Days Out in Kent

Famous for the dramatic white cliffs of Dover, rolling English landscape, bustling seaside resorts, award-winning heritage coastline, historic castles and towering cathedrals, 'The Garden of England', is also home to lush green countryside scattered with glorious gardens and vineyards producing tasty English wine. A walkers and cyclist's paradise, enjoy the May sunshine on a wealth of national trails and cycle routes crisscrossing their way through the Kent countryside.

Rich in history and heritage, the county is full of stories from times long since passed, home to historic churches and pilgrimage sites, and Sandwich, the best preserved medieval village in England. No visit here is complete without a visit to Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can wander the winding streets beside historic timber-framed buildings with overhanging upper floors to the famous cathedral. Take a stroll or a boat trip along the Great Stour river, or head out to traditional seaside fun at Broadstairs, or over to Whitstable for tastebud-pleasing foodie inspiration. Sounds delicious!

Old Dairy Brewery

If you’re exploring a county known as the “Garden of England”, it would surely be a crime not to spend some time relaxing outdoors, supping a refreshing locally-brewed pint- heaven! Founded in 2009, the Old Dairy Brewery is a traditional award winning micro-brewery nestled in the Kentish countryside just outside the picturesque market town of Tenterden. Housed in two World War II Nissen huts, they use only the finest English malts and hops to brew a range of traditional English beers to exciting craft, seasonal and special beers in bottle, cask, can and keg.

The brewery, taproom and shop are open 7 days a week, with brewery tours including, of course, plenty of chances for sampling. Sit back and enjoy the comfy sofas of the beer garden, with bonus street food trucks rolling up with delicious food every Friday and Saturday evening. Situated next door to the Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway, you can even make a day of it on a pre-bookable ‘Ales & Rails Group Tour’, through the scenic hop-growing Rother Valley, including brewery Talk & Tasting Session, and on-train ploughman’s lunch.

The Canterbury Tours

For those looking to delve a little deeper (and sometimes darker) into historic Canterbury’s sights and hidden ways, follow your feet to a choice of three engaging Canterbury Tours. Brave souls can join the Canterbury Ghost Tour, a darkly entertaining blend of history, humour and haunting suitable for all ages, packed with spine-tingling tales, conducted by jovial host John Hippisley, Kent's Premier Award Winning Ghost Hunter. No harm can come as long as you travel with the Ghost Hunter!

Discover Canterbury’s secrets on the Canterbury Hidden City Tour, a gentle and fully-accessible two-hour stroll around the city, with tales woven around the history and architecture of the city. In the steps of pilgrims and parsons, it also takes in the delights of the English language and surprising origins of phrases we take for granted. Amateur, professional and pleasure photographers will revel in the Photography Tour, where you can accompany John around the hidden streets, stunning architecture or quiet countryside around Canterbury. Designed to be personalised to suit your level and requirements, with friendly advice, plenty of humour, and lots of time to capture that picture-perfect shot.

Go Ape Leeds Castle

There’s definitely a royal feel to this treetop ropes course at Go Ape Leeds Castle! Aim to be crowned thrill seeker extraordinaire as you pit your wits, nerves and agility against the 13-metre-high Treetop Challenge, boasting five rip-roaring zips across the valley. Don’t think this is just a tree-high sight-seeing trip; you’ve got the Tibetan bridge, jungle crossing and Tarzan swing to tackle! Extend your ‘tree legs’ further on the Treetop Adventure Plus experience, continuing up a level to the high ropes course via a fisherman’s trap to the Chamonix crossing, a whopping 16 metres long. After making it across the course, intrepid adventurers can fly back down to earth in style on a challenging 75-metre long zipwire.

There’s no minimum age limit (adventurers only need to be over 1m tall) so gather the gang for a uniquely entertaining day out. Steady your footing on the challenge of the stepping stones and the log bridge, letting the adventure unfold and unfurl as you make your way into the woods. A great confidence booster and starting point for young explorers, it’s fantastic for family fun way up in the treetops that will stay with you long after you’ve returned to earth.

Leeds Castle

After the sky-high thrills of Go Ape, why not swing over to Leeds Castle, described as “the loveliest castle in the world”, and definitely one of the most romantic! Home to six queens and Henry VIII himself, the 900-year-old castle offers 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens to explore. Journey through history from its Norman stronghold origins, to the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; Henry VIII’s home, Jacobean country house, Georgian mansion, right through to elegant early 20th-century retreat for the influential and famous, newly refurbished and presented for 2022.

With daily falconry and birds of prey displays, and adventure golf, there’s plenty for everyone. Young knights and damsels, princes and princesses can conquer their own stronghold in the thrilling adventure playground. Let off steam navigating through the wooden replica of Leeds Castle itself, with climbing walls, fireman’s poles, giant cargo nets and zip wires. Climb to the castle turrets which can be used as a lookout and besieged by a whole army of young visitors, while parents enjoy full-view seating areas (and refreshment!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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