Visiting UK

Leeds Castle

The best places to visit in Kent, England are also some of the top destinations in the whole of the UK. Kent is located close to the capital, so it is easy to visit many of the highlights on a day trip from London.

Here are what I consider to be the best places to visit in Kent:

Leeds Castle – Leeds Castle is straight out of a fairytale. The large stone fortress is surrounded by a moat, and the castle is known as the Ladies’ Castle because it was the home of no less than six medieval queens. When you are visiting, you can take a tour of the castle itself and explore the gardens, aviary, vineyard, and grounds.

Sissinghurst Castle – The jewel in the crown of the Garden of England is Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. The castle’s gardens are known throughout the UK for being some of the best in the country, and they are well worth a visit during the spring and summer.

Hever Castle – The childhood home of Ann Boleyn, Hever Castle is a 13th century structure set over 125 acres of land. The stunning castle is surrounded by a moat and features everything from a maze to rowboats. It is a great place to visit in the warmer months, as there is a lot to do outdoors.

Canterbury – Home of the most famous cathedral in the UK, Canterbury is one of the best places to visit in Kent. The highlight is Canterbury Cathedral, a massive church that is the most important place of worship for Anglicans. Centuries of history can be witnessed there, and visitors come from all over the world to see it.

Whitstable – The coastal city of Whitstable is a great place to visit if you like seafood. The Whitstable Oyster Company is one of the top seafood restaurants in the region, and the shopping streets are lined with great stores and boutiques. If you visit Whitstable on a warm day, you can head to the beach for some sunbathing.

Royal Tunbridge Wells – Royal Tunbridge Wells is a great place to go for a a day of shopping or for afternoon tea. The picturesque town is full of great boutiques and shops, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax after a long day of retail therapy.

Dover Castle – Located atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the famous Dover Castle is one of the best places to visit in Kent. The castle is full of history and offers activities to entertain the whole family. Visitors can also take tours of the miles of tunnels that were used during World War II.

Dover Train Station

Trains from Dover to London run regularly from Dover Priory train station to London Charing Cross and Victoria train stations.

Trains leave Dover Priory station for London Charing Cross and Victoria stations five times an hour at peak times throughout the day.

Trains from London to Dover return every thirty minutes.

The total travel time from Dover to London is 1.5 to 2 hours.

The cost of a return train ticket from Dover to London is 24.40 GBP for standard class.

Ticket discounts for trains from Dover to London are available if you buy train tickets online in advance or with a railcard.

White Cliffs of Dover

Dover, England is perhaps best known for its famous cliffs. The White Cliffs of Dover get their unique color from the chalk that comprises much of their substance.

The cliffs have become famous over the years as a symbol of England for people crossing the English Channel from France. They also have significance as a symbolic barrier against enemy invasion.

Tours of the White Cliffs of Dover are possible by boat from Dover’s port. Boats leave several times a day and run along the coast, offering great views of the cliffs from the English Channel.

The White Cliffs of Dover are also viewable from land. From below, you can see them from Dover’s port, while from above they can be spotted from the area near Dover Castle.

Dover’s cliffs have been the inspiration for much lyrical verse over the years. Perhaps the most famous tribute to the chalky Dover coastline is from the World War II song by Vera Lynn, “There’ll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover”.

Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover by train from London is easy. It is also possible to get to Dover by ferry from Calais in France.