Explore Kent

Where is it?

Kent is in the far south-east of England

What’s its history?

It’s known as England’s oldest county, with prehistoric finds dating back at least 100,000 years to the Lower Paleothic era. It was also the entry point, at various times, for the invading Romans and William the Conqueror.

Anywhere I might have heard of?

It’s awash with historic towns, such as Canterbury, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and Whitstable.

What is there to see and do?

It’s England’s oldest county, so you’re never far from a castle or ancient building. Hever castle is where Anne Boleyn spent her childhood, while Dover castle was the focus of many attacks from hostile forces.

On the religious side, the World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral was the infamous setting for Thomas a Becket’s 16th-century assassination.

Other places of interest include Winston Churchill’s former home,Chartwell, which is well worth a visit, or maybe the Historic Dockyard at Chatham, which charts 400 years of maritime history.

If you prefer something a little more relaxing, Sissinghurst is one of the world’s most celebrated gardens, or you can take a trip on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, opened in 1927 as the ‘World’s Smallest Public Railway’.

I prefer food and drink...

That’s easily catered for. The Lamberhurst vineyard near Tunbridge Wells and Tenterden’s Chapel Down Winery both offer tastings and tours.  Or if you prefer beer, Faversham is home to Britain’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame. For something non-alcoholic, head for Brogdale, home to the National Fruit Collections.  It offers tours and tastings of fresh apple and pear juice.

For food lovers, there’s a choice of more than 20 farmers’ markets, selling local delights, such as Dover sole and Whistable oysters, Romney lamb or Kentish cobnuts.

What about shopping?

If you’re an antiques fan, then you won’t be disappointed. Tunbridge Wells and its famous Pantiles is home to more than 50 antiques businesses. While Canterbury’s medieval streets are home to many antiques shops, as well as other specialist shops.

Rochester also has a wonderful selection of shops, including renowned secondhand bookshop, Baggins.

Did you know?

The first white lines on a road in the UK were painted on the London to Folkestone Road at Ashford in 1914.