Kent is located in the south east of England and is known as the Garden of England. Kent is one of the most beautiful counties, offering picturesque countryside and historic market towns.
1. Whitstable
Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town on the north coast of Kent in the South East and is located around 8 kilometres north of Canterbury and 3 kilometres west of Herne Bay.
The seaside town has a wonderful charm, strong arts, culture and rich in maritime history. Whitstable is famous for its oysters, so if you’re a fan of fresh fish you’ll love Whitstable! There is even an event every July at the Oyster Festival. Why not take a trip to the market on the harbour? From local vegetables to fresh fish, with beautiful views of the coastline.
There is so much to see in Whitstable, as well as popular restaurants and pubs within the town. Why not take the family to the sea side for the day?
Opening times
Visit website for seasonal opening times
Address
Penshurst Place
Penshurst
TN11 8DG
Contact details
01892 870307
www.canterbury.co.uk/canterbury-district/Whitstable
2. Penhurst Place and Gardens
Penshurst Place and Gardens is a beautiful manor house and gardens and is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the flower displays. It makes the perfect day out in the summer, so make sure to bring a camera!
There is a children’s playground, summer maze and a range of events, which are perfect for children and the whole family to enjoy!
There is so much to do and see at Penshurst Place Gardens. Why not explore the manor house before taking a stroll around the gardens?
If you are planning to make a day of it, there are a few tasty café’s to choose from. Why not treat your mum to a day out at Penshurst Place and Gardens and have an afternoon tea? There is also a gift shop full of gifts such as jewelry, scarves, food and drink, china and glassware and more!
Opening times
House & Gardens open daily from 1st April to 29th October.
House & Toy Museum 12:00 - 16:00 (Open weekends only during the February Half Term)
Gardens & Grounds 10:30 - 18:00*
Adventure Playground & Woodland Trail 10:30 - 18:00*
Garden Restaurant 10:30 - 18:00**
Gift Shop 10:30 - 18:00
Porcupine Pantry 09:00 - 18:00**
Parkland Free to visit and open all year
Contact details
The Estate Office Reception
Penshurst Place
Penshurst
Tonbridge
Kent TN11 8DG
01892 870307
www.penshurstplace.com
3. Folkestone
Folkestone is a port town on the English Channel in Kent and lies along the edge of North Downs, between two cliffs.
In Folkestone you will discover its Creative Quarter, with many artistic enterprises within the centre. There are so many art galleries and quirky shops, as well as relaxing bars and popular restaurants.
If you fancy a walk to take in the sea views to France, The Leas is not far away where you can enjoy a picnic down on the beach with family or friends.
Folkestone is famous for its Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which brings France closer with only a 35 minute journey from Calais. If you have time to spare before going away, a trip to Folkestone is worth a visit!
Transport
Getting to Kent is easy for all transport. View website for more information.
www.visitkent.co.uk/see-and-do/destinations/folkestone
4. Dover Castle
Dover Castle is in the heart of Dover, Kent and was founded in the 11th century and known as the ‘Key to England’ due to its defensive history. Dover Castle is also the largest castle in England, so it is definitely worth a visit!
The castle has beautiful medieval architecture, where you can discover the King’s court life and meet all of the lifelike projected characters guiding you around the chambers. It is a perfect trip out for the family, where they can have fun and discover what it was like in the medieval times.
Why not head underground in the atmospheric Secret Wartime Tunnels, that are buried deep in the famous white cliffs of Dover? There are great stories telling you all about the castles history.
There is so much to do at Dover Castle, including exhibitions, tours and tunnels and even ghosts to find! If you’re feeling peckish, there are a few restaurants to choose from.
Opening times
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Prices
View website for seasonal opening times
Address
Castle Hill Road
Dover
CT16 1HU
England
Contact details
0370 333 1181
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle
5. White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are a must see. The spectacular cliffs are popular with dog walkers, families and photographers, with beautiful views across the English Channel towards the French coast.
If you fancy a walk, the best way to see the cliffs is along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. Along this walk, you will see unusual plants and insects such as a range of butterflies and orchids. It’s a great place to visit on the weekend with family, or even to take a leisurely stroll with the dog.
The Cliffs also hold a lot of history, as they were used for defence in both World Wars. You can find out more about its history by going to the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, which has Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk.
Address
Upper Road Langdon Cliffs
Dover
CT16 1HJ
England
Contact details
01304 202756
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover
White Oak Leisure Centre makes a great day out for the kids, as it offers a range of fantastic aquatic fun! It is suitable for all ages and has a soft play area at Treasure Island for the under 5’s.
If you love swimming, you will love the 3 water rides at the centre, whether you are feeling scared or brave, there is something for everyone! There are also classes available if your children aren’t confident in the water, perfect for learning new swimming skills.
For teenagers and adults, there’s a gym with an exercise studio, sports hall and tennis courts. It has everything you need if you are looking for an active day with the family.
Address
Hilda May Avenue
Swanley
Kent
BR8 7BT
England
Contact details
01322 662188
Opening times
Monday to Friday 06:30 - 23:00
Saturday 08:00 - 22:30
Sunday 08:00 - 20:00
Pricing
Please call further details.
www.sencio.org.uk/pages/treasure-island-soft-play-at-white-oaks-leisure-centre
2. Howletts Wild Animal Park
There are so many animals to see at Howletts Wild Animal Park, including your favourite animals! Within the large 90 acre site, there are 400 animals living there including gorillas, tigers and leopards. Your children will love discovering all the species and their habitats.
Howletts Park focuses on endangered animals and is involved with several breeding programmes to protect various species. Before making a visit, be sure to see which seasonal events are on at the park.
Opening hours
Winter (25 October to 24 March)
Monday to Sunday 09:30 -17:00
Christmas Eve 09:30 - 14:00
Closed Christmas Day.
Summer (25 March to 24 October)
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00
Pricing
Adult: £18.95
Child (3-15): £15.95
Under 3: Free
Last Entry
Winter
Last admission is 1.5 hours before the closing time.
Summer
Last admission is 2 hours before the closing time.
Address
Near Canterbury
Bekesbourne
Kent
CT4 5EL
England
Contact details
0844 842 4647
www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts
3. Kent and East Sussex Railway
Kent and East Sussex Railway is a great and fun place to take the kids, come rain or shine. You can get an all-day travel card, which allows you to explore all of the stations between Tenterden and Bodiam.
There are fun events for the family that take place at the railway, such as Easter events, Father’s Day events, Days out with Thomas and more! If you fancy a walk, you can explore the fascinating Colonel Stephens Railway Museum which is open from 12pm till 4.30pm on days when the Railway is operating.
Opening hours
Times very on a day-to-day basis. Check the link to see full details.
Pricing
Adults: £18.00
Child (3-15): £12.00
Family: £38.00
Dogs: £3.00
Address
Tenterden Town Station
Station Road
Tenterden
Kent
TN30 6HE
England
Contact details
01580 765155
www.kesr.org.uk
4. Groombridge Enchanted Forest
Groombridge Enchanted Forest is a magical enchanted forest, deep in the woods. It’s where imagination, play and nature all come together.
Discover the world of mystery on foot or canal, where you will find water pools, rope swings, wooden bridges, tree swings and a maze. You might even pass animals such as deer, squirrels and other wildlife.
It’s a great place to visit with friends or family, as Groombridge has award winning gardens and also where Pride and Prejudice was filmed.
Address
Groombridge Place
Groombridge
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 9QG
England
Opening hours
Winter (1st October - 1st March): Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Summer (2nd March - 30th September): Monday to Sunday 10:00 -17:30
Pricing
Peak:
Adults: £9.95
Kids (3-12)/Seniors: £8.45
Family (2 Adults, 2 Kids): £33.95
Off Peak:
Adults: £8.95
Kids (3-12)/Seniors: £7.45
Family (2 Adults, 2 Kids): £29.95
Last Entry
Last admission at 15:00.
Contact details
01892 861444
www.groombridgeplace.com
5. Wingham Wildlife Park
Wingham Wildlife Park started out as a bird park in 1986 and developed in 2008 to become one of Kent’s most popular visitor attractions. The park is home to big cats, wolves, lemurs, monkeys, penguins and many more! Children will love visiting the wildlife park, where they can meet their favourite animals. They can also watch daily talks, feeds and experience days so they can find out all about the wildlife.
New to Wingham Wildlife Park is the new animatronic dinosaur exhibit, which brings the prehistoric era back to life – who wouldn’t want to meet 29 lifelike dinosaurs?
Address
Wingham
Canterbury
Kent
CT3 1JL
England
Opening hours
Winter (October to March)
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Summer (April to September)
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Pricing
Adults: £17.00
Seniors/Student/Carer: £15.00
Child (2-15): £14.00
Under 2's: Free
Concessions: £14.00
Family: £56.00
Disabled Adult/Child: £15.00/£12.00
Last Entry
Last entry is an hour before closing.
Contact details
01227 720 836
www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Kent
1. Kathton House
www.kathtonhouse.com
01227 719999
6 High Street
Sturry
Canterbury
CT2 0BD
2. Casa Da Claudia
www.casadaclaudia.co.uk
01892 533988
5 Castle Street
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1XJ
3. Bojangles Coffee House
www.bojanglescoffeehouse.co.uk
01732 642064
116 London Road
Dunton Green
Sevenoaks
TN13 2UT
England
4. Coppers
www.coppersinhythe.co.uk
01303 267707
First Floor
26 Prospect Road
Hythe
CT21 5JR
England
5. Fish on The Green
www.fishonthegreen.com
01622 738300
Church Lane
Bearsted Green
Bearsted
Maidstone
ME14 4EJ
England