Things To Do in Kent

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.  

Places to visit 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 2023 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.

Top 15 things to do in Kent

• Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge
• Kent and East Sussex Railway, Ashford
• Bedgebury National Pinetum, Cranbrook
• Leeds Castle, Maidstone
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery, Dover
• Coptree Manor Park, Maidstone
• Ramsgate Maritime Museum, Thanet
• Betteshanger Park, Deal
• Walking & Sightseeing at the White Cliffs of Dover, Dover
• Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden
• McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Ashford
• Balfour Winery, Tonbridge
• Hangloose Adventure Bluewater, Dartford
• Walmer Castle and Gardens, Deal
• Mote Park, Maidstone

Find more things to do in Kent today by using the search box or viewing the map at the bottom of this page.

Things to do in Kent this weekend

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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List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Kent

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.