

But Rochester has more going for it; the castle has a 12th-century keep with walls and towers that are almost complete despite their great age.

It’s a breathtaking sight, equalled by the Norman and Gothic Rochester Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century but is the seat of a diocese that goes right back to 604, making it the second-oldest in England after Canterbury.

Around a meander in the Medway, Chatham is a town soaked with naval history.

From 1567 to the 1980s the Royal Navy Dockyard was here, and is now conserved as the Chatham Historic Dockyard.

If you’re inspired by the age of sail the dockyard will blow your mind, not just because of heritage ships that you can board, like HMS Gannet, but for facilities such as the Grade I-listed ropery, a 364-metre-long building that still produces rope commercially.

A nice complement to the dockyard is Fort Amherst, constructed in 1756 to protect the dockyard in case of a French invasion.

8. Royal Tunbridge Wells

In the High Weald, a long ridge of craggy sandstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a moneyed town welcoming wealthy guests and residents since the 1600s, when they first arrived for the curative waters.

That sandstone geology is clear in the strange rock formations, Wellington Rocks on Tunbridge Common, and the sheer High Rocks just outside the town.

There are gardens in distinguished estates to idle in, like the house-less Dunorlan Park, Calverly Grounds and Scotney Castle, all as stately as you’d hope.

The local landscapes are out of a picture book,  all hop farms, duck ponds, village greens, pub gardens and oast houses.

9. Sevenoaks

Just outside the M25, Sevenoaks is Kent’s first tourist destination for people travelling from London, and in turn has many residents who work in London.

Right in the north downs the local countryside is dappled with pretty villages like Otford and Shoreham, and the abundance of woodland gives you plenty of choices for walks.

But the main landmark is Knole House, a National Trust property and one of England’s most revered stately homes.

It’s a marvellous gabled 15th and 16th century building in four square kilometres of forest and open parkland where deer herds graze.

The house is huge considering its age, with more than 300 rooms and seven courtyards.

There’s much to love about the seafront at Deal, with rows of whitewashed cottages and grander, flat-fronted houses from the 17th and 18th century.

You can cut down little lanes with old gaslights and find English seaside staples like chippies and shops selling rock candy.

There’s also military history in the town, at Deal Castle, a Tudor 16th-century artillery fort with 66 firing positions and a low profile to make it less of a target.

Walmer Castle, further south has a similar outline and was built in the same period during the rule of Henry VIII. The pebble beach goes on for miles, running in front of the neighbouring towns of Walmer and Kingsdown, and has a belt of heathland behind where wild fennel grows by the beachfront track.

11. Whitstable

Whitstable is a seaside town full of character and with an authentic feel created by its fishing industry.

The local speciality is oysters, which have been harvested in the local waters for 2,000 years.

This activity took a bit of a hit in the post-war years, but has bounced back and is honoured every July at the Whitstable Oyster Festival.

Integral to any visit should be an amble around the working fishing harbour and market, and to get a table at one of the superb fish restaurants in the town.

Pebble beaches are also on either side of the harbour, and the Old Neptune that rare thing: A pub directly on the beach.

12. Folkestone

An offbeat relic from Folkestone’s seaside glory days is the Leas Lift, a short funicular railway transporting you from the seafront to the promenade atop the Leas cliff and installed in 1885. It’s a fixture of the town, and is maintained by a local non-profit organisation.

You can see as far as France from the Leas Promenade on a clear day, and the area at the bottom is the Lower Leas Coastal Park, including the beach with its colourful painted huts.

If you have a thing for Georgian and Victorian architecture you’ll adore Folkestone’s many whitewashed townhouses.

And the Creative Quarter is a quaint cobblestone street home to more than 100 artists, with galleries, studios and independent shops and cafes.

13. Aylesford

If for nothing else you should come this village outside Maidstone for the view from the south bank of the Medway, where the 14th-century bridge spans the river and is framed by rows of tall brick and timber houses and the tower of St.

Peter and Paul’s Church.

On the high street you’ll pass medieval almshouses and the beautiful George House, which was once an inn serving horse-drawn coach travellers.

Aylesford Priory, also known as the Friars, is unique in that it is was bought back by the Carmelites in the 1940s, 400 years after the  monasteries were dissolved.

The peaceful grounds are free and always open, and you can also have tea and cake at the tearooms seven days a week.

14. Tenterden

A well to-do country town, Tenterden is a pretty slice of rural England, with a medieval church, a sweet little high street, old pubs, and is even on the Kent & East Sussex steam railway.

In the vicinity you can go for a tour at a brewery or cider press and even see a winery in action.

In the village of Small Hythe, close to Tenterden  is Smallhythe Place, a charming 15th or 16th-century half-timbered house.

The property is now managed by the National Trust and was home to the Victorian actor Ellen Terry for almost 30 years.

Some of her possession are shown inside, like a letter from Oscar Wilde, a monocle belonging to Sir Arthur Sullivan and stage costumes from her career.

15. Ashford

At the centre of the county, people come to Ashford from the villages and towns around for its shopping.

The Ashford Designer Outlet is probably the most famous destination here, with big reductions on luxury fashion brands.

Ashford is also at a nexus point between England and France, as this is the last stop for the Eurostar before it crosses the channel or terminates in London at St. Pancras.

Minutes from Ashford  you have the sublime Godinton House, a gabled Jacobean stately home in flower gardens and with a treasured collection of porcelain.

And for walks, the Kent Downs are just north of Ashford, and you can easily get onto long distance paths like the Stour Valley Walk and the North Downs Way.

15 Best Places to Visit in Kent (England):

• Broadstairs
• Royal Tunbridge Wells

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The 16 best things to do in Kent

From enchanting caves to the best oysters on earth (in our opinion), here's your complete guide to the Kent county

Glorious, wonderful Kent. The home of some of the nation’s best seaside towns, from Whitstable and Margate to Deal and Canterbury . There is no better destination to fill your boots with oysters, fish and chips and all that seafront good stuff (after all, that’s what it’s famous for) and the best part is there is always more of Kent to see. 

But it’s not just food you should check it out for. Kent is home to some fantastic art galleries, huge beaches and the world’s oldest rollercoaster, so there’s plenty to keep you going in between meals. Kent is a big place, and it’s tricky to know where to begin. To offer a helping hand, we’ve scoured the county far and wide, to bring you the ultimate hit list. Festivals. Castles. The White Cliffs of Dover. We’ve got it all. Here are our best things to do in Kent all year, every year.  

RECOMMENDED: 🍦 The best things to do in Broadstairs 🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK 📍 The best things to do in the UK

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Best things to do in Kent

1.  Shell Grotto

What is it?  A strange, enchanting underground cave in Margate, which was first discovered in 1835 while someone was digging for a pond. 

Why go?  Well actually, that’s all anyone knows about the Shell Grotto’s history. No one knows why it exists or who built it, but that’s all part of the magic. Kids and adults alike will all love this fabulous grotto, full of millions of strange shells coating the walls, and lots of little nooks and crannies to discover. Our top tip? One of the best views is actually in the café upstairs, where you’ll find a T-Rex head made completely of shells. 

2.  Whitstable Oyster Festival

What is it? A weekend (usually in July) celebrating the fishing, eating and history of oysters in Whitstable .

Why go? The Kent coastline is renowned for its salty sea molluscs – especially in Whitstable, where their native oysters (ostrea edulis) have been collected and enjoyed since the Romans were laying down roots. Whitstable Oyster Festival is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the cuisine. During the fest, you can see the ‘landing of the oysters’, when they’re all collected in the morning, follow a parade, battle it out in an oyster-eating competition and help build traditional mounds known as ‘grotters’ out of shells. Book a meal at The Whitstable Oyster Company  – it’s one of the longest-running (since the 1400s, believe it or not) organisations in Europe.

3.  The White Cliffs of Dover

What is it?  An iconic part of the Kent – and the entire country’s – coastline.

Why go? Visit for a brisk walk along the cliffs and see if you can glimpse the Exmoor ponies employed to keep the grass in check. While you’re there, you can also learn about the scientific discoveries made at the Victorian lighthouse, or don a hard hat and delve into the disused WWII tunnels within the cliffs. Plus, near Dover Castle you can stand in the exact spot that the first aircraft to fly over the channel landed. It’s marked by a concrete memorial in the shape of a plane. Stirring stuff.

4.  Margate Dreamland

What is it?  An amusement park that dates back to the 1870s.

Why go? As the London overspill fast migrates to Margate, cool events keep popping up – and one of the best places to find said cool events is Dreamland. This seafront venue offers vintage theme park rides, a roller disco, a dedicated play area for under-eights and a variety of bites and beverages. You’ll also find regular events here, from massive gigs and club nights to flea markets, circus shows and much more. Don’t forget to ride the ‘Scenic Railway’, a wooden rollercoaster that’s also the oldest in the UK.

5.  The Kentish Hare

What is it?  A Bidborough pub with a great range of vegetarian dishes (although they also host weekly steak nights).

Why go? It’s likely that on a visit to The Kentish Hare you’ll find orange and roast beetroot salad or five-spice tofu noodles or miso roast aubergine and not a stuffed portobello mushroom or bean burger in sight. For the carnies, steak night is Tuesday to Thursday and includes a 16oz steak and carafe of wine for two for £39.95. Plus it’s from the Tanner brothers – a duo you may well have seen banging pans on the telly.

6.  Smuggler’s Records

What is it? A brilliant indie record store and bar.

Why go? Deal is an underrated destination and in Smuggler’s Records it has one of the best record shops not just in Kent, but the whole UK. Its selection is well curated, with great staff on hand to make recommendations and turn you onto artists you’ve never heard of. One for the heads.

7.  Chartwell House

What is it?  The impressive stately home of Winston Churchill and his family from 1922. It looks much as he left it.

Why go? Photographs, books and other personal effects are on view, as is a large collection of Churchill’s paintings. The expansive grounds are dog- and family-friendly, with lakes, woodland trails, a kitchen garden and a little brick playhouse built for Churchill’s daughter Mary. When the National Trust took over  Chartwell , Churchill’s family requested that a ‘marmalade cat with white socks and bib’ always remain in residence at the house.

8.  The Fordwich Arms

What is it? An old riverside pub that’s been given a makeover by a top chef.

Why go? Britain’s smallest town is making a big splash in the food world thanks to Dan Smith. The Norfolk-born chef has given the Fordwich Arms a new lease of life, offering up local delicacies such as Stour Valley pheasant dumplings, Kentish Ranger chicken and Chart Farm venison alongside unbearably quaint views of the River Stour. For a pleasant pre-meal walk, take the public footpath up to Reed Pond and back. This is an hour’s round-trip and, as the pub allows dogs, perfect for Fido too. 

9.  Port Lympne

What is it?  The Aspinall Foundation’s   600-acre wild animal park, home to more than 700 incredible animals. 

Why go?  Black rhinos, Western Lowland gorillas, giraffes, tigers, lions, leopards, bears – all the crowd-pleasers are here. And you can really get up close and personal, with safari experiences and the chance to ‘go behind the scenes’ alongside the usual wandering opportunities. Plus, conservation is key here too, which means you’ll be doing your bit to help more than 90 different species – many of which are endangered.

10.  Royal Victoria Pavilion

What is it?  The biggest pub in Britain.

Why go? Restored by   Wetherspoons, this vast boozer was once a concert hall and assembly rooms, before closing in 2008 having been a casino. It’s a truly amazing spot, with a vast balcony looking out over Ramsgate ’s beach and harbour.

11.  Stark

What is it?  A much-loved spot that serves up some of Kent’s best food.

Why go? While much of Broadstairs ambles along at the leisurely pace of most seaside towns, one couple are lighting a fire under its food scene. In the past, visitors to Stark paid £55 for a six-course tasting menu and awaited a delicious evening. However, in 2022 it’s made a change and will also be serving tapas at its location at 15 Oscar Road, with help from Dos, its sister site just down the road. Walk-ins are accepted, but booking is advised.

12.  Chislehurst Caves

What is it? Ancient mines that were originally dug to provide chalk for building and guns.

Why go? At just half an hour from London Bridge by train, and a five-minute stroll from the station, Chislehurst Caves make for a convenient Kent outing. During World War I they stored ammunition, while World War II saw them used as a bomb shelter. Over the past century they’ve also played host to gigs, a church and a spot of mushroom growing. To get a look-in you’ll have to join a tour, which runs once an hour, and you’ll get an oil lamp to help you navigate the dark. Depending on the day you go, you may also get a show from members of the Labyrinthe LARPing Club, who regularly use the caves for their plays.

13.  The Poet

What is it? An olde worlde-looking pub with exceptional food, not far from Tunbridge Wells.

Why go?  The low ceilings, wooden beams and mismatched chairs give this charming place a comfortable, welcoming vibe and the palate pleasers are some of the best in the area. On tap they’ve got Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter, Kozel and Spirit of Kent pale ale, plus the cocktail experimentation is a winner here. Most, though, head for the high-quality food, comprising beautifully presented modern-European dishes that take influences from all over the world. Every August, The Poet hosts a gin festival, with over 30 types to try, plus a barbecue and live music. 

14.  Turner Contemporary

What is it? Margate’s contemporary art gallery on the seafront.

Why go? For a free bit of culture in Kent, you can’t beat the Turner Contemporary. Located in the same spot as the boarding house in which Turner used to stay when visiting Margate, the gallery offers the same views of the ocean that Turner would have once seen and painted. Inside, you’ll find a rotating cast of modern exhibitions, which in the past has included work by Grayson Perry and Carlos Amorales. At the end of Harbour Arm, which stretches out in front of the gallery, you’ll find a shell sculpture of Turner’s old landlady, Mrs Booth.

15.  Fish on the Green

What is it?  A two-AA Rosette Bearsted restaurant serving both classic and contemporary dishes, with seafood fresh from the trawlers.

Why go? At an hour’s train ride from Victoria station, Bearsted isn’t the closest place to get to in Kent, but it’s worth it. About five minutes from the station you’ll see a country pub called Oak On The Green, and beside that its superb seafood sister. And despite the name, on any given night there will be at least two non-fish options and one vegetarian. Mind you, do save room for an innovative dessert: although the menu changes regularly, it has previously included peanut butter parfait and buttermilk panna cotta with rhubarb and lime shortbread crumbs. 

16.  Blean Woods Nature Reserve

What is it? A nature reserve near Canterbury .

Why go?  Canterbury has so much going for it, but just outside Kent’s main city is this wonderful nature reserve, run by the RSPB, which is a haven for rare birds. Bring your bike and explore the trails which wind through the gorgeous woodland.

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Why we love Kent

From retro rollercoasters to seafood festivals and cutting edge art galleries, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery. 

Just a short hop from London takes you to Margate, home of the Turner Contemporary gallery and Dreamland theme park. Tuck into delicious oysters in Whitstable or try bohemian Ramsgate for a weekend away. Relax among the candy-coloured beach huts of Broadstairs, or bring the past to life in the surrounds of Dover Castle, Leeds Castle or Canterbury Cathedral. Alternatively, sample sparkling wines on vineyard tours or explore Kent’s Heritage Coast — voted one of the world’s top regions to visit by Lonely Planet.

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Whitstable Oyster Festival

Discover this festival in Whitstable in July, which ranks among the best for foodies. Taste Whitstable’s world-famous oysters, and be sure to wander its beach, browse its pastel-painted shops and check out the thriving arts scene while you’re here.

Find out more about the  Whitstable Oyster Festival

Dreamland Margate

Jurassic Coast

Visit Margate’s refurbished seaside amusement park, home to a Grade II listed, wooden rollercoaster. There’s a packed events calendar too, which includes the Margate Pride festival.

Learn more about Dreamland

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Shell Grotto

Buried under the streets of Margate, discover this mysterious collection of more than four million shells, tightly packed into the walls of underground passageways.

Find out more about the Shell Grotto

Things to do in Kent

Fresh oysters, stand-up comedy and live music, right beside the beach. Is there a more perfect summer scene?

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

The Shell Grotto

Decorated with an incredible 4.6 million shells, this spectacular underground hideaway has to be seen to be believed.

Turner Contemporary

This cutting-edge modern gallery sits right on Margate’s beach, featuring famous artists and new talents alike.

James Newton

Dover Castle

With jousting tournaments, secret wartime tunnels and a Medieval palace, Dover Castle brings Britain's history to life.

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Spend a memorable day out at the famous Dreamland amusement park in Margate, on the Kent coast.

Joss Bay Surf School

Get your board at the ready in Joss Bay, Broadstairs and try a spot of surfing or stand-up paddle boarding on the Kent coast.

Copper Rivet Distillery

Take a tour of Kent’s artisan brewery, Copper Rivet Distillery, in Chatham’s historic Dockyard.

Take a culinary journey at Stark in Broadstairs and enjoy Kent’s finest food at this Michelin-starred restaurant.

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Chapel Down Winery

Explore the stunning Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, Kent and taste English wine at its best.

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Broadstairs Food Festival

Celebrate local food and drink at the popular Broadstairs Food Festival, in the beautiful Kent seaside town.

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Hever Castle

Walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn in her childhood home of Hever Castle in Kent.

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Call the Midwife Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie with a Call The Midwife Official Location Tour of Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, where it was filmed.

Neal Street Productions

Leeds Castle

History comes to life at Leeds Castle, one of Kent’s most popular attractions. Tour the castle, explore the grounds and enjoy its maze.

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Margate Pride

Join the parade and party at Margate Pride, as the Kent coast is lit up in rainbow colours.

Canterbury Festival

Head to Canterbury for its vibrant three-week festival of music, events, talks and science in the historic heart of Kent.

Black Deer Festival

Celebrate all things Americana and sing along to country music's finest.

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Visit the medieval deer park and magnificent Knole, one of Britain’s finest stately homes.

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Canterbury Cathedral

From the assassination of Thomas Becket to the dissolution of the monastery by Henry VIII, discover Canterbury Cathedral’s part in British history.

Bluewater Shopping Centre

Head to Bluewater – Kent’s most famous shopping centre – for stores, restaurants and much, much more.

Hangloose, Bluewater

Angela’s of Margate

Enjoy a low-impact meal at renowned sustainable restaurant, Angela’s of Margate.

Angelas Of Margate

Mrs Knotts Tearoom at South Foreland Lighthouse

Walk back in time along the white cliffs of Dover and stop in at Mrs Knotts Tearoom at South Foreland Lighthouse.

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Featured things to do

Explore Kent’s vineyards

Enjoy a tour and tasting in the lush surroundings of one of Kent’s wineries or vineyards, renowned for their still and sparkling wines.

Feel the love at Margate Pride Festival

Join in a celebration of love with this programme of summer events, including a festival in Dreamland, followed by a parade and an incredible town-wide after party.

Soak up some culture at Canterbury Festival

Dive into a two-week extravaganza of the arts. Expect an eclectic mix of opera, folk, jazz and classical, alongside circus, theatre, cabaret and visual arts.

Catch an exhibition at Turner Contemporary

This cutting-edge gallery on Margate beach was one of the driving forces behind the town’s vibrant regeneration. It hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions and workshops that embody the town's creative spirit.

Places to stay in Kent

Home to the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and the surreal Shell Grotto, this seaside town is packed with experiences, plus plenty of eateries to get your teeth into.

The walled city of Canterbury is more like a relaxed town. Explore the 11th-century Canterbury cathedral, as well as its many bars and restaurants.

With its chalk cliffs and beautiful winding streets, the port of Sandwich features medieval gems and a riverboat service along the River Stour, perfect for taking in the Kent countryside.

Explore nearby

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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A perfect blend of nature and urban living. Colchester, Essex, was made to be explored.

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Getting to Kent

Kent’s closest airports are two of the UK’s biggest international hubs, London Gatwick and London Heathrow . The journey time from both takes up to two hours by car or train, depending on which part of Kent you need to reach. 

Kent is well connected to London by rail, with Southeastern offering services from London Bridge, Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, and Victoria. From London St Pancras International, the High Speed One train reaches Kent in less than 40 minutes.

Getting around

A vast network of roads, paths and train lines run across the county, making travel easy and leaving you with plenty of time to experience Kent’s cities, coast and countryside.

Buses serve routes across Kent. Check out Arriva and Stagecoach for the most frequently run services.

Most train services in Kent are operated by Southeastern , with the exception of local trains which are operated by Southern. You can use National Rail Enquiries for tickets and route planners.

Kent is a cyclist’s paradise . From bike tours, such as the heritage-led Col’s Kent Bike Tours, to the newly-opened Cantii Way or a host of other trails, cycling is a great way to experience what Kent has to offer.

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Kent for top insider tips and travel inspiration

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Kent isn’t described as the garden of England for nothing. Within its sea-lined borders you’ll find a fragrant landscape of gentle hills, fertile farmland, cultivated country estates and fruit-laden orchards. It could also be described as the beer garden of England as it produces the world-renowned Kent hops and some of the country’s finest ales and wines from its numerous vineyards. At its heart is spellbinding Canterbury, crowned by its enthralling cathedral. You’ll also find beautiful coastal stretches dotted with beach towns and villages, from old-school Broadstairs to gentrified Whitstable and the aesthetically challenged port town of Dover.

Best Things to Do

Leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Kent. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Canterbury Cathedral

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Leeds Castle

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The Chartwell Estate was home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death in 1965. It offers a breathtakingly intimate insight into the life of…

Turner Contemporary

Turner Contemporary is a blockbuster art gallery, bolted together on the site of the seafront guesthouse where master painter JMW Turner used to stay…

Down House, on the edge of the quaint Kent village of Downe, was Charles Darwin's home from 1842 until his death in 1882. It was here that he developed…

Dover Castle

Occupying top spot, literally and figuratively, in Dover’s townscape, this most impressive of castles was built to bolster the country’s weakest point at…

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Despite voting leave, the poor port town of Dover is possibly the Southeast community set to suffer most post-Brexit. It was perhaps for that reason that…

Secret Wartime Tunnels

The biggest draw at Dover Castle is the secret wartime tunnels. The claustrophobic chalk-hewn passageways were excavated during the Napoleonic Wars and…

Top picks from our travel experts

11 of the best things to do along kent’s heritage coast: art, history, and nature.

South Foreland Lighthouse

From the Langdon Cliffs tourist office, follow the stony path east along the clifftops for a bracing 2-mile walk to the stout Victorian South Foreland…

St Margaret’s Bay

A mile further along the clifftop trail from the South Foreland Lighthouse, you will reach the delightful village of St Margaret’s Bay, a gap in the chalk…

Coastguard Pub

This welcoming seafront pub at St Margaret’s Bay is the closest tavern to France in England. Kept continually fresh, the bar and dining room are a cosy…

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Kent and beyond

Places to visit in Kent

This southeast home county has worked hard to earn its nickname 'Garden of England'. Visit Kent for a sensory experience in castle parklands and mazes, pick seasonal fruit at orchards or roam wealds and downs sprinkled with pointy-roofed oast houses and windmills. There is a wealth of things to do in Kent. History lessons come to life in ancient Canterbury where the Romans built walls, Chaucer wrote medieval tales and Marlowe penned Elizabethan plays. Or follow pilgrim steps through silent cloisters at the towering cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lace up your walking shoes for coastal paths through the county towards those iconic White Cliffs steeped in World War II memories.

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Take a tour of England's wine country

Sample some of the best wine, cider and juices in the country in Kent.

Location: Tenterden, Kent

Explore Dungeness

Dungeness attracts both visionary artists and nature lovers.

Location: Dungeness, Kent

Swing through the trees at Leeds Castle

Clamber the treetops of 'the loveliest castle in the world'.

Location: Maidstone, Kent

Learn the ropes at Chatham’s The Historic Dockyard

Immerse yourself in 400 years of discovery at the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail.

Location: Chatham, Kent

Fall in love with your loved one again…but don’t lose your head

Sneak away to Hever Castle, where one of history’s greatest love affairs blossomed when Henry VIII courted the young Anne Boleyn.

Location: Hever, Kent

Walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover

Breath in England's timeless beauty with a walk along this world famous stretch of coastline.

Location: Dover, Kent

Unleash your inner F1 racing driver at Buckmore Park

Speed around the track where world champions Hamilton and Button first got behind the wheel.

Location: Chatham , Kent

Full steam ahead on the Kent and East Sussex Railway

Bring out your inner Casey Jones by stepping onto the footplate and heading out across the stunning Kent countryside.

Sleep in the treetops on an overnight safari in Kent

Get in touch with your wild side in Kent this spring with a true African experience that the whole family will rave about.

Location: Lympne, Kent

Beer tasting with the Britain's oldest brewer

Celebrate one of Kent's finest exports - the humble hop - with a beery-break in Faversham in Kent.

Location: Faversham, Kent

Spend the night in Peverell's Tower

Pack your suitcase for a hair-raising and luxurious stay in Dover Castle’s former prison tower.

Murder in the cathedral

Visit one of England's most beautiful cities - and the site of one of its most famous murders

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Discover something for all ages to enjoy at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Kent – once described by Lord Conway as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ – is the perfect place for families to escape to.

Location: Lenham, Kent

Get on your bike with the epic Viking Coastal Trail

Enjoy spectacular chalk cliffs, sandy shores and quiet country villages on unforgettable, pedal-powered discoveries.

Location: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent

Solve the mystery of Margate’s Shell Grotto

Explore atmospheric underground passages, marvel at walls covered with millions of shells, can you solve the mystery of the grotto?

Location: Margate, Kent

Take a wind-whipped voyage of discovery with RIB Request

Sit back and feel the wind fly through your hair as you speed out to sea on a RIB Request boat trip.

Location: Ramsgate, Kent

Discover Charles Dickens’ Broadstairs

Go to the quaint part of Kent that was inspiration to novelist Charles Dickens and drew him to return time and time again.

Location: Broadstairs, Kent

June events: Step back in time at Broadstairs Dickens Festival

The usually quiet coastal town Broadstairs comes to life to celebrate the life of Dickens at this week-long, eclectic festival.

August events: Broadstairs Folk Week

Join in the fun – play the spoons, sing along with the many bands, shake a clog or head along to the Hobby Horse Club.

October events: Enjoy local produce at Broadstairs Food Festival

Fresh, local, award-winning produce, live demonstrations and more in October. Simply delicious.

Get your vintage chic on at Dreamland Margate

Indulge in an 'old fashioned yet oh so fashionable' break in the UK's trendiest seaside resort

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This family-friendly holiday destination is famous for its lush rolling landscapes, stunning beaches and iconic chalk sea cliffs. Don’t forget to go fossil hunting on the beach.

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 17 Best Places to Visit in Kent, England

Today I want to bring you my list of the best places to visit in Kent, England. From medieval castles to cathedral cities and seaside towns, this county on the south coast has an abundance of great travel destinations. Many of them are within an hour or two of London, and some of the most exciting areas in Kent are easy to reach by train. Read on for my top picks for places to visit in the Garden of England. There’s a map, too.

Places to Visit in Kent

My list of places to visit in Kent contains a variety of destinations. It has white cliffs on the south coast of England, seaside gems on the Isle of Thanet, moated castles in the interior, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty throughout.

Whether you love traveling for sandy beaches, delicious seafood, fresh cider, or rich heritage, there’s a place in Kent you’ll love to explore.

I’ve been to all the destinations on my list (many of them more than once), and I can personally vouch for how worthy they are of your time.

Some of these spots make perfect day trips from London by train , while others make quick day trips from London by car . Still more are ideal for tours, weekend trips from London, or multi-day getaways.

There’s more about these trips and beyond in the book Escape London: Days Out within Easy Reach of London , too. You can get it on Amazon here .

1. Canterbury

I’ll start my list of best places to visit in Kent with Canterbury . When it comes to cathedral cities in England , this historic location is hard to beat.

Dating back to 597, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important Christian buildings in England. It’s the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and it forms part of a World Heritage Site.

Beyond the cathedral, Canterbury is one of the best cities in England for its mix of religious importance and charming atmosphere.

There’s an abundance of chocolate-box streets, narrow lanes with colorful shopfronts, a Norman castle ruin, old city walls, and a bucolic river with boats floating by.

If that sounds appealing, it’s easy to get to Canterbury from London by train. There are frequent rail services from the UK capital.

You can also combine it with a trip to the seaside and visit Canterbury and Dover in a day. I’ve done this on a tour through a company called GetYourGuide and I had a great time. You can book the tour I went on here .

2. Whitstable

Located on the north coast of Kent , Whitstable is a fun seaside day trip from London . It’s the perfect place to travel if you love eating shellfish by the shore.

That’s not least because the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival takes place every summer. It’s an enjoyable event to attend if you like seafood and good entertainment. It makes Whitstable one of the best summer day trips from London , too.

But Whitstable is a great place to visit at other times as well. The beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, and the high street has cute shops and great restaurants and cafes.

There’s a train station in Whitstable with direct links to the UK capital, so this is one of the best places to go to the seaside near London if you want to travel by rail.

Margate is another of the best places to visit in Kent. This hipster town is famous for both its waterfront and its abundance of vintage shops.

There’s a big beach in Margate with a lighthouse in the distance. The seafront is backed by colorful buildings and the famous Turner Contemporary art gallery. The Dreamland Margate amusement park and subterranean Shell Grotto are popular, too.

Margate’s vintage clothing shops, cafes, and restaurants round out the scene, which is to stay nothing of the 16th-century Tudor House and streets like Love Lane.

If that sounds good to you, it’s easy to go on a Margate day trip by train. There are direct services from London, and it’s a scenic journey.

4. Broadstairs

Broadstairs is another of the best places to go in Kent. This seaside town on the Isle of Thanet is packed with sandy beaches, chalk cliffs, and scenic coastline. From Botany Bay to Viking Bay and Joss Bay, there’s plenty to love about the waterfront here.

There are a lot of great things to do in Broadstairs beyond the seashore, too. From shopping to eating fish and chips, the town has plenty to offer.

Add to that Charles Dickens connections, lively pubs, ice cream shops, and scenic paths like the Viking Coastal Trail, and there’s no shortage of things enjoy in this place.

In fact, there’s so much to enjoy that it’s worth staying a night or two in Broadstairs. Hotels like The Bay Tree are great places to call a home-away-from-home. You can book a room here .

5. Ramsgate

Ramsgate is next on my list of places to visit in Kent. Not far from Margate, Ramsgate is a waterfront town in Kent known for its big sandy seafront, heritage architecture, and royal harbor.

Ramsgate is one of the best beach day trips from London because its beach is huge. It’s the perfect spot to have fun in the sun.

Beyond the sand, the town is known for everything from shops to seafood restaurants and heritage houses. The side streets are a delight to explore, and the views of the boats from the hill are exciting to see.

There’s a railway station in Ramsgate with direct services to London, so the town is an easy day trip from London by train.

Also on the coast, Deal is another of the most exciting places to visit in Kent. Located where the North Sea meets the English Channel, Deal features wide pebble beaches and a long pier.

Deal is most famous for what lies behind the beach, though. The seafront is stunning, and the pastel houses and historic pubs on Middle Street are both eye-catching and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s great shopping here, too.

There’s heritage galore as well. Deal Castle is legendary, and Walmer Castle has stunning gardens. They’re in walking distance of one another, and you can get free entry to both if you’re an English Heritage member. You can get a membership here .

There’s a train station in Deal with direct services to London, so this is an ideal trip if you want to travel by rail. Chic hotels like The Rose make it tempting to stay a night, too. You can book a room here .

7. Hever Castle

Hever Castle might just be the prettiest place in Kent. One of the most picturesque castles near London , this medieval fortress is well worth a day trip.

A moated beauty, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It’s since been owned by the likes of William Waldorf Astor. Its interiors reflect its owners’ tastes and the styles of their times, and it’s exciting to explore the rooms.

But perhaps the best thing about a visit to Hever Castle is the gardens. This place has some of the best gardens to visit in Kent.

From walled extravaganzas to topiary hedges and water features, the castle has everything a garden lover could dream of. It makes Hever one of the best garden day trips from London .

8. Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle is another of my favorite places to visit in Kent. Consisting of a medieval ruin and a Victorian mansion house, this unique place is a two-for-one special. If you’re a National Trust member, it’s free to enter. You can get a membership here .

Scotney Castle dates back to 1137. The castle was built in the late 14th century by Roger de Ashburnham. The mansion was constructed in the 19th century by the Hussey family. Both are rewarding to see.

The gardens are beautiful in the warmer months, too. There are lots of scenic walks you can do around them when you visit Scotney Castle .

9. Leeds Castle

Next on my list of the best places to see in Kent is Leeds Castle. This is one of the most visually appealing castles near London. Surrounded by a moat, the structure looks as if it’s floating on the water.

The interiors of Leeds Castle are eclectic, reflecting a range of owners that have left their marks on it over the centuries. Touring them is a highlight of a visit.

Outside, the gardens and grounds are equally appealing. From the Leeds Castle birds of prey to the woodland walk, there’s a lot to see beyond the moat.

It’s easy to take a day trip to Leeds Castle from London with a company like GetYourGuide . I did and I enjoyed it. You can book the tour I did with them here .

10. Sissinghurst Castle Garden

One of the most unique places to visit in Kent is Sissinghurst Castle Garden. The grounds were designed by former owner Vita Sackville-West to look like the rooms of a house.

The gardens here burst into life in spring, making this one of the best spring day trips from London .

Sissinghurst Castle is an easy trip from the UK capital by train or car. It has one of the best spring gardens in the UK when the weather is warm and the flowers are blooming.

11. Rochester

Next on my list of places to visit in Kent is Rochester . This city has everything from a Norman castle to a famous cathedral and Charles Dickens connections galore.

Rochester Castle sits right in the middle of everything. The ruined keep is one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture in the UK.

The eye-catching cathedral is located right next to it. Founded in 604, it’s the second oldest of its kind in England.

Dickens lived and wrote here, too. Many of the houses and buildings on the high street feature in his work. They make Rochester a great place to stop on a literary tour of England .

Rochester is an easy day trip from London by train. It’s a great place to visit if you love history and literature alike.

12. Dover Castle

Next on my list of places to visit in Kent is Dover Castle. This hilltop fortification is located in Dover, a port town in Kent known for its chalk cliffs and ferries to Calais.

Dover Castle is a big hit with history lovers. It ranks among the most famous seaside castles in England, not least because of its layers of heritage and secret wartime tunnels. They make it one of the most popular attractions in Kent.

Direct rail services operate from London to Dover , making this an easy day trip by train. You can walk from the station up to the castle when you arrive (just be prepared for the hill).

13. Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is another great place to visit in Kent. The town is rife with historic streets and buildings, and there are markets and pubs galore.

If you love historic houses, Knole is one of the best stately homes near London . This gigantic house in Sevenoaks is packed with treasures from the royal household. If you’re a National Trust member, it’s free to enter. You can get a membership here .

Another fun thing to do in Sevenoaks is walk through Knole Park. There are lots of paths with waymarked routes, and plenty of resident deer to take in along the way.

If you have more time, you can take a longer Sevenoaks walk and explore the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Sevenoaks Weald. Houses like Winston Churchill’s Chartwell and villages like Westerham are highlights, too.

Sevenoaks is near the UK capital, so train tickets are relatively inexpensive and driving doesn’t cost a fortune. If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best cheap day trips from London .

14. Folkestone

Folkestone is another of the top places to visit in Kent. Located on the south coast, this historic English Channel port town features big beaches and stunning cliffs.

Folkestone Beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun on the waterfront. It has views of the lighthouse on the Folkestone Harbour Arm.

Sunny Sands beach is a good alternative if you prefer sand to pebbles. And don’t forget to visit the Folkestone Mermaid while you’re in town.

Beyond beaches, Folkestone offers an abundance of shops and streets to explore. You can even do a Folkestone to Dover walk and enjoy the beach under the famous white cliffs when you get there.

There are direct rail services to Folkestone from London, so this is a good option for a day trip by train. There’s enough to do in the area to merit staying a night, too. Hotels like The Relish are stylish and fun. You can book a room here .

15. Faversham

The next destination on my list of places to visit in Kent is Faversham. With pretty streets, great shops, and heritage hotels like The Sun Inn , Faversham is perfect for weekend trips from London .

Faversham is a great place to visit in its own right. The streets are packed with historic buildings and great details. The town is also home to Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. You can take tours while visiting.

Beyond the town, Faversham is in one of the best areas in Kent for visiting famous producers of English drinks . If you want to go on a Kent cider tour or visit places like Chapel Down, it’s the perfect base.

Easily accessible by train from London and located near many of the highlights of the county , Faversham is a beautiful destination for weekend trips in the UK .

16. White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are another of the most popular places to go in Kent. These unique geological formations create a sheer chalk face above the Strait of Dover. You can see all the way from them to France on clear days.

The coastal paths along the White Cliffs of Dover are great places to walk and take in the views across the English Channel. There are beaches below them, too.

It’s easy to combine a visit to the cliffs with a trip to Dover Castle and Canterbury. They’re close to one another and many day tours from London offer the combination. You can book the day tour I did with GetYourGuide here .

17. Royal Tunbridge Wells

Another great place to visit in Kent is Royal Tunbridge Wells (called Tunbridge Wells for short). Ever since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606, this town has been a popular travel destination.

Tunbridge Wells is one of only a few English towns with the rare “Royal” designation in its name. It was a favorite of royals and aristocrats over the centuries, and Queen Victoria used to stay in a house that’s now the Hotel du Vin .

As a result, King Edward VII granted the town its “Royal” prefix in 1909.

Tunbridge Wells offers a lot for visitors, from beautiful parks and gardens to shopping and dining. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon exploring.

The town is located near the border with East Sussex on the northern edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, too.

That means it’s a great jumping-off point for country walks near London . In the spring, the woodland areas around it are famous for their bluebells.

Map of Places to Visit in Kent

Below is a map of all the places I mentioned in this blog post. If you click on the blue pins, you can find more information about each one.

Best Places to Visit in Kent

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of places to visit in Kent, and that it’s helped you discover new day trips, tours, and weekend getaways from London .

Beyond these, towns like Sandwich, Chatham, and Cranbrook, villages like Aylesford, and wetlands like Romney Marsh are worth exploring. Happy travels!

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2 Comments on Lady’s 17 Best Places to Visit in Kent, England

Thank you so much! I will really enjoy your tips.

You’re welcome!

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15 Picturesque Spots to Explore in Kent

The South Eastern English county, famously described as the ‘Garden of England,’ has extraordinary beauty and landscapes in abundance.

With the iconic White Cliffs and easy-on-the-eye seaside enclaves, Kent’s coastline is particularly special, but the inland countryside is pretty spectacular, too.

Some of history’s most famous writers, poets, and artists were captivated by this corner of the country, and once you visit, you’ll see why! Here are my favourite spots…

1. Broadstairs

I highly recommend starting at this coastal town on the Isle of Thanet! It has a distinctive charm all of its own and is filled with good old-fashioned seaside fun.

For starters, the long, wide sandy beach lined with pretty, colourful beach huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is just wonderful.

The town has a nostalgic feel with a mix of retro and more stylish shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and attractive red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The area is also fantastic for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths link beautiful bays here.

Broadstairs also has some important literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favourite holiday spot.

Make sure you visit the Dickens House Museum (the former and very charming home of Mary Pearson Strong, who inspired the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak House, a striking building high on a cliff where Dickens penned David Copperfield.

2. Canterbury

Located in southeast England, the cathedral city of Canterbury is a stunning and very popular spot! It has an ancient and important history with significant literary connections, but it’s so well preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was once a popular pilgrimage site, and its literary connections come from being the former stomping ground of Chaucer, the famous author and poet who hailed from the Middle Ages. The city inspired him so much that he based the world-famous “Canterbury Tales” here.

It has ancient walls, initially built by the Romans, surrounding its medieval centre. Inside the walls are a network of cobbled streets, gorgeous timber-framed houses, six museums, seven art galleries, six theatres, one castle, one abbey, 24 Canterbury Tales, and the gorgeous cathedral!

Add to these picturesque parks, gardens, and plenty of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants, and you have a fine city destination!

3. Whitstable

Think more of a trendy foodie destination on the sea, complete with Michelin-starred restaurants, food (mostly shellfish) festivals, and craft beer plenty.

It has a creative side, with many art galleries, independent gift shops, and retro/vintage stores. In my opinion, it’s a great option for either a day trip or a longer break. Just make sure you check out the wonderful Fisherman’s Huts for unique seafront accommodation!

Beautiful coastal scenery surrounds the town, so I suggest exploring it further.

4. Scotney Castle

Located to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst, you will find this wonderful treasure, which the National Trust now owns.

Built in the 14th century, this beautiful turreted English country house with formal gardens and a moat is as arguably close as you can get to a fairytale building.

Located within the valley of the River Bewl, its surroundings are pretty lush, too and includes many walking trails over 770 acres of gorgeous woodland.

Explore the inside, discover all the building’s secrets on tour, walk around the grounds, enjoy a delicious meal in the tea room or picnic in the designated area.

5. Kent Downs

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent Downs is one of the county’s most scenic sites. It stretches from the London /Surrey border to the famous White Cliffs of Dover.

Its enchanting natural sights include chalk ridges, dipping slopes, dry valleys, grassy landscapes lined with hedgerows, traditional orchards, and picturesque ponds. It is also home to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and rare plant life.

It’s also home to some of the highest points in the Southeast, and you’ve probably guessed that this makes for an incredibly scenic walk. So, don those boots, grab your family and dog, and get going!

6. Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive and the White Cliffs of Dover

In my opinion, The Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive is a must-do attraction!  If you are hoping for a relaxing drive with jaw-dropping scenery, this may be the place for you.

Enjoy an excellent coastal journey through incredible sights like the White Cliffs of Dover and Thanet’s stunning chain of fifteen sandy beaches.

The White Cliffs of Dover are a famous landmark now owned by the National Trust. They face France, and during the World Wars, they became a symbol of freedom and hope and were often sung about in now-legendary war songs!

This scenic drive takes you through the county’s historic towns and cultural regeneration. At the same time, you can take in the glorious East Coast view of the place.

There are several galleries and vintage shops within the area. Visit the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three famous golf links.

7. Ightham Mote

This medieval 14th-century moated manor house is near Sevenoaks. It has an outstanding architectural design, and the writer John Newman described it as “the most complete small medieval manor house in the county.”

Get lost in the estate and explore the beautiful gardens, now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.

Three pretty waymarked routes will take you around the Ightham Mote estate along footpaths, woodland, and country lanes. You can also tour the Grade I-listed building and its wonderful and interesting historic interiors.

8. Aylesford

This is a medium-sized village and civil parish on the River Medway, accessed by a picturesque 14th-century five-arched bridge.

It started initially as a small riverside settlement that originated as early back as Neolithic times, and the old town is comprised of around 60 houses, many of which were former shops.

You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and in my opinion, it’s a beautiful village and one of the finest in the SouthEast.

Many significant historic buildings exist to explore, including the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Hall, and a few interesting independent shops.

9. Leeds Castle 

This stunning stone castle built in 857AD was once called the “loveliest castle in the world” Whether you agree or not, this is a fine specimen of place and one of England’s most important and best castles.

Once a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, and a royal palace (it was Henry VIII who lived with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon), it’s now open to the public. It offers various things, from accommodation to workshops, tours, talks, and events.

Its location is also stunning. It is not too far from the large town of Maidstone, set on two islands in a magnificent lake.

There is an option to explore further, and here, you’ll also find over 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland just waiting to be explored.

10. One Tree Hill and Knole

Owned and protected by the National Trust, this is a beautiful slice of countryside and a must-see for nature lovers and walkers.

Located in Kent’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this site offers stunning panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.

The scenic area also provides wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, including wild garlic, bluebells, and the rare point snail.

Nearby is also located in Sevenoaks (only a 13-minute drive away) and owned by the National Trust Knole. Knole is a country house and former archbishop’s palace within Knole Park, a 1,000-acre park located immediately southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.

The house ranks among the top five of England’s largest houses and occupies a beautiful four-acre area.

11. Hever Castle

Once an important historic landmark built in the 13th century, Hever Castle is now a popular tourist attraction. It’s also famous for being the seat of the Boleyn family of Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor fame.

Located in the pretty village of Hever near Edenbridge, it began life as a country house and now has mazes, picturesque gardens, and a lovely lake.

You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Hever Castle to see all the preserved architecture from years gone by and also visit the well-maintained gardens. It also hosts a popular annual jousting tournament every summer.

12. Herne Bay

Herne Bay is a charming coastal town located near the city of Canterbury. It’s a lovely spot and is home to over two miles of coastline, a sand and shingle beach, pretty multi-coloured beach huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so expect plenty of seaside fun!

Don’t leave without seeing the very kitsch Seaside Museum, home to a collection of photographs from the town’s Victorian heyday and even an old Punch and Judy set.

There are also many fantastic independent shops and restaurants, art galleries, and opportunities for gorgeous coastal walks.

13. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens 

A romantic spot, this beautiful historic building is located in Sissinghurst village and is famous for once being the home to the famous poet and writer Vita Sackville-West.

Vita designed the gardens surrounding the castle in the 1930s and hailed the whole place as a ‘ refuge dedicated to beauty’. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, an author and diplomat, also lived with her.

The Grade I-listed building is on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens and is owned by the National Trust, so you can take your time exploring the beautiful gardens and estate.

14. Chapel Down Winery

The Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden is known as the home to England’s leading wine producer and England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.

Here, you can see where the wine is grown and made, and take a tour of the vineyard estate to take in the stunning landscapes and views.

Depending on your trip length, you may take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Make sure you also take time out to check out the vineyard on the award-winning Chapel Down estate.

There is also a popular restaurant on-site and a restaurant selling food and drink.

15. Bewl Lake

This is one of the well-known reservoirs in the valley of the River Bewl. It straddles the boundary between Kent and East Sussex in England, stretches about 2 miles south of the village of Lamberhurst, and is a lovely beauty spot to explore.

You can go for a long walk and enjoy the beautiful water views.

You can also hire bikes to explore the tranquil scenery. Rowboats can be hired here for a lovely afternoon.

Beth Pinches - writer and photographer Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road-tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or  Facebook . Hotel Reviewing Experience - Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Jersey , Visit Sweden , and Israel Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Listed as a top UK travel journalist . Portland Reviewing Experience - Lived in Portland for 6 months and spent many months scouting out all the coolest spots.

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One Week In Kent England Itinerary, Best Things To Do

Need a break from the big city? Just east of Greater London, the county of Kent is a fantastic place to spend a week.

Kent is so beautiful that it’s been dubbed the “Garden of England.” And it’s not just the greenery that seduces.

There are so many things to do and see in Kent. The county is graced with a wide array of medieval castles, well-preserved historic towns, grand manor homes, a rugged coastline, and a stunning cathedral.

With its myriad attractions and proximity to London, Kent has attracted some of England’s greatest celebrities over the centuries — Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Thomas Becket, to name just a few.

And while the Cotswolds get all the accolades and tourists, Kent is equally charming with the same chocolate box villages, but fewer crowds.

Overview Of One Week In Kent Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with this one week in Kent itinerary. It covers all the best places to visit and best things to do and see in Kent.

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Faversham
• Day 2 : Explore Canterbury
• Day 3 : Visit Whitstable or Broadstairs
• Day 4 : Visit Dover & Deal, move to second base
• Day 5 : Visit castles (5 options)
• Day 6 : Visit Rye and Bodiam Castle
• Day 7 : Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle
• More than 1 week in Kent? Add on Rochester

Practical Information For One Week In Kent

1. where to stay in kent.

Where you stay in Kent depends on what type of traveler you are. It’s a fairly small region.

You can pick one base for your week in Kent or you can split your time between two bases. Your choice will also depend on whether you prefer small towns or cities.

I suggest having two bases for your road trip, one in northern Kent and one in southeast Kent. That way, your daily drives aren’t too long, eating into your sightseeing time. There are myriad options.

In northern Kent, Faversham makes an excellent base. It’s an adorable town close to Canterbury, Deal, Whitstable, Broadstairs, and Dover. For hotels in Faversham, check out the luxurious Cave Hotel Near Canterbury .

If you prefer beaches, you can base in Whitstable or Broadstairs.

For southern Kent, I recommend the town of Tenterden. It’s near all the great manor houses and castles in Kent and you can also visit the beautiful town of Rye (technically in East Sussex) on your one week in Kent. In Tenterden, you can check out Harbourne Oast or The White Lion for hotel options.

Of course, you can also spend the entire week holed up in Canterbury , the beautiful main city in Kent, and take day trips from there. That would give you the advantage of having plenty of things to do in the evening.

But Canterbury can be hard to drive and park in, with its pedestrianized center. You may have to leave your car in one of the municipal car parks. The smaller towns in Kent are easier to navigate.

Alternatively, you can just pick a nice villa in the country and use that as your base. In that case, I would make your decision based on the quality and value of the accommodations and not worry too much about what town it’s near.

There are plenty of other options too. Kent has a wealth of historic inns, boutique getaways, bed and breakfasts, and traditional hotels.

If you want to feel like a royal, you might also consider spending a night at castle. Hever Castle has a Tudor Village containing a 28 room boutique hotel called  Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast .

Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse is a beautiful Victorian farmhouse right on the Sissinghurst Castle grounds.

You can also spend the night at Leeds Castle in their award-winning bed and breakfast or special cottages. Check out:

• Weir Cottage  ( 1 bedroom)
• The Oast  (3 bedroom)
• Stable Courtyard  (bed & breakfast)
• Maiden’s Tower  (bed & breakfast)
• Holiday Cottages

If you simply can’t bear to leave London, every destination I mention in the one week in Kent itinerary can be visited as a day trip from London. Dover is farther away at 2 hours each way, but still doable.

2. When To Visit Kent

As I always say on my blog, I like to visit places in the shoulder season, the spring or fall. The same holds true for Kent.

You can avoid some of the summer crowds and still see the bright colors of the gardens. I visited in late March and, while it was a little chilly, I didn’t mind at all.

3. How To Get To Kent

If you’re going straight to Kent from the airport, it’s easiest to fly into Gatwick. A car is definitely the best way to get around Kent.

If you want to take a train from London, St. Pancras International offers the fastest connections. Trains also leave from Victoria and Charing Cross Stations. You can book tickets online here .

One Week In Kent Itinerary

Here’s my recommend itinerary for spending 7 days in Kent. This itinerary begins in northern Kent and ends in southwest Kent. But you can rearrange the order of days based on where you’re staying.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one week in Kent itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your own individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

To use this itinerary, it’s really easiest to have a rental car. Some of the castles aren’t easily accessible with public transport.

Let’s explore all the best things to do and see in Kent.

Day 1: Arrive And Explore Faversham

Tiny Faversham is known as the “Medieval Gem of Kent,” and one couldn’t possibly disagree with that assessment.

Faversham isn’t known for its grand monuments. It doesn’t have either a castle or cathedral. What Faversham has in spades in an adorable medieval old town filled with perfectly preserved timber framed houses.

Faversham has over 475 buildings listed as “historic,” including many from the Medieval and Tudor period. So, if you’re a medievalist who wants to steep yourself in an ancient atmosphere, you will love Faversham.

For an overview of Faversham’s history, stop in at the Fleur de Lis Heritage Center. You can get maps and tips at the tourist center and also visit the onsite museum.

Be sure to visit the lovely St. Mary of Charity Church, which is readily identified by its graceful spire. Inside, you can admire the quire, Tudor funerary memorials, and a medieval frescoed pillar from the 14th century.

You should also stroll by the 16th century Arden House, which is privately owned and only limited openings. The house was the scene of the infamous murder of Thomas Arden in 1551, who was done in by his wife and lover.

If you can plan your visit for a Saturday, you’ll be treated to the terrific weekly market, first established in 1086. You can also visit Maison Dieu , another heritage site, on the outskirts of town that’s only open on weekends.

For more information, check out my one day in Faversham itinerary .

Day 2: Explore Canterbury

Canterbury is only 15 minutes down the road from Faversham, so you will have a full day to tour this delightful town. Canterbury is the crown jewel and cultural capital of Kent.

Its well-preserved medieval center is a delight to stroll. It’s a timeless place where past and present run together like watercolor.

I advise kicking off your one day in Canterbury with a  small gr oup w alking tour  or a  private walking tour  of the city highlights.

Canterbury’s UNESCO-listed cathedral is the top attraction and focal point of the city. It’s the first of England’s great Norman cathedrals, dating from the 11th century.

The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and it’s the first cathedral I personally fell in love with in Britain. It’s been a place of pilgrimage since the scandalous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.

Once inside, you’re immediately gobsmacked by the height and length of the Perpendicular Gothic nave. Slender columns rise up to form vaulted arches. A stunning carved Gothic screen separates the nave from the choir.

Canterbury’s stained glass windows are exceptional and world famous. They date from the 11th and 12th centuries.

You’ll also want to visit St. Augustine Abbey. This is one of Britain’s earliest Christian sites, situated just outside the city walls 7 minutes from the cathedral. The abbey is mostly in ruins, but still very atmospheric.

Grab lunch and spend the rest of your day rambling the old town.

Canterbury has a thriving pedestrianized center. A square called Buttermarket marks the town center. The main drag is High Street.

One of the prettiest streets in Canterbury is Butchery Lane, where medieval buildings jut out right and left. Another beautiful lane is Mercery Lane, a shopping street that’s home to the Roman Museum.

Have dinner in Canterbury and then head back to your base. For more tips on where to eat, stay and play in Canterbury, check out my one day in Canterbury guide .

Another cute Kent town right outside Canterbury is Fordwich. You might try dining at the Fordwich Arms . It’s a Michelin restaurant by the duo that founded Clove Club in London.

Day 3 : Visit Whitstable And/Or Broadstairs

Today, you can visit the seaside towns of Whitstable or Broadstairs or both if you’re ambitious. They’re only a half hour apart.

Whitstable is a posh seaside town in the southeastern corner of Kent. The town is famous for love colorful clapboard houses and seafood (especially oysters). The best place to sample the goods is Wheelers Oyster Bar .

Whitstable’s historic center is laced with thin alleys, which all lead to the water. Stroll down High Street and Harbour Street for boutiques, shops, and restaurants. You’ll even find a Michelin starred restaurants in the tiny town, the Whitstable Oyster Company .

Whitstable Castle is a vast Neo-Gothic home built in the 1790s. This is a good place to have afternoon tea. 

Before or after sightseeing, you can hit the pebbly beach. It’s a beautiful spot despite the lack of sand. You can relax in a beach hut or grab a pint at the Neptune Pub.

Broadstairs

21 miles east of Whitstable is another seaside town, Broadstairs. The town has a spectacular coastline with seven sandy beaches and bucket loads of seaside charm.

Sitting on the very tip of Kent, Broadstairs is known as the “jewel in Thanet’s crown.”

This jewel was the setting for the BBC show Broadchurch . It’s also famous as a haunt of Charles Dickens, who spent time here writing Bleak House and David Copperfield at Bleak House.

The house itself is still closed, but you can visit the Charles Dickens Museum . It’s housed in a cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield , with plenty of Dickensian memorabilia.

You can also hit the beach. Or, for some exercise, take the Viking Coastal Walk.

It’s a 3.5 mile stretch that takes you past pretty Botany Bay and to the town of Margate. Botany Bay is a simply beautiful sandy beach set against chalk cliffs.

Day 4 : Visit Dover & Deal

On day 4, visit the towns of Dover and/or Deal. Dover could definitely keep you busy all day with its castle and White Cliffs. But Deal is a cute town that’s worth a visit too, so maybe you can squeeze both towns into one day.

The port town of Dover has been around since Roman times. It’s home to the famous White Cliffs that welcome you to England from France.

The cliffs have been beloved since WWII, when they represented strong teeth bared menacingly against the enemy. Shakespeare said the decisive white slash along the coast had a “high and bending head [looking] fearfully into the confined deep.”

Dover itself isn’t the prettiest town per se . But its landscapes and attractions are phenomenal.

Dover Castle is England’s largest castle. One of the greatest Norman monarchs, Henry II, built the imposing 12th century keep you see today. Dover was a formidable castle the likes of which had never been seen before.

Much of what you see today is unchanged from that era. The castle could take all day to explore, if you wanted to poke into every nook and cranny.

The castle’s highlight is the central keep with its Great Hall, royal chambers, and private chapel. You can visit Dover Castle with the  English Heritage Pass .

The famous towering white chalk cliffs are Dover’s trademark. They stretch for 8 miles along Dover’s coastline.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can walk the entire stretch to the picturesque town of Deal. Alternatively, you can  book a guided local tour to see the most photogenic spots.

Paths between the chalk cliffs lead down to the seas.

READ : One Day In Dover, Day Trip From London

Deal is a picture-perfect tiny town that’s an overlooked hidden gem in Kent. It’s just 15 minutes away from Dover. It ticks all the cuteness metrics with its quaint rows of Georgian townhouses, unique boutiques, and laid back seaside charm.

There’s not a lot to do in Deal. It’s the kid of place where you can just kick back, relax, and poke into cute vintage shops and galleries.

If you want something specific to see, the town’s top attraction is Deal Castle. It’s a Tudor style castle built by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal “gun forts.”

Deal is sometimes called the “new Shoreditch.” It’s full of trendy and quirky art galleries. There’s also a thriving foodie scene.

And, of course, you should hit the golden sand beach and grab some fresh seafood. It’s a quiet pristine beach dotted with wooden fishing boats.

At the end of day 4 of your one week in Kent, move to your second base further south, if you have one.

Day 5 : Castle Day

Day 5 of this one week in Kent itinerary is dedicated to castle hopping, which is one of the best things to do in Kent.

I give you five attractions to choose from and you can decide which castle or castles appeal the most. They are all within a short driving distance from each other, maybe 20-30 minutes.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

There are really two castles at Scotney Castle , a 14th century moated castle and Victorian mansion house. Both are heritage sites.

For 300 years, Scotney Castle was home to the Darrell family. Roger de Ashburnham built the castle in response to French invasions in 1377.

The castle is famous for having successfully harbored a Jesuit priest during the reign of Elizabeth I. All that’s left of the medieval castle are the ruins of Ashburnham Tower and vestiges of an Elizabethan home. But it’s incredibly picturesque, set amid a moat.

The second Scotney is up the hill from the old castle and couldn’t be more picturesque.

Built by the Hussey family between 1835-43, it was designed by Anthony Salvin in the Tudor Revival style. It has spectacular gardens and a tea room, if you fancy afternoon tea.

Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge

Tonbridge Castle is one of England’s most authentic medieval   castle, standing guard over the market town of Tonbridge in Kent. It’s known as the finest surviving example of a motte and bailey castle.

After being gifted the plot by William the Conqueror, Richard Fitz Gilbert built a wooden motte and bailey castle on the site. But Fitz Gilbert backed Odo against William in the civil war of 1088. William laid siege to Tonbrige and it fell.

Nonetheless, Fitz Gilbert’s son, Gilbert de Clare, became fast friends with William and rebuilt a stone castle.

In the late 13th century, another de Clare, the notorious “Red Earl,” built the mammoth 5 story gatehouse. The structure contained guard rooms, a great banqueting hall, and living quarters.

Today, you can enter the gatehouse and explore the great hall, winding stairs, and basement. Climb the battlements for breathtaking views across the town.

If you’re a fan of Madame Tussaud’s, you’ll love Tonbridge. Life size wax figures are scattered through the castle to give you slices of life from the Middle Ages. You can also get the complete scoop with the castle’s audio guide.

Chartwell House

Chartwell House  is where Winston Churchill grew up. It was his country seat for over four decades. The house was Churchill’s sanctuary from the tumultuous political battles in London.

Chartwell House isn’t a grand home. Though Churchill could ill afford it, he did try to gussy up the place. Churchill almost lost the house twice because he was broke. 

His friends bought the house and presented it to the UK’s National Trust. Upon Churchill’s death, it opened to the public as a museum.

You can see five rooms where Churchill lived — the dining room, the library, the drawing room, his wife Clementine’s bedroom, and Winston’s study. Three other rooms are filled with Churchill memorabilia. You can also check out his painting studio.

Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens

Just 40+ minutes from Hever,  Sissinghurst Castle  is a National Trust property and major highlight for garden lovers.

Laid out in the 1930s, the castle boasts one of the world’s greatest 20th century romantic gardens. They are set around the ruins of a moated Elizabethan mansion.

Former owner and writer Vita Sackville-West designed the gardens to look like rooms of a house. Each one has its own color scheme and theme.

The gardens are most beautiful in spring. You might be a tad disappointed in the summer time.

Head up the four story tower, that juts into the air, for panoramic views.

In Vita’s study, you’ll see the original printing press used by Virginia and Leonard Woolf to run off the first volumes issued by their company, Hogarth Press.

As I mentioned above, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse has a beautiful Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast for overnighting.

Day 6: Visit Rye And Bodiam Castle

On day 6 of this Kent itinerary, you’ll dip into East Sussex, right on the border of Kent, to visit the historic town of Rye and Bodiam Castle.

The beautiful town of Rye is not technically in Kent. It’s just over the border in East Sussex and well worth visiting.

Rye is one of England’s best kept secrets and one of my favorite medieval towns in all of England. It’s a quintessential English town that seems suspended in time.

Rye is an ancient seaside town, perched on a hilltop above the Romney Marshes. It’s filled with crooked streets and quirky independent shops.

Rye is the perfect place to immerse yourself in old world English charm. You can visit the remains of a medieval castle, see an awe-inspiring church, and be gobsmacked by some of the best preserved medieval homes in England.

Be sure to stroll down historic Mermaid Street, known as one of the UK’s most adorable and photogenic streets.

You can also hit the beach at Camber Sands and explore Camber Castle, another one of Henry VII’s “gun forts.” The nearby village of Winchelsea is also cute and worth a short stop.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to spending one day in Rye .

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle  is one of England’s true storybook castles. It’s a square fortress completely surrounded by a large lake-like moat. 

Built in the 14th century by the wealthy Sir Edward Dallingridge, Bodiam is one of the last medieval castles in Britain. It has a perfect symmetry with stout drum towers at each corner and crenellated walls. Conceived as a courtyard castle, it has unusually open middle grounds.

Like many castles of this period, Bodiam combined a fearsome facade with luxury elements. There were big rooms, toilets, and fireplaces.

By the 17th century, Bodiam was a celebrated and romantic ivy clad ruin. The exterior was restored in the 19th century. 

You can take the free guided tour or explore each nook and turret on your own. There’s a parking lot on site and you pay at the kiosk.

Bodiam Castle offers free tours that occur almost every day and give a brief history of the castle. The tours start at 12:15 pm and 2:15 pm and last around 35-45 minutes. 

Day 7: Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle

On you last day of your one week in Kent, you’ll visit two of England’s most famous castles: Leeds Castle and Hever Castle.

It’s a lot to do in one day. The castles are 45 minutes apart, but it can be done. You’ll start with Leeds castle because Hever Castle doesn’t open until noon.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle  is one of Britain’s best and most beautiful castles. The castle has a picturesque island setting on a lake in the wooded countryside of Kent.

Leeds’ history is no less romantic. Leeds Castle has been a Norman Stronghold, a Royal Palace, and the stately home of an American heiress. 

Today, you can visit the New Castle, the 13th century Gloriette tower, Maiden’s Tower, and the extensive grounds and gardens.

The castle was a royal residence until Tudor times and known as the “Ladies Castle.” Seven queens lived at Leeds. 

The castle was also a favorite abode of Henry VIII, who shuttled his ex-wife Catherine to live there permanently after their divorce. 

With Henry’s deep pockets, he lavished improvements on it, transforming Leeds from castle to royal palace. He added grand reception rooms, suites of rooms in the Gloriette, the graceful Maiden’s Tower, expensive glass, and fireplaces.

Thereafter, the castle fell into ruins. In 1926, American heiress Olive Paget (later Lady Baillie) purchased the castle. She saved it from centuries of neglect and restored it to medieval perfection.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to visiting Leeds castle . In high season, you should  pre-book a skip the line ticket  for the castle. It’s a bit pricey, but good for an entire year.

Hever Castle

If you’re a Tudor enthusiast, Hever Castle is one of the best castles to visit in England. Hever is a petite double-moated castle with a craggy romantic visage that’s largely unaltered by time.

It’s famously linked to the ill-fated royal couple, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Their story is a fascinating one, one of the most dramatic in English history.

Hever was the childhood home of Anne, Henry’s second wife. It’s also linked to Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, who was installed there after Henry divorced her in favor of Anne.

On a visit to Hever Castle, you can walk in the footsteps of these famous Tudor monarchs. And you can admire the castle’s medieval keep and gatehouse, Tudor rooms, original portraits, and exquisite gardens. 

The award-winning gardens are set over 125 acres.

The peerless Italian Garden is the highlight of the castle gardens. It’s the setting for a collection of classical statuary from Roman to Renaissance times. 

Here’s my complete guide to Hever Castle . As I mentioned above, this is one of the castles on your Kent itinerary that you can stay overnight in.

More Time? Add On Rochester

Rochester is another town in Kent well worth visiting. It’s in northwest Kent, so a bit further afield from other places on this Kent itinerary.

However, if you have more than 7 days, you might start day 1 of your Kent itinerary in Rochester and work your way west from there.

Rochester is an ancient town with a castle, cathedral, and more. It’s famous as the favorite city of the novelist Charles Dickens and you’ll find landmarks in the city dedicated to him.

Dickens lived in the nearby village of Gad’s Hill Place, where he wrote Great Expectations . Some of Rochester’s venues appear in the book, including Restoration House, which doubled as Miss Havisham’s House.

Rochester is also home to England’s largest vintage bookstore, which is a marvel to explore, Baggins Book Bazaar on High Street.

Rochester Castle  has one of England’s best preserved Norman keeps. Dating from the 12th century, it’s also one of the tallest at 113 feet high. 

You can enter the keep and, if you are game, tackle the steep spiral staircase to the top of the battlements for views of the countryside.

Rochester Cathedral is the smallest Norman-style cathedral remaining in England, but the second oldest. Saint Augustine founded it in 604 and it’s a history lover’s treasure trove.

The cathedral has a fine Romanesque facade and a lovely medieval Lady’s Chapel. You can see ancient Norman architecture in the nave, parts of the crypt (with graffiti), and a hidden (available to see by appointment) door.

Just outside Rochester is the pretty village of Cobham. It’s worth a quick stop to see the 13th century Church of Mary Magdalene.

I hope you’ve my one week itinerary for visiting the beautiful county of Kent England. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• 30 Day Trips from London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Castles in England
• Best Museums in London
• One Day In Canterbury Itinerary
• One Day in Oxford Itinerary
• One Day In Stratford-upon-Avon
• Harry Potter Places in London

If you need a Kent itinerary, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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The most beautiful places in Kent: See our 10 favourites here

By Toby Skinner

Kent is a real all-rounder – a place of on-the-up, foodie-friendly seaside hangouts, but also ancient woodlands, wineries and medieval market towns, with a county-wide obsession with provenance. While Londoners often assume that you have to head for East Anglia or the Southwest for really wild beaches, or to the Cotswolds for the perfect village pub, Kent has excellent versions closer to hand. Here are 10 of its most beautiful spots.

It isn’t really garden-of- England pretty – a wind-snarled promontory on the edge of the Romney Marsh, with a hulking nuclear power station and a series of weather-beaten dwellings and old boats that seem to have been left to decay on the shingle. But for wildlife and a certain brooding atmosphere, there are few places like it: a nature reserve home to uncommon plants, insects and migratory birds, Dungeness has also fostered a sort of knockabout creativity, from the house and garden of the late Derek Jarman to new design-focused stays such as The Pump Station and Shingle House.

On the Kent Downs west of Canterbury , Chilham is olde England at its most chocolate boxy – so much so that Miss Marple and Jane Austen’s Emma have been among the fictional characters to have their close-ups among its half-timbered medieval buildings. This is a village for afternoon tea at Shelly’s Tea Rooms, or a burger and a pint at the 14th-century White Horse inn – which is positively contemporary compared to the Norman keep at nearby Chilham Castle, built for Henry II in 1174.

Arguably the most stunning portion of the Margate- Broadstairs area is the coastline between the two towns – especially the thrillingly wild Botany Bay, backed by cliffs, with its stacks, picnic-ready caves, fossil-hunter’s rockpools and wide stretches of sand strewn with crumbly chalk. So named because smugglers caught here were deported to the Australian version, it’s best explored on a walk or cycle from Margate , also taking in the similarly lovely Kingsgate Bay and surf-friendly Joss Bay on the way to Broadstairs – and ideally fritto misto in a cone from harbourside seafood counter Flotsam & Jetsam.

Its claim to fame is that it is Britain’s smallest town, but this spot west of Canterbury is also one of the prettiest in Kent. With its winding alleyways and bridge over a particularly lush portion of the River Stour, Fordwich also has that most crucial ingredient: a good pub. A few years ago, the wood-panelled riverside Fordwich Arms was taken over by Daniel and Natasha Smith, alums of Shoreditch’s Clove Club who have already earned the place its own Michelin star on the back of theatrical dishes such as duck hearts served in a bell jar of Kentish applewood smoke.

Eastwell Manor

Kent has some lovely castles and stately homes – from Leeds Castle, surrounded by a lake, to the fairytale-worthy Scotney Castle amid 770 acres of woodland. But to stay the night, there are few grander spots in the county than Eastwell Manor, a Neo-Elizabethan manor house near Ashford where Queen Victoria’s son Prince Alfred lived in the late 19th century, roaming the topiaries and gazing over seemingly endless Kentish fields. Today, it’s a Champneys hotel and spa, with cottages in the grounds, a hydrotherapy spa, and croquet and pétanque among the civilised garden games.

Elmley, Isle of Sheppey

The Elmley National Nature Reserve is barely an hour east of London but feels a world away, with its shepherd’s huts overlooking bleakly beautiful salt marshes and mudflats on the low-lying Isle of Sheppey. The solar-powered 3,300-acre estate, an important breeding site for wading birds, is the only family-owned nature reserve in the UK and offers opportunities to stay overnight – either in a restored farmhouse building or one of the eco huts dotted around, such as the driftwood Saltbox, with hot-water bottles and Romney Marsh wool throws in case you’re chilly after an al fresco shower.

Port Lympne Nature Reserve

An overnight stay in a Kentish safari park sounds potentially purgatorial – but with more far-flung trips postponed this year, the Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is well worth a visit, especially with kids . The reserve’s Western lowland gorillas, Eastern black rhinos and Chapman’s zebras live in a particularly bucolic corner of southern Kent, its forests and rolling fields impeccably managed by conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation. The hotel in the Grade II-listed Port Lympne House is surprisingly elegant, with understated safari vibes and cool additions such as the loft-style Lion Lodge, with actual lions eyeballing you through floor-to-ceiling windows. Next year, a 15th-century stately home on the reserve is set to open as the Giraffe Hall, with Rothschild giraffes peering into elegant drawing rooms.

Deal seafront

Kent has a lot of pretty oceanfronts, including Whitstable and Broadstairs – but Deal is one of the more picture-perfect, with views from the county’s last remaining leisure pier back towards a great row of colourful fishermen’s cottages. There’s a cycle -friendly path right along the edge of the pebble beach , passing wooden fishing boats and nets – ideally followed by a pint at the planter-festooned King’s Head, or local seafood cooked the classic way at the Frog and Scot, whose owners (he’s French, she’s Scottish) also run the lovely Le Pinardier wine bar a few doors down the High Street.

Caitlin Morton

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

The Crab and Winkle Way

This 7.6-mile bike path between Canterbury and Whitstable takes its name from the old railway line that ran between the two places and forms the basis for the route. From Canterbury, the mostly traffic-free track passes the Winding Pond picnic spot and meanders through Blean Woods, an ancient forest home to woodpeckers and rare heath fritillary butterflies, before climbing towards some of the prettiest views across Whitstable. In the seaside town, crab-walk through Squeeze Gut Alley for oysters at the Whitstable Oyster Company, best eaten on the pebble beach.

St Margaret’s Bay

Bond author Ian Fleming had country homes across England, but his first was the whitewashed White Cliffs Cottage at St Margaret’s Bay, east of Dover – known as ‘the first house in England’, because St Margaret’s Bay is the closest point in the UK to France (Channel swimmers leave from here, and mobile phones often think they’re in France). It’s not hard to see why Fleming chose this spot, a crescent of beach surrounded by some of the most dramatic of the cliffs. While the Coastguard pub isn’t quite as good these days under new pubco ownership, it’s still a lovely place for a pint while watching the ferries roll in.

Watch the South Downs video here:

Like this? Now read:

The 10 best beaches in Kent

The best restaurants in Kent

The best things to do in Deal, Kent

7 of Kent's most beautiful villages that are perfect for a daytrip this summer

We listed below villages you must visit this summer.

• 14:54, 26 JUN 2023

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It is an undeniable fact that Kent has some of the most picturesque villages in the country. From medieval architecture to extravagant castles, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you like a quiet ramble through the rolling hills of the Kent Downs or going on a peaceful ride to explore more grounds, Kent has it all. The summer season is by far the best time to discover new places in your area.

With temperatures rising, here are just a handful that are perfect for a day trip.

READ MORE: Kent's stunning and unspoiled 'gem of a bay' which is the 'go-to getaway'

Surrounded by farmland, ancient woodlands and low grasslands, the village located just a few miles south of Dartford looks like a real-life postcard.

People from all across the country come to visit the Ford at Riverside, Eynsford Castle, Lullingstone Roman Villa and Lullingstone Castle. The ruins of Eynsford Castle, which is managed by English Heritage and is free to visit, are just off the High Street.

The village is located along the hillside of the Kent Downs, making it the perfect place for those loving the great outdoors. There are numerous nature trails and an abundance of flora and wildlife.

Chiddingstone

One of the oldest villages in Kent, Chiddingstone is a National Trust site. Considered as one of the best preserved Tudor villages in the country, the village has some well-preserved historic buildings, cobbled pavements a d its narrow main street.

The picturesque village is in the Sevenoaks district and is nestled near the River Eden.

Located in the heart of the inspiring Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty, the historic village of Elham is definitely one of the most picturesque in east Kent with its footpaths, bridle paths and cycle routes.

The village has a good range of amenities including tea rooms, primary school, doctor's surgery, two pubs, one containing a Post Office facility, two churches, a restaurant/coaching inn and thriving village hall, together with floodlit tennis courts.

The beautiful village of Ightham, located between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, is famous for the nearby medieval manor of Ightham Mote.

Dating from around 1320, the building was described by Nicholas Pevsner as ‘the most complete small medieval manor house in the country’.

This small unspoilt village in the beautiful countryside area known as The Weald of Kent, lies between two rivers and is famous for an ancestral home once owned by Henry VIII.

Cricket is still being played on one of England’s oldest pitches, and the village fete are still very much part of the community today.

Godmersham is a village and civil parish in the Ashford District of Kent, England.

Jane Austen, the 18th-century novelist, often visited this village because of her brother, Edward Knight, who owned Godmersham Park.

There is also a 12th-century parish church and walk on the road leading to a beautiful 17th-century bridge, where you can take a lot of pretty photos and watch some fish and sheep playing around.

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Experience Kent

It’s time to start planning, start looking ahead and start dreaming of new places waiting to be found, gastronomic delights ready to be tasted, historic sites awaiting their rediscovery and trails yet to be followed. With over one hundred brand new adventures to be experienced in Kent, it’s safe to say we’ve got a lot to share this year.

From new ways to tour Kent’s icons, and festivals reimagined, to totally new (and at times slightly eccentric) experiences, a short break in Kent is all about fresh, safe, and innovative ways to explore our magnificent county.

Put your best foot forward, get that heart pumping, and escape hibernation once and for all with outdoor experiences that encompass everything from coast to countryside and wild swimming to foraging. Venture off the beaten track and onto a new pathway on paddle-boarding trips, pilgrimages and long distance rural trails.

Tantalise your tastebuds and let our foodie experiences inspire your next gourmet getaway with vineyard tours, cookery schools and distillery classes. Or spark that creativity on weaving workshops, floral masterclasses and jewellery making lessons on an artistic escape.

Turn the page to your own extraordinary, culture-fuelled story with architectural trails, art tours and historic gems captured through the lens. And escape the ordinary to discover axe throwing and treasure hunts for a break which, after months of repetition, finally offers the chance to expect the unexpected.

Rediscover shared experiences at reimagined events and festivals to make those unmissable memories and once again be a part of something of bigger. Or, because we all deserve a lot of indulgence, take the opportunity to slip into neutral, and leave those home workouts firmly on pause with forest bathing, yoga retreats and meditation. 

Excited to plan your escape? It's all ready and waiting in Kent...

Before you embark on your adventures, please do check our partner websites as many attractions and locations now request that you pre-book. There may also be new procedures in place in order to keep their staff and visitors safe. Take a look at our guidance on how to best Respect, Protect and Enjoy  our wonderful Kent attractions and landscapes.

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Experience Health and Wellbeing

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Creative Experiences in Kent

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Stay a while.

Getting here

Travel with Arriva

As restrictions start to lift and the government’s plans to ease out of lockdown come into effect, Arriva are here to support our local communities. Plan your journey, track your bus in real-time, buy, store and activate tickets all in on one handy app. Search Arriva UK Bus app in your app store which is free to download or visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/app . You can also plan your journey, buy tickets and check out the latest news and offers online at  www.arrivabus.co.uk. All Arriva buses are COVID-19 secure, to find out more please visit  www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/coronavirus

Travel with Southeastern

As our worlds begin to open up again, Southeastern Railway are looking forward to welcoming you back on board their trains. Whether you’re continuing to travel for work, starting to think about returning to the office, planning to meet friends and family or are looking forward to visiting one of the wonderful destinations in Kent, Southeastern are there to help and support you every step of the way. Travel looks a little different from before and Southeastern want to reassure you that they are doing everything they can to help make you feel more comfortable, such as cleaning trains more frequently with anti-viral products, regularly wiping high touch areas and supplying hand sanitiser points at busy stations. So whenever you are ready and when it feels right for you, whatever journey you are taking, Southeastern want you to feel you can travel safely and with confidence.

Undiscovered & Unexpected

Explore the world in one easy stop.

Get ready for total cultural immersion. 138 spoken languages. Over 12 countries reflected in global bites. A true sports town. And all just 19 miles south of Seattle, at nearly half the price.

Seattle Thunderbirds

Watch the pucks fly.

Cheer on the local hockey team right in downtown Kent. The Thunderbirds reached the final championship game in 2021-22. Find more chilly thrills with the Seattle Kraken, the NHL’s newest team, playing at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.

San Juan Islands

Make memories on the water.

Soak in the fresh-air therapy of Washington’s islands. The marine breeze on our beloved ferry rides will clear your mind for a slower pace of shopping, organic fare, history and stunning views.

Mount Rainier National Park

Drive to paradise.

Get up close to the state’s most recognizable peak. Mount Rainier National Park is 14,411 feet of natural wonder: trails, scenic views, snowshoeing, horseback rides and wildlife.

Sparkle in the Emerald City

Don’t miss the quirky landmarks: fish tossing at Pike Place Market, Fremont troll, Museum of Pop Culture, the gum wall, the underground tour, the once-futuristic Space Needle. Count the coffee shops along the way.

Live Entertainment

Accesso showare center, stage a night out.

Choose from top-notch concerts, family shows and cultural programs that fill the ShoWare calendar. Affordable prices and close-up seats offer fans a memorable experience for Seattle Thunderbirds hockey and Tacoma Stars soccer matches.

Seattle Sports

Sporting events, see your favorite pro teams.

Catch the action of Seattle’s big-league sports teams. Football, baseball, soccer, hockey and women’s basketball games are all a short train trip or bus ride from Kent.

Woodinville Wine Country

Raise a glass.

Wander Woodinville Wine Country, about 30 minutes from Kent. Four districts are home to 120 wineries, supplied by grapes that thrive in Washington’s climate. If wine’s not your thing, the districts include craft breweries, cideries and distilleries.

Meet the art and the animals

Join the culture club in the Tacoma Museum District, with six museums within walking distance. Enjoy live music when national tours stop at the Tacoma Dome. Scenery surrounds visitors from the waterfront to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Kent Valley Loop Trails

Refresh with a trek on the trails.

Grab comfy shoes and spend 20 minutes or a couple hours exploring this scenic trail system. Bike, walk or jog the paved routes along grassy fields, picnic areas, downtown access and the Green River.

Step Outside the Boundaries

Make kent your basecamp.

Fun day trips await in any direction: water, mountains and landmarks you’ve always wanted for a selfie.

Looking to Venture Farther from Basecamp? Easy.

Kent is less than three hours north of Portland and three hours south of the Canadian border.

From Kent to...

• Seattle 35 minutes
• Mount Rainier National Park 1.5 hours
• Portland, OR 2.75 hours
• Vancouver, BC 3 hours
• Tri-Cities 3.5 hours
• Coeur d’Alene, ID 5 hours
• San Francisco, CA 13.5 hours

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No time for winter blues with kent’s hot list for fun.

Cool weather brings a hot list of fun activities to Kent, Washington. Concerts, hockey, wine tasting, ice skating and a holiday parade are among the reasons to explore Kent. Make your to-do list and book a memorable overnight stay at one of Kent’s convenient, affordable hotels. What will you do in Kent to avoid the winter blahs? Holiday activities Nov. …

Places to visit in Moscow

Hi, Julie! As a dweller of Moscow city, whom like walking on a streets of my town, I say that: If you came first time in Moscow, you must will be going to the Kremlin. Your walking will be all day long, if you will be coming in few historical buildings or museums on a territory of the Kremlin. On the next day you may walking on the streets, parks or embankments of the Moscow. But if you will be walking alone, VERY most of citizens cannot help you for they doesn't know English.

hi guys I am in moscow on 19th august for a day before a I fly out to north russia due work would be great to get some tips things to do and places to visit or if anyone wants to join first drink ia in me smiley

Well... I am a Moscovite myself and I travel mainly by local electric and speed trains . I'd say that there are many interesting places in Moscow and around. I also run a blog, which might be helpfull in choosing a place to visit. And, I will be happy to share the details on itinerary, tickets, and trains. The last town, I've visited was Suzdal, a Golden Ring town and a very pretty place. May be you'll like it too. Have a look. Suzdal BR, Maria

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Oxford University Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World

The History of the World: Nixon visits Moscow

The history of the world: sixth edition.

• May 22 nd 2013

22 May 1972 The following is a brief extract from The History of the World: Sixth Edition by J.M. Roberts and O.A. Westad.

In October 1971 the UN General Assembly had recognized the People’s Republic as the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, and expelled the representative of Taiwan. This was not an outcome the United States had anticipated until the crucial vote was taken. The following February, there took place a visit by Nixon to China that was the first visit ever made by an American president to mainland Asia, and one he described as an attempt to bridge ‘sixteen thousand miles and twenty-two years of hostility.’

When Nixon followed his Chinese trip by becoming also the first American president to visit Moscow (in May 1972), and this was followed by an interim agreement on arms limitation – the first of its kind – it seemed that another important change had come about. The stark, polarized simplicities of the Cold War were blurring, however doubtful the future might be.

Reprinted from THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD: Sixth Edition by J.M. Roberts and O.A. Westad with permission from Oxford University Press, Inc. Copyright © 2013 by O.A. Westad.

J. M. Roberts CBE died in 2003. He was Warden at Merton College, Oxford University, until his retirement and is widely considered one of the leading historians of his era. He is also renowned as the author and presenter of the BBC TV series ‘The Triumph of the West’ (1985). Odd Arne Westad edited the sixth edition of The History of the World . He is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics. He has published fifteen books on modern and contemporary international history, among them ‘The Global Cold War,’ which won the Bancroft Prize.

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Yusupov Palace Private Tour with a guide

Languages available :  French, English, German, Spanish, Italian (choice during check-out)

Known for their philanthropy, their art collections, as well as for their political influence, the Yusupov princes were one of the richest families in Russia on the eve of the Revolution. Of their four St. Petersburg palaces, the Yusupov Palace on the Moika, constructed in 1770 in several architectural styles, is, without a doubt, the most richly decorated. This palace is most well-known in history for Rasputin’s murder in the basement theatre, and is presented today as a museum of the lives of the Russian nobility. 

Your guide will lead you through the rooms of the palace where you will be immersed in the spirit of Imperial Russia. You will discover the sumptuous Parade Halls and the Art Gallery of the Yusupov princes, and their private theatre where plays from the beginning of the 21st century continue to be presented for the first time. After the visit to the theatre decorated in the baroque style, your guide will help you to recreate the last moments of Grigori Rasputin, the mysterious central figure of the reign of Nicolas II, who was assassinated in the Yusupov Palace theatre in 1916. 

A journey through time and history is essential to any stay in St. Petersburg!

To see the meeting point with your guide on a map, click on this what3words link: ///follow.upset.question

• A 2-hour tour of the palace
• Entrance tickets for the Yusupov Palace tour
• The Ceremonial Halls: the 2nd floor suite of State rooms, the Sitting rooms and the Home Theater
• The major art collections of the Yusupov princes
• The men's quarters of the Palace: the Moorish salon, the Prince's office and the Henri II salon

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Moscow is the largest city in Europe. It is different from anything you might have seen in other European capitals. Having very little interaction with the rest of Europe for centuries, Russians developed their own style in architecture and life in general. It is always an exciting place to be; at the same time the city is clean, well-kempt and safe. The most popular time to go for vacation in Moscow is from May to the middle of October; though coming for New Year can also be a special experience. The Russian capital has a lot to offer to a tourist going for vacation Moscow. The main Moscow places to visit – the Kremlin and Red Square - are in the historical center. Besides those there are many others spots for Moscow sightseeing which are spread out all over the city.

What to do in Moscow?

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It could be quite an experience to have a Moscow vacation on some Russian holidays. On these days the city is beautifully decorated. There are Concerts and shows in the main squares and parks of the city.

There are many Russian holidays: we love to party! Choose what you are interested in and plan your vacation Moscow around these dates! We will always show you what to do in Moscow then.

• 1. New Year holidays in Moscow from the 25th of December to the 10th of January are a huge deal in this country! There are hundreds of events and activities: concerts, open-air skating rinks, midnight champagne parties at the parks, folk music festivals, traditional crafts and Russian food, ice sculpture exhibitions and a lot more are out there for Moscow sightseeing. There are fairy lights in shop windows and streets are a blaze of light around the clock.
• 3. Easter is another holiday, which can turn your Moscow sightseeing into unforgettable unique experience. You will see the revived Christian religious life in Russia, crack colorful eggs to see who is going to be the master of their fate in the coming days, listen to Church festive music, ring church bells in high steeples and try traditional Easter dishes, like the legendary Russian kulich and paskha.

4. The first decade of May, despite the clement weather, can be a bit of an inconvenient time for a Moscow vacation. The 1st of May is the International Labour Day dating back to the former Socialist times. On the 9th of May Russians celebrate Victory Day recalling the victims and glorious victory in WWII. What to do in Moscow on these days? One can see the Victory parade and Russian people giving thanks to their veterans. There are concerts and shows and Russian families from all over the country spending their vacation in Moscow . However the Red Square is closed for the parade rehearsals for several days. The Kremlin may be closed for several days as well.

• 5. Throughout all summer and early autumn different festivals and events are being held in Moscow. The most famous of these is the international festival of military orchestras “The Savior Tower”.

Write us, and we will advise you when to come and will recommend an optimal program for you!

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"Neurofest 2024" - a celebration of neuroscience at Kent State and the recipients of Excellence in Neuroscience Research Scholarship awards

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“Neurofest 2024” took place on April 11 to celebrate current and former neuroscience students and their accomplishments. This event was organized by Dr. Wilson Chung, Director of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, and was held in the BHRI lobby, located in the lower-level of ISB. The event was attended by undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty members.

Dr. Chung first shared an update about the neuroscience major, followed by talks by recent alumni of the neuroscience major who shared their experiences and advice to the attending undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. The major event of Neurofest 2024 was the announcement of the winners of the Excellence in Neuroscience Research Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to neuroscience majors who are juniors or seniors and have or are currently engaging in neuroscience research. Each awardee received a $250 scholarship and gave a 10-minute presentation on their undergraduate research.

Congratulations to the Excellence in Neuroscience Research Scholarship awardees 2024:

Autumn Redd , Junior, Neuroscience/Premedicine (2022 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Lique Coolen (Biological Sciences)

Kendra Dillon , Senior, Neuroscience (2022 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Aleisha Moore (Biological Sciences)

Aidan Wade , Senior, Neuroscience (2022 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Jeff Mellott (Neomed)

Autumn Redd:

"My name is Autumn Redd, and I am a third-year neuroscience/pre-medicine major. I am currently working at the Brain Health Research Institute under Dr. Lique Coolen, and we are studying the effects of a chronic spinal cord injury on neuropeptide expression in the spinal ejaculation generator of male rats. I have worked on this study for upwards of two years, having presented at the 3MT, neuroscience symposium, and the Undergraduate symposium. In the upcoming future, I would like to attend medical school while also continuing to indulge in the world of research!"

Kendra Dillon:

"I have the privilege of working in the laboratory of Dr. Aleisha Moore where I study the neuroendocrine basis of infertility. Throughout my time there, I have had the opportunity to become skilled at a multitude of laboratory techniques, present my research, and collaborate with different individuals. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in embryology where I will work in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory."

Aidan Wade:

"In Dr. Jeffrey Mellott's lab at NEOMED, I have investigated age-related changes to the synaptic ultrastructure of the rat inferior colliculus. Last summer, I was selected to be an Amgen Scholar at Stanford University where I created a spatial map of receptor expression across the mouse hippocampus in Dr. Longzhi Tan's lab. I was recently awarded the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship, so upon graduation I will join the Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit at the NIMH where I will study non-invasive neuromodulation techniques for psychiatric treatment in clinical populations. I hope to enter a PhD program next year to study clinical neuroscience."

We would also like to congratulate the following BHRI Undergraduate Fellows for winning awards at the 2024 Annual Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors:

First place winners:

Anna Anello - Senior, Computer Science (2021 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Kwantaek Kim.

Clarice Farley - Senior, Biology/Premedicine (2023 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Angela Ridgel.

Second place winners:

Autumn Redd - Junior, Neuroscience/Premedicine (2022 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Lique Coolen.

Elli Marhefka - Senior, Biology/Premedicine (2023 BHRI Fellow). Mentor: Lique Coolen.

For the full list of 2024 Annual Undergraduate Symposium award winners, please visit: 2024 Award Winners and Mentors for Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors | Kent State University    

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