Explore Kent & find the many great places and attractions in the Garden Of England
Areas To Visit In Kent
Kent is full of unique and historic castles, attractions, theatres, galleries & museums. It also offers a range of activities – from watersports, and theme parks to escape rooms. The county is also rich with beaches, county parks and beautiful countryside – it’s easy to see why it is known as the Garden of England. Check our Areas in Kent for ideas and inspiration on the many varied towns in the county.
With a packed calendar of events in Kent, of tours, vineyard visits, trails, visiting national and international artists, in the world of music and the arts, plus world-renowned themed festivals, local carnivals, kids attractions and events – Kent has it all.
Scroll down to see what the different areas in Kent have to offer!
Ashford & Tenterden
Ashford is a flourishing market town on the edge of the South Downs, that offers the perfect blend of town and country. Tenterden, known as the Jewel of the Weald, is a mix of old and new in complete harmony, where there is plenty to experience and enjoy.
Canterbury
Canterbury is a beautiful, historic city that has not one but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk within its city walls and find a place rich in culture and history. Its buildings, statues and historic sites are just a few of the many reasons why it is so popular.
Dartford & Gravesend
River boat and ferry trips, forts and fables – Dartford and Gravesend have lots of history and high seas adventure stories. Throw in shopping experiences with boat rides, mini golf, and a Princess statue and you won’t be disappointed with a visit to either North Kent towns.
Deal & Dover
Deal is a buzzing seaside town whose Castle was built by Henry VIII as part of the coastal defences, which has survived amazingly well throughout the Centuries. It grew from a small fishing village and is a ‘limb port’ of the Cinque Ports, which was once one of the busiest ports in England.
Faversham & Sittingbourne
Faversham is a thriving, lively area and the oldest market town in Kent with its well-preserved buildings. Complementing this with the community spirit of the town, there are also loads of things to see and do with plenty of festivals, attractions and, of course, markets throughout the year.
Folkestone & Hythe
There is so much to see and do in Folkestone, a town with such a rich and varied history and culture, with art trails peppered throughout the centre and surrounding areas. The Folkestone Artworks, the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art, sees artworks peppered around the town and surrounding countryside.
Herne Bay & Whitstable
The Victorian seaside resort of Herne Bay, with its historic pier that has a funfair at the end, and with beach hut shops, selling a range of items including, of course, the traditional essential – buckets and spades – means it is a brilliant place to visit. Herne Bay is a quintessential coastal town, with arcades and rides along the front and the pier.
Isle of Sheppey
The Isle of Sheppey’s natural and historical significance to Kent is intriguing and significant. Seaside towns, aviation and heritage museums with nature reserves offer visitors a mix of activities for a day trip or longer.
Maidstone
Maidstone is another Kentish town full of heritage, history and was once owned by the then Archbishop of Canterbury. It has a past of salt production, flour milling and stone quarrying, as this market town’s history goes back as far as Mesolithic times.
Medway – Chatham, Gillingham & Rochester
Medway attractions, maritime history, castle heritage and modern and action-packed shopping centres make this a great destination. Whether you want to chill by the river, enjoy a jet stream boat ride, or venture inland for museums, galleries and escape rooms, Medway caters for everyone.
Sevenoaks District
The Sevenoaks District is another part of Kent that will not disappoint. Sevenoaks is the principal town of the district, which has a wealth of parks and gardens, a stately home with literary and royal links, and lots more. The town has an interesting range of shops, walking around its historic streets you will encounter lots of independent outlets, beautiful old buildings in this bustling but serene commuter town.
Thanet – Broadstairs, Ramsgate & Margate
Thanet is home to Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, but also has other beautiful villages surrounding the area, including Birchington, Minster and Monkton. Thanet was once separated from the mainland by the River Wantsum, which was up to two miles long, with a bridge and ferry between them.
Tonbridge
Tonbridge is a picturesque market town on the River Medway that boasts a castle, theatres, breathtaking gardens, woods and parks. One of many examples of its wealth of attractions can be found at Tonbridge Castle.
Tunbridge Wells
In Tunbridge Wells beautiful scenery and history blend in perfect harmony. There is plenty to do & do with castles, abbey ruins, and a National Pinetum. Indoor attractions include great arts & music venues, escape rooms, and lots more.
