Welcome to the Garden of England, Kent. Kent is a charming county nestled between the River Thames and the English Channel. The county is brimming with history, natural beauty, and cultural treasures. From the iconic White Cliffs to the picturesque countryside dotted with quaint villages, Kent offers exceptional experiences for travellers. In this guide, we unveil the top 12 best things to do in Kent. Explore historic castles and churches, wander iconic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this captivating region. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the very best things to do in Kent.

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Discover Anne Boleyn’s Home – Best Things to do in Kent

Surrounded by a picturesque moat and 125 acres of gardens, Hever is a fairy tale castle offering a  journey through 700 years of history.
Originally built in the 13th century as a defensive country house, Hever Castle is best known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII. In the early 20th century, American millionaire William Waldorf Astor restored the castle. His work transformed Hever into the romantic vision visitors admire today. Winston Churchill was a frequent visitor and one of his paintings can be seen in the Inner Hall.

Inside, you’ll find richly panelled rooms, Tudor portraits, and a fascinating collection of historical artefacts. These include prayer books said to have belonged to Anne herself. Outside, the award-winning gardens are a highlight. Don’t miss the Italian Garden, the Tudor Garden, and the serene lake walk.

Explore 1400 years of Worship at Canterbury Cathedral

Seat of the Church of England’s most senior cleric the Archbishop of Canterbury, the cathedral was established by St Augustine in 597AD. It has played a prominent role in England’s history ever since.

This was where King Henry II’s knight murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket after his exclamation of, ‘Will nobody rid me of this troublesome priest?’, establishing it as a major place of pilgrimage, as mentioned in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

More recently (in 2015) it was the site of the ordination of the first female Anglican bishop.

Today, the cathedral is a Grade 1 listed building, along with much of the rest of the complex. Visitors can view the spectacular artwork held within the cathedral or listen to one of the regular concerts held here. The cathedral is, of course, primarily a place of worship and all are welcome to attend services here.

See a Roman Lighthouse at Dover Castle – Best Things to do in Kent

Dover Castle’s position on the famous white cliffs has long been recognised for its strategic and defensive importance, and this has driven an incredibly varied history, all of which can be seen by visitors today.

The 1800-year-old Faro, or Roman Lighthouse, is one of only 3 remaining in the entire Roman Empire. It sits next to a thousand-year-old Anglo-Saxon church, St Mary in Castro, which is still in use today. Visitors can then move forward in time to the 12th-century castle built by Henry II. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars drove further improvements to the defences in the 18th Century, and Dover Castle served as a World War I fire command post. World War II saw Dover Castle play a significant role in Dunkirk and later became a Cold War nuclear bunker.

Walk the White Cliffs of Dover – Best Things to do in Kent

“There’ll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover.” The words sung during the Second World War by forces’ sweetheart Vera Lynn still resonate today. The White Cliffs of Dover are synonymous with Kent and England, a homecoming symbol for those returning from Europe.

The White Cliffs National Park has some beautiful walks, and on a clear day, a sight of France. The National Trust operates the park which is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths.

The adventurous can don helmets and head torches and descend into the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a tunnel complex built to house Second World War gunners.

Alternatively, stay in the fresh air for a hike to South Foreland Lighthouse. The White Cliffs of Dover are a wonderful thing to do in Kent.

Climb Aboard at the Chatham Historic Dockyard

One of the great naval dockyards which underpinned Britain’s centuries old dominance of the seas, Chatham Historic Dockyard is a vast museum to the engineering and crafts which kept the great ships of the line afloat and patched them up after intense sea battles.

Explore a Second World War destroyer, a sail and steam-driven sloop, and a Cold War submarine, HMS Ocelot, finding out what life was like aboard these vessels.

Other attractions include The Ropery, which has made ropes for 400 years, the RNLI historic lifeboat collection, and ad hoc exhibitions such as (in 2024) the location tour for the BBC’s hit series, Call the Midwife. Plan a whole day to get the most out of one of the best things to do in Kent.

Sample the Beer at Shepherd Neame Brewery and Oast House

Kent is synonymous with the brewing of beer, the strangely shaped Oast house is a symbol of the county.

Located in the historic market town of Faversham, Shepherd Neame is the oldest surviving brewery in England and offers a fascinating tour. The tour takes visitors through the history of brewing in the region.

Visitors can learn about the brewing process, see historic vehicles, and, of course, taste the finished article.

Dare to view the Bones at Hythe’s Ossuary

Hidden away in the historic cinque port of Hythe is St Leonard’s church, the location of only two ossuaries remaining in the UK.

Visitors to the church’s crypt will find themselves in a macabre but fascinating room filled with the largest collection of human bones in the country. Thigh bones and skulls are piled high in a wall of human remains, and a display of several interesting bones. If one of the knowledgeable volunteers is around, they can tell visitors some interesting stories about how the person died.

It’s open from May to September, so check the Church’s website to make sure.

Go Racing at a Formula 1 Circuit

Petrolheads can channel their inner Lewis Hamilton and book a track day at Brands Hatch, the home of the British Grand Prix. If you have a Ferrari or a Lambo in the garage, track time can be booked to put the car through its paces in a way that the UK traffic police frown upon.
If Italian Supercars are out of reach, experience days are available with tuition and track time. Cars available include a Formula 4 single-seater, a works prepared rally car, and a BMW M4. Alternatively, try a 4×4 experience on a horribly muddy off-road track.

Play Golf at an Open Championship Course

Royal St George’s is one of the finest golf links in England and has hosted the Open Championship on no fewer than fifteen occasions, the last being in 2021, when it was won by American, Collin Morikawa. Located near the cinque port of Sandwich, the winds sweeping in off the channel protect the course’s large greens and the bunkers are fiendishly difficult to get out of, even for the pros. Thomas Bjorn took 3 to get out of one on the 17th in the 2001 Open, costing him the title.

Golfers wanting to follow in the footsteps of legends like Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen and Greg Norman, Sandy Lyle must have a handicap under 18, and the limited visitor tee times are very popular, particularly in the summer, so booking ahead on the club website is essential.

Eat a Sandwich in Sandwich – Best Things to do in Kent

Legend has it that the humble sandwich was born when the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was deep into a card game when hunger hit him. Not wishing to disturb his winning streak, he yelled at a servant to put some meat between two slices of bread, and the rest is history.

Sandwich is a Cinque Port on the south coast of Kent, and has several other attractions beyond its culinary claim to fame. With hunger satisfied, visitors will discover a well-preserved medieval town with centuries old timber frame buildings, a Roman fort, and heritage centre housed in a beautiful windmill.

Visit Britain’s Only Desert – Dungeness

A desert? In England? Well, not quite. Although Dungeness is often referred to as a desert, the Met Office officially debunked the myth in 2015, but it is one of the largest areas of shingle in Europe.

Dungeness’ unusual geology has led to many habitat protections, as it’s a haven for unusual flora and fauna, particularly bird life. The RSPB has a large reserve in the area.

The peninsular is eerily desolate with a hamlet of around 30 weatherboard beach houses scattered around it. The shingle itself is strewn with the beached fishing boats of the owners.

Dungeness features two lighthouses, one still working, and a nuclear power station. There are also two pubs, and a nearby fish and chip shop. The End of the Line pub, serves as the terminus for the steam railway which comes in from Hythe.

Final Thoughts on Kent

Kent, the Garden of England, has something for everyone. Fairy tale castles, naval heritage, literary connections and beer!

Easily reached from London, Kent could be your next favourite destination. I hope this list of the Best Things to do in Kent has whetted your appetite for one of England’s most beautiful counties.

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