Top 10 things to do in Kent
Kent is the Garden of England, with castles, cathedrals, white cliffs and seaside towns close to London. Most places make easy day trips, and the coast and the Weald offer very different scenery.
- 1
Canterbury Cathedral
📍 CanterburyHistory, indoorsOne of England’s oldest cathedrals and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a walkable historic city.
- 2
Dover Castle
📍 DoverHistory, viewsA huge hilltop fortress above the port, with medieval rooms and wartime tunnels. Allow half a day.
- 3
White Cliffs of Dover
📍 Near DoverCoast, walksChalk cliffs with clifftop paths and sea views. The National Trust runs a visitor centre nearby.
- 4
Leeds Castle
📍 Near MaidstoneHistory, gardensA moated castle on islands in a lake, with gardens, a maze and falconry displays. Plan most of a day.
- 5
Hever Castle and Gardens
📍 Near EdenbridgeHistory, gardensA moated castle with Tudor links and large gardens in the Kent countryside.
- 6
Chatham Historic Dockyard
📍 ChathamHistory, familiesA former Royal Navy dockyard with ships, museums and hands-on exhibits. Good for wet weather too.
- 7
Rochester Castle
📍 RochesterHistory, viewsA Norman castle keep with views over the River Medway, next to Rochester Cathedral.
- 8
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
📍 Near CranbrookGardensA famous garden made up of linked outdoor rooms, with a tower to climb and countryside walks.
- 9
Knole
📍 SevenoaksHouse, deer parkA huge historic house in a medieval deer park, with good walks.
- 10
Margate and Dreamland
📍 MargateSeaside, familiesA classic seaside town with a retro amusement park, a sandy beach and the Turner Contemporary gallery.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.