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 Things to do Good for Couples
Discover the best top things to do in Kent, United Kingdom including Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, The White Cliffs of Dover, Leeds Castle, Royal Military Canal, The Shell Grotto, Rochester Cathedral, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Rochester Castle, Godinton House & Gardens.
Restaurants in Kent
1. Canterbury Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,899 reviews
The first Church of England, this historic gothic-style cathedral dates back to 597, which served as a rich and powerful monastery of Benedictine monks in the 12th century.
Reviewed By ianhB1787OH - Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Visited to explore the grounds and the interior, booked one of the local guides to take us on tour and this added such a nice insight into the history and fabric of the magnificent building. 100% enjoyable and well worth the charge, its a must for anyone visiting this part of the UK.
2. Dover Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,108 reviews
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Roam through centuries of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the 20th century, in an action-packed day out.
Reviewed By TEK1904 - St Ives, United Kingdom
We have just returned from an absolutely phenomenal weekend staying in the grounds of Dover Castle. From the tunnel tours to the Great Tower steeped in history, to the views across the English Channel and the access to the grounds before and after hours we were totally blown away and awestruck. A special mention to all the staff throughout our stay who were friendly, informative, helpful, enthusiastic and passionate about such an incredible place . Not forgetting Lesley the housekeeper who ensured our stay was spot on. An absolute credit to English heritage and Dover Castle. We will most definitely be returning. Highly recommend.
3. 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
4. Leeds Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,860 reviews
Considered one of the most romantic castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860.
Reviewed By aw1955 - London, United Kingdom
Absolutely lovely all round, the staff are very polite friendly and knowledgeable, the gardens and grounds are beautiful, the castle is very interesting there's a visual display showing how it was and how it changed over the years, the falconry/bird show is very good then you can go face to face with the birds behind the maze, the children's play areas look good but we did not have kids with us so didn't go inside them, boat ride and train ride ok, less mobile folk will love the land train from car park to near the castle.
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. Rochester Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,131 reviews
Growing in Christ since AD 604. This is England's second oldest cathedral. We are home to the Textus Roffensis, the only existing copy of the first code of English Law. Dating from 604 AD, this is the second-oldest cathedral in England.
Reviewed By 819stephanieo - Rochester, United Kingdom
Rochester Cathedral is such an interesting place to visit. It is full of history and has lots of information to read and learn about it's past. Even though it is a very popular tourist attraction in the area you ca always find a quiet space to sit and be with your own thoughts. The ladies chapel and the gardens are a favourite place of mine & my husband's to just sit quietly, light a candle and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The team of volunteers are brilliant, very friend and always happy to help or talk about the cathedrals rich history. There is a great programme of events throughout the year, they are very popular so best to book tickets. The refurbished vaults are very impressive and a great space to have a coffee.
8. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,537 reviews
Step into the heart of Chatham’s legendary ship building heritage and return to the ‘Age of Sail’, when the Dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world’s oceans. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a WWII Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell aboard a Victorian Sloop. Delve into the award-winning Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and imagine the crash of the waves as you explore the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats before gaining first-hand experience of life as a Victorian ropemaker. And don’t forget to check out the exciting programme of events and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Reviewed By Transitguru
Thank you trip advisor! Your reviews made us go, where the dockyard website might not have - it is confusing regarding pricing. Basically - when you buy a ticket it will be valid for a year (no option for ‘one-off’ ticket). If there is an event on you still pay extra, though discounted. We went for the first time ever, coincidentally on an event day. The website was so unhelpful that I elected to buy tickets on the day - this cost our group of 3adults and 2 seniors around £15 extra. However - the price for the event also included all the regular stuff too, and we felt was good value (£15-20pp) for even the one visit, but most certainly for my parents who are local and will return to utilise the annual pass. With the event on, we did not have time to see all the regular exhibits and we were there for the full hours 10-6. Even without an event on, there would be plenty to see at the dockyard. TA comments remark on the friendliness of the staff there - they are not wrong - it was exemplary. The dockyard is quite large, and it is a distance from entry to the ropery (you MUST visit the ropery). My dad is not registered disabled, but struggles to walk far - staff near the mess deck happily got us a wheelchair to borrow. Good (free) parking was well organised on site; exceptional staff (Deb & Brenda in ropery - brilliant); fantastic exhibits (do see the lifeboats, HMS Ocelot, Cavalier etc). I really cannot encourage you enough to visit. Absolutely 5 star, thank you
9. Rochester Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,227 reviews
Built in 1087, this castle is one of England's finest and best preserved examples of Norman architecture.
Reviewed By W5267XHannam - London, United Kingdom
I visited Rochester Castle in both July and August. It really is very imposing, and apparently the tallest castle in the UK. While it is just a shell of its former glory it is really worth the climb to the top just for the spectacular views and the great photo opportunities. You will get your best view and photos of the cathedral from the top of the castle, and great views over the town and the Medway. It is it's a difficult climb though for those who have walking difficulties or anyone with a vestibular disorder as there are a lot of spirals going on. The Castle is equally impressive from the ground a good place just to sit and while a couple of hours away read a book or for children to play. There are toilet facilities and a small kiosk serving teas coffees snacks and ice cream. I was there over bank holiday weekend and it wasn't particularly crowded it was still quiet and peaceful.
10. 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.
