Top Things to do in Kent
Top Hotels in Kent
- 1. One Warwick Park Hotel
- 2. Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel
- 3. Crescent Turner Hotel
- 4. DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
- 5. Hythe Imperial Hotel
- 6. Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
- 7. Chandos Premier Folkestone Channel Tunnel Hotel
- 8. The Falstaff Hotel, Canterbury
- 9. Howfield Manor Hotel
- 10. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
What to do and see in Kent, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Kent, United Kingdom including Kent Owl Academy, Brooklands Lake, Sandwich Wildlife Park, The White Cliffs of Dover, Royal Military Canal, The Shell Grotto, Viking Coastal Trail, Godinton House & Gardens, Westgate Gardens, Joss Bay.
Restaurants in Kent
1. Kent Owl Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 195 reviews
The Kent Owl Academy is a family run business, situated within the confines of 'Kent Life' in Maidstone. Providing Experience days, School visits, Visits to Brownies and other organisations, Photography workshops, Corporate events and TV/Film/Media work and much more! Get up close and personal with owls and exotic animals!
Reviewed By GibsonsNZ
My son undertook the Junior Keeper Experience today and totally loved it! The staff we so friendly and informative, and we were made so welcome. The animals are so well cared for and are absolutely beautiful. The Academy is set in the Kent Life Museum which is brilliant to visit too. Great for families. If you’re visiting Kent, you should totally go. Highly recommend!
2. Brooklands Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Inland Lake and walking area
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
On the South side of Dartford Park there is a tunnel under Princes Road which leads to the Brooklands Lakes, there are also other many ways into the lakeside from around the area. There is lots of wildlife to see both around, on and in the lakes. There are two main walking paths that take you around the edge of the lakes the shorter of which splits the area into two lakes. The lakes are primarily used for fishing but there are lots of different varieties of water birds and swans can also been seen on the lakes. Terrapins can also be seen either in the water or basking on trees in the sun. A lovely area to walk around whatever the time of year.
3. Sandwich Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Sandwich Wildlife Park is Kent’s newest venue for up close and personal encounters of the wild kind, where you can meet some of your favourite animals. If you liked the surroundings of the Rare Species Conservation Center and the feel of Wingham Wildlife Park, you’re going to love Sandwich Wildlife Park – WWP’s brand new sister park! Our coffee shop on the other hand is now open so if you’re in Sandwich, passing by or on your way to Wingham Wildlife Park why not pop in for a barista style coffee by Lavazza and a slice of cake or panini.
Reviewed By Elliot_Page1
I got brought the sloth experience at Sandwich Wildlife Park as a birthday present and it was absolutely amazing! We arrived for the experience a little early so sat & had a tea in the cafe there, the ladies working in there were lovey & very friendly, wishing me a good experience & asking how it was afterwards. The girl who showed me around on the experience was a girl named Georgia, she was very friendly & knowledgable. She also took lots of pictures on my phone of me with the sloth which was good of her. After being able to stroke & feed Sid the sloth, you get taken around on a little tour looking at the other animals at the centre and asking any questions you wanted. Overall I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.
4. The White Cliffs of Dover
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,851 reviews
Reviewed By nigel567
We had lovely walk along the top of the cliffs great views of the ferries and the harbour on a bright sunny day
5. Royal Military Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By JudithTintern - Yeovil, United Kingdom
We visited 3 parts of the canal. We put our kayak in at Hamstreet - the bridge near the garden centre and paddled to Bilsington and back. Lovely peaceful stretch of the canal. We visited Hythe Lock and walked a fair bit of the canal. A good, free car park and stunning views. We also parked in Hythe and walked a stretch. Really lovely. The bottom line - its quite stunning to walk by and kayak on. For kayaking you have to have a licence from Hythe Lock to Seabrook which is why we explored further up - glad we did.
6. The Shell Grotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,231 reviews
Pre-booking essential. The Shell Grotto is one of the world’s most mysterious places: a series of underground rooms and passageways covered by 2000sqft of exquisite mosaic created with 4.6 million shells. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, when, or why. “The grotto is simultaneously haunting and homely. It could be a lost pagan shrine or have ‘A Present From Margate’ picked out in the shells - it wouldn’t matter. It’s still magical, mysterious and (once it’s in your head) impossible to forget.” Far From the Sodding Crowd: More Uncommonly British Days Out, Penguin Books.
Reviewed By Choxbird - Norfolk, United Kingdom
This is only a very small attraction but well worth a visit .. Had to prebook ticket due to the Covid-19 situation ... Amazing and mysterious display of shells lining a tunnel and underground room .. Friendly staff and nice gift shop .. Well worth a visit when in Margate :-)
7. Viking Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We decided to walk part of the Viking Coastal Trail between Minnis Bay to Reculver and back on a mid-week morning in April. The walk is about 3.7 miles in each direction and is fairly level throughout and with a good walking surface. We had originally tried to park at Reculver and start the walk from there however the car parks there were full and so we ended up at Minnis Bay and in hindsight we thought this was the best option. We found ample free car parking along the front and additionally, there is a large ‘pay & display’ park should the free spaces be unavailable. At Minnis Bay, you will find cafes, a public house and public toilets. We also noticed a cycle hire shop who also seemed to do four person bikes which is an alternate way to enjoy a ride along the coast. We started our walk toward the Reculver towers which can be clearly seen in the distance, passing some colourful beach huts some of which were being prepared by their owners for the forthcoming summer season. There is a good wide footpath on the seawall to follow for the whole route but note that this is also shared with cyclists. On the way, the walker can enjoy the views out over the Thames Estuary towards Essex and on a clear day the wind farms and also some of the Thames forts can also be seen with the naked eye. On the other side may be seen farmland punctuated with small steams and waterways. If you own a pair pf binoculars we would recommend taking them on this walk. Along the way we noted several types of birds including swans, ducks, sparrows and the occasional Kestrel as well as gulls. On our return journey we even got to see a grey seal sunning itself on the shingle beaches. Arriving at the ruined church at Reculver, there is much to see here and there are also cafes and a public house close to a grassed area if you are looking for refreshments. There is a visitors centre (not open on the day of our visit due to covid restrictions), and public toilets. There are two reasonably sized pay and display car parks and public busses also serve the area if you are not intending to walk onward (or back). The remains of the Church itself is well worth a look around, there are some explanatory signs to help if you are unaware of its history. After taking refreshments at Reculver, we started back to Minnis Bay along the same route leaving the towers of the church behind us. I personally think that this direction gives the better views as you approach Minis Bay with the bay stretching out before you. Arriving back at Minnis Bay we enjoyed a well-deserved drink before driving home after what had been a thoroughly enjoyable coastal walk.
8. Godinton House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Discover a Jacobean house with a Medieval hall and lose yourself in the incredibly beautiful gardens and ancient parkland. Fabulous events and workshop programme throughout the year. Gardens open Tuesday to Sunday: 1st March- 31st October 1pm-6pm. Visit website for House and visitor Tearoom opening times.
Reviewed By jackier59er
My daughter and I spent a such lovely afternoon enjoying the gardens, and then taking the circular walk around the estate. The staff we met were really friendly and so helpful, and the homemade cake delicious! Loved wandering around the different areas of the garden, with my favorite, admittedly, being the huge kitchen garden. Being able to then buy a bag of their Russet apples to bring away was an unexpected bonus! Thoroughly recommend a visit to this oasis of calm in a mad world.
9. Westgate Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,003 reviews
Reviewed By gailbh - Essex, United Kingdom
My husband and I walked through these gardens quite a few times over our three day stay in Canterbury, very peaceful and tranquil, walking along the river, also enjoyed a lovely cup of tea, weather permitting in the outdoor terrace.
10. Joss Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Taz3619 - Hawkinge, United Kingdom
Loved this beach had a fab day out car park is great £5.00 all day in farmers field opposite beach there is a shop toilets and rock pooling when tide is out. Still space on beach when tide is in but get there early as gets busy real quick on hot days definitely going again and will reccomend to anyone.
