Credit: Visit Maidstone
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.
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.
Find more things to do in Kent today by using the search box or viewing the map at the bottom of this page.
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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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: 120
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Museum
Margate
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.
Museum
Ramsgate
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.
Historic House / Palace
Broadstairs
The museum is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
Adventure Park / Playground
AYLESFORD
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…
Towns & Villages
Lying high above the valley of the River Stour in the picturesque Kent Downs, the village of Chilham and its medieval square offer a real taste of history, beautifully complemented by some of the finest countryside in the South East.
Country / Royal Park
Maidstone
Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge green open space in the heart of town. Its vast number of mature trees create a landscape of tranquil beauty.
Towns & Villages
Borden
Borden is a village and electoral ward situated immediately south west of Sittingbourne, Kent.
Beach
Broadstairs
Some of the best examples of sea caves in the country can be found here.
Town
Cattle Market, Sandwich
Sandwich in White Cliffs Country is a true hidden gem. One of the original Cinque Ports, grouped together by Edward the Confessor for defence purposes, Sandwich is relaxed, rustic and romantic - and has been described as “the completest medieval…
Abbey / Priory
Canterbury
This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.
Coastal Destinations
Historic gateway to England, Canterbury and coastal Kent have glorious countryside, seaside fun, sandy beaches, cinque ports, smuggling, a cathedral city and a World Heritage site.
Historic Site
Gravesend
Refurbished and re-equipped 1950s' underground command post for Gravesend's rescue services in the event of nuclear attack. Domestic fallout room, radiation monitoring post.
Beach
Ramsgate
Ramsgate offers a popular long stretch of sandy beach situated right next to the only Royal Harbour and Marina in the country.
Towns & Villages
Faversham
Discover Faversham, a picturesque historic market town, located in the heart of the Garden of England.
Towns & Villages
The towns and villages scattered throughout the Isle of Sheppey shelter centuries of rich maritime and aviation histories.
Climbing / High Ropes
Cranbrook
Located close to Royal Tunbridge Wells, just off the B2079, Bedgebury Pinetum is an award-winning visitor attraction. We're nestled in the heart of it. And, our three high ropes courses sit proudly amongst an AONB.
Towns & Villages
Cranbrook
Cranbrook, known as the Capital of the Weald, is a pretty town with a medieval layout of streets and alleys – many buildings dating from the 15th century through to the 19th century.
Beach
Broadstairs
Dumpton Gap offers one of the best low tide walking routes to Ramsgate during low tide.
Towns & Villages
Named after the River Medway, the area is made up of five towns - Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Rainham and Strood - and is only 35 minutes by train from London.
Beach
Sheerness
Sheerness Beach is a shingle beach, bordered by a wide expanse of green open space which leads to the promonade - making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Popular amongst families, it offers plenty of attractions for a great day out.
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