Kent Visitor Travel Guide Page

We have compiled a travel and holiday information guide to help with your holiday stay in Kent known as the Garden of England.

About Kent

Kent is a county in the south east of England and has a nominal border with France via the Channel Tunnel. Due to its geographical position, Kent has often been in the front line of conflicts over the years, particularly World War II when the county was nicknamed 'Hell Fire Corner' throughout the Battle of Britain. Canterbury and Dover both fall under the county boundaries. Canterbury is the proud home of the exquisite cathedral whilst Dover is a major port for ferries and cargo ships transporting tourists and goods into England. Kent has taken on the reputation of being called 'The Garden of England' due to the high quantity of orchards and gardens within the region. The coast of Kent can boast a number of blue flag beaches whilst also The Medway Estuary is an important port and naval base. There is a royal harbour at Ramsgate with the White Cliffs of Dover an exciting potential sight seeing venture. Its close proximity to London and easy transportation to the mainland of Europe makes it a great area for short and long stays with the option to stay in Britain as well as reaching out to the rest of Europe.

Attractions & Heritage Sites within Kent

1. Howletts Wild Animal Park - Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5EL - Tel No: 0844 842 4647 Excellent array of wild animals with tigers, lemurs, black rhinos, elephants and gorillas. Regular talks and feeding times. 2. Canterbury Tales - Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TG - Tel No: 01227 454888 Experience the sites, sounds and way of life in medieval Canterbury. 3. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest - Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SL - Tel No: 01580 211044 This three hundred acre site has the finest collection of conifers in the world it is a stunning place to go walking, horse riding and cycling with routes for all the family as well as for the more serious mountain biker. 4. Dover Castle - Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU Dover Castle is a fantastic well maintained large medieval castle with views over the white cliffs of Dover with over nine hundred years of history. Managed by English Heritage. 5. Rochester Castle - Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SW Impressive Norman Castle guarding the River Medway crossing. 6. Canterbury Cathedral - Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2EH Pilgrims have been travelling to Canterbury Catherdal since the birth of Christianity in England for prayer. See Full List of Attractions in Kent See Full List of History and Heritage Sites in Kent

Towns and Villages in Kent

Kent has some lovely towns and villages to explore, below is a list with a short summary and link to more information about it and pictures. Ashford - is a major transportation hub between London and the Kent countryside... More... Aylesford - has origins dating back to the Neolithic period... More... Bexleyheath - is in the borough of Bexley which boasts over 90 parks for a variety of recreations... More... Broadstairs - boasts wonderful blue flag beaches and delightful architecture... More... Bromley - boasts the large Glades shopping centre that houses over 125 retailers... More... Canterbury - Cathedral is an excellent example of medieval architecture... More... Dartford - is named after the crossing of the River Darent and the road that leads from London to Dover... More... Deal - was part of the federation of the Cinque Ports... More... Dover - is well known as the last or first destination point between England and continental Europe... More... Folkestone - was a quaint fishing village up until the 19th century... More... Gravesend - over the centuries is known for its affiliations with famous characters in history... More... Herne Bay - derives it's name from the inland village of Herne... More... Hythe - Royal Military Canal was originally constructed as a defence against Napoleon... More... Maidstone - is the County town of Kent which grew up around the River Medway... More... Margate - is a lively seaside town with wonderful Blue Flag beaches... More... Rochester - is one of the most historically significant towns in Kent... More... Sandwich - developed into a major port town and accumulated vast amounts of wealth... More... Sevenoaks - was given the title of market town in the mid 13th century... More... Sheerness - is known for it's shingle beaches that have been attracting visitors for generations... More... Sidcup - is a suburban town with fast rail and bus links to London... More... Swanley - Park is a 60-acre park located between Swanley and Hextable... More... Tenterden - is known for being one of the most picturesque towns in Kent... More... Tunbridge Wells - has many churches that are open to visitors including the King Charles The Martyr Church... More... Westerham - is a medieval market town that was also mentioned in the Domesday Book... More... Whitstable - is a quaint seaside town famous for its oysters... More...

Useful Contact Information for your visit to Kent

Ashford Visitor Information Centre The Churchyard, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1QG Tel No: 01233 629165 Broadstairs Visitor Information Centre Dickens House Museum, Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1QS Tel No: 0870 264 6111 Canterbury Visitor Information Centre Sun Street, The Buttermarket, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HX Tel No: 01227 378100 Deal Visitor Information The Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6BB Tel No: 01304 369576 Dover Visitor Information Centre Old Town Gaol, Biggin Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1DL Tel No: 01304 205108 Faversham Information Centre Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, Preston Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8NS Tel No: 01795 534542 Herne Bay Information William Street, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 5NX Tel No: 01227 378 100 Maidstone Visitor information Centre Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone, ME14 1TF Tel No: 01622 602169 Margate Information Centre The Parade, Margate, Kent, CT9 1EY Tel No: 0870 264 6111 Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre Albert Court, York Street, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 9DN Tel No: 0870 264 6111 Rochester Information Centre High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX Tel No: 01634 843666 Sandwich Information Centre Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9AH Tel No: 01304 613565 Sevenoaks Visitor Information Centre Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LQ Tel No: 01732 450305 Swanley Visitor Information Centre London Road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7AE Tel No: 01322 614660 Tenterden Information Centre Manor Row, High Street, Tenterden, TN30 6HP Tel No: 01580 762558 Tonbridge Visitor Information Centre Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BG Tel No: 01732 770929 Weald Information Centre Old Fire Station, Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HF Tel No: 01580 715686 Whitstable Information Whitstable Office, Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AQ Tel No: 01227 378 100

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