Ashford
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 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.
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: 119
, 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.
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.
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
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
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Maidstone
The White Horse Country Park is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park offers beautiful countryside, local history and panoramic views and hosts the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle.
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
Cycle
Ashford
This award winning self guided tour takes you through the quiet lanes of the Garden of England in Kent. You will see castles and gardens, the famous Kent Oast houses as well as sampling wine and many of the award winning vineyards that we have…
Beach
Westgate-on-Sea
A completely tidal bay, with a long stretch of sand when the tide is out.
Vineyard
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate is a 400-acre family-owned estate in the heart of the ‘Garden of England’, Kent, with vast ancient woodlands, vineyards, apple orchards and wildflower meadows. With family values at its core, Balfour Winery…
Shopping Centre
Ashford
The huge tented structure which is the McArthurglen Designer Outlet was designed by Lord Richard Rogers, a designer heritage in keeping with the store names inside.
Municipal Park
DOVER
Enjoy an afternoon out at the popular Kearsney Parks - Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens – located on the outskirts of Dover.
Event Venue
DEAL
The Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust stages a series of 'free' public concerts on the Bandstand between May and September each year.
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
This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks.
Town
High Street, Deal
Deal was recently rated the best seaside resort out of 91 resorts in the UK, once a major port and is steeped in maritime history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the unspoilt promenade or explore the maze of narrow streets and alleys renowned for…
Historic House / Palace
Orpington
Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he lived and worked and learn about his fascinating life and groundbreaking theories with our exhibition “Uncovering Origins” .
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.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Maidstone
Visit Kent Life and experience afternoon tea in the newly revamped tearooms.
Church / Chapel
Capel Le Ferne
Basically a Norman church from the 14th Century with significant wall paintings of 13th Century on the north wall.
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