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 Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Kent, United Kingdom including Dover Castle, The White Cliffs of Dover, Leeds Castle, Royal Military Canal, The Shell Grotto, Rochester Cathedral, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Rochester Castle, Viking Coastal Trail, Westgate Gardens.
Restaurants in Kent
1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 :-)
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
