Top Holiday Attractions in Kent - what to do, where to go and what to see
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If you are heading to Kent for a cottage holiday or self catering short break we have compiled some of the must see places and the best things to do. Whether you are looking for some family fun, visit relaxing and peaceful gardens or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kent then take a look at some great ideas below.
And, if you are still to book your self catering accommodation we have listed some great Kent cottages and apartments close to the attractions and available direct from independent owners and leading holiday operators.
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Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden
Attractions in Kent
Take a nostalgic trip behind a full-size steam engine on Britain's first light railway. Journey through 10 ½ miles of unspoilt countryside between Tenterden and the Sussex village of Bodiam and experience the sights and sounds of steam engines.
The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
Attractions in Kent
This fascinating Audio-visual experience located in the centre of Canterbury is one of the town's most popular visitor attractions. Step back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Middle Ages in this stunning reconstruction of 14th Century England. The Canterbury Tales is a stunningly accurate recreation of medieval life. With new audio guides, it provides an excellent introduction to the City and its famous literary connection.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury
Attractions in Kent
Howletts is set in mature parkland and contains John Aspinall's collection of animals. See one of the largest collections of tigers in the worlds and the largest breeding colony of gorillas in captivity. From close encounters with tigers at the glass-fronted enclosures to a high ropes adventure on the Treetop Challenge, you'll find surprises around every corner.
Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, Sittingbourne
Attractions in Kent
One of the best narrow-gauge railways in the UK; this stream train service runs along the line between Warren Wood and Stony Shaw, through attractive Kent countryside. There are 11 restored steam locomotives plus steam traction engines.
Diggerland - Kent, Strood
Attractions in Kent
A unique adventure park based on the world of construction machinery, where children and adults can ride and drive real diggers and dumpers in safety.
Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
Attractions in Kent
A unique open air living museum that celebrates 300 years of Kentish history. Traditional crafts are demonstrated in a working arm. This is one of the only places in England where hops are grown, harvested, dried and packed using time honoured techniques.
Eagle Heights Wildlife Park, Eynsford
Attractions in Kent
Eagle Heights is one of the UK's largest Bird of Prey Centres; currently we have a collection of approximately 150 raptors. This includes over 50 species, many of which are now breeding at the centre or can be seen flying in our daily demonstrations.
South of England Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford
Attractions in Kent
Meet and pet all your favourite friendly farm animals as you wander around a farm trail. The centre is also home to many endangered and rare British animals. Set in acres of beautiful woodland, there are plenty of places to picnic while the kids play. Whatever the weather come and enjoy a great family day out.
Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst
Attractions in Kent
Grab a lantern and get ready for an amazing adventure. Visit the caves and your whole family can travel back in time as you explore the maze of passageways deep beneath Chislehurst. During a 45 minute guided tour, visit the Caves church, Druid alter and Haunted pool.
Crabble Corn Mill, Dover
Attractions in Kent
A restored watermill dating from 1812 and in full working order with devices not seen elsewhere. Demonstrations of flour milling take place and there is a programme of craft and art exhibitions. Six floors of exhibits and milling machinery describe the process of turning wheat into flour, and this wholemeal flour is available for sale at the Mill.
Dover castle, Dover
Attractions in Kent
Commanding the shortest Channel sea crossing, this site has been the UK's most important defence against invasion since the Iron Age. It was built in the 12th Century and reinforced by Henry VIII in the 1530's. Underneath the nearby white cliffs is a series of underground tunnels.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Attractions in Kent
This Medieval castle, situated on two islands in a lake set in 500 acres of parkland is a popular attraction. Once a Norman stronghold, the castle has since been a residence for six of England's medieval queens, a palace for Henry VIII and a retreat for the powerful.
Roman Museum, Canterbury
Attractions in Kent
This underground museum of the Roman town is an exciting mix of excavated real objects, authentic reconstructions and the remains of a Roman town house with mosaics. See how little has changed since Roman times when viewing rare tools, or how much could be made of simple items like bones. Be amazed by collections of intricate Roman glass flasks and bottles, jewellery and a silver spoon hoard.
Druidstone Park, Canterbury
Attractions in Kent
Set in attractive gardens and woodland, Druidstone caters for the imaginations of all ages. Go on a discovery trail through the enchanted woodland and enjoy hands on experiences in the farmyard. Discover the sleeping dragon and other mystical and magical creatures in the enchanted woodland trail, home to a herd of white fallow deer.
Wildwood, Herne Bay
Attractions in Kent
Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, this unique discovery park is home to more that 300 animals from more that 50 species. See owls and otters, bees and beavers, wild boar and wolves.
Snappy's Adventure Play Centre, Whitstable
Attractions in Kent
Snappy's is a large indoor adventure play centre with an extensive range of approved play equipment all designed to an exciting dinosaur theme. There is a dedicated area for under 4's, a twin wavy-board slide and a Game Zone for older children.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham
Attractions in Kent
Visitors can enjoy 400 years of exciting naval history and architecture set in an 80 acre site. Explore HMS Cavalier, Britain's last WWII destroyer, the submarine Ocelot and the Victoria sloop Gannet.
Groombridge Place Gardens & Enchanted Forest, Tunbridge Wells
Attractions in Kent
In addition to the formal gardens, visit the enchanted forest and enjoy exciting playgrounds, huge swings, strange plants, giant rabbits and shy deer. Don't miss the raised wooden adventure boardwalk, the Dinosaur and Dragon Valley and the Serpent's Lair.
Farming World, Faversham
Attractions in Kent
There are more that 100 traditional breeds of farm animals to meet in this safe environment. In the Hawking Centre visitors can see many indigenous birds of prey in spectacular displays. There are also indoor play areas and crafts. A fantastic, working farm park attraction in Kent and an excellent value family day out.
Romneu, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney
Attractions in Kent
This was the world's smallest public railway when it opened in July 1927. It now runs regular passenger services covering a distance of 13 ½ miles from the picturesque Cinque Port of Hythe to the fishermen's cottages and lighthouses at Dungeness.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Hythe
Attractions in Kent
A 600 acre wild animal park situated in the gardens of historic Port Lympne Mansion. The collection includes the largest herd of captive-bred black rhino outside Africa, plus elephants, tigers and many more.
Dickens World Tickets, Chatham
Attractions in Kent
Dickens World takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Dickens' lifetime as they step back into Dickensian England and are immersed in the urban streets, sounds and smells of the 19th century. With a host of captivating attractions, Dickens World features the “Great Expectations” dark boat ride, the “Haunted Man”, Dotheboy's Hall Victorian School Room with touch screen technology, a 4D high definition cinema show in Peggotty's Boathouse, the Britannia Theatre – an animatronic stage show introducing you to some of Dickens' characters and Fagin's Den, a soft play area for younger visitors. Location: Kent (South East)
Looking for Accommodation close to Kent
If you are looking to spend a short break or holiday in Kent there is a lot of great quality self catering accommodation, ranging from apartments and cottages to lodges and chalets, to choose from. Of course, you will also find some lovely guest houses, bed and breakfast and hotels in Kent. Find out more by using the links below:
- Self catering cottages and apartments in Kent
- Lodges in Kent
- Holiday parks in Kent
- B&B and Guest House in Kent
- Hotels in Kent
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