Days Out

Deal Castle

Another of Henry VIII’s chain of forts. There is a really good cycle-path along the beachfront linking Walmer and Deal Castles.

Dover Castle

Boasting the longest history of any fortress in Britain, this castle was begun by William the Conqueror in 1066 and over the centuries has been massively altered and extended.

Sandwich

This inland medieval town stands on the River Stour which was once wide and deep enough to allow large ships to sail right into its harbour, making it one of the famous defensive Cinque ports of Kent.

Canterbury

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of the Cathedral founded in 597 AD, St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest parish church in England still in regular use. Alongside these is Canterbury Tales, where you can step back into the Middle Ages and join the pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral. Fascinating and fun.

Deal

A pathway runs along the edge of the sea from Walmer to this delightfully uncommercialised seaside town with a long and haunting history of smugglers and contraband. Small fishing boats are still hauled up on its pebbly beach and the catch of the day sold to passers by.

Seal Encounters

An exciting 90 minute trip on a high speed Windrider boat from Ramsgate Harbour to the seal colony at Goodwin Sands. Great for children and big kids with cameras!

Nature reserves and bird watching

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have reserves at Blean Woods and Dungeness. See woodpeckers and, in summer, nightingales at Blean Woods and migrating birds making first landfall at Dungeness.

North Down Way

Over 150 miles of footpaths from the Surrey Hills, across the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the White Cliffs of Dover.

Kentish Food and Farmers’ Markets

Often known as The Garden of England, Kent certainly lives up to its name. You can visit farmers’ markets, tour and taste at vineyards, visit hop gardens and ancient breweries, buy fresh Whitstable oysters, cook melt-in-the-mouth Dover sole or grill succulent Romney Marsh lamb cutlets. Fresh fruit abounds with apples, pears, plums, cherries and damsons all grown in the county.