Things to do in Kent: The best beaches, towns, restaurants & outdoor adventures

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• Family days out in Kent
• Outdoorsy activities in Kent
• Great places to eat and drink in Kent
• Some of our favourite towns and villages in Kent
• Best beaches in Kent

There’s a reason Leeds Castle is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Surrounded by lakes and parkland, this sprawling estate near Maidstone is much more than a historic building — it’s a full family day out with adventure playgrounds, falconry displays, woodland walks and even a maze to get lost in. Kids can run wild across the grounds while adults soak up the fairytale setting, making it one of those rare attractions that genuinely appeals to all ages. Whether you’re visiting for a summer picnic, a seasonal event or simply to explore the castle interiors, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

• Storybook setting: The castle rising from the lake feels straight out of a fantasy film.
• Excellent family facilities: There are playgrounds, cafés, picnic spots and loads of open space for children to explore.
• Interactive attractions: The maze, grotto and birds of prey displays keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day.
• Beautiful grounds: Families can easily spend hours wandering through gardens, woodland and lakeside paths.
• Year-round events: From Christmas trails to outdoor cinema screenings, there’s usually something special happening.

• By car: Leeds Castle is just off Junction 8 of the M20 with extensive on-site parking available.
• By train: Bearsted station is the nearest rail stop, with regular services from London Victoria.
• By shuttle bus: Seasonal shuttle buses often run between Bearsted station and the castle grounds.
• From London: It’s an easy day trip from the capital, taking around an hour by train or car.

If your ideal family day out involves a bit more adrenaline than the average trip to the park, Extreme Ventures is one of the most exciting experiences in Kent. Set within the beautiful countryside near Sevenoaks, this outdoor activity centre is packed with high-energy adventures that get everyone off their screens and properly stuck into the action. From soaring through the trees on zip wires to tackling aerial obstacle courses and testing your nerve on climbing walls, it’s the kind of place where families can challenge themselves together and make genuinely memorable moments. Whether you’ve got fearless teenagers or younger kids desperate for adventure, there’s something brilliantly confidence-boosting about spending the day here.

• Adventure-packed activities: From high ropes to zip lines and climbing challenges, there’s enough here to keep energetic kids entertained for hours.
• Beautiful woodland setting: The courses are surrounded by trees and countryside, making it feel far more immersive than a standard activity centre.
• Great for older children and teens: It’s ideal if you’re trying to plan a family day out that feels genuinely exciting for adults too.
• Confidence-building fun: The challenges encourage teamwork, bravery and problem-solving in a really fun, low-pressure environment.
• Perfect for active families: If your family prefers action and adventure over museums and soft play, this is an easy win.

• By car: Extreme Ventures is easiest to reach by car and is located near Sevenoaks with parking available on-site.
• By train: Sevenoaks station is the nearest major rail station, with direct services from London taking under an hour.
• By taxi: From Sevenoaks station, a short taxi ride will get you to the activity centre quickly and easily.
• From London: It makes a brilliant day trip from the capital thanks to quick rail connections and easy road access via the M25.

For families with animal lovers in tow, Howletts Wild Animal Park is hard to beat. Home to everything from elephants and gorillas to giant anteaters and clouded leopards, the park is known for its spacious enclosures and strong focus on conservation. Unlike larger commercial zoos, there’s a more relaxed, immersive feel here, with wide walking paths weaving through woodland and open parkland. Kids will love spotting rare animals up close, while parents will appreciate how easy it is to spend an entire day here without it ever feeling overwhelming.

• Incredible animal encounters: The gorillas, elephants and big cats are always a huge hit with children.
• Conservation-led experience: The park is heavily focused on protecting endangered species and educating visitors.
• Spacious grounds: There’s plenty of room for kids to roam without feeling cramped or crowded.
• Woodland setting: The natural environment makes it feel calmer and more scenic than many city zoos.
• Great all-weather option: There are indoor viewing areas and cafés for rainy-day breaks.

• By car: Howletts is located near Canterbury and has large on-site parking facilities.
• By train: Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations both offer rail connections from London and surrounding areas.
• By bus: Local buses regularly run from Canterbury city centre to the park entrance.
• From London: Direct trains to Canterbury make this a manageable family day trip from the capital.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham turns British naval history into something genuinely fun for families. Set across a huge former Royal Navy dockyard, there’s loads for children to climb aboard, explore and interact with — including historic warships, rope-making demonstrations and immersive exhibitions. It’s hands-on enough to keep younger visitors interested while still being fascinating for adults, especially if you’ve got children who love boats, engineering or history. The sheer scale of the site means you can easily spend an entire day here without running out of things to see.

• Hands-on experiences: Families can climb aboard historic ships and explore interactive exhibits together.
• Huge amount to see: There’s enough here to fill a full day without feeling repetitive.
• Educational without being boring: Children learn loads while still feeling like they’re on an adventure.
• Fascinating maritime history: The dockyard played a major role in British naval history for centuries.
• Film and TV fame: Parts of the dockyard have appeared in productions like Call The Midwife and Sherlock Holmes.

• By car: The dockyard is easy to reach via the A2 and M2, with parking available nearby.
• By train: Chatham station has direct services from London Victoria and St Pancras.
• By bus: Several local bus routes stop close to the dockyard entrance.
• On foot: It’s around a 20-minute walk from Chatham station through the historic town centre.

Few walks in the UK feel quite as iconic as the White Cliffs of Dover. Towering dramatically above the English Channel, these chalky cliffs offer some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country, with endless sea views, wildflowers in spring and huge skies overhead. Whether you tackle a long stretch of the coastal path or simply wander between viewpoints, it’s the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down and appreciate the landscape. Families, dog walkers and keen hikers all love it here, and on a clear day you can even spot France in the distance.

• Unbeatable coastal views: The sweeping sea panoramas are every bit as impressive in real life as you’d hope.
• Accessible walking routes: There are trails suitable for casual walkers as well as more experienced hikers.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for seabirds, butterflies and grazing ponies along the cliffs.
• Great picnic spots: There are plenty of scenic places to stop for lunch overlooking the water.
• Rich history: The area is packed with wartime tunnels, forts and historic landmarks.

• By car: Parking is available at the National Trust visitor centre near Dover.
• By train: Dover Priory station has direct services from London and other Kent towns.
• By bus: Local buses connect Dover town centre with the cliff-top visitor areas.
• On foot: Walking routes begin directly from Dover and connect to the wider England Coast Path.

For a slower-paced outdoor adventure, canoeing along the River Stour is one of the loveliest ways to experience Kent’s countryside. Winding through peaceful meadows, historic villages and stretches of woodland, the river feels wonderfully calm and unspoilt. You can hire kayaks, canoes or paddleboards and drift gently through the scenery at your own pace, spotting wildlife as you go. It’s particularly beautiful around Canterbury, where the river snakes past old bridges and waterside gardens before opening into quieter rural landscapes.

• Relaxed outdoor adventure: It’s adventurous enough to feel exciting without being overly strenuous.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect willow trees, open countryside and charming riverside views.
• Wildlife encounters: You’ll often spot ducks, swans and kingfishers along the route.
• Perfect for summer days: Few things beat paddling downriver on a warm afternoon.
• Suitable for beginners: Many hire centres cater for first-timers and families.

• By car: Popular canoe hire points around Canterbury and Grove Ferry have nearby parking.
• By train: Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations are both well connected to London.
• By taxi: Short taxi rides from Canterbury stations can take you directly to launch points.
• By bike: Some sections of the river are accessible via cycling and walking routes.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Kent Downs are home to some of the prettiest walking routes in the South East. Rolling hills, ancient woodland, hidden villages and sweeping countryside views make this the perfect place to escape into nature for the day. Whether you’re after a gentle countryside ramble or a longer hike across chalk grassland and forest trails, there’s something wonderfully peaceful about walking through this landscape. Along the way you’ll pass cosy pubs, orchards, vineyards and quiet country lanes that feel miles away from everyday life.

• Beautiful countryside scenery: Expect rolling hills, woodland trails and panoramic views across the Kent landscape.
• Fantastic walking routes: There are trails suitable for casual walkers as well as experienced hikers.
• Charming villages and pubs: Many routes pass through picturesque villages perfect for lunch stops.
• Great wildlife spotting: The area is rich with wildflowers, butterflies and native birdlife.
• Perfect year-round: The Kent Downs are just as beautiful in autumn and winter as they are in summer.

• By car: Many walking routes have nearby parking areas and countryside car parks.
• By train: Stations including Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone offer easy access to different parts of the Downs.
• On foot: Several national walking trails pass directly through the Kent Downs.
• By bike: Quiet country roads and cycling routes make the area popular with cyclists too.

The Crab and Winkle Way is one of Kent’s most scenic cycling and walking routes, linking Canterbury with the seaside town of Whitstable along an old railway line. The path cuts through woodland, open countryside and charming villages before eventually reaching the coast, making it a brilliant way to experience multiple sides of Kent in one outing. Cyclists love the relatively gentle terrain, while walkers can tackle smaller sections at a more leisurely pace. Ending the route with fish and chips by the sea in Whitstable feels like the perfect reward.

• Fantastic scenery: The route passes through countryside, woodland and coastal landscapes.
• Traffic-free cycling: Much of the path is separated from roads, making it ideal for families.
• Flexible route options: You can complete the whole trail or just shorter stretches.
• Historic railway heritage: The route follows one of the oldest passenger railway lines in the world.
• Great food stops: Whitstable’s seafood restaurants and cafés are a huge bonus at the finish line.

• By car: Parking is available at both Canterbury and Whitstable ends of the route.
• By train: Canterbury and Whitstable stations are connected by regular Southeastern services.
• By bike: The trail is fully accessible by bicycle with bike hire available nearby.
• By bus: Local buses run between towns if you only want to cycle one direction.

Right on the edge of the marshes near Whitstable, The Sportsman has become one of Kent’s most celebrated foodie destinations — and for good reason. This unassuming seaside pub serves beautifully crafted seasonal dishes that champion local produce, from Whitstable oysters to marsh-fed lamb and freshly caught seafood. Despite its Michelin-starred reputation, there’s still a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere here, with windswept coastal views and roaring fires making it feel more welcoming pub than intimidating fine-dining spot. It’s exactly the kind of place that turns lunch into a long, lingering affair.

• Exceptional seafood: The oysters and locally sourced fish dishes are standout favourites.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Despite the awards, it still feels warm, rustic and unfussy.
• Beautiful coastal setting: The marshland location gives the whole experience a wild, windswept charm.
• Seasonal menus: The dishes change regularly depending on what’s fresh and local.
• Destination dining: It’s the sort of place food lovers happily travel across the country to visit.

• By car: The Sportsman is easiest to reach by car with parking available nearby.
• By train: Whitstable station is the nearest major rail stop with connections from London.
• By taxi: A taxi from Whitstable station takes around 15 minutes.
• By bike: Coastal cycling routes make this a popular stop for cyclists exploring the area.

Tucked away in the Kent countryside near Cranbrook, The Small Holding offers one of the most memorable farm-to-table dining experiences in the county. Much of what appears on the menu is grown on-site, creating dishes that feel deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The atmosphere is intimate and understated, with a focus on beautifully simple ingredients prepared with real care. Arriving here feels a little like discovering a hidden secret, especially as the restaurant sits surrounded by rolling fields and kitchen gardens.

• Hyper-seasonal cooking: Ingredients are often picked just hours before they reach your plate.
• Peaceful countryside setting: The rural location makes the whole meal feel wonderfully escapist.
• Creative tasting menus: Every course showcases Kent produce in inventive ways.
• Sustainable ethos: There’s a genuine focus on local farming and low-impact dining.
• Special occasion feel: It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or long countryside lunches.

• By car: Driving is the easiest option, with parking available at the restaurant.
• By train: Staplehurst station is the closest rail connection from London.
• By taxi: Taxis from nearby stations are recommended due to the rural location.
• From London: The restaurant is reachable in under two hours from the capital.

Few dining experiences feel more quintessentially Kentish than eating oysters overlooking the sea in Whitstable. The Whitstable Oyster Company combines fresh seafood, harbour views and a laid-back coastal atmosphere that perfectly captures the town’s charm. Whether you’re tucking into platters of shellfish on the terrace or warming up inside with chowder and a glass of white wine, it’s impossible not to fall into holiday mode here. Even if oysters aren’t your thing, the fresh fish and relaxed seaside setting make this a brilliant lunch stop.

• Famous local oysters: Whitstable’s seafood reputation is fully justified here.
• Harbourfront location: The sea views add hugely to the atmosphere.
• Relaxed coastal vibe: It feels casual, friendly and completely unpretentious.
• Fantastic seafood menu: From lobster to crab and mussels, everything tastes incredibly fresh.
• Ideal summer spot: Outdoor tables overlooking the harbour are hard to beat on sunny days.

• By car: Whitstable has several public car parks within walking distance of the harbour.
• By train: Whitstable station has direct services from London Victoria and St Pancras.
• On foot: The restaurant is an easy stroll from Whitstable town centre.
• By bike: Coastal cycling routes connect Whitstable with nearby seaside towns.

Kent’s rolling countryside and sunny climate make it one of England’s best wine regions, and Chapel Down is easily its most famous vineyard. Visiting here feels a little like stepping into the English countryside version of Napa Valley, with vines stretching across the hills and elegant tasting rooms overlooking the estate. You can sample award-winning sparkling wines, enjoy long lunches at the on-site restaurant and even take guided tours through the vineyard itself. It’s a brilliant place to spend an afternoon, particularly during summer when the vines are at their greenest.

• Award-winning English wine: Chapel Down is one of the biggest names in English sparkling wine.
• Beautiful vineyard setting: The rolling vine-covered landscape feels surprisingly continental.
• Excellent restaurant: Seasonal dishes pair perfectly with the wines produced on-site.
• Guided tastings and tours: Visitors can learn more about the winemaking process.
• Perfect for celebrations: It’s ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or relaxed weekends away.

• By car: Chapel Down is located near Tenterden with on-site parking available.
• By train: Headcorn station offers the nearest rail links from London.
• By taxi: A taxi from Headcorn station takes around 25 minutes.
• By tour: Many organised vineyard tours from London include Chapel Down as a stop.

With its weatherboard cottages, working harbour and famously excellent seafood, Whitstable is one of those seaside towns people visit once and immediately start imagining moving to. There’s an effortlessly cool feel to the place, where independent coffee shops sit beside oyster bars and colourful beach huts line the pebble shore. It manages to feel trendy without losing its old fishing-town charm, and whether you’re browsing boutiques, eating oysters by the sea or watching the sunset from the beach, it’s very easy to lose an entire weekend here.

• Fantastic seafood scene: Fresh oysters and harbourfront seafood restaurants are a huge draw.
• Creative independent shops: The town is full of art galleries, bookshops and stylish boutiques.
• Classic seaside atmosphere: Think beach huts, sea air and long walks along the shore.
• Great café culture: There are brilliant bakeries and coffee spots tucked down almost every street.
• Perfect weekend destination: It’s compact enough to explore easily but packed with character.

• By train: Whitstable has direct rail connections from London Victoria and St Pancras.
• By car: The town is easily accessible via the A299 with several public car parks nearby.
• On foot: The harbour and beach are within walking distance of the station.
• By bike: Coastal cycling routes make Whitstable popular with cyclists exploring Kent.

Technically just over the border in East Sussex, Rye still deserves a place on any Kent itinerary thanks to its impossibly pretty cobbled streets and medieval charm. Wandering through the town feels like stepping back in time, with crooked timber-framed houses, ancient inns and winding lanes opening onto hidden courtyards and tea rooms. Mermaid Street is easily one of the most photographed streets in the South East, but there’s much more to Rye than postcard beauty. The surrounding marshes, nearby beaches and excellent pubs make it ideal for slow weekends away.

• Beautiful medieval streets: The cobbled lanes and historic buildings are endlessly atmospheric.
• Excellent pubs and cafés: Cosy old inns sit alongside stylish modern eateries.
• Close to the coast: Camber Sands and nearby beaches are only a short drive away.
• Independent shopping: Antique stores, galleries and boutiques give the town real personality.
• Perfect for wandering: It’s the kind of place best explored slowly without much of a plan.

• By train: Rye station has rail links from Ashford International and Brighton.
• By car: The town is reachable via the A259 with parking available around the centre.
• By bus: Local buses connect Rye with nearby coastal towns and villages.
• From London: The journey takes around 90 minutes to two hours depending on the route.

Deal feels like one of Kent’s best-kept secrets. Less polished than some of the county’s busier seaside towns, it has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere with a long pebble beach, colourful fishing boats and an unexpectedly good food scene. The high street is packed with independent shops, wine bars and cafés, while the pier and seafront are perfect for slow coastal strolls. There’s something refreshingly unfussy about Deal — it’s stylish without trying too hard and remains brilliantly local at heart.

• Relaxed seaside charm: The town feels peaceful and far less hectic than bigger coastal resorts.
• Excellent independent food scene: There are brilliant wine bars, bakeries and seafood restaurants.
• Lovely seafront walks: The long promenade and pier are perfect for evening strolls.
• Creative atmosphere: Deal has become increasingly popular with artists and creatives.
• Great base for exploring: Nearby castles, beaches and countryside are easy to reach.

• By train: Direct Southeastern services connect Deal with London St Pancras.
• By car: Deal is accessible via the A258 with parking available near the seafront.
• On foot: The station is only a short walk from the beach and town centre.
• By bike: Coastal cycling routes connect Deal with Dover and Sandwich.

If you’re searching for the quintessential English village, Chilham delivers it in spectacular fashion. Centred around a picture-perfect square lined with historic houses, this tiny village near Canterbury feels almost frozen in time. There’s a magnificent church, a beautiful castle and a traditional pub overlooking the square, all surrounded by rolling countryside and walking routes. It’s quieter than many of Kent’s more famous destinations, which only adds to its charm — especially on sunny afternoons when the village feels impossibly peaceful.

• Storybook village square: The historic centre looks like something from a period drama.
• Beautiful countryside walks: Surrounding footpaths wind through classic Kent landscapes.
• Historic architecture: Timber-framed houses and old stone buildings give the village huge character.
• Peaceful atmosphere: It’s ideal for slower days away from busy tourist hotspots.
• Perfect pub lunches: The traditional village pubs are excellent after countryside walks.

• By train: Chilham station sits on the line between Ashford and Canterbury.
• By car: The village is easily reached via country roads from Canterbury or Ashford.
• On foot: Walking trails from the surrounding countryside lead directly into the village.
• By bike: Quiet rural lanes make Chilham popular with cyclists exploring Kent.

With its chalk stacks, hidden caves and golden sand, Botany Bay feels more like a secret stretch of coastline than one of Kent’s most photographed beaches. Tucked just outside Broadstairs, this beautiful bay is especially stunning at low tide when rock pools appear beneath the cliffs and the dramatic white formations tower over the sand. It’s quieter than some of Kent’s bigger beaches, giving it a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere even during summer. Whether you’re paddling, fossil hunting or simply sitting with fish and chips watching the waves roll in, it’s one of the county’s most memorable seaside spots.

• Dramatic coastal scenery: The chalk cliffs and sea stacks make this one of Kent’s most striking beaches.
• Excellent rock pooling: Families love exploring the tidal pools at low tide.
• Golden sandy beach: There’s plenty of space for sunbathing, picnics and beach games.
• Perfect for photography: Sunsets here are particularly spectacular.
• Peaceful atmosphere: It often feels calmer and quieter than nearby beaches.

• By car: There’s parking available near the clifftop above the beach.
• By train: Broadstairs station has regular services from London and surrounding Kent towns.
• On foot: Coastal walking paths connect Botany Bay with Broadstairs and Kingsgate.
• By bus: Local buses stop close to the beach entrance during peak seasons.

Stretching for miles along the coast near Rye, Camber Sands feels wildly different to many of Kent’s pebble beaches. Huge rolling dunes give way to vast expanses of soft golden sand, creating a beach that feels almost cinematic in scale. It’s brilliant for long walks, kite flying and family beach days, while the shallow shoreline makes it particularly popular during summer. Even outside peak season there’s something magical about this windswept landscape, especially when the dunes glow gold in the late afternoon light.

• Huge sandy beach: One of the best stretches of sand anywhere in the South East.
• Dramatic dunes: The rolling dunes create a wonderfully wild atmosphere.
• Ideal for families: The wide-open beach gives kids loads of space to play.
• Great for watersports: Kite surfing and paddleboarding are especially popular here.
• Beautiful year-round: It’s just as lovely for winter walks as summer beach days.

• By car: Large car parks sit directly beside the beach entrance.
• By train: Rye station is the nearest rail connection with onward bus routes available.
• By bus: Local buses regularly run between Rye and Camber Sands.
• By bike: Flat coastal roads make cycling to the beach a popular option.

If you’re after the classic British seaside experience, Viking Bay delivers it perfectly. Sitting right in the heart of Broadstairs, this family-friendly beach combines soft sand, colourful beach huts and a lively promenade lined with cafés and ice cream shops. There’s a cheerful old-fashioned feel to the place, especially during summer when families spill onto the sand and deckchairs line the promenade. Despite its popularity, the beach still feels charming rather than overly commercialised, with beautiful views along the Thanet coastline.

• Classic seaside charm: Beach huts, ice cream stalls and deckchairs give it a nostalgic feel.
• Great for families: Calm waters and sandy shores make it ideal for children.
• Excellent location: Restaurants, cafés and shops are all steps from the beach.
• Beautiful coastal walks: The Viking Coastal Trail passes directly through the bay.
• Lively atmosphere: It’s one of Kent’s best beaches for traditional summer days out.

• By train: Broadstairs station is around a 10-minute walk from the beach.
• By car: Several public car parks are located close to the seafront.
• On foot: The beach is easily accessible from the town centre and harbour.
• By bus: Coastal bus services connect Broadstairs with Margate and Ramsgate.

Dungeness is unlike anywhere else in Kent. Vast, bleak and strangely beautiful, this shingle landscape feels almost otherworldly, with weathered fishermen’s huts, drifting fishing boats and the looming silhouette of the power station creating a scene that’s become famous with photographers and artists. While it’s not your typical bucket-and-spade beach, that’s exactly what makes it so special. People come here for windswept walks, dramatic skies and the feeling of being completely removed from modern life.

• Unique landscape: The stark shingle coastline feels unlike anywhere else in Britain.
• Wild atmosphere: Huge skies and open landscapes make it incredibly dramatic.
• Popular with photographers: The unusual scenery has inspired artists for decades.
• Fantastic walking spot: Long coastal walks here feel wonderfully remote.
• Quirky attractions: The miniature railway and seafood shacks add to its charm.

• By car: Dungeness is easiest to reach by road with parking available nearby.
• By train: The nearest mainline station is Rye with onward bus or taxi connections.
• By miniature railway: The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway offers a scenic route to Dungeness.
• By bike: Quiet coastal roads make cycling a great way to explore the area.