9 of the Best Things to Do in Kent

Where to begin with Kent? An authentic home county and a tapestry of pristine British countryside, this county is undisputedly one of England's best.

Kent is especially good for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for places to have fun. Across the county, a wide variety of memorable experiences and fantastic days out await those who visit or live in Kent. From wildlife parks with diverse animal populations to beachside fun on the East Coast, there's something for people of all ages.

We've put together nine of our favourite days out in Kent to help you discover what the beautiful 'Garden of England' has to offer.

Things to Do in Kent for Families

1. Head to Dreamland

Ask any child if they'd like to go to a theme park and you can bet the answer will be a resounding “yes!”. The good news for families in Kent is that this charming corner of England has its very own theme park - Dreamland.

Found on the coast in Margate, Dreamland's merry, dizzying and extravagant rollercoasters rise above the waves of the English Channel, accompanied by gleeful (and sometimes petrified) screams of enthusiastic park-goers.

Dreamland also has plenty of options for those not so keen on big thrills. There are vintage attractions for the nostalgic, gentle rides for the little ones, and you can even ride on the Scenic Railway. With free entrance and pay-as-you-go rides, a fun day at Dreamland can be enjoyed by anyone.

2. Meet the Animals at the Hop Farm Family Park

Spending time in the great outdoors with farm animals is bound to excite any child (and adult!). Hop Farm Family Park is one of the few places where you can get close to furry friends. Meet ponies, llamas, goats, rabbits, reptiles, guinea pigs, and many more animals in their natural habitats.

A host of indoor and outdoor activities are available, including bumper cars, a fairy garden, a soft play area, and giant jumping pillows. There are also regular events, including magic shows, concerts, fireworks, and fairs, to beguile and entertain the whole family.

3. Go Back in Time at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Broomfield ticks all the boxes of an engaging historical day out. With an enthralling history stretching back over nine centuries, Leeds Castle is packed full of things to see and do today.

While the grownups enjoy the refi ned architecture and manicured gardens, children can explore kid-friendly features. There are adventure playgrounds to discover, falconers to meet, and 12 holes of adventure golf to enjoy. And for a curious activity, the castle's hedge maze will keep intrepid young explorers busy.

Things to Do in Kent for Adults and Couples

4. Tour Local Vineyards and Wineries

Kent is home to around 50 vineyards, wineries, and even a few breweries spread throughout the county. A wine tour is the perfect way to sample locally produced beverages and discover Kent’s long history of alcohol production that continues today.

Embark on a guided tour at Chapel Down, located just outside the town of Tenterden, and taste the vineyard’s award-winning sparkling wine. The Simpsons' Wine Estate offers a range of workshops and experiences to enjoy alongside wine made in the North Downs, such as flower arranging and Art Deco train journeys. If you prefer beers and lagers, The Faversham Brewery at Shepherd Neame lays claim as Britain’s oldest brewer, where the centuries-old tried and tested tradition of brewing is still carried out years beyond its inception.

These are just a few of the brilliant settings to discover high-quality alcohol in Kent, with dozens more to explore.

5. Take In Local Culture at Museums and Galleries

Take a cultural trip with friends to some of Kent’s varied museums and galleries. The Historic Dockyard Chatham contains over 500 years of maritime history and heritage, with various exhibits and collections changing over the year. The Dockyard is even used as a filming location, and runs tours dedicated to the popular show, Call the Midwife.

For a more modern visit, Margate's Turner Contemporary is an inspiring gallery situated on the seafront that offers free exhibitions and a range of events, making it ideal for an affordable yet exciting day out.

6. Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea

Whether you prefer a seaside setting or a countryside backdrop, Kent is the quintessential place to sit back and relax during afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is readily available at hotels, cafés, and tearooms all over the county. For a traditional experience, Tiny Tim's Tearoom in Canterbury is a small business that prides itself on being a time-honoured tearoom, and aims to provide a calming atmosphere for every visitor alongside the fi nest teas, coffees, and sweet treats made from local ingredients. Hotels such as the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offer classic afternoon tea served on tiered platters. This is an adventure made even more unique by the endangered animals that call the reserve home, which you can spot before or even during your meal.

Activities for Everyone to Do in Kent

7. Hit the Beaches

When the weather's good, the beaches of Kent beckon. Golden beaches stretch up, down and around the Kentish coast. The best option for somewhere not too far from civilisation, cafés, and toilets is Margate Main Sands on Margate's seafront.

For countless fossils and intriguing rock formations to clamber all over, Botany Bay is a fine choice for the palaeontologists among us. Quiet Samphire Hoe Beach is ideal for nature-lovers, tucked under the indomitable White Cliffs of Dover and dotted by grass and dunes with unique insect-life and thriving rockpools.

8. Walks Through the Countryside

From scenic dog walks to challenging hikes, Kent provides an endless choice of places to stroll through natural landscapes. Kent Downs National Landscape spans all the way from Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, and holds status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The vast landscape consists of several different environments to discover, including art trails, camping spots, beaches, and country parks.

9. Cruise Along the River

A trip to Kent isn’t complete without some waterside activities. Even if you can’t make it to the coast, a voyage along the rivers and canals of Kent provides an alternative way to appreciate the surroundings.

Canterbury Historic River Tours offer guided boat rides along the River Stour, which was once a key passage connecting Canterbury to the wider country. There is a range of themed tours to choose from, including educational history, evening excursions, and even Halloween tours complete with spooky tales from Canterbury’s past.

Discover Your Dream Home in Kent

With its superb coastline, its pristine natural beauty and unique historical landmarks, Kent is an inspirational place to settle down. The county is conveniently located for quick commuter access to London, with desirable locations to live, including Royal Tunbridge Wells and Holborough.

We have a wide range of new properties in Kent, ideally suited for households of all sizes. Start your journey to finding your perfect home with Berkeley Group today.

Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch for more information.