Quezi

Leeds Castle (photo by jimbowen0306 CC-BY)

Kent, often called the garden of England, has many attractions for a day out. Explore the countryside of the High Weald, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty with its rolling hills and large ancient woodlands, and dotted with Wealden villages, great houses and the site of the Battle of Hastings. Or try its varied coastline including the famous White Cliffs of Dover and windswept Dungeness; or the many buildings and castles which tell the story of over two thousand years of English history.

Here are three suggestions. Dover Castle has enough to see and do to keep the whole family active all day. The castle dominates the town of Dover which has served as the gateway to Britain for thousands of years. Built on top of the cliffs it gives you a wonderful view of the busy English Channel and Port of Dover. Explore the huge castle keep and battlements. See the Roman lighthouse and additional fortifications built during the Napoleonic Wars.

Then descend below into the cliffs to maze of tunnels which were built during World War Two to be part of the defences of Britain. Explore the Military Command Centre with its control room and communication rooms, and its hospital.

Leeds Castle is very photogenic, sited on two islands in the middle of a lake formed by damming the River Len. In fact its been used as a backdrop in many films. Explore over 900 years of history. Foundations built in the in the Norman period, a medieval gatehouse; a Tudor tower; and 19th century house furnishings from when it was occupied by Lady Baillie, a well-known society hostess. In modern times it was used as the venue for the Arab / Israeli peace talks in 1978, which led up to the Camp David agreement. There are plenty of activities for the children including a maze, a grotto, and aviaries of exotic birds.

Finally, Dungeness is a unique coastal environment with its windswept beach, said to be the largest shingle beach in Europe. Fishing boats dragged upon on the beach, small cottages, the lighthouse, and the nuclear power station at the very tip of the shingle promontory. A great place to explore and blow your cobwebs away. Take a trip on the world’s narrowest gauge public railway from Hythe to Dungeness (13.5 miles). Also nearby is a large bird watching observatory.

Dungeness appeared on the cover of the Pink Floyd album “A collection of great dance songs”.

Kent Tourism website.