Places to Visit in Kent

Originally the site of a manor for the Saxon Royal Family, the site of Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, residence to six medieval Queens, the palace of Henry VIII and a 1920's country retreat. Visitors can journey through 1000 years of history in the Castle, and walk through the 500 acre parkland of gardens and attractions including a maze, grotto, falconry, and aviary, which is home to over 100 rare and endangered species.  Leeds Castle also has 9-hole, par 33 pay and play golf course.

Birds & Beasts Roadshow 11th-19th February. Not for the faint hearted! Visit the marquee near the maze area and meet creepy crawlies up close. Enjoy a fantastic experience which is both educational and fun. With a range of animals, birds, spiders and snakes this is truly a wild experience. Three shows per day at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. An additional charge of £1.50 per child will apply (under 4s free). Children will also be able to have their face painted (small additional charge). 

Moated castle dating back to the 13th century and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Later acquired by William Waldorf Astor who created the spectacular gardens, and a house of beautiful furniture, paintings and tapestry. The Yew Maze, a miniature model house exhibition, and an adventure playground are other attractions at this historical castle.

Described as the grandest and most perfectly preserved example of a fortified manor house in England.  Staterooms, tapestries, furniture, portraits and armour on display.  In addition to the manor house, there are 10 acres of gardens, a toy museum and a venture playground.

British Maritime History going back 400 years.  Set in 80 acres, the dockyard is home to 100 buildings and structures, most of which were built between 1704-1855.  As well as museums, historic maritime ships and submarines to see, there are also 17 RNLI vessels that have been used over the years to save lives.

The Museum is housed in a large 16th century manor house with various collections including a costume gallery, objects of natural history, fossils, military memorabilia, Egyptian Mummy, and life size dinosaurs. There are interactive areas, as well as regular exhibitions, workshops and children’s activities.

As well as various animals for the children to see including, horses, pigs, cows, rabbits, poultry and birds of prey, there are also indoor and outdoor play areas, and a mower museum exhibiting 50 mowers dating back to the 1800s.

The Finchcocks is a Georgian manor located in an unspoilt setting of the Kent countryside, and houses a large collection of historical keyboard instruments.  The collection has over 100 keyboard instruments, chamber organs, virginals, harpsichords, clavichords and early pianos.  There are also musical boxes, barrel organs, musicals pictures and prints.

Established in 1946, the museum has a collection of horse-drawn carriages and vehicles housed in 14th century stables.  The collection includes royal state carriages, horse drawn sledges, Queen Victoria’s miniature carriages,  governess carts and gigs.

One of England’s oldest infantry regiments, the museum displays pictures, medals, uniforms, mess silver and other artefacts tracing the history of the regiment from Elizabethan times to 1961.

Collections from the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Regiment and its earlier units, the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles, Queen's Own West Kent Yeomanry and 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters). On display are uniforms, weapons, badges, medals, pictures and photographs.

There's so much new to do at Kent's premier heritage farm attraction. Twenty-eight acres of fun including improved family activities, exciting new indoor and outdoor play area, traditional breeds, discovery trails and a brilliant new hands-on Pet Corner. Plus year round events galore, from school holiday fun to the Cobtree Country Fayre, Beer & Hop Festival, Apple & Cider Festival, Halloween experience, Bonfire & Fireworks spectacular.
 

Dover Castle sits high about the white cliffs, with magnificent views over the Channel, and has been pivotal to England’s defence since its early fortress days dating back to Roman times. The Castle was built by Henry in the 12th century and was later modified by Henry VIII, and the Dunkirk evacuations were overseen from the extensive network of tunnels built into the cliffs beneath the castle. Visitors can walk the secret tunnels, tour the underground hospital, see the Command Centre from where Sir Winston Churchill watched the Battle of Britain.

Heritage railway running steam and heritage diesel trains offering a hop-on, hop-off ten and a half mile service between Tenterden and Kentish Weald.  The dining train runs at certain times of the week, with occassional themed events, and for the children, Thomas the Tank and friends.

Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe,Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence where the Duke of Wellington once resided.  The armchair in which Wellington died on 14 September 1852 can still be seen. His campaign bed also remains on display, along with a pair of original 'Wellington boots' and numerous personal in Wellington museum. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother made regular visits to the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visitors, as is her magnificent garden, given to Her Majesty on her 95th birthday. The beautiful gardens surrounding the house also include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden. The remainder of the grounds are mostly wildlife gardens.