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 & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Kent, United Kingdom including The Big Cat Sanctuary, Darent Valley Path, Kent Owl Academy, Bearsted Woodland Trust, Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Motney Hill Reserve, Romney Marsh, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, Samphire Hoe, Lower Leas Coastal Park.
Restaurants in Kent
1. The Big Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 992 reviews
The Big Cat Sanctuary The Big Cat Sanctuary is a conservation charity, home to over 50 big and small cats across 16 different species. We are proud to have the most diverse collection in the UK, from the largest, to the smallest, to the most endangered in the world, hidden away in the Kent countryside. We are a centre of excellence whose primary objective is the breeding of some of the most endangered species on the planet as well as offering sanctuary to retired and homeless cats. The breeding centre is proud to be part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Breeding Programme). This is a body that regulates the captive breeding of endangered cats by making recommendations for breeding to produce a strong, healthy and diverse gene-pool within the captive population to ultimately be reintroduced safely into their natural habitat to mix with their counterparts in the wild. Breeding success so far includes the Amur leopard programme which is the world’s most endangered big cat, estimated between 70-80 remaining in the wild globally, also to the Sumatran tigers, Amur tigers and Pallas cats. Big Cat Sanctuary operates by way of personal big cat experiences including big cat tours, individual and group photography days, overnight big cat safari nights and adoptions. All of which need to be pre-booked in advance of a visit. The centre takes pride in delivering fully immersive, personal and amazing experiences that will leave any big cat lover with memories to treasure forever.
Reviewed By TheHarve69
All staff wonderful Lodges are beautiful Cats are wonderfully looked after Paddocks and indoor homes warm clean Knowledge of the keepers is incredible,from individual cats, family groups and general conservation, not only in the sanctuary, but globally. Dining experience was exceptional, quality, quantity and sharing your meals with two patrolling male lions is awe inspiring Any time you can spend there is time well spent
2. Darent Valley Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Sandygranny - Sandy, United Kingdom
The Darent Valley Path stretches from Dartford Marshes to Sevenoaks town centre and it is 19 miles long. We enjoy walking and particularly like taking a leisurely stroll along some of the many riverside footpaths – the views across the valley are breath-taking and it is good exercise. While walking the various footpaths you will see the remains of a Roman Villa, two historic castles, lavender fields, plenty of good pubs, ancient churches and some really pretty villages.
3. 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!
4. Bearsted Woodland Trust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By mudzote1
Visited here for the first time today with our pooch. We all loved it here ! Parked in the free church car park which has ample parking spaces. Took about an hour and 15 mins to walk around the park fully. Lots of paths to follow, leading in all different directions. Good to discover where each path leads! Lots of woodland areas, meadows, wooden sculptures. There is a play park, mini maze and fitness equipment for children. Will return.
5. Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
Reviewed By greencx - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Visited this weekend Started with afternoon tea which was lovely Plenty to eat and served nicely We then had a look around the animals and the birds in their living quarters Enjoyed seeing the Huskies We then saw the flying display It was very informative We were told details and stories of each bird and introduced to them and their species Very enjoyable We had a lovely day there and would recommend this attraction
6. Motney Hill Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
7. Romney Marsh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Romney Marsh is known for its natural beauty, the diversity of its habitats, rich history, extensive coastline and its sheep. With excellent accommodation, outstanding attractions, fine food and drink, varied walking routes and many sandy beaches, Romney Marsh is an ideal place to visit, explore and enjoy.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
St Thomas à Becket Church in Fairfield is arguably the most iconic building on Romney Marsh. It is a beautiful structure that stands alone in a field, surrounded by watercourses and the ever present sheep. Fairfield, the village it once served, has long since disappeared, but the church has survived and is now part of the civil parish which includes the villages of Brookland, Brenzett and Snargate. The church is dedicated to St Thomas à Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. The building dates back to the 13th century but, not surprisingly, had to be mainly rebuilt in the 18th century, when the entire timber building was encased within brick walls, and the roof covered with heavy red tiles. The interior is a simple delight, with interior timber-framing, and low timber arches stretching over the nave, while the congregation is catered for via bright white painted, boxed pews. St Thomas is still an active church although services, I think, are only monthly. For obvious reasons re location and sheer beauty however, the church is also used frequently for weddings, and I couldn’t help picturing brides and bridesmaids making their way to the church from the road, and trying desperately to avoid treading in sheep poo on the way!
8. Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By vhawkes - Rochester, United Kingdom
Lovely place to go for a walk in the summer, easy to park for a small fee, good paths with views out to sea, lots of birds out there too. Got to see and walk past the ponies grazing today.
9. Samphire Hoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By TheKentishWayfarer - Canterbury, United Kingdom
Samphire Hoe's website describes itself as, "...Eurotunnel’s nature reserve created at time of the Channel Tunnel construction at the foot of the famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent (UK)." A beautiful spot, easy to access, with plenty of parking (£1 for two hours). There is an information centre (which was closed on our visit), a cafe and clean toilets. Picnic benches are scattered around the area. There are two walks. The first is along the human made sea wall (1.7km), and the second is through the protected waterside meadow and grassland. The view is stunning, with abundance of wildlife and sweeping majestic views out across the English Channel and France on a clear day. Roaming sheep and cows were an unexpected surprise. At the end of the meadow is the pebble beach, which extends for approximately another 1.5 kms, nestled under the towering chalk cliffs. If you enjoy the outdoors, photography, bird watching, rambling, and adventuring, you will love this place. Our 8 year old son said "I though it was really really great. I loved running around, seeing animals all around me, the beach was cool, and I loved looking at the massive chalk cliffs!"
10. Lower Leas Coastal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 998 reviews
New measures have been introduced by Folkestone & Hythe District Council in response to the sheer numbers of people visiting the Lower Leas Coastal Park. These measures include: Banning barbecues in the Coastal Park with immediate effect. BBQ pods have been removed. Refreshing the double yellow lines along Radnor Cliff Road. Installing a lockable barrier on the Coastal Park car park and close this overnight from 8pm - 8am to discourage groups from staying late into the evening. We are unable to release any vehicles over night. Installing additional signage and exploring the use of large electronic signage located at various points in the district/access points to the park areas. Increasing the amount of enforcement and advisory officers to give a higher visual presence. We will be issuing warnings - and potentially fines - to anyone acting in a way that negatively impacts on others.
Reviewed By clottieYorkshire - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
This park is along the cliff and under cliff of Folkestone and provides a lovely green walk between the town above and the sea below. It is a pretty Victorian experience - an amphitheatre with the sea as a backdrop; attractively planted flower beds; a zig-zag path up the cliff through the the trees to the bandstand on the esplanade above. And all the time, the sea and pebble beaches stretching out to give lovely views. What a treat - and all for free. I wonder if the funicular railway/lift works in the summer to complete the back-in-time experience.
