What's New in Kent in 2023

22nd March 2023

It will be no surprise to discover that there is a host of new events, places to stay and things to do in the county of Kent in 2023.  This vibrant every changing destination has some of the best beaches in Europe, as voted by Lonely Planet, and being just under an hour from London by train, the county a great choice for a day trip or short break outside of the capital.  With a host of brand-new film and literary connections, new boutique hotels and great ways to discover the area differently, there are a lot of new reasons to make a visit to Kent this year.  Keep scrolling and find out whats hot for 2023!

What's New in Kent in 2023

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dickens House Museum, Broadstairs

A brand-new walking trail will be launched, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dickens House Museum in April. The trail will start and end at Dickens House Museum, highlighting the author’s connections to the coastal town of Broadstairs.  The museum provided Charles Dickens with the inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in the David Copperfield novel.

17th Century Farmhouse Stay, Deal

A beautiful 17th century farmhouse near Deal in Kent, has been recently converted to provide four luxurious rooms, a terrace restaurant and farmhouse kitchen. The Gardener's Cottage (sleeps 2), is also available, set away from the main house it's an ideal choice for a peaceful getaway. The transformed Updown is run by Ruth Leigh and Oli Brown, chef-founder of Duck Duck Goose in London, and this special venue is receiving rave reviews. 

Transformed into a glamorous 1930's retreat, Maidstone

Have you visited the new look Leeds Castle in Kent?  Transformed into the glamorous 1930s, the castle is brought to life with immersive displays introducing guests to one of the most sophisticated, yet enigmatic female owners of the Castle, Lady Olive Baillie.  Discover how she saved the Castle and turned it into a 1930’s country house retreat, where the rich and famous partied all weekend.

Sonia Boyces exhibition comes to Margate

Turner Contemporary is the first UK venue to welcome Sonia Boyce’s exhibition running until 8th May 2023.  This ambitious installation will immerse visitors in the sound of acapella singing. Sonia Boyce (OBE, RA) represented the UK at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2022.

Lights, Camera, Action - Empire of Light

Much of  Empire of Light by Academy Award®-winning director and writer Sam Mendes was filmed at locations across Margate and Broadstairs seafront.  A new film map highlighting the venues and locations that were used during filming and the scenes in which they featured, alongside key areas of interest in each town, can be downloaded or picked up from Margate Visitor Information Centre.

Rock your way to Mote Park, Maidstone

It's no surprise that the Event Capital of Kent, Maidstone welcomes another new event  in 2023.  The 'Maid of Stone' rock festival will be joining a glittering line up of music events at Mote Park this summer, from the 21st - 23rd July. Welcoming world-renowned international Rock, Southern Rock & Blues artists, along with ale, street food, and camping options. 

Largest indoor Petanque facility opens in UK, Margate

A brand-new, multi-purpose activity and events space at Margate Leisure Centre has opened hosting Black Axe Throwing and Klak (Boule/Pétanque). The Klak boule bar will be the largest indoor petanque facility in the UK, perfect fun for all ages, with friendly instructors on hand to guide you through the game. 

Three new exhibitons arrive at the Powell-Cotton Museum

The Powell-Cotton Museum is an internationally important museum of African and Asian natural history and cultural objects, located in Birchington. This year sees three new exhibitions based around the collecting work of the Powell-Cotton sisters, Diana and Antoinette - Namibian Narratives early 2023, Creative responses to the collection and Living Lineages: Bajuni Island Lives in the Powell-Cotton Archives.

New boutique guest house overlooking Margate Main Sands

The boutique hospitality group Guesthouse, will open the doors to the third property in their portfolio in a Victorian beach-front building overlooking Margate Main Sands in June 2023. No. 42 will have 21 bedrooms, restaurant and rooftop bar.  The interiors will celebrate local talent, artists and highly skilled makers from Margate’s abundant creative community. 

Upgraded riders' route - North Downs Way, Kent

Did you know you can now discover the North Downs Way on two wheels! Stretching for 153 miles from Farnham in Surrey to Dover, the North Downs Way riders’ routes takes in beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, castles, cathedrals, vineyards and breweries. Over the last year the route has undergone enhancement works to make it more accessible for both keen and amateur cyclists - there’s no better time to tackle the breath-taking route!

New Selina brand hotel opens, Margate

The 40-room Selina Margate hotel is due to be fully open in 2023, it marks the sixth UK opening for the hospitality group. This Margate hotel combines eclectic accommodation across a variety of room types. Close to the famous Grade II listed Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, works by local artists adorn the walls of both the social spaces and the bedrooms. 

Make a stop on Dover Seafront

Via Francigena is the ancient pilgrims’ route from England, through France and Switzerland to Rome. Starting from Canterbury Cathedral, the first 33km of the route takes you through the North Downs Way into the heart of Dover.  A newly installed art sculpture on Dover seafront ‘We Are All Winners’ marks the beginning and end of the English section.

Friends and Family Getaway, Sandwich

Roseyard near Eastry is a restored and beautifully renovated historic farm site offering top-notch accommodation for up to 22 people. With multiple living areas, play area, outside dining space with large gas BBQ, and an incredible pool house and gym, it's the perfect place to gather with friends and family.

Brand-new free audio trails, Ramsgate

Mischievous Theatre CIC have joined up with Stephen Frost and Tracy Russell to produce Harbour Highlights, the first of a series of audio trails for Ramsgate and beyond.  Starting at the lighthouse and finishing at the Royal Harbour Brasserie, the trail is free to download onto a smartphone (iOS or Android) on the Useeum App.

Discover more about Kent

The county of Kent is famous for its food and drink production, historic castles, rolling countryside and award-winning beaches.  Home to the stunning Kent Heritage coastline, the world-famous white cliffs of Dover, the charming coastal towns of Deal and Sandwich and the historic market town of Maidstone, a visit here mixes coast, countryside and town life in one.  

Lying on the southeastern coast of Kent is the Isle of Thanet, encompassing the popular seaside resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, this peninsula which was once seperated from mainland, is a foodie heaven, full of retro and artistic vibes.