Photo by: Steve Payne
29 fun things to do in Kent
Fancy a trip to Kent and not sure where to start? As a county steeped in history, boasting miles of stunning sandy beaches, and stunning areas of outstanding natural beauty there’s so much to see and do here. Check out these fun activities to make the most out of your trip. It’s called ‘The Garden of England’ for a reason!
Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in Europe, Kent is full of stunning sights and attractions. Take a trip to the mysterious Shell Grotto to explore a unique side of the county or go underground to explore the Chislehurt caves.
For those looking for an adventure, there are lots of exhilarating adventure activities to try. Take to the skies in the country’s longest zip wire. Or if, you’d rather stay on the ground, take a trip on the Spa Valley Railway.
Kent is the perfect place to take the family with plenty of fun-filled family friendly activities to keep the kids occupied all day long. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or to get creative in a workshop, there’s something for everyone.
Rochester on the River Medway is well worth a visit and is home to Rochester Castle, the tallest castle in the UK. A spectacular Norman keep that has stood for over a thousand years. Rochester is also home to England’s second oldest cathedral – a guided tour of Rochester Cathedral takes in 1,400 years of history!
Kent is steeped in history and has loads of well-maintained and beautiful castles! So you’re not short of choice. The confusingly named Leeds Castle is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake and surrounded by lush countryside. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace. Perfect for a day out with the family.
On the South England coastline, don’t forget Dover Castle which is a true fortress and was used as recently as World War 2 so has many interesting exhibitions that talk about the castle’s use through its long and illustrious past.
If your looking for some history, art and heritage to dig your teeth into then Kent is the perfect place to start and we are sure you will not be left disappointed!
Fun facts about Kent
- The world’s oldest horse fossil was estimated to be 54 million years old and was found at Studd Hill, Herne Bay in 1838, giving Herne Bay the special privilege of being considered the official birthplace of the horse.
- Henry VIII allegedly once sampled a bowl of cherries produced in Kent and was so delighted with the flavour that the county became known as the Garden of England. The county was chosen for its fertile soil, perfect for fruit and hops.
- The Resolute Desk, the desk that currently resides in the Oval Office and has served all but three US Presidents since 1880, was made in Kent. The desk was made from timbers from HMS Resolute and crafted at the Joiner’s Shop at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham as a gift from Queen Victoria herself
- Thanks to a combination of geography and sandy subsoil – which heats up faster than other soil types – Gravesend is often declared the hottest place in the UK.
