Best Days Out in Kent

Kent earns its title as the Garden of England many times over. Stretching from the Thames Estuary in the north to the White Cliffs above Folkestone in the south, and from the ancient city of Canterbury in the east to the orchards and hop gardens of the Weald in the west, it’s a county of extraordinary variety. Medieval castles, Tudor manor houses, world-class wildlife parks, a dramatic coastline and some of the finest gardens in Britain — Kent delivers outstanding days out in almost any direction.

This guide covers the very best of what Kent has to offer, from the unmissable landmarks to the hidden gems, with practical advice on getting the most from each visit.

The Unmissable — Kent’s Greatest Attractions

Leeds Castle

Often described as the most beautiful castle in the world, Leeds Castle rises from an island in the middle of a lake near Maidstone, its reflection shimmering in the water below. It’s been a Norman stronghold, a royal palace for six medieval queens of England and a private retreat — and today it offers one of the finest days out in the south east. The castle interior, the formal gardens, the maze, the grotto and the dog collar museum (genuinely fascinating) could easily fill a full day. Allow plenty of time and arrive early in summer.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the great buildings of medieval Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mother church of the Anglican Communion, drawing pilgrims since the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. The sheer scale of the building is remarkable, and the stained glass, the crypt and the medieval cloisters are outstanding. The city of Canterbury surrounding it is equally worth exploring — medieval walls, independent shops, excellent restaurants and the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey just a short walk from the cathedral.

Dover Castle and Secret Wartime Tunnels

Dover Castle is one of the most complete and historically layered castle complexes in England, perched dramatically above the White Cliffs with views across the Channel to France on a clear day. The medieval keep is outstanding, but the real highlight is the Secret Wartime Tunnels — a network of tunnels carved into the chalk cliffs that served as Churchill’s underground headquarters during the Second World War. The guided tour is excellent and genuinely moving. English Heritage.

Hever Castle and Gardens

Hever Castle near Edenbridge is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn — a perfectly preserved moated medieval castle set in 125 acres of gardens created by William Waldorf Astor in the early 20th century. The Italian Garden alone, with its classical sculpture collection and loggia overlooking a 35-acre lake, is worth the visit. A wonderful blend of medieval history, Tudor drama and Edwardian horticultural ambition.

Chartwell — Churchill’s Home

Chartwell near Westerham was the beloved country home of Winston Churchill for over 40 years. The house is preserved much as he left it — his studio still contains his paintings, his study his books and papers. The gardens are beautiful, the views across the Weald outstanding, and the insight into the private life of one of history’s most compelling figures is genuinely fascinating. National Trust.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Sissinghurst Castle Garden near Cranbrook is one of the most celebrated gardens in the world — created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the 1930s around the ruins of an Elizabethan mansion. The White Garden is perhaps the most imitated garden room in Britain. Go in June or July for the roses at their peak. National Trust.

Wildlife and Family Attractions

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury is run by the Aspinall Foundation and has one of the most impressive collections of wild animals in Britain — gorillas, tigers, African elephants, black rhinos, wolves and snow leopards in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The focus on conservation and breeding programmes gives it a different feel to a conventional zoo. An outstanding family day out and arguably the best wildlife attraction in the south east.

Port Lympne Wildlife Park

Port Lympne Wildlife Park near Hythe is the sister park to Howletts and set in 600 acres of rolling Kent countryside above the Romney Marsh. Home to giraffes, rhinos, lions, bears and the largest black rhino breeding programme in the world outside Africa. Unique safari experience with overnight lodges available if you want to stay within the park.

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park

Kent Life near Maidstone is a living museum of Kentish rural life, with rare breed farm animals, traditional hop gardens, a Victorian farm and excellent hands-on activities for children. Particularly good for families with younger children and a great way to understand the agricultural heritage that makes Kent what it is.

Dreamland Margate

Dreamland is a vintage-inspired amusement park on the Margate seafront, with restored heritage rides including the Grade II listed Scenic Railway roller coaster, alongside newer attractions, street food and a lively events programme. Quirky, fun and completely unlike a conventional theme park — very much in the spirit of Margate itself.

Kent’s Coast and Countryside

The White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs are one of the most iconic natural sights in Britain — a seven-mile stretch of gleaming chalk rising 300 feet above the Channel. The National Trust manages the cliffs at Langdon above Dover, with a visitor centre, café and marked walking routes along the clifftop. On a clear day you can see the French coast. The walk east towards South Foreland Lighthouse is particularly rewarding.

Whitstable

Whitstable is one of the most characterful seaside towns in England — famous for its oysters, its independent shops, its colourful beach huts and its relaxed, creative atmosphere. The High Street is outstanding for independent retailers and the seafood restaurants along the harbour are excellent. Arrive early at weekends as it gets busy quickly, particularly in summer.

Margate Old Town and Turner Contemporary

Margate has undergone a remarkable cultural renaissance in the last decade. The Old Town, centred on the harbour and the network of streets behind it, is now full of independent galleries, vintage shops and good cafés. The Turner Contemporary gallery on the seafront — occupying the site where J.M.W. Turner’s landlady lived — hosts outstanding contemporary art exhibitions and is free to enter. The combination of art, heritage and the seaside makes Margate a compelling destination.

The Romney Marsh

The Romney Marsh is a strange, flat, otherworldly landscape — reclaimed from the sea over centuries, dotted with ancient churches and crossed by drainage ditches. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway — the world’s smallest public railway — crosses it from Hythe to Dungeness, one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Britain, where a nuclear power station sits beside a shingle headland populated by rare plants and nesting seabirds.

Heritage Railways in Kent

Kent has a remarkable concentration of heritage and scenic railways, making it a genuine destination for railway enthusiasts and a great source of family days out.

The Heritage and Scenic Rail Experiences in Kent page covers all the options in detail, but the highlights include the Kent and East Sussex Railway — a beautifully preserved steam railway running through the High Weald between Tenterden and Bodiam — and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch, which has been running its miniature steam engines across the marsh since 1927.

The Chatham Historic Dockyard also has a steam railway within its grounds — one of several reasons to visit this outstanding heritage site on the Medway, which tells the story of Britain’s naval power from Tudor times to the present day.

Where to Stay in Kent

Kent has excellent self-catering options — converted oast houses, farmhouses in the Weald, coastal cottages near Whitstable and Deal, and country properties within easy reach of the major attractions. Staying centrally in the county gives good access to both the coast and the castles.

Best Time to Visit Kent

Spring (April and May) — outstanding for gardens. Sissinghurst, Hever and the grounds of Leeds Castle are at their best with spring blossom and early flowers. Quieter than summer and excellent value for accommodation.

Summer (June to August) — the coast comes alive and the castle gardens are in full bloom. Busy at weekends particularly around Canterbury, Leeds Castle and the coastal towns. Book accommodation and attraction tickets in advance.

Autumn (September and October) — hop-picking season gives the Weald a wonderful atmosphere, the crowds thin and the light is beautiful for photography. Sissinghurst in September with its late roses is particularly memorable.

Winter (November to February) — Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and the indoor attractions at Chatham are excellent year-round. Many of the gardens close or reduce hours in winter but the coast and countryside are worth visiting in any season.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kent

A car makes a big difference — Kent’s best attractions are spread across the county and public transport between them is limited. A car gives you the flexibility to combine a morning at Leeds Castle with an afternoon in Sissinghurst, for example.

Book popular attractions in advance — Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and Howletts can sell out on peak summer weekends. Online booking is usually slightly cheaper than paying on the door and saves queuing time.

Allow more time than you think — Leeds Castle alone can comfortably fill four to five hours. Canterbury could fill a full day. Don’t try to combine too many major attractions in a single visit.

The Historic Attractions in Kent page has a full guide to the county’s castles, abbeys and heritage sites — visit Historic Attractions in Kent for the complete picture.

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