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Kent was the first part of Britain to be settled by man due to a land link with Northern Europe, and the whole area has a fascinating history. Explore the Medway and Maidstone area 'through the ages' at it's many local museums, historic houses and ancient castles. There is also a variety of places to visit which are geared for families with children. It doesn't have to cost a mint - there's many attractions which are free or have a small entrance fee.
Archbishops' Palace
Former Archbishops' palace dating back in part to the 14th century.
Location: Old Palace Gardens, Mill St, Maidstone
Open: daily except 10.30am-4pm
Phone: 01622 663006 Back Palace Image (132k) Gardens Image (163k)
Aylesford Priory
Built in the 13th and 14th centuries and then closed down in the Reformation, the priory has since been restored and is now a house of prayer and a place of pilgrimage and retreat. It has fine cloisters, and there are displays of sculpture and ceramics. A potter and an upholsterer have workshops at The Friars and visitors can watch them at work.
Location: Aylesford, Nr. Maidstone
Open: all year - daily
Phone: 01622 717272 Back
Badsell Park Farm
A Pleasant day in the country for all the family is offered at this attractive 180 acre fruit and arable farm. Children are able to handle young farm animals and domestic pets in the animal park and pet area. There are nature trails to follow in beautiful countryside, a butterfly house with live tropical species, a tropical ant house, picnic facilities and a play barn for toddlers
and children up to eleven; outdoor play areas include Wendy houses, a fort, fire engine and tractor. An information room gives details of farming and wildlife, including live insect displays. Strawberries, apples and other fruit and vegetables can be picked in season. Special events are held during the year.
Location: Crittenden Road, Matfield
Open: all year
Phone: 01892 832223 Back
Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum
This large area of forest run by the Forestry Commission is popular with walkers and picnickers. It includes Bedgebury Pinetum, home of the national collection of specimen conifers hardy in Britain. In spring, colourful rhododendrons add to the collection's beauty. There are nature trails, picnic areas and visitor facilities, and a programme of organised outings.
Location: off B2079, s. of Gouldhurst
Open: all year
Phone: 01892 515675 Back Bedgebury Image
Belmont
Charming 18th century house set in delightful grounds. Belmont contains beautiful furniture, a wonderful collection of clocks and watches, and a fine collection of 19th century paintings of Trinidad by Michael Cazabon. The visitor will also see many mementos of the family's connections with India
and the Raj.
Location: Nr. Faversham, Kent
Open: East-Sep, Sat, Sun & Bank Hols, 2pm-5pm
Phone: 01795 890202 Map Location
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Biddenden Vineyards
The present vineyard was established in 1969 and now covers 22 acres. Visitors are welcome to stroll around the vineyard and to
taste the wines, ciders and apple juice available at the shop. Special events are held during the year.
Location: Little Whatmans, nr. Biddenden
Open: Mar to Dec, daily
Phone: 01580 291726 Back
Bleak House
The house was a favourite seaside residence of the novelist Charles Dickens. He wrote the greater part of David Copperfield and other works here, and drafted the idea for Bleak House. There are special exhibitions of relics salvaged from the Goodwin Sands, and of 'The Golden Age of Smuggling'.
Location: Fort Road, Broadstairs
Open: Easter to Nov
Phone: 01843 862224 Back Bleak House Image
Brambles Wildlife Park
The 20 acre park has a nature trail leading through woodland where many birds and animals including fallow and sika deer, mara, quanaco, wallaby, owls, Scottish wildcats and red foxes may be seen. Small rare breed farm animals, ponies and a
miniature donkey
may be fed with the food sold at the gate. There are also a walk-in rabbit enclosure and an indoor garden, an adventure playground and an under-fives' playground.
Location: Wealden Forest Park, Herne Common, on A291
Open: Easter to Dec
Phone: 01227 712379 Back
Brattle Farm Museum
A country museum set in a working farm, with agricultural bygones and a friendly pair of oxen named Stuff and Nonsense.
Location: Staplehurst, off A229
Open: Sun & Bank Hols Easter to end Oct, 9.30am-5pm
Phone: 01580 891222 Back
Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway
The B&WLR could be described as a splendid eccentricity. It is found in the heart of the North Kent Downs in a secluded, richly wooded setting with charming stations, waiting rooms and signal boxes built with an eye for 20's style. The railway is run with meticulous professionalism by a diverse group of friends who have met regularly since 1974 to restore, construct and maintain the track,
stock and buildings.
The fully operational narrow-gauge railway now rivals the very best of the preserved lines and has become a magnet for knowledgeable visitors from all over the world. The engine shed is a treasury of nostalgia, while the modern workshop facility, which enables the railway to be almost self-sufficient, is the envy of many visiting railway groups. Tea room and toilets, ample parking.
Location: About 1 mile south of Bredgar, on old B2163 Hollingbourne to Sittingbourne road
Open: Summer on organised open days, or by other special arrangements only. Phone for times
Phone: 01622 884254 Map Location
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Canterbury Heritage Museum
This award winning museum is in a breathtaking medieval building on the river bank close to the cathedral, shops, and other attractions. The tour starts in Roman times and continues up to the present day. Many displays are featured.
Location: Stour Street, Canterbury
Open: Daily
Phone: 01227 452747 Back
Canterbury Roman Museum
Underground, at the level of the Roman town, you will find this famous Roman house with it's mosaic floors. Following the discoveries of archaeologists, visitors walk through a
fascinating reconstruction of Roman buildings, including a market place with stallholders' wares of the period. Displays reveal a wealth of objects rescued by excavations, including 2,000-year-old swords and a silver spoon
hoard. A computer-generated reconstruction video guides the tour, and there is a 'touch the past' area where visitors can handle the artefacts.
Location: Butchery Lane, Longmarket, Canterbury
Open: All year
Phone: 01227 785575 Back
Canterbury Royal Museum, Art Gallery & Buffs Regimental Museum
The building houses the city's picture collection including the work of TS Cooper, a leading Victorian animal painter, and the Canterbury and Europe Gallery which displays the fine archaeological objects and decorative arts resulting from close links over the centuries. Regular art events are held in the Special Exhibitions Gallery. The Buffs Regimental Museum tells the story of one of England's
oldest infantry regiments.
Location: High Street, Canterbury
Open: All year
Phone: 01227 452747 Back
Canterbury West Gate Museum
The last of the city's fortified gatehouses sits astride the London road with the river serving as a moat. Rebuilt in around 1380 by Archbishop Sudbury, it was used as a prison for many years. The battlements give a splendid panoramic view of the city and are a good vantage point for taking photographs. Arms and armour are on display in the guardroom, and the cells in the towers can be visited.
Location: Saint Peter's Street, Canterbury
Open: All year
Phone: 01227 452747 Back
Charles Dickens Centre
Scenes from the novels are brought to life with sounds of Dickensian jollity contrasted with the grim reality of Victorian life.
Location: Eastgate House, High St, Rochester
Open: daily 10am-5.30pm
Phone: 01634 844176 Back Dickens Centre Image
Chartwell
Home to Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 to the end of his life. The house remains much as it was when he lived there. Memories and memorabilia show the statesman and the family man. See his studio which contains many of his paintings. Visit the exhibition and stroll
around the beautiful garden. Also shop and restaurant. Phone for times.
Location: Westerham, Kent.
Open: Mar-Oct, Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, Jul & Aug, 11am-5pm, Tues only
Phone: 01732 866368 Back Chartwell Image
Chiddingstone Castle
A 17th century house, almost completely rebuilt in the castle style c1800 by William Atkinson. It contains Stewart and Jacobite paintings and other relics, Egyptian and Oriental antiquities, and a fine collection of Japanese lacquer and swords. Special events are held during the year.
Location: nr. Edenbridge
Open: Apr to Oct, certain days
Phone: 01892 870347 Back Chiddingstone Image
Chislehurst Caves
There are about 22 miles of caves used by the Romans, Saxons and Druids. Lamplit tours last about 45 minutes. Also includes a haunted pool, a Druid's Alter and much more.
Location: near Chislehurst Station, Bromley
Open: Wed to Sun 10am-4pm
Phone: 0181 4673264 Back
Crabble Corn Mill
Visit this beautifully restored working Kentish watermill, enter the Victorian era and discover when traditional country life changed forever and today's technological world was born. Stoneground wholemeal flour is always for sale. Exhibition space now houses the work of local artists and there are short art and craft courses.
Location: off A2, nr. Canterbury
Open: all year, most days
Phone: 01304 8232924 Back
Deal Castle
In 1533 Henry VIII. disappointed at not having produced a son, divorced his Catholic wife, Catherine of Aragon. This move resulted not only in Henry being excommunicated, but also brought him in direct conflict with Catholic France and Spain. In order to protect England's southern coasts, Henry built a series of forts, financed largely from the
proceeds of the dissolved monasteries.
Deal and nearby Walmer are two of these forts, both plain, functional buildings, where the sole purpose was defence. At Deal, six semi-circular bastions are joined to form a tower, which is further protected by an outer wall of the same shape. All were liberally supplied with gun loops and cannon ports, so that in total, an attacker faced five tiers of guns. Walmer has a simpler plan, involving a circular tower and a quatrefoil outer wall, but the defensive principle is the same, and from every angle an invader would face a bristling armoury of handguns and cannon.
As it happened, Henry's precautions were not necessary and Deal was not attacked until 1648, when it was held for Charles I in the Civil War. It suffered extensive damage, but was not attacked again until a bomb fell on it during World War 2.
Location: SW of Deal town centre
Open: Open all year, most days
Phone: 01304 372762 Back Deal Castle Image
Doddington Place
Around 10 acres of landscaped gardens with lawns, avenues and clipped yew hedges. Woodland gardens with azaleas and rhododendrons, formal sunken garden and a large rock garden.
Location: Doddington, near Faversham
Open: Easter to end of Sept, Wed and Bank Holiday Mons
Phone: 01795 886385 Map Location
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The Secret Wartime Tunnels of Dover Castle
Travel deep within the White Cliffs of Dover and discover the maze of underground tunnels. See where Churchill planned Operation Dynamo in WW2 or explore the hospital with it's sights, sounds and smells. Experience through exciting audio and visual displays how it may have felt to be a medieval soldier under siege. Also see the underground works, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Museum and the Roman Pharos.
Open: all year, Apr-1 Nov daily 10am-6pm (or dusk in October), 2 Nov-31 Mar daily 10am-4pm (closed 24-26 December)
Phone: 01304 364288 Back Dover Castle Image
Dreamland Fun Park
With over 60 rides and attractions to enjoy, experience the hottest rides in the south. Dare to ride the Park's spine-tingling gravity-defying, modern favourites, such as The Loop Roller Coaster, Log Drop, Skymaster and Wild Mouse Roller Coaster.
Or take a spin on more traditional crowd pleasers, like The Ghost Train, Waltzer, Helter Skelter, Scenic Railway and Carousel, to name but a few. There's so much more for all the family to enjoy at Dreamland Fun Park.
The Adventure Zone (open all year round) is a fun-filled indoor playground and amusement centre for
children and has two separate zones - one for children from 1m to 1.5m tall, the other for children under 1m. Young adventurers will enjoy exploring the superb selection of tunnels, slides, ladders, bungee ropes and ball pools. And with it's own popular cafe on the premises, offering a great
choice of food, the playground makes an ideal venue for children's parties. Ring 01843 298752 for details. Alternatively, every child's dream birthday party - a trip to the Fun Park, with a delicious party lunch or tea to add that special touch. Better still - no mess for mum or dad to clear up afterwards. Ring 01843 227011 for more details.
Location: Belgrave Road, Margate
Open: March to October, phone for times
Phone: 01843 227011 Map Location
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Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre
Enjoy the spectacular view across the Darent Valley while being entertained as Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Vultures are flown in regular outside displays, or see it all from the Tea Room. All aviaries are indoors, so you can make the most of your day whatever the weather. Be sure not to miss the rapidly expanding reptile collection.
Children's adventure playground.
Location: Eynsford, Kent
Open: daily Mar-Oct 10.30am-5pm, weekends Nov-Feb 11am-4pm
Phone: 01322 866466 Back
Emmett's Garden
Emmett's (National Trust) is a charming hillside shrub garden, with rare trees, bluebells in spring, and fine autumn colours. There are magnificent views over Bough Beech Reservoir and the Weald.
Location: Ide Hill, Nr Brasted, 1 mile S of A25
Open: March weekends, Apr-Oct selected afternoons
Phone: 01732 750367 Back
Eynsford Castle
The walls of this castle (English Heritage), still 30 ft high, come as a surprise in the pretty little
village. The castle was begun in the 11th century by William de Eynsford, who later retired to become a monk. Also to be seen are the remains of the castle hall and ditch.
Location: Eynsford, off A225, 5 miles S of Dartford
Open: all year round, any reasonable time
Phone: 01322 862536 Back
Farming World
Set deep in the Kentish countryside, Farming World's acres of farmland are home to all kinds of animals and birds of prey, bygone farm machinery, traditionally grown crops and many other attractions. There are often baby animals to be seen and newly born lambs, kids, calves and chicks are common sights.
There are also many rare breeds including Miniature Shetland Ponies, Llamas, and Britain's smallest breed of cattle. Explore the farm and beautiful surrounding fields by rambling along one of the marked trails, or from time to time, join a tractor ride or wagon pulled by one of the magnificent heavy horses.
The museum area offers a fascinating glimpse of forgotten farming methods, and events throughout the year demonstrate the skills and crafts of farming still being used today. When you need refreshment, the cafe has a delicious selection of home cooked fare, and, weather permitting, you can picnic in the tranquil setting of the lovely walled kitchen garden while the children explore the large
adventure playground.
Location: Nash Court, Boughton, Faversham
Open: March to October, 9.30am-5.30pm daily
Phone: 01227 751144 Map Location
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Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre & Museum
A former 15th century inn where colourful displays bring to life 1000 years of the town's history.
Location: 13 Preston St, Faversham
Open: daily Mon to Sat 10am-4pm, Apr to Oct Sun 10am-4pm
Phone: 01795 534542 Map Location
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Fort Amherst
Fort Amherst is the finest Georgian fortress in the country, comprising a large gatehouse, tunnel complex, ditches, magazines, barracks, and Civil Defence exhibition. The park-like setting within the fortifications, together with an 1815 re-enactment most summer Sundays, provides a
fascinating visit for all the family.
Location: Dock Road, Chatham
Open: Mar to Oct daily, Nov to Feb most days
Phone: 01634 847747 Back
Great Comp
Sited in the beautiful wooded countryside of the Weald of Kent, Great Comp gardens surround a 17th century house, with over 3000 named plants, and one of changing vistas employing curving walks through colourful woodland and focal points such as a group of ruins, a temple, and several urns.
Location: nr. Borough Green
Open: daily Apr to Oct
Phone: 01732 882669 Back Gt Comp Image
Herne Bay & Whitstable
Herne Bay has attractive seafront gardens with a distinctive clock tower and modern sculptures. Attractions include Reculver's cliff top Roman ruins and country park, Herne Mill and Herne Bay Museum.
Whitstable has a busy working harbour with fresh fish and seafood for sale. The town is famous for oysters, which can be sampled at several restaurants. Attractions include Oyster and Fishery Exhibition, Chuffa Trains, Railmania Museum and Whitstable Museum. Back,
Hever Castle
Hever Castle dates back to 1270 when the massive gatehouse, the outer walls and the moathouse were first constructed. 200 years later the Bullen (or Boleyn) family added a comfortable Tudor dwelling-house inside the walls. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, and the castle contains many memories of her.
In 1903 William Waldorf Aster acquired the estate and invested time, money and imagination in restoring the castle, building the 'Tudor Village' and creating the gardens and lake. The Aster family's contribution to Hever's rich history can be appreciated through the superb collection of furniture, paintings and objets d'art and through the quality of workmanship employed, particularly in the wood carving and plasterwork. Hever Castle is a warm and welcoming place, giving continued enjoyment to visitors.
The gardens at Hever Castle were created between 1904-1908. They have now reached their full maturity and are a blaze of colour for most of the year. The spectacular Italian Garden contains statuary and sculpture dating from Roman to Renaissance times. William Waldorf Aster made the collection in Italy and brought it to Hever where it forms a magnificent sight among the glorious display of shrubs and climbing and herbaceous plants. The formal gardens include a walled Rose Garden, fine topiary work and a maze. There is a 35 acre lake and throughout the gardens there are streams, cascades and fountains.
Visitor facilities at Hever Castle include gift, book and garden shops. The traditional yew maze next to the castle and the adventure playground are ideal for children. Most of the gardens at Hever Castle are accessible to the disabled.
Hever Castle has two self-service restaurants. The Pavilion Restaurant, near the lake, is licensed with a
separate bar area. The Moat Restaurant is opposite the gift shop overlooking the castle. Both offer a complete range of hot and cold meals and snacks. The Henry VIII Inn, a traditional English Public House opposite the main entrance to the grounds, also offers an excellent range of food and drinks.
Location: Off B2026, nr. Edenbridge
Open: Mar-Nov daily, gardens 11am, castle 12 noon
Phone: 01732 865224 Map Location
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Howletts Wild Animal Park
Beautiful parklands with elephants, tigers, wolves, bison, monkeys and including the largest breeding colony of gorillas in the world.
Location: off the A2 at Bekesbourne, near Canterbury
Open: daily except Christmas Day winter 10am-4pm, summer 10am-5pm
Phone: 01227 721286 Back
Ightham Mote
This beautiful medieval manor house, complete with moat and attractive garden, was given to the National Trust in 1985. It has been extensively remodeled through the centuries but it is still a splendid example of medieval
architecture; particularly the Great
Hall, Old Chapel and crypt of c1340. The house also contains many important additions from great periods and notable features include the drawing room with it's Jacobean fireplace and frieze, it's Palladian window and the hand-painted Chinese wallpaper.
Location: Off A227, Nr. Ightham
Open: Mar to Oct, most days
Phone: 01732 810378 Back
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
A former Battle of Britain station, the aerodrome houses the largest collection of authentic relics and related memorabilia of British and German aircraft involved in the flying. Also shown are British and German uniforms and equipment, and full-size replicas of the Hurricane, Spitfire and ME 109 used in Battle of Britain films.
Location: Aerodrome Road, on A260
Open: daily except Christmas Day winter 10am-4pm, summer 10am-5pm
Phone: 01303 893140 Back
Kent & East Sussex Railway
There are engines and carriages dating from Victorian times waiting to take you for a ride through 7 miles of beautiful countryside on this charming rural railway to Bodiam in East Sussex. Pay once and travel all day, refreshment rooms, gift shop, buffet car and disabled facilities on many trains, video theatre, railway museum, children's play area, letterpress printworks, special packages for
groups, luxury dining car services - dinners, lunches, teas (advance booking essential), free parking.
Location: Tenterden town, Kent
Open: Mar-Suns, Apr-Oct weekends, Jun & Sep daily except Mon & Fri, Jul & Aug daily
Phone: 01580 765155 Talking Timetable 01580 762943 Back
Knole
Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, bought Knole in 1456 and set about transforming it from a simple medieval manor house into his palace; a century later the house was given to Henry VIII who extended it to even grander proportions. In the middle of the 16th century Knole was given to Thomas Sackville by Queen Elizabeth I; the Sackville's kept the house for ten generations.
Thomas lavished a fortune on the refurbishment and decoration of the house. Today, thanks to him, it is the largest house in England. He employed an army of builders, plasterers, upholsterers and glaziers including 300 specially imported Italians; where most Elizabethan houses had one Long Gallery, Knole has three.
The 13 state rooms open to the public are rich in architectural detail from the 17th and 18th centuries. They house a collection of historical portraits, including works by Gainsborough and Van Dyck, and an outstanding collection of 17th century English furniture
which adds to their beauty. Outside, 26 acres of gardens contain formal walks among the flower beds and fruit trees while beyond the encircling walls are further acres of undulating pasture and parkland open by courtesy of Lord Sackville.
Location: Sevenoaks
Open: Easter-Oct, garden open first Wednesday in month May-Sep
Phone: 01622 765400 Back
Leeds Castle
'The loveliest castle in the world', with it's superb furnishings and glorious setting, offers a memorable day out for all the family. Within the 500 acre park you'll find an aviary, maze and grotto, a vineyard, greenhouses, Duckery and charming woodland walks. Licensed restaurant, shops, free parking.
Location: On A20, nr. Maidstone
Open: daily Mar-Oct 10am-5pm, Nov-Feb 10am-3pm
Phone: 01622 765400 Map Location
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Lullingstone Roman Villa & Castle
The excavation of this Roman villa in 1949 uncovered one of the most exciting archaeological finds of the century. Here visitors can see some of the most remarkable villa remains in Britain, including wonderful mosaic tiled floors and wall paintings and the
ruins of one of the earliest Christian chapels in Britain. Nearby Lullingstone Castle boasts a 15th century gatetower, and was one of the first in England to be built entirely of bricks.
Location: off A225, nr. Eynsford
Open: Villa open all year, Castle weekends, Apr to Sep
Phone: Villa 01322 863467, Castle 01322 862114
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Lympne Castle
This small medieval castle was restored in 1905 and retains much of it's former character. The view from the castle includes the Royal Military Canal (dug as part of the coastal defences during the Napoleonic Wars), Romney Marsh and, in fine weather, the French coast across the Channel. There are exhibitions of toys and dolls, reproduction medieval brasses and scale models of English cathedrals.
Location: 3 miles W of Hythe, on B2067
Open: May to Sep on certain days
Phone: 01303 267571 Back
Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery
Housed in the 16th century Chillington Manor, the museum contains outstanding collections, some of which are of national importance.
Location: St Faith's Street, Maidstone
Open: Mon to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Phone: 01622 754497 Back Museum Image (122k)
Manor Park Country Park
Large country park just opposite St Leonard's Tower. The lake and copses are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Children's play
area and picnic facilities.
Location: S of West Malling, off A228 just W of Maidstone
Open: daily except Christmas Day
Phone: 01622 817623 Back
Mount Ephraim Gardens
Home to the Dawes family for 300 years. The existing gardens were laid out in 1912 and became overgrown during the last war, but have since been restored to their former glory.
Location: Hernhill, Faversham
Open: daily from Easter to mid-Sept, 1pm-6pm
Phone: 01227 751496 or 750940 Map Location
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Museum of Kent Life
An open-air site, including traditional buildings, farm animals, displays, market and herb gardens.
Location: off A229, near Maidstone
Open: daily Easter to end of Oct 10am-5.30pm
Phone: 01622 763936 Back Oasthouse Image (118k)
Old Town Gaol
High-tech animation, audio-visual techniques and 'talking heads' take visitors back to Victorian England to experience the horrors of life behind bars, listening, as they walk through the reconstructed courtroom, exercise yard, washroom and cells, to the
stories of the felons and their jailers. Visitors can even, if they wish, try the prisoners' beds or find out what it is like to be locked in a 2m by 1.2m cell!
Location: Dover Town Hall, Dover
Open: all year, most days
Phone: 01304 202723 Back
Owl House Gardens
The Owl House is a small timber-framed 16th century house, a former haunt of wool smugglers. Surrounding it are 13 acres of gardens with spring flowers, azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, shrubs and ornamental fruit trees. The sweeping lawns lead to lovely woodlands of oak and birch, and sunken water gardens.
Location: Off A21, Nr. Lamberhurst
Open: all year, daily
Phone: 01892 890230 Back
Penshurst Place
The original part of Penshurst Place was built between 1340 and 1345 for Sir John de Pultenay, and although it was extended and modified by
successive owners it's magnificent baron's hall is superbly preserved. This was the heart of the medieval house, where
the entire household lived beneath the wonderful chestnut-beamed roof; it's central firelace is still evident today. It is the oldest and finest example of a medieval hall in the country.
Penshurst was closely connected with royalty, belonging at one time to Henry IV's third son, and later to Henry VIII. His son, Edward VI, gave to property to Sir William Sidney in 1552 and it is still the Sidney family home.
A great variety of architectural styles are incorporated in the building we see today, although it's battlemented exterior presents a unified face, and it's series of interesting rooms provide a splendid backdrop for the furniture, crystal chandeliers,
tapestries and works of art. There are family portraits everywhere, including one of that famous ancestor Sir Philip Sidney, the great Elizabethan soldier, coutier and poet. A tremendous amount of restoration work has been carried out since World War 2, when Penshurst was damaged by flying bombs, and it is as much a monument to the most recent generation of Sidneys as to it's great figures of the past.
Location: On B2176, Nr. Tunbridge Wells
Open: Easter to Oct, daily
Phone: 01634 845609 Back
Poor Travellers' House
A 16th century Almshouse built originally for poor traveller's but now a museum.
Location: 97 High St, Rochester
Open: Mar to end Oct, Tue to Sat 2pm-5pm
Phone: 01634 845609 Back
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Mansion & Gardens
John Aspinall's 300 acre wild animal park houses hundreds of rare animals: Indian elephants, wolves, bison, black and snow leopards, Siberian tigers, gorillas and monkeys. The mansion, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, is set in 15 acres of spectacular gardens. Inside,
the most notable features include the restored Rex Whistler Tent Room, the Moroccan Patio and the hexagonal library where the Treaty of Paris was signed after World War 1. The Spencer Roberts mural room depicts over 300 animals and birds from South East Asia. Safari trailers journey through some of the animal paddocks during peak times; please phone to check availability.
Location: Off A20, Lympne
Open: all year, daily
Phone: 01303 8264647 Back
Richborough Castle
Now landlocked in the Kent countryside, Richborough Castle (English Heritage) once stood on the coast, the bridgehead from which the Romans launched their invasion in AD 43. The foundations of the great monumental archway, built to mark the conquest of Britain, can still be seen today. The remains of Richborough's massive fortified wall and defensive ditches convey a vivid impression of the power
of the Roman empire, and the museum contains finds from the site.
Location: 2 miles N of Sandwich, off A256
Open: daily April to November
Phone: 01304 612013 Back
Rochester Castle
A dramatic looking castle in well-preserved condition. The Norman stone keep is one of the tallest in the country at 113ft high.
Location: Rochester town centre
Open: daily except Christmas Day, winter 10am-4pm, summer 10am-6pm
Phone: 01634 402276 Back
Rochester Cathedral
The second oldest in England and a superb example of Norman architecture.
Location: Rochester town centre
Open: daily 8.30am-5.30pm
Phone: 01634 401301 Back
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Hythe is the largest resort on the line, with some fine Victorian hotels, and the terminal station still has the only original overall roof spanning it's three platforms. It stands beside the Royal Military Canal, built to deter invasion by Napoleon. The station's size, coupled with the water tower, signal box turntable and engine shed (now disused) help to create a main line atmosphere.
The first section of the line is fringed by back gardens on one side and the remains of the canal on the other, before entering open country with wide views over the flat land of Romney Marsh. In the distance are the gently rising hills of Lympne. After many level crossings, open fields, a shallow cutting and a tunnel under a main road the train reaches the railway's headquarters of New Romney. The station has a popular model exhibition and impressive model railways.
The final section of the line traverses the broad expanse of shingle that surrounds the two nuclear power stations and two lighthouses at Dungeness. This area is a sanctuary for birds, moths, butterflies and rare plants.
Location: New Romney
Open: Easter to Sep, weekends Mar & Oct
Phone: 01797 362353/363256 Map Location
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Royal Engineers Museum
The museum traces the lives and work of Britain's soldier engineers from 1066 to 1945.
Location: Prince Arthur Rd, Gillingham
Open: Mon to Thur 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am-5pm
Phone: 01634 406397 Back
Scotney Castle
A NT site, with the ruins of a moted 14th century castle surrounded by picturesque
landscaped gardens. Rhododendrons, azaleas, water lilies and wisteria all flower in profusion.
Location: on A21, nr. Lamberhurst
Open: May to Sep, most days
Phone: 01892 891081 Back Scotney Castle Image
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Delightful and popular NT gardens, themed according to the season or colour.
Location: Sissinghurst, off A262
Open: Mar to Oct, Tue to Fri 1pm-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5.30pm
Phone: 01580 715330 Back
South of England Rare Breeds Centre
An ideal family visit. Friendly farm animals, many to stroke in the Children's Barn. Large playground, toddlers' paddling pool and sandpit. Woodland walks, picnics, restaurants. On B2067 (Hamstreet - Tenterden) M20 Jct 10 then A2070 to Hamstreet.
Location: Woodchurch, Kent
Open: All year. Closed Mons in winter
Phone: 01580 715330 Back
St. Augustine's Abbey
The abbey, founded by St. Augustine in 598 AD, when he brought Christianity from Rome to England, is one of the oldest monastic sites in the country.
Location: Longport, Canterbury
Open: Daily
Phone: 01227 767345 Back
Stoneacre
A small half-timbered 15th century manor house featuring a cottage garden.
Location: Otham, off A20 and A274, 3 miles SE of Maidstone
Open: Easter to end Oct & Sat 2pm-6pm
Phone: 01622 862871 Back
The Canterbury Tales
Step back in time to join Chaucer's famous band of pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Hear their tales of love, greed, chivalry and intrigue, and experience life in the 14th century, complete with authentic sights, sounds and smells! Special events are held in the summer.
Begin Your Journey...
The Canterbury Tales, one of England's most popular and enduring visitor attractions, brings vividly to life the courtly tales of chivalry, romance and sometimes horror, told by Chaucer's pilgrims along their route.
Your journey starts at the Tabard Inn, in London. On your walk to Canterbury you will be entertained by stories told by our merry band of pilgrims.
The Knight's Tale
The Knight is the first to tell his tale. It is a story rich in love, rivalry and chivalry. Two men fall in love with the same beautiful young girl. Will there be a happy ending?
The Miller's Tale
A bawdy tale, tells a rather different story of love and one which will leave everyone laughing. The animated scenes will make you giggle too.
The Wife of Bath's Tale
A thoughtful tale told by a woman, who has had five husbands, poses the question: 'What is it that every woman desires?' (It is worth a visit to discover the answer!) Her romantic tale is set in the time of King Arthur.
The Nun's Priest's Tale
An animated farmyard tale of a cock and a hen and a wily old fox.
The Pardoner's Tale
A thrilling tale of death and trickery and one which will leave you with a slight tingle down your spine. The tale has an unexpected ending. Watch out!
Location: St. Margarets Street, Canterbury
Open: Daily
Phone: 01227 479227 Map Location
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The Guildhall Museum
Exhibits at this well designed museum are laid out chronologically, visitors step through Prehistoric and Roman times to the 16th century then on to Victorian and Edwardian times.
The emphasis is very much "hands-on", with brass rubbing, and coin minting. There are also some educational audio visual displays making the Museum enthralling for children.
Location: Rochester, Kent
Open: all year, most days
Phone: 01634 848717 Back
The Hopfarm Country Park
The largest collection of Victorian oast houses and galleried barns in the world stands at the centre of this stunning complex. Attractions include the Hop Story Exhibition, designed using modern audio-visual technology, the Whitbread Shire Horse Centre, birds of
prey including daily owl-flying displays, a rural museum, animal village, pottery workshop, restaurant, play area, nature trail and gift shop. Special events are held during the year.
Location: outside Paddock Wood, on the A228
Open: daily 10am-6pm
Phone: 01622 872068 Map Location
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The Old Lighthouse
Visit the Old Lighthouse at Dungeness in use with Trinity House until 1960. Climb the 169 steps to see the giant lens, then step outside on the balcony
to view the panoramic views. On a clear day you can see France.
Location: Dungeness, Kent
Open: Jun-Sep, 10.30am-5pm, Mar, Apr, May & Oct, 10am-5pm, weekends only
Phone: 01797 321300 Back
The White Cliffs Experience
This award winning attraction uses stunning stage effects and the latest in audio-visual techniques to tell the story of Britain through the eyes of Dover from Roman times through to World War 2. Visitors will
witness a Roman invasion, step aboard an old ferry
deck, see the fantastic 'Time and Tide' show and pick their way through the rubble of a 1940's Dover street after it's bombardment by enemy shells. There is an indoor adventure playground and an outdoor picnic area. Special events are held throughout the year.
Location: Market Street, Dover
Open: all year, most days
Phone: 01304 214566/210101 Map Location
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Tyland Barn
Offers something to interest all ages including walks, trails, farm, historic parks, gardens and a wildlife centre.
Location: 4 miles N of Maidstone, on A229, Bluebell Hill
Open: daily Feb to Dec 10am-5pm
Phone: 01622 662012 Back
Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages
One of the largest collection of carriages in the country and internationally the most important.
Location: Archbishops' Stables, Mill St, Maidstone
Open: Mar to Oct 10.30am-5.15pm, Nov to Feb 12.30am-4.30pm
Phone: 01622 663006 Back Carriage Museum Image (153k)
Upnor Castle
Well preserved Elizabethan castle built to protect the River Medway.
Location: Upnor, off A228
Open: daily from Easter to Sept, 10am-6pm
Phone: 01634 718742 Back
Walmer Castle & Gardens
Henry VIII's coastal fortress, now an elegant stately home surrounded by glorious gardens including the garden created for HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who still stays here today. Take the new free audio tour and see the Duke of Wellington's rooms and the famous Wellington Boots.
Location: Off A258, S of Deal.
Open: Apr-1 Nov daily 10am-6pm (or dusk in October), 2 Nov-31 Mar Wed-Sun 10am-4pm (closed 24-26 December. Also closed Mon-Fri in Jan and Feb and when Lord Walden is in residence)
Phone: 01304 364288 Back
Wingham Bird Park
Come and meet our collection of waterfowl, parrots, owls, emus and many more in 25 acres of beautiful Kent countryside. There's a lake and pet village and for a real "bird's eye view" enjoy a stroll in Wingham's special walk-through aviaries. With an exhibition room and adventure playground, there's something for everyone, all year round.
Location: on A257, Wingham, Nr. Canterbury
Open: daily 10am-6pm
Phone: 01227 720836 Back
World Naval Base
World Naval Base is a radically new approach to leisure - an 80 acre Historic and Educational Theme Park, where you can have fun, go back in time for real and take home an understanding of over 400 years of Maritime history.
The Royal Navy has had a link with Chatham since the reign of Henry VIII. Through the days of Empire and the Age of Sail, colonial wars, global conflict and up to the secret years of the cold war, World Naval Base packs masses of living history into an exhilarating day out.
For 175 years the volunteer crews of the RNLI have risked their lives to save others in peril at sea. Lifeboat! is their story - a story of heroism, sacrifice, human and technical achievement in the face of appalling and often dangerous weather conditions. Lifeboat!, a live action display of 15 lifeboats, archive film and artefacts.
Wooden Walls allows you to experience an animatronic adventure with the sights, sounds and smells of the 18th century dockyard. Join William Crockwell, a young apprentice as he meets the characters who work at Chatham's Royal Dockyard and learns how the "man-o-war" Valiant was built, from the drawing board at the Admiralty through to her maiden voyage against the French.
In the 19th century Ropery you will learn all about rope and rope making. Follow the processes from the raw materials, spinning and forming strands to closing the rope on the 1/4 mile long Ropewalk. Watch rope being made by traditional craftsman in this unique setting.
The Historical Society Museum displays a fascinating collection of artefacts and personal belongings from the men who built the ships of the Royal Navy in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Look out for members of your family in the many photographs and models.
Three of the world's most powerful historic Warships set in an action-packed Second World War naval base. Discover the fear of a real air raid as the base comes under attack while the famous WW2 destroyer HMS Cavalier and the spy submarine Ocelot prepare for another mission. The Victorian naval sloop, Gannet, completes this
thrilling display of over 100 years of naval history.
Location: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent
Open: Times vary - please check
Phone: 01634 823800 Map Location
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