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.
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…
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.
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.
Castle / Fort
Dover
Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle! Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry ll. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs and tour the Underground Hospital.
Pier
DEAL
Deal Pier was opened in November 1957, the 1026 feet pier is made from predominately from concrete and is home to Deal Pier Kitchen. A great place to sit and enjoy the sunset or to enjoy the views of the beautiful Kent coastline.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Maidstone
Visit Kent Life and experience afternoon tea in the newly revamped tearooms.
Towns & Villages
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
Discover stunning sandy beaches and sea-carved chalk cliffs of more than a dozen seaside towns along the Kent coast
Towns & Villages
Ashford is a town in Kent boasting a lively cosmopolitan centre and world-class shopping with plenty of places to visit and things to do nearby
Towns & Villages
Tonbridge
Tonbridge is a market town in Kent that dates back to before Norman times. Explore the area with things to do, towns & villages nearby & a local event guide
Garden
Faversham
The National Fruit Collection has over 3000 varieties of fruit trees including apples, pears, quince, plums and cherries. The orchards are a living history and heritage of fruit waiting to be discovered.
Brogdale Collections hosts a wide selection…
Beach
Romney Marsh
The flat, mainly sandy beach at Dymchurch stretches for approximately 3 miles along the Kent coast. This award-winning blue flag stretches from Dungeness to Hythe and is ideal for families.
Event Venue
DEAL
The Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust stages a series of 'free' public concerts on the Bandstand between May and September each year.
Historic Site
Chatham
Explore Chatham's shipbuilding legacy at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Step back to the 'Age of Sail', visit interactive galleries, historic lifeboats, and more. Tickets valid for a year for a year-round adventure on this 80-acre maritime heritage…
Sightseeing
Discover the real South East England. Blue or Green Badge Guides who each have an unrivalled knowledge of the region and take pride in helping visitors explore its unique heritage.
Beach
Broadstairs
Some of the best examples of sea caves in the country can be found here.
Boat Tours
MAIDSTONE
The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursion providers, between Spring and Autumn we provide a unique experience of the Upper River Medway, we also offer self-drive hire on the Upper Medway with our…
Walking Tour
Dover
Take a journey into the past on a guided tour of Fan Bay Deep Shelter in the White Cliffs of Dover.
Towns & Villages
Cranbrook
The ancient Wealden village of Hawkhurst is widely known for its beautiful surroundings and long history.
Fun and Games
DEAL
Walmer Paddling Pool offers the chance for families to cool off and have fun. This popular leisure facility is situated on Walmer seafont, next to the new Roman Landings Adventure Golf and is suitable for children aged 10 and under.
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