Things to do in Kent

If you’ve booked a holiday to Kent, we’re here to help you create the perfect itinerary for your getaway. From the best landmarks to visit, outdoor activities, beaches and wildlife attractions, we’ve collated our local bucket list for Kent below.
 

The White Cliffs of Dover
Address: CT16 1HJ
Description: The Dover Cliffs are undoubtedly one of the most recognisable and spectacular landmarks of the United Kingdom. The ever-changing cliff edges are not only visually stunning but also an iconic part of British history. It was this landmark that greeted the thousands of soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk, on a clear day the cliffs can also be seen from the French coast. The 10-mile walk along the cliffs features a wide range of scenery and wildlife as well as plenty of attractions to stop at along the way, such as a guided tour of the South Foreland Lighthouse, a Victorian marvel that has witnessed two World Wars during its 142 years of service.
 

Howletts Wild Animal Park
Address: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL
Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/
Description: Kent’s original wildlife park offers a great day out for the entire family. Its 90-acre park opened in 1975 and is home to over 450 animals including the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK. The park also offers a range of animal experiences, perfect for any wannabe future Zoo Keepers, such as Elephant encounters, Tiger Feeds and the chance to come face to face with the fearless Honey Badger! Finally, any thrill-seekers out there may want to try the Treetop Challenge, a thrilling high-ropes course where you can jump and swing over the park-like its monkey inhabitants. An adult ticket cost £23.50, children (3-15 yrs) cost £20 and under 3s enter for free.
 

Canterbury Cathedral
Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH
Website: https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/
Description: Having remained one of the most visited structures in the country since the middle ages, Canterbury Cathedral is a perfect example of some of the stunning architecture and rich history on offer in Kent. The Cathedral was built in stone by the Normans and had one of Medieval Britain's first running water supplies. Also, located on the site is the tomb of Henry IV, the first Lancastrian monarch. The structure also has a team of volunteer guides on hand to help you get the most out of your visit.
 

Viking Bay
Address: Harbour Street, Broadstairs CT10 1EU England
Description: Located in the Coastal town of Broadstairs, Viking Bay is a horseshoe-shaped bay, perfect for a family day at the seaside. The bay doesn’t just offer amazing views from the boardwalk and cliff top promenade, if you're looking for fun there are children's rides and activities as well as a surf school open from March to October offering ski and belly board lessons. Don’t worry if you're looking for a more relaxing (and less wet!) day out, deckchair hire is available for the day so you can sit back and take in the views. The bay is also surrounded by plenty of beach shops and there is a Fish & Chip shop right around the corner so you can enjoy the full seaside experience without going too far.
 

Ramsgate Tunnels
Address: Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate CT11 8FH
Website: http://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/
Description: Take a fascinating and immersive tour through the largest network of civilian tunnels in the UK. Put on your hard hats and walk through old Victorian railway tunnels and purpose-built Air Raid precautions where the residents of Ramsgate took shelter during the war. Led by dedicated tours guides, you’ll discover how the tunnels were built and hear stories of what life was like underground. It’s an enjoyable and memorable experience for both children and adults. An adult ticket costs £8 and a child ticket costs £5.
 

Dover Castle
Address: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/
Description: Experience 900 years of history at Dover Castle, an action-packed day out for all ages. Learn about the castle’s important role in World War Two, explore the mighty defences of Henry II’s great tower and walk the battlements of England's greatest fortress. On selected dates, you can experience the castle come to life, as members of King Henry's court interact with guests and answer any questions you may have, a great experience especially for families with younger children. Older visitors may want to attempt ‘The Bunker’, a brand new Escape Room inspired by the castle’s real-life history during the Cold War. The castle also has a cafe, restaurant, tea room and ice cream parlour on its grounds as well as several picnic areas so you can enjoy your feast like Kings and Queens!
 

Spa Valley Railway
Address: West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY
Website: https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/
Description: Enjoy a picturesque journey through the countryside of Kent and Sussex on the Spa Valley Railway. Running a 5-mile journey through Tunbridge Wells to High Rocks, there are plenty of sights and attractions to visit during the stops along the way from the Huntsman Public house in Eridge, to the award-winning gardens and enchanted forest in Groombridge. If you're looking for something else to do during your journey, the train also offers Fish & Chip lunches (other options are available) as well as Cream Tea on board, please note that booking does need to be made in advance.
 

Dreamland
Address:  49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
Website: https://www.dreamland.co.uk/
Description: Located on the shore of Margate, Dreamland is the perfect seaside attraction for everyone from grandparents to children. Considered the oldest-surviving amusement park in the UK, the park dates back to the 1920s in which Margate became a very popular holiday destination for British families and continues to be for most of the 20th Century. However during the early 00s, due to lack of visitors and a tragic fire that left most of the park damaged, Dreamland closed its gates. However, it didn’t remain that way for long, as after a long restoration project Dreamland opened to the public back in 2015 and has been thriving ever since. The park is free to enter and is home to 25 thrilling rides, family festivals and music concerts all year round. Ride wristbands can be bought in advance for 25% off or become a member and ride for free. Your visit is sure to be a fantastic experience for younger family members and perhaps nostalgic for some older ones as well.
 

Port Lympne Reserve
Address:  Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
Description: At Port Lympne, you can enjoy exciting animal experiences with over 900 rare and endangered animals to see, including Kent’s only spectacled bears, plus hop on board a safari truck and come face to face with giraffes, ostriches and more (Safari is included in your entry ticket). The park is home to Gorillas, Tigers, Lions, Bears and much much more and with regular animal births and new species coming in every year, there’s always something new to see. Alongside the animals, the park also includes the Dinosaur Forest, a walk around experience with Europe's largest collection of life-size dinosaurs as well as plenty of activities and play areas for little ones to enjoy. You can also go behind the scenes of the reserves with a range of animal experiences for all ages such as Gorilla feeds from £45 or big cat encounters from £75.
 

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours
Address:  17 Court St, Faversham ME13 7AX
Website: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
Description: (Only for grown-ups!) This award-winning tour will take you behind the scene of this busy brewery. Discover how history meets modern technology and taste some of the ingredients that go into some of Kent’s finest Ales and Lagers such as malted barley and mineral water from the brewery’s artesian well. Take a walk down to ‘The Vaults’ which are home to historic delivery vehicles, a recreated cooper’s workshop and a collection of vintage pub signs. The tour lasts approximately two hours and costs £18 and also concludes with a sampling session where audience participation is highly encouraged!
 

Visit our Kent page for more information and inspiration on where to stay.

Published on March 11th, 2021

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