Things to do in Kent in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Kent.

Kent has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Kent. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

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Best events and things to do in Kent in January

Top experiences in January
We couldn't find any experiences in January
Holidays in Kent in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Twelfth Night (January 5)
Other notable holidays
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Best attractions for Kent in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Kent has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Kent that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Kent for January.
Canterbury Cathedral
1. Canterbury Cathedral
4.6
(14015)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Norman-built, CofE place of worship with organ recitals, Medieval stained glass and a vast library.
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Canterbury Cathedral is absolutely breathtaking. From the stunning stained glass windows to the grand architecture, every corner tells a story. The atmosphere is peaceful yet powerful, and walking through its ancient halls feels like stepping back in time. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing something truly awe-inspiring. The audio guide was helpful too. Don’t miss the cloisters!
Went on a Thursday, a week day. Large cathedral, bigger than expected. It did have some construction ongoing outside so that did affect the pictures of the building. Staff and volunteers inside were friendly and happy to tell you a lot about the history, for free. Ticket office staff also helpful explaining the differences in tickets. Very quick and easy. Cathedral probably needs two visits and definitely a tour guide to fully appreciate. There is a cafe and restaurant, and even a hotel. Toilet facilities were adequate. Good places to sit and read if you need a break also. Definitely will return.
Very impressed. More than expected. Magnificent architecture. Huge, light, airy and less dark and oppressive when compared with Westminster Abbey. Beautiful ceilings and stained glass and extensive history. Less ‘tombs’ and fortunately less busy midweek. During our visit a Chaplain addressed all visitors briefly from the pulpit, and offered a prayer, using the cathedral for it’s intended purpose as a place of worship - not a tourist attraction - as it should be. The entry fee to the Cathedral is very reasonable considering the cost of maintaining the building and overseeing visitors. We paid an additional small sum for a guided tour which was exceptional. Lucky to get a ticket. The volunteer gave us a lot of insight into the development of Christianity in the UK, the various phases of the Church during different occupations and global conflicts, the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 AD, the destruction of his shrine by King Henry VIII in 1538, all wrapped up with visiting the different areas of the building and outlining the many extensions and renovations over 1000 years! Wonderful learning experience.
A beautiful and peaceful place to spend the day. You can wander around the whole site taking in all of the history and story of the cathedral. There is plenty to see inside both in the crypt and the main floor. You can walk through the entire cathedral. There are places set aside for prayer and quiet contemplation. The outside areas are quiet and interesting to look at. Since the building has been cleaned on the outside you get a good feel for the surroundings and what it would have looked like when it was built. Hearing the bells on the hour was magical and seeing the places where St Thomas was murdered and the site of his tomb before it was destroyed in the reformation makes you stop and think. A fantastic day and a day of learning is never wasted. One day I will return to learn some more. Thank you.
Beautiful Cathedral inside and outside. Very well maintained. You might need two days to walk around inside and outside, lovely gardens with lots of historical information. We thought it was free to enter, but it wasn't. We brought tickets either £19 or £21.00 each (don't remember exactly) they are valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. Just as well really, we thought they opened early on Sunday mornings, but they don't they have Sunday service and they open at 12.30. We had planned to go somewhere else and couldn't wait that long. We managed to walk around inside on Saturday morning early when it was quiet. The cathedral echos when people are talking, it looses it's essence of peace and solidtude. Definitely check the opening and closing times when planning a visit, it isn't visible from the outside of the cathedral which currently has scaffolding surrounding it for maintenance work. I will definitely go back to walk around the remainder of the cathedral before our tickets expire.
Went for a short stay to see Cathedral and town. So historic and interesting. (Museum was great too...and free! ). Went to a choral evensong with the school girls choir, in the Cathedral....beautiful. Next day toured the Cathedral and amazing Crypt. Well worth the money. Walking outside to other historic sites in the Cathedral area, afterwards. We didn't book tickets,as at the beginning of November, it was not busy.
Stunning... Just walking around this magnificent building is a delight... And there's no charges. So with a beautiful cathedral and a lovely quaint town with plenty of food options you definitely cannot go wrong for a good day out..
The Cathedral is truly a jewel of medieval architecture. The town, where Charles Dickens once lived for a while, has its own magic. You can feel the atmosphere of English life, away from the hustle and bustle of London (in a certain sense, it conveyed this to me). In the winter, it comes alive with university student life, and I think the pace of daily life changes, but despite everything, it remains beautiful to visit, perhaps even better.
Dover Castle
2. Dover Castle
4.7
(16945)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Military museum, medieval underground works, labyrinthine war-time tunnels, with views and tours.
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We visited on a Sunday. The castle grounds are huge. There are 3 different sets of tunnels you can explore, two of them with a guide and the medieval tunnels to explore on your own. We spent the whole day there. Very interesting. Lots to see and explore. Good cafe for lunch. Highly recommend.
Absolutely a fantastic place to visit oozing with history. The site is large so allow plenty of time. It's also hilly and within the castle there is a lot of stairs. The tunnels under the castle were fascinating especially if you have an interest in WWII. Though they date back to the late 1700s. Tours are run at regular intervals and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. All staff were helpful and nice. We were able to park on site but I imagine school holidays could cause an issue sometimes. There's is a carpack for disabled drivers much closer and on a flatter level near the castle itself. Plenty of toilets dotted around the grounds and a cafe and ice cream van as well as one serving hot drinks and snacks. Small p.ay area with climbing equipment for children. Great views over Dover and the port. Also visit the Saxon Church that is within the grounds.
Was a wonderful visit,went there with a friend of mine and we explored everything the castle had to offer. Under the castle there are some interesting tunnels with a lot of interesting stories. You will learn a bit about the war and the importance of the castle in the past. It's worth the money.
You could easily spend a whole day here visiting the various sections of the large site. Of special interest to us were the Secret War Tunnels. It is a 30-minute tour with an informed and entertaining guide. (Unfortunately no photos allowed.) There is no extra fee for the tour. It is included with your entrance fee. There is also a tour of the hospital tunnels which we didn’t have time to take but would have been interested to see. We also enjoyed seeing the castle which is furnished in replicas from the period which we didn’t expect. Again, the attendants were friendly and informed. On a nice day there are lovely picnic area to enjoy.
Travelled from Folkestone to visit the Castle on my way home to London and could have kicked myself as id left my bank card at the hotel so didn't manage to get inside the castle which was a disappointment. The grounds are stunning and the views over the harbour are exceptional.
There is so much to see here - definitely plan enough time! I would recommend buying tickets online, if you can. If not, you can drive up and park, then walk inside and purchase tickets in the gift shop in the main castle area at the top of the hill. The grounds are really well maintained and the staff is so friendly and helpful! The various tours close early, so be sure to hit them first, then tour the rest at your leisure. We started at the top, toured the tunnels, then went and did the two tours at the bottom before making the trek back up. (I would recommend this route) There is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! The views are incredible and there is so much to see. The only thing we weren’t a big fan of was the gaudy colors of the decorations in the main castle - they reminded us of a children’s play set - but that’s just our opinion. It definitely didn’t dampen the experience! There are ample restroom facilities located all around the property. It seemed like the kind of place that might be difficult to maneuver in a manual wheelchair, but we don’t use a wheelchair so there might be accommodations we didn’t see. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!
Brilliant place to visit. Be prepared to spend all day. Lots to see and do.Great tower, keep,old church and ancient lighthouse, ramparts, secret defence tunnels, wartime tunnels,various exhibitions, battlements, glorious views across Dover and the Channel. Definitely a English Heritage jewel.
Absolutely worth the visit. We were scheduled to board the ferry and had a few hours to ourselves. We visited the castle and were absolutely amazed at how much there is to see. The local guides were friendly and very informative - their knowledge, not only of the castle but general English history, is very impressive. This castle is well worth the visit.
Leeds Castle
3. Leeds Castle
4.7
(13157)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Travel from a medieval queen's room to the 1920s, plus gardens, golf, zip slides & falconry.
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Where do I begin? Me and my Wife visited Leeds Castle while spending time in Kent for a few days and wow! We were not expecting this castle to be amazing. The grounds are absolutely huge with plenty of sculptures to see and lots of beautiful wildlife and nature to explore. We arrived around 11am and we're welcomed by the kind and friendly staff who were very informative and friendly. Gave us plenty of information about the castle and the grounds We were taken away by how stunning the whole land is. Absolutely gorgeous landscape. There was plenty to see and do around the castle before entering the main castle. We went to the castle to explore all the rooms that were on display before making our way to the gardens and then the maze with an underground grotto in the middle. It was great fun and we got lost a few times in the maze haha. There was plenty of toilet facilities including baby facilities if required. Gift shops and a cafe to get a drink and some food if you want We will definitely be coming back as you pay once for the whole year and you can come back as many times as you want
​I had a truly fantastic trip to Leeds Castle. This place is awesome—it genuinely feels like a jewel in a crown. ​While the entry cost is significant, it is absolutely worth the price because there is SO MUCH TO DO, making it an easy full-day trip. Even better, your ticket allows you to return for a whole year! ​The grounds are magnificent and incredibly varied, featuring beautiful hilly areas, serene lakes, and varied walled garden areas. Don't miss the maze, the epic-looking children's playground, the Birds of Prey display, and the unique and fun Dog Collar Museum (the only one, I believe!). Inside the castle is amazing, filled with great displays and information. ​What really stands out is the clear investment and the incredible staff. The whole operation is so well-organized, and there are countless staff members who were universally friendly, kind, and helpful. ​The café was especially great! The food was good, and the Lemon Drizzle Cake was absolutely sublime—a perfect break during the day. ​Plus, you can buy duck food in the gift shop—a small touch, but very fun for feeding the birds! Highly, highly recommend this incredible historical gem.
Wow, Leeds castle was stunning. Set in the countryside, the drive up to the castle you knew it was going to be spectacular and we weren't disappointed. The grounds are stunning. It just got better and better, the Maze, Falconry, castle. The food was good here and the restaurant was superb. There was a boat ride available on the lake, Go-Ape, play areas. You could easily spend a day here. The staff were polite and knowledgeable and the castle itself is steeped in history.
An absolute gem — the most beautiful castle in the UK! If you’re visiting Kent or anywhere in the UK, this is the castle you can’t miss. What makes it truly special isn’t just the castle itself, but the breathtaking landscape surrounding it — every view feels like a postcard. There’s something here for everyone: an incredible adventure play area for kids of all ages (the maze is a must!), a stunning collection of birds, and a truly entertaining eagle and owl show that keeps both adults and children mesmerized. Take your time strolling through the gardens and woodlands on your way in — and on your way back, hop on the charming little train or relax on the scenic boat ride. Both are experiences in their own right. The castle grounds have plenty of great dining options, from cozy cafés to proper restaurants, so you won’t have to worry about food. Plus, they host brilliant seasonal events throughout the year — whether it’s a medieval festival, light trail, or Christmas market, there’s always something new to enjoy. The ticket you buy gives you unlimited entry for a full year — which is perfect, because once you’ve been, you’ll definitely want to come back. Ample of free car park. I suggest booking your entry ticket online in case it's busy.
Leeds Castle is absolutely breathtaking — a true fairytale setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene lake. The castle is rich in history and wonderfully preserved, offering fascinating exhibits and lovely walks around the grounds. The location is peaceful, and the atmosphere feels magical from the moment you arrive. A must-visit in Kent and one of the most beautiful castles in England!
Absolutely stunning castle afloat it's moat. Beautiful gardens as well, especially the Mediterranean area. Enjoyed seeing all the various sculptures around the gardens. Lots to see and do. Fun maze to get lost in. The castle itself is amazing and beautiful inside. Had a lovely chat with one of the volunteer guides. He informed us that sadly no black swans currently at the castle due to avian flu 🥲. You can have a boat trip on tge lake but this costs extra on top of the admission price!
We stayed in accommodation on site, marvelous location for a three night stay. Beautiful landscape and gardens, use of all facilities on site during our stay, castle is a fascinating place to visit with lovely walks in the grounds, a visit to the birds of pray is a good choice. All the staff are amazing and friendly and helpful.
Lovely historic castle with plenty of interest other than the main building, beautiful grounds and lakes, there's a small road train shuttle from near the entrance to the castle, which is about a ten minute walk from the entrance, £1.50 each way. The falconry display is a must, the staff that do this are very knowledgeable about their subject, and don't forget to duck !! 😃 All in all a great day out. Oh and dont forget the small lake ferry and maze.
Hever Castle & Gardens
4. Hever Castle & Gardens
4.8
(13230)
Castle
Museums
Castle dating from 1270, with Tudor artworks and lavish furnishings, plus gardens and water maze.
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Hever Castle is a great place to visit. The grounds are great: there's ducks to be feed, a stream running through, plenty of grass to stretch out on on a sunny day. The gardens are lovely, with plenty of variety and interesting corners. The house is fantastic. If you want, you can grab an audio tour free of charge or just wander through at your own leisure. There is plenty to see and appreciate. However, if you are someone who has limited mobility, be aware that access to some of the upper areas are only via tight and winding staircases. There are no lifts, so wheelchair users will be limited to the ground floor. The gardens, however, have plenty of wheelchair access points. Parking is included in the ticket price. The food in the cafe is reasonably priced. The icecreams are excellent and also reasonably priced. Buy your tickets in advance. The gardens open at 10am and the house at 12pm. Plan to head for the house for 12pm and avoid queues. It really is a great day out.
Truly exceptional. A perfect blend of captivating history, magnificent gardens, and engaging activities for all ages. You can easily spend a full, delightful day here. ​Hever Castle is not just a building; it’s an immersive experience that lives up to its 'fairy-tale' reputation. As a visitor, what truly stands out is how well the estate caters to diverse interests, from the most dedicated Tudor enthusiast to a family looking for a fun day out. The 125 acres of gardens are stunning and a massive part of the attraction. They are meticulously maintained and offer something different in every season. Picnic is a good idea: While there are on-site cafes and restaurants, they can be a bit pricey. The grounds offer numerous scenic spots for a picnic. ​Wear comfortable shoes: The gardens and lake walk cover a significant amount of ground. ​Time it right: If you are a history fanatic, plan for half a day in the castle/formal gardens. If you have children, plan for the whole day to enjoy the mazes and playgrounds.
Such a beautiful place to visit and plenty of history... looking around the castle it self is very interesting, I would recommend taking the audio guide when offered to you as has plenty of information, as if it busy its hard to get to the information signs which are dotted about. The gardens are well looked after and beautiful to wander around on a sunny day. They have cafes and shops to look around to. The grounds are fine for wheel chairs and a buggy but the castle isn't suitable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hever Castle is such a beautiful place — full of history, stunning gardens, and peaceful nature all around. It’s a wonderful spot to visit any time of year. In November, they also have a great membership promotion, which makes it an even better time to join and come back again. A perfect mix of heritage and natural beauty.
Beautiful castle and grounds with a lot of history. Be prepared to spend quite a few hours here. The water maze was fun, and not just for children, be warned, you may get wet, but not if you are careful 😉. Autumn was a great time to visit for the leaf colour but I would imagine it is stunning anytime of year. Definitely recommended.
My wife and and I only got to see castle and gardens because we over 6 hours of time to kill before our flight from Gatwick Airport.It was was one of the best decisions we have ever made, we were lucky with the weather, it was a lovely sunny and warm day and the castle and gardens looked superb, but the garden were outstanding, ! The castle itself is worth seeing being the home of Anne Boleyn and her family, but we found the gardens magnificent and well worth coming to visit alone.
Definitely recommend to visit. Please allow between 4 hours min to visit the castle and enjoy the gardens if you love Nature. Perfect for solo, family days out. Preferably try to avoid to visit on rainy days. Otherwise a lovely experience 👌
We visit a lot of NT, English Heritage and other Historical properties and I have to say that this place is at the top of the pile. Superb gardens and lake, fantastically maintained. Beautiful house steeped in Tudor history (Anne Boleyn). Also Falconry displays, Pedalo hire and more. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended.
White Cliffs of Dover
5. White Cliffs of Dover
4.8
(1922)
Cliff
Nature & Parks
White chalk cliffs rise 350 feet from the sea, creating a dramatic vista along 8 miles of coastline.
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I recently visited the White Cliffs of Dover, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Despite the cold weather, the cliffs were absolutely magnificent. The chilly wind only added to the rugged beauty of the landscape, and I was grateful that it wasn’t crowded at all—this allowed me to truly appreciate the peacefulness of the place. The cliffs themselves were breathtaking, with their sheer white faces standing proudly above the sea. I took my time walking along the cliff-top paths, soaking in the panoramic views and the fresh sea air. The sense of solitude and openness made it feel like I was stepping back in time. What struck me the most was the historic significance of these cliffs. They’ve been a symbol of Britain’s strength and resilience for centuries, and you can feel that sense of history as you walk along the paths. Standing there, looking out over the English Channel, I couldn’t help but think about how these cliffs have watched over so many generations. Overall, I’d highly recommend a visit to the White Cliffs of Dover, especially if you’re interested in history and natural beauty. Just be sure to dress warmly!
I visited the White Cliffs of Dover for about an hour and hiked all the way to the lighthouse — it’s a wonderful place for walking and even having a picnic, with amazing views along the way, though the smell from the ships and boats near the pier was a bit unpleasant.
The White Cliffs of Dover are absolutely breathtaking! The views are stunning, and walking along the cliffs is both peaceful and invigorating. The trails are well-maintained, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take photos. A perfect place for nature lovers, history enthusiasts. Highly recommend going early for the best views and to avoid crowds.
Lovely 30-40 min walk to get to the lighthouse. Cute cafeteria as well for a nice lunch. Lovely tourist attraction. Great if you have a national trust membership. Highly recommend.
The White Cliffs left me with an unforgettable impression. 🌅 The sunset painted the sky and cliffs in golden hues, and the sunlight seemed to bring their whiteness to life — it was pure magic. I listened to the melodic songs of birds and was delighted to spot a family of wild hares hiding among the grass. The autumn scenery around was breathtaking, and I can only imagine how even more vibrant and warm it must be in summer. My walk was filled with joy and tranquility, and I will definitely return. This place is truly iconic in England — it’s something everyone should see with their own eyes. The roads are excellent, the area is well-kept, and the cozy café with delicious cream tea and attentive staff makes the visit even more enjoyable. The White Cliffs are not just a natural landmark; they are a feeling of harmony, beauty, and a true blessing. 🏔️💖💖💖
Great coastal path from the National Trust white cliffs car park, free for members,(otherwise there's an expensive charge) you don't see a lot of the white cliffs walking this way, unless you walk down to the beaches, and they don't look as white, I think the views from a far look a lot better, but it's still a lovely walk, and you get 3 National Trust sites on your walk, Fan bay deep shelter, wanstone Gun battery and the lighthouse, so a great day 😊.
Its amazing Dover cliffs i got a few pictures the picture was taken the second time when I went Dover but the second time when I went Dover I didn't walk in the clifs I was on a ferry but the cliffs are cool its perfect for pictures
A must-see! We took the train from London, walked to the waterfront through the town — lovely architecture and friendly residents, but surprisingly, a somewhat depressed area. We made our way to the top of the cliffs via the foot path, but you may drive or take a taxi to the top, which has a visitor center and cafe. The late-afternoon August sunlight beautifully highlighted the cliffs and hills. On a clear day, you can see the cliffs of France. One visit is not enough!
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
6. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
4.7
(5548)
Maritime museum
Museums
Historic Royal Navy warships & shipbuilding heritage in an 18th-century dockyard museum.
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Incredible place - bit expensive but ticket is for one year but well worth it. The HMS Ocelot is unreal and must see - most likely top attraction. The main building is surreal too - must see as well as Ropemaking building 400m long. If you buy tickets to the museum - car park is free otherwise it's not expensive at all. Decent food in the caffeteria and not very expensive too. Good for kids as there is a building with Lego wrecks so everyone will find something for themselves. Staff is super helpful too. Highly recommended.
Our visit coincided with the 1940s-themed event, which was exceptionally well-executed. It is regrettable that this was the final iteration. The event's organization was commendable. However, the Call the Midwife taster session, priced at £10 per person for a 20-minute experience, received negative feedback from our group, who considered it to be a poor value proposition and not representative of the full tour. This may deter future participation in the main tour. Despite this, the overall experience remained positive.
We have used our yearly ticket a few times over the year and always end up having a long and fulfilling day out. Engaging for grown ups and a 6 year old. We usually pack a picnic, but this time having exited via the restaurant, the food looked delicious and the menu is fairly priced, so we will treat ourselves next time. All of the staff are so lovely and friendly, but an extra shout out to Jazmyn today who was FANTASTIC! She was so enthusiastic and gave us some lovely information about HMS Gannet. We feel like we learn something new every time, making the yearly ticket very much worth it. Can't wait to see further development of the site over the next 10 years.
Great day out. Never been before. The historic ships reviewed elsewhere. The ticket is valid for a whole year,so I will be back in the spring. If you are walking from the station, it's a good 30 minute walk.
Well worth seeing , make sure you go in the submarine . Tickets would be more economical as a local as they last for a year so it was expensive for us just to visit once . But very interesting my son loved it especially
I can't over emphasis just how impressed I was with Chatham Dockyard. I went because I'd seen advertising online about a LEGO shipwreck display which as it turns out was ok but the rest of the site was FANTASTIC. I got to go on board a 90's navy submarine HMS Ocelot. I walked around a WWII HMS Cavalier a real time capsule. For me one of the best things was being in the exact place seeing where HMS Victory was built. There is a BRILLIANT walk through experience with characters that literally show you the building process for ships around the time of HMS Victory and earlier. It really brought it to life for me. The cafe setting is superb with many of the buildings being made of old ships beams, masts and more. There is a hidden ship under the floorboards so don't miss that.
Really great museum full of history and learning! We visited as a family with our 9 year old. She loved every minute from walking around the exhibits to the tour of the cold war era submarine. Plenty to see and do covering the whole history of the dockyard from its earliest days to its closure in the 1980's. We spent about half a day and could have stayed longer if we had the time. Tickets are valid for a year so if you are local then you can go back and dont have to do it all in a single session. Also there are some concessions, when we arrived we found out english heritage members get discount which was an unexpected bonus. Overall well worth a visit and we will be back before our year tickets run out!
A really nice day out. Good facilities, with better on the way, to keep you comfortable and caffinated. Plenty to see but the gem for me is the 'Ropery', the last of its kind. Book your place as you enter the site if you want to see it.
LeShuttle Freight
7. LeShuttle Freight
4.4
(2601)
Railway services
Sights & Landmarks
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“As a truck driver, I’m very satisfied with the Eurotunnel service from Folkestone to Calais. The check-in and customs process is quick and well-organized, staff are friendly and helpful, and the journey itself is smooth and on time. A stress-free and efficient way to cross the Channel with a lorry – highly recommended.”
Free coffee and lately free snacks won't make up for overall cleanliness and horrendous state of the Club Car bathrooms. Tap water often smells worse than what you've left in the loo; hope they use different water for the coffee machines! Quick way across, just don't touch anything without gloves.
More often than not one train an hour during the night. Understandable at the beginning of the week when it’s quiet. but mid week when it’s busy and the lines are full and still only One train an hour, terrible service. Quite often have sat waiting to get on a train for two hours because of lack of trains being put on!
Fast and good service, if customs go smoothly…
I use this service multiple times a week and in both directions. When it runs properly, its a fantastic service! But the calais side is by far the worst side! It is an unnecessarily long process just to get through to the lanes. Don't bother even checking the train times on the app as they stop your lane half way through just to send a half empty train! 4 departures an hour, but sat in the lanes for over 30 minutes? I wonder how they get to those departure numbers. The staff are friendly enough though. The coffee on board is rancid but the hot chocolate is nice enough. Toilets can be hit and miss to the cleanliness, but thats down to the drivers. And let's face it, how many don't practice self hygiene. The toilet flushes only work as and when they want to. The carriages themselves are right enough. But I wonder when the last time they were given a deep clean was. Using the service today, I had over a 30 min wait I the lanes and there were only 10 drivers on board the carriage whilst the lanes were getting very full. They could have fit atleast another 2 lanes of trucks on this train alone. They prioritise passenger trains over freight. In January 2025, they removed the duty free from the UK side from freight drivers but kept the passenger side to which we have no access. We was told this would be for 6 weeks or so whilst they build a new one. Middle of August and there is still no duty free for freight drivers on the english side. There is so much room for improvement, but you never see any change.
Nice and quick through the lanes at the minute in the uk. But why do inside the trains have to be so bloody hot get some air-conditioning pumping through them properly
Cool 30 not long
Excellent service. Booked day before. Turned up earlier than asked. Got straight on earlier. Easy, safe, great value.
Turner Contemporary
8. Turner Contemporary
4.1
(3797)
Art gallery
Museums
Dramatic spaces displaying art by JMW Turner and contemporary artists, in eye-catching gallery.
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It’s absolutely amazing to me as in experience. Each room of the gallery is managed and arranged nicely according to the growth of time. Each picture captured not the objects but also (in my opinion) the emotions of the people in specific, and the changes of the periods in general. Can’t believe it’s closed not long after my visit but hopefully it can be opened again soon. And please do donation if you’re happy, this place deserves it.
Dropped by Turner Contemporary during a day trip beach day to Margate and really enjoyed it. It’s free, super clean, and well looked after. I only had a quick wander before closing but it was still a really nice visit. Being right by the water is an added bonus. Worth checking out if you’re in Margate!
We spent a lovely couple of hours wandering through the galleries. All very well curated. Great for school groups. No entrance fee. Just donations requested. Small but interesting gift shop with pottery that reflects Turners key work.
I am always excited to see what's going to be on display next. The presentation is always top class with such attention to details. My daughter and I are frequent visitors.
It's free so always worth popping in if you're in Margate anyway. Quite surprised and a bit disappointed that there is literally just the one lonely Turner there. The other exhibits were a mixed bag really, two beautiful sculptures as you enter but the rest were bafflingly naive. Personal taste of course with any exhibition.
Enjoyable gallery. Airy and great light. However there is not a great deal to see. An hour and you have easily. seen everything on display. We went to see the Bridget Riley exhibition which is well layed out and displayed. Nice shop and coffee shop on site.
Always enjoy visiting the Turner no matter what the exhibition. It’s light,airy, has a great gift shop and cafe, entertainment for kids and decent toilets. We could easily spend a day here when the kids were small but now they are older it tends to be a couple of hours.
Hi all just been to the turner exhibition only one painting by him which we found unusual in the turner center lol The shell girl was good and the paintings and pictures buy the kids and teenagers of the area where good the sunken ship couldn't get my head around the chess piece where ok and the undersea world was ok .
Port Lympne Safari Park
9. Port Lympne Safari Park
4.5
(5790)
Wildlife and safari park
Outdoor Activities
Safari-themed hotel with a cottage, cabins & treehouse suites, plus dusk safaris.
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Fabulous safari park with a lot to see in a beautiful landscape. The rooms were amazing - our treehouse wasn't in a tree, but above the treeline with grand views over the park and the the landscape beyond, all the way to the sea. The steps are steep, but once you are up there the accommodation doesn't disappoint. The park itself has a lot to offer for all the family, with driven safari-style tours, self-drive golf buggies or walking. Staff is very friendly and helpful, and facilities of a high standard. The animals are impressive, and the conservation ethos and sheer space of the park sets it above normal zoo experiences. It's not cheap but still a great day out and highly recommended.
I recently stayed overnight at Pinewood Lodge with my two kids (ages 5 and 8) and had such a great time! The lodge was cozy, the beds were nice and snuggly, and it was perfectly located for exploring the park. The kids absolutely loved the primate trail and the Dinosaur Forest, and the safari ride was a big highlight — spotting rhinos, giraffes, bison and more felt like a real adventure. They also had so much fun roasting marshmallows by the fire in the evening and next morning, which made the whole experience even more special. We really enjoyed our meal at Babydoll’s Restaurant too — great food and a lovely atmosphere to end the day. Everything was well organised, the staff were friendly and helpful, and we’ll definitely be back. A brilliant mix of wildlife, learning and fun for families!
My husband and I had a fantastic time at Port Lympne. We stayed at the hotel for 2 nights in the Sir Phillip Sassoon executive suite and it was beautiful. We had an evening meal at the Baby Doll restaurant on our first night and on our second night we had an evening meal at Bear Lodge restaurant, and breakfast was also served in Bear Lodge. The food in both restaurants was delicious. On our first day we did the Gorilla Encounter, we got to feed the gorillas from the roof top and then see them inside, following that we had a safari and on our 2nd day we did the Giraffe Encounter and got to feed the giraffes. The staff on both encounters and the guide on our safari were fantastic, very informative, very welcoming and we had the best time even the rain on our first day didn’t stop us. Having the use of a golf buggy during our stay was also a bonus. Every member of staff made us feel so welcome and nothing seemed to much trouble, we will definitely be returning in the very near future
A fantastic day out with our 16 months old. What we absolutely loved about this park was the fact that the animals had SO much room. We've never been to a zoo before where animals have been so fortunate to be placed there. When we compare it to Howletts it's night and day the animal welfare. You guys have done a brilliant job here, animals come first. Yes, you don't always see the animals, but that in my eyes is a brilliant thing, cause it means they have a more realistic habitat. The Sunday roast in the Garden room was just brilliant, couldn't reccomend this enough. The service was also fantastic. We wouldn't hesitate coming back. It's great to support a park that actually care about the animals and use the money to better not only captive animals lives, but also animals in the wild. So refreshing to see a company doing the right thing for once. One thing to note, it is VERY hilly, so having a push chair was a work out for us with steep hills etc. we were pretty shattered at the end of the day, but little one loved it!
5 stars all round, without a doubt. We stayed in Mansion House, and the room was one of the best we’ve ever experienced — waking up each morning to the sounds of tigers, lions, lemurs, and more was unbelievable. We also did the Ranger Safari with Will, who was excellent: friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he does. The food throughout our stay was incredible, and the whole experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Truly unlike anything I’ve ever done before. Highly recommend.
Rhino lodge. Where to start? Staff were great checking in, we were chauffeured to our lodge by a very knowledgeable young man who was extremely chatty. The lodge was clean, everything had been thought of, like toiletries, some snacks and drinks. There were even robes and slippers for us all to use. To our children's delight there were Rhinos by the fence in the paddock so they were straight out to see them. Next stop was the safari, the guide knew everything there was to know and shared so much information. Dinner at Babydolls was excellent. We had a fire pit in the garden and marshmallows had been lift in the lodge with sticks for us. This was a lovely touch! Breakfast in the garden room was beyond expectations, the food was incredible. The highlight of our stay for the kids was our golf buggy and being able to go round the zoo after closing time and early in the morning with no crowds. Not a cheap 24 hours, but one we'll never forget!
Booked a night at the Hog Deer Creek accommodation for my partner’s birthday. Absolutely amazing experience all round. The park itself is excellent, the animals are clearly well cared for with plenty of space. The staff on site be it in the reception, concierge, facilities team, rangers or restaurants are friendly, organised and highly professional. The food was fantastic and the Giraffe Experience is definitely worth doing. The accommodation itself was immaculate. Cosy, well equipped and it was extremely fun driving around such a large well kept site in the golf buggy. 5* all round, will 100% be returning again.
This was a truly magical stay & experience, with my daughter and grandsons, aged 12 & nearly 10 both wondered why we would stay two nights surely we can do the zoo in one day !! Ummm they soon changed their minds having the best time ever and loved every minute. Breakfast at the bear lodge was delicious, BabyDolls restaurant was a favourite a more relaxed vibe for children than the Garden room restaurant which we ate at the second night, food at both was very good and wouldn’t expect anything less. I would highly recommend this stay and would definitely go back. We made memories together that we will never forget.
Chartwell
10. Chartwell
4.7
(7047)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Preserved country house with maps, documents, photographs, picture and mementoes of the great man.
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This is the former home of the Churchill family now owned by the National Trust. A superb property that has the feel of a family home throughout and not a country retreat etc, built to impress. You also get the addition of stunning gardens and grounds plus a gallery/studio housing Winston's paintings and sole sculpture. A really interesting property to spend a day browsing.
We went to Chartwell on an October weekday over the autumn half term. It proved to be a popular destination and the car parks were very full. There are toilets a fairly large, modern cafe and a gift shop close to the reception area. If you wish to see the house then it is necessary to book a time slot in order to control number of visitors inside. The house has beautiful views from the windows and is fascinating, being packed with family furniture, photos and pictures. It also contains many souvenirs and gifts received over Churchill's long and distinguished life and career as well as a collection of his many uniforms. There are helpful and knowledgeable guides in each room The gardens and grounds are extensive and were lovely even on a rather dull autumn day. In summer they must be ablaze with colour. Churchill's large studio is situated a little distance from the house and the walls are lined with many of his paintings. There is an interactive guide which gives information on each of them. The gardens are reasonably accessible but may cause a problem for the less mobile as there are quite a few steps and not all have handrails. There is a shuttle bus for those who would find the steepish journey from reception to the house too much or are tired after walking the grounds.
Excellent. The warm and convivial atmosphere of the house is palpable. This was a home, and that sense has been beautifully kept. And what a home! The walled garden is stunning in the summer months. The large estate and woods are perfect for exploring or just admiring the views. Absolutely worth repeated visits. Do book in advance, especially in the summer. It gets busy and entrance to the house is timed.
This was a very special, since Sir Churchill was someone I have been admitted and studied about. If anyone likes a history, appreciate a true beauty of British culture and their heritage as myself I would truly recommend this place. There is so much to see. The house itself has lots of room, then you got a big landscaping and trails around to hike, besides the main House there is art house - where all Sir Churchill painting are placed, cafe shop, local shop. However, my day made people who works there. Each room have a person who are very happy to answer any questions you have, full of passion and knowledge while telling the story. I was very fascinated and felt part of it. Each person was amazing, I didn't catch all names but I would love to Thank you all, especially Paul "Sir Churchill work room', two gents in art room (where I was amazed and like hypnotised listing) - indeed, everyone who I had a pleasure to meet - Thank you for your time. Highly recommend. Besides, I have met very helpful and kind people in town. Thank You - you restored my hope for kindness. For anyone who use public transport, please ensure about the bus who runs only 3x a day.
As Churchill used to say, “A day without Chartwell is a day wasted.” I understood what he meant after visiting this historical place for the first time. The estate is vast and beautifully organized. The rooms are fascinating, filled with countless items from Churchill’s life. There are also many paintings - not only by Churchill himself, but also works by artists like Claude Monet and Townsend. The house has retained its old charm; walking through it feels like stepping into a time capsule. You’ll find numerous artefacts from the Second World War - Churchill’s uniforms, documents, photographs, and gifts he received from world leaders. My favorites were his cigar boxes, Napoleon’s tea set, and the glittering gifts from Josef Stalin - silver, glass, and gem-studded fruit bowls among them. There are many other treasures from the most prominent figures of his era like General de Gaulle, King Abdul Aziz or Franklin D. Roosevelt to name few. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with scenic paths, gardens, and ponds all around. If the weather is good, don’t miss a stroll through the woods beyond the ponds - the tree house there is a highlight, and yes, even adults can fit inside! ;) There’s also plenty of practical convenience: a large car park, a spacious National Trust café, and well-run facilities. I’ve been visiting Chartwell for many years, and it always has something new to offer. Their current Halloween-themed activities are great fun for children. I’ll definitely be back - a truly inspiring place, steeped in history and nature.
What a history and what a well looked after home of great politician Winston Churchill. In fact, this looks like a very well presented exhibition how the great man lived and did. The grounds and gardens are equally beautiful. The facilities provided, like parking, cafeteria, restaurant etc are more than adequate. However, considering all the above the entry fee still seems a bit steep as compared to other similar properties of National Trust.
Visited Chartwell House on the 5th Nov. Sadly the house was closed for decorating for Christmas. However the gardens were stunning and well worth a visit in of themselves. The views were stunning and serene. A nice place to decompress. It would have been nice to see Winston Churchills home. But give me an excuse to visit again. Also sampled their spicy bean soup and had to have some apple crumble cake, made from apples from the grounds, delicious.
Absolutely fascinating glimpse into Churchill's private home life. The house is beautifully maintained, staffed by informative volunteers. The grounds are stunning. There's a great café too. Plenty of parking. Highly recommend as a day out.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
11. Howletts Wild Animal Park
4.5
(5084)
Wildlife and safari park
Outdoor Activities
Gorillas, tigers and monkeys in a 90-acre park with keeper experiences and treetop challenge.
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We had a truly amazing time at Howletts Wild Animal Park! It's a fantastic day out and felt very safe and family-friendly, especially for little ones. Our toddler (under 2) was able to run around freely, with plenty of open space and well-maintained paths. There’s a great variety of animals to see, including elephants, which were a real highlight. The park is spacious, clean, and clearly focused on animal welfare and conservation. A perfect spot for young families!
We recently visited Howletts Wild Animal Park and had a fantastic time from start to finish. Pre booking our tickets was easy and hassle free, and there was plenty of parking available when we arrived. The park itself was brilliant… so many animals to see, from big cats to playful primates. We loved watching them in spacious, well-kept enclosures that clearly prioritise animal welfare. One of the highlights of our visit was deciding to adopt a wolf, which made the experience even more memorable. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole place had a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back soon for another adventure!
What a lovely place! And animals are so impressive, playful and it feels they are really cared for. The lions were spectacular and we met some species we never knew existed (if you don't know what dhole is, now you have to visit!). A very long walk so make sure you have comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Park offers great cafés on the route with plenty of picnic areas (you can bring your own food), very well spaced, same with toilets, plenty on the route. Very clean facilities. Play area for kids is very interesting and young and small kids friendly. Good offer on food in pavillion. No need for wellies as everywhere is paved. Education centre is always busy so make sure you have plenty of time. I also really enjoyed the flora, would love to see names tags of some of the lovely trees and shrubs. Kids went free ont he day of visi (half-term promo) so found it very reasonably priced (but cafes are a bit overpriced). Car park is free and very near the exit/entrance. Thank you for a very pleasant day out :) my little one loved the anteater :)
Brilliant well laid out zoo. Each zoo we feel has a major positive over similar close by and this one was the amount of gorillas you can see up close and how close you can get to the the elephants. The stands by the elephant enclosure are fantastic and a great viewing point. Not every day do you get to eat lunch a few feet away from elephants. Great parking , plenty of cafes and toilets , play park for kids, easily accessible for wheelchairs, clean and tidy, lovely grounds.
Loved it!!! It is a great day out for the family, there are activities for kids to do and see, there are play grounds and not forgetting the amazing animals to see and learn about. They have a ton of different species aswell as DINOSAURS in the ice age area (not real ones lol). I would go back next time I am in Kent well worth the money.
We had a good time in July. The weather was fine and allowed us to see some of the animals. All big cats were sleeping, so we could not see much of them.... It's family friendly place, it's also suitable for wheelchairs and such. The place is clean, quiet and great for running children. It's quite big and so you better go with the opening time, that way you will enjoy the whole park on slow pace. It's great for quality time with your family! You will see lots of elephants and monkeys. My opinion is that the entrance tickets are a bit pricey. The coffee was also quite expensive.... It's okay for one time visit, but if it was cheaper, we would of go more often. Also just an idea, some places are free for children holding blue Peter card making them desirable to visit more often. If this place was part of the list, would definitely be visited more and recommended more.... Just for an example, instead of bringing my child in godston farm every other weekend where the entrance is free for him thanks to the blue Peter card, while paying the entrance for myself and the dad. Would be nice if it was free in Howletts Wild Animal park. They should definitely consider blue Peter cards in their schemes. That way people will keep coming back to their place.
Family day out , 1 adults and 2 kids (15 and 12). Firstly massive thank you for the reduced tickets during the summer holidays!!! (Only online) The park its self is fantastic, with plenty to see and explore. Sadly given the heat, we found a lot of the animals were seeking shade so we didnt get to see them. However in the four hours we walked the whole park 3 times over and manged to see some of the animals we missed earlier. All staff that we encountered around the park were extremely friendly and very helpful. There is ample places to eat and drink around the park. We picked the Elephant cafe which was reasonably priced with great quality meals. 2x burgers and fries and 1x hotdog and fried cost just over £30. Lots of toilets along the routes as well. Lots of parking available.
Love spending a day out here with the grandkids. Always a fun day and great seeing the next child's eyes light up. Along with the great work they do to help return the Gorilla's back
Wingham Wildlife Park
12. Wingham Wildlife Park
4.7
(7665)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Zoo park with feeding sessions, talks and conservation projects, plus up-close animal encounters.
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Visited today and would highly recommend!! The animals were well kept from what I could see and all the staff were friendly and helpful. I highly recommend feeding the parrots and visiting all the bugs and animals in the nocturnal house. Only negatives were the prices of food and drinks, spent £2.50 on a very small cup of tea. Soft play was lovely and clean and well managed by staff. The park was easy to navigate thanks to maps dotted around. Plenty of benches for picnics and a sheltered picnic area!
We just love coming to Wingham. I’ve been coming since I was a child and now I have my own it’s wonderful to see it still has its magic. The animals all seem very well looked after. We bought a membership and it is brilliant value for money and of all the local animal parks I would say it is the best for under 2s. We were lucky enough to see the new baby orangutan too! Whether you are local or just passing through - it makes for a brilliant day out!
Had the pleasure and honour of visiting Wingham Wildlife Park twice with a friend. 😍 Once when busy. Once when quieter. Loved it BOTH times! 💞 Reasonable entry price. Really helpful, friendly and professional staff. Wheelchair accessible. Seats & benches all over. Handy when I have a bad knee & chronic PSOAS pain. 🥹 Great choice of animals to see at close proximity. Great food and you can also take your own. It's so easy to tell when a venue is there to make the public smile OR to fleece you. And Wingham is kind and honourable to the core, which shows in the layout of the park, the staff etc etc and their Google reviews. 11/10. The PERFECT experience. Love you Wingham!! 😍 ThanQ.
We love Wingham and have an annual pass. The animals all look happy and content in their enclosures. There is lots to see and do. Tigers, lions and bears 🤣 also penguins, giraffes, gorillas, birds, reptiles (crocs), farm, nocturnal Hide out, and so many more to list. There is a bug trail, in door soft play, dinosaur trail, parks and mini golf. Lots of food and drink options, 2 restaurants, a food van and cafe in the park. We love going to Wingham, being members we like to go around 2pm for a quieter time. If your not a member I recommend going earlier as there's lots to see and do.
We had a beautiful day here. All the keepers we spoke to were lovely and very knowledgeable and talked for a while about the animals. We spent a full day here just strolling around looking at the animals. Definitely well worth a visit and I will definitely be going back again.
Brilliant zoo with plenty of animals in large enclosures. Easy terrain and family friendly. Daily feeding times for otters, tiger and penguins. You can get up close to the animals there’s even a lemur walk through where they’re roaming freely. Definitely worth a visit!
Came today on route to France with my son (ADHD/Autism). We had an amazing time. No issues on arrival with his ticket and me having an essential carer (proof provided). All the animals were out in the open for us to view and all seemed well looked after - I didn’t witness any pacing of the big cats like I’ve seen at other zoos - they were all quite content relaxing in the sun. The place was clean too, and plenty of staff around for help if needed. The gift shop was actually quite reasonably priced, too. The best bit was the Lemur experience - I had booked the Lemur experience for my son, and a huge shout out to Jess who helped us feed the Lemurs. The experience was over and above what was expected, and Jess was informative and patient. The lemurs themselves were extremely friendly and obviously very well cared for.
Fabulous day out! Lots for the kids to do and see. Amazing giraffe paddock, you can get close up with them. The lake appears to 'boil with fish' when they come up to feed, just amazing!!
Shepherd Neame Shop & Visitor Centre
13. Shepherd Neame Shop & Visitor Centre
4.8
(65)
Restaurant
Store
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We had a very enjoyable visit to the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham. The station is only a short walk away from the brewery and the tour we had was top class. The guide was informative and interesting and we came away having learnt all the history and enjoyed some delicious samples of the product at the end of it.
A very first time visit to the Britain's oldest brewery. The tour was informative and tour guide made us welcome with his friendly talk. He explained the whole brewing process step by step and the history of the site. At the end, tasting experience was great. Btw good to know about beer rather then just drink 😜. Worth the visit.
Visited brewery for the first time today and I was amazed! I am not much of a beer drinker so I was not sure what to expect, but it was actually great to see the process of beer making and the history behind it. At the end of the tour we had opportunity to taste some beers and learn more about the taste/smell of each one. Special thanks to Nick as he was a great tour guide! It is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in beers or not!
I could not recommend the tour and beer tasting highly enough! I came here for an afternoon outing with my family and we enjoyed every moment! Our tour guide Nick, was extremely informative and gave us a great look around the brewery and explained the intense process that goes into making the beer. I learned a lot about beer that I did not know before, and about the long history at Britain’s oldest brewery. We also had a great beer tasting, and I really enjoyed learning about Shepard Neame’s most popular and well loved beers. This is a great afternoon out and you will not be disappointed.
Amazing tour and tutored tasting today. Tour guide Aubrey was fantastic. Highly recommended.
I found this tour to be highly informative and incredibly interesting. Not just in terms of the process for beer making but also on the history of beer and ale as part of the English culture and the company itself. Then as an added bonus you get to taste 6 different lagers / ales and stouts. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience. So much so that I’ve now signed up for the evening meal and beer tasting event.
Note. The tour is now £25. The shop Is welcoming and sells a full range of SN beers, plus a few other labels they are licensed to produce. Also sell SN branded items, from t shirts to beer mats. This is a review of the shop, not the tour!
A great experience visiting the Shepherd Neame brewery, Laura our guide was full of knowledge and interesting facts of the brewery. The tasting experience was a fascinating culmination of the tour. Would thoroughly recommend and hopefully enjoy a couple of hours looking in to the past and present from the oldest brewery in Great Britain.
National Trust - Scotney Castle
14. National Trust - Scotney Castle
4.7
(6673)
Castle
Nature & Parks
Castle ruins and Victorian mansion in vast woodland and parkland with trails and a hop farm.
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Beautiful scenery and gardens, lots to see in the castle grounds and the House is amazing. From the house to the castle is a little downhill uphill challenging for those with walking issues but it is worth it! Plenty of seating/benches dotted around if you need a little rest and plenty of seating in the food area. We had a very enjoyable time.
Beautiful castle with nice gardens you can walk around. Lots of seating areas outside along with benches to sit on as you walk around. There are public toilets a book shop a souvenir shop and ice cream stall along with lots of parking and knowledgeable staff members in different rooms of the house to answer any questions.
Amost interesting place, so much to see...and lovely walks around estate. Walled garden in car park full of colour and some pumpkins. Hexagonal in shape and easy to walk around. Inside house reflective of being lived in and each room had costumes on display as worn by previous owners which reflects alot of achieved acquisitions not normally seen. Walk to ruin castle steep but rewarded by good views. Dont miss boat house if you are sandman fans as thus part of estate was cain and ables home! 40 min lake walk good path and easy 2 mile walk. Quarry quirky where stone for building house came from. Dont miss cat on fountain at back of house.... We thought grounds better than sissinghurst. Oh yes no toilets at bottom of hill by ruin. So make sure you go at top!! The painting in dining room of dwarves Hunting worth a muse and comment as so unusual in any old property . Volunteers most tolerant of me telling them about sandman as not many knew much about it!! Last tip house/ castle/ grounds all shut at different times so check if going for pist lunch visit.
​Scotney Castle is simply one of the most beautiful and unique National Trust properties in Kent, offering far more than a typical castle experience. It is a true triumph of landscape design, centered around two distinct periods of history. ​The absolute highlight is the romantic, 14th-century moated ruin of the Old Castle, which sits dramatically in the valley bottom. The views as you descend through the sloping gardens towards the moat, especially in autumn and spring, are breathtaking and perfectly exemplify the "Picturesque" style. It’s fascinating to learn that the ruin was deliberately created in the 1830s to serve as the ultimate centrepiece for the landscape. ​Overlooking the valley is the Victorian mansion (the "New Castle"), a warm and engaging family home filled with eclectic collections. Taking a tour gives you a real sense of the Hussey family's life, from their collection of objects to fun details like the secret door in the library. Beyond the buildings, the 780-acre estate offers wonderful woodland walks, a productive walled kitchen garden, and a fascinating Quarry Garden.
We love visiting Scotney Castle with its beautiful house and dramatic looking castle in the valley down below! First stop though of course is always the cafe for a lovely breakfast snack and drink. Upon entering the property, all staff members were excellent at telling us anything there was to know about each room with their vast knowledge. We then took a walk around the grounds enjoying the scenery and views of the castle. We would always return and recommend anyone to visit! It may be recommended to book parking, as we found out upon arrival that without prior arrangement you have to park in the additional parking section.
This a beautiful Victorian mansion house with views over an even more beautiful estate that leads down to a ruined medieval castle. There was a real bounty of flowers at this time of year and the flowers in the walled garden were spectacular. Nice cafe, shop and second hand bookstore. Well worth a visit.
Beautiful and incredibly well maintained gardens. We were lucky that we had free passes from the paper otherwise it would be very pricey. We used public transport and the bus service is hugely patchy, the access guide will say there are footpaths but there are several quite scary bits of 50mph country road. It is possible to do it via public transport but you must time everything around the bus. After 1pm the next one was at 5:15pm
A really excellent place to visit. The gardens are extensive and somehow very relaxing. We visited over the summer when there was a Summer of Play area for the kids. Perfect for play, picnics and chilling. The house was almost something out of an Agatha Christie novel. It actually had a very gentle, warm vibe. It was nice to see the drinks selection in the library! You felt it must’ve been a fun house once upon a time. Some of the rooms - particularly the bedrooms - almost felt too personal for comfort. I felt almost like I was snooping round some elderly relative’s house at times. Nonetheless, a very interesting place to visit.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
15. Sissinghurst Castle Garden
4.6
(6002)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Extensive English-style formal gardens created in the 1930s by the writer, Vita Sackville-West.
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A beautiful place with intricate narrow geometrical paths guiding you through formal gardens bursting with abundant flowers and verdant foliage. Then there are informal woodland areas that let you relax into the unstructured escapism of rural life. A new addition is a Mediterranean-inspired garden. Also, the buildings are full of charm and beauty, including a row of large bold oast houses. And the impressive tower provides panoramic views across the countryside. The restaurant food is good and the staff are very friendly. It's a great place to escape to.
Another fabulous National Trust property. So much to see and learn about its history and the family that lived there. Extensive grounds and buildings. Definitely worth climbing the 78 steps to the top of the tower, great views. Lovely coffee shop, shop and you can buy plants there too. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Someone gave us an excellent introduction to our visit which was useful. Highly recommend!
I had high expectations and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens exceeded them! Cannot recommend a visit to this special garden enough, especially at this time of year (May). Abundant, romantic, and thoughtful plantings that are beautiful and differ from one outdoor “room” to the next. I also recommend taking the walk around the castle grounds that leads to the ponds and woodland. My children really enjoyed that space. PS good restaurant and gift shop too
A remarkably beautiful garden, full of surprises. I recommend setting aside a full day to visit the house and garden. The coffee shop serves delicious coffees, and the restaurant menu is enticing. The pet and garden shop is full of cute ideas, theres a second-hand bookshop, and you can buy freshly harvested organic vegetables from their very own garden. A walk through the vegetable garden and apple orchard is not to be missed, followed by a quiet period in the bird hide. Vita Sackville West, the co-creator with her husband Norman, of the stunning garden, has a fascinating life story.
Sissinghurst Castle is truly outstanding! There’s plenty of parking available, and the food selection is excellent with two different areas to choose from. The grounds are stunning, with lots of walks to enjoy, and even a lake where dogs can have a refreshing swim. It’s also a fantastic place for children, with lots of space and things to explore. Just a note: strollers aren’t allowed inside the premises, but they can be parked conveniently next to reception. The history of the castle is fascinating, especially learning about Vita’s remarkable and inspiring life. Sissinghurst is the perfect mix of beauty, history, and family-friendly fun – highly recommended for a day out!
Gorgeous place! The grounds are stunning, with plenty of lovely walks to enjoy. We explored the castle grounds, ponds, and woodland.
This National Trust property is called Sissinghurst Castle Garden, but there is not much of a Castle here. A tower in the centre of a large garden is the dominant figure and one can climb up the stairs to enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens and the landscape further away. The welcome centre is located in a picturesque oust house building with the conical towers typical of the Kent countryside. A building that used to be a stable now contains a large room which the previous owners used mainly as a library.
The flowers are great. Especially in season. The central tower is worth a visit. I recommend getting there for opening as it gets quite busy. You only get 30 minutes to view the gardens and inner court. But still worth a visit. The scones are also worth a try!
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
16. Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
4.7
(2095)
Tours
Heritage railroad
Coast & country walks & medieval churches plus steam & diesel locomotives with 4 stations.
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A great day out for the family. A super line with a variety of engines. The rover ticket works well to hop on and off along the routes. Great cafe and museum at Romney. Make sure you download and use the audio app for your guide along the route. Definitely recommend 5 Star
I’ve been coming here since I was 3 and have been Trainspotting and making online content ever since. I would 100% recommend this railway to absolutely anyone. Doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you’ve been there 100 times the experience is always amazing, the staff members and volunteers are always extremely kind and helpful.
Steam locomotives in excellant order and two available on limited timetable. Website confusing and timetable very difficult to read on a phone. Website only gives option of 29 pound rover ticket which gives free entry to model railway and warns cannot buy on stations. As we only wanted a short ride we opted to go from Romney marsh..which is best station to start from as has meuseum/ model railway. However whatever station we wished to go to was 22.00 pounds.,and no free entry to model railway. Timetable made it difficult to use rover ticket as left you at dungeness for 2.5hrs or hythe for 2 dependant if train was not doing 20 min turn a round. Would rec visit more in season for more flexibility. Cafe at dungeness poor...basic food options and had run out of fish and chips and pasties by 12.30. Nice line though and history very interesting. Best to go on warmish day as even covered carriages with doors cool.
Very good . We Took train to dungeness. And back again. We will go again but earlier in the day so we could have a walk around dungeness. Then catch the train back again. Very interesting model railway experience. Buttons to push to make trains work. And lights to turn on+ cable car .
Have always enjoyed this railway, have been since I was young. It has always stayed traditional, and a nice vintage element. Definitely worth going all the way to dungeness too see the desert environment, and also romney to see the model railway exhibit
Very interesting railway, staff were very friendly traveled whole length both ways. We had food at Dungeness and really enough the day out
Easily one of my favourite places in the world! The railway itself is a special piece of history. The trains are a masterclass of engineering. The staff are friendly and helpful. Just the perfect day out!
This is a great day out. We started at Dungeness end of the line and if you buy a Rover ticket you can get on and off the train at any stop to explore. Not been on here since I was a child, its still great fun.
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