It might not be a part of the UK as famous as London or some northern cities but Kent is a county with a wealth of history to offer and some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Indeed, more than a quarter of the southeastern region is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty and many years ago it was its kingdom distinct from the rest of England. With hundreds of miles of coastline to explore it's rife with the kind of archetypal UK seaside towns and resorts that we all fell in love with as kids. So, if you're considering Kent for a summer holiday this year, allow us to offer you some top tips.
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
The towns
The seaside resort of Margate is a family favourite and boasts a range of leading tourist attractions. From the bizarre Shell Grotto, which houses an underground maze from hundreds of years ago that nobody truly understands the origins of, to Margate Dreamland - one of the UK's oldest working amusement parks (opened a full 70 years before the original Disneyland!), you will struggle to find the time to be bored. If you want to see the UK you thought didn't exist anymore though, check out the historic cities of Canterbury and Rochester.
The attractions
But while Margate might be the main draw, there are so many more exciting places to explore. From the largest pub in the UK (even if it is a Wetherspoons) on Ramsgate's beach to the ancient majesty of Chislehurst Caves. Then, of course, you have the iconic Dover with its stunning white cliffs. Kent has it all and so much more besides.
The history
Against the backdrop of the Kentish countryside, you'll find several incredible castles and National Trust properties. It's even home to the former residence of Winston Churchill. The history of Kent stretches back much further than the last century though. Indeed, it's so rife with a history that it could even rival London.
The dog-friendliness
Kent is probably one of the best places in Europe to take your dog on holiday. There are dozens of dog-friendly beaches scattered along the coast and most pubs will allow your four-legged friends to chill out with a bowl of water. The historic Battle Abbey and Canterbury River Tours are also just a couple of attractions where dogs are more than welcome.
The arts and culture
Kent is jam-packed with artistic and cultural events that take place at all times of the year with venues including the famous Turner Contemporary art gallery. There are dozens of incredible galleries in Kent ranging from galleries showcasing up-and-coming talent to galleries populated by some of the most famous artists in the world.
Perhaps the best thing about Kent as a tourist destination, however, is how compact it is compared to other counties. So, hop in your used Mercedes convertible and make your Kent summer holiday dream a reality.
Leave a Reply