Kent Travel Wish List

Given the current coronavirus situation, it looks like we’ll all be doing a lot more stay-cations in the near future, as air travel looks like it might be a good way away before it’s a realistic possibility.  On top of that, it looks like I’ll be leaving London for a month or two and heading back to my home town of Barnsley until I get called back into the office.  Currently, I am on furlough leave from my job and have been since March, and it looks like even when I return to work (hopefully next month) I’ll be working from home for a while.  So as my house contract has come to an end and I can’t afford to stay here alone (I was sharing with my ex previously) I’ve decided to move back home till work calls me back to return.  This has got me thinking about all I want to see and do in the south of England while I am here.  Coming from the North of England so much of the south is new and undiscovered to me, and I’ve barely scratched the surface in my time here.  So after lot’s of research here is my Kent travel wish list:

Rochester 

Rochester is situated on the London to Dover road and this beautiful town is rich in Navel history.  The Norman keep at Rochester Castle gives fantastic views of the area whilst Rochester Cathedral dates all the way back to 1080 and has a Norman nave and crypt.  The historical dockyard is also a must-see when visiting the town and I’d also have to explore the nearby Fort Armhurst too.  Rochester even has a Charles Dickens connection so I’d love to follow in his footsteps and explore all the many sites mentioned in his books.

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour by car or 40 minutes by train

Knole

Knole is a country house of stunning proportions.  It was built in the 15th century and contains 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards!  It even has a 1000 acre medieval deer park, I’d love to get lost here.

Distance from London: Aproxometly 1 hour 10 from London by car or 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 by train and bus

Deal castle and Walmer Castle 

Deal Castle and Walmer Castle are so close together I had to include them in one entry.  Deal Castle is Tudor Fortress which looks fascinating to explore, from above the structure almost looks like a flower.  Walmer Castle is much bigger and after its original purpose as a fortress, it became a stately home.  Both the interior and exterior are stunning and I’d love to spend a day exploring this site.

Distance from London:  Approximately 2 hours 15 by car or 2 hours by train

Dover 

The white cliffs of Dover are an iconic part of Britain and one I just have to see with my own eyes.  I saw them from a distance from the ferry to France but I’d love to get a better view.  Whilst there I’d also love to visit Dover Castle (can you tell I love castles) and take in the amazing views of the coast and off towards France.

Distance from London: Approximately 2 hours 15 by car or 1 hour 15 by train

Hever Castle

Despite living in the UK and the country seemingly having so many castles I have seen so few in person and that’s something I need to change.  Hever Castle is such almost exactly like the castles you imagine in fairytales, complete with high walls, flowers tumbling down the structure and even a moat!  It dates back to 1270 and was the childhood home to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henrey VII, and he often visited her here.  In none-COVID times there is even jousting tournaments that take place in the impressive gardens.

Distance from London: Approcimently 1 hour 20 by car or 2 hours 10 to 2 hours 30 by train.

Canterbury

The Roman town of Canterbury always appears in any Kent travel list and is famous for its stunning Cathedral, which is full of historic importance.  The Edwardian buildings around the town are amazing to behold, especially when walking along the river.  It would be a dreamy place to explore.

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour 20 by car or 1 and a half hours by train.

Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote is the most complete medieval manor homes in England, with parts of it dating back to the 1320s.  It contains over 70 rooms and has an enclosed grand courtyard (which even includes a grade 1 listed 19th-century dog kennel!).

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car

Whitstable

The seaside town of Whistable is often thought of as being quintessentially British.  It’s brightly coloured houses make it a natural draw for a colour lover like me and it is famed for its oysters which I’d just have to try while I was there.  Of course, I’d have to head to the Instagramable Weeler’s Oyster Bar!

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour 20 from London by car or 1 hour 30 by train

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Another historical town to make it to my Kent travel list is Royal Tunbridge Wells.  As well as the natural springs that give it it’s ‘spa town’ name it’s got gorgeous independent shops set within Georgian architecture which were shortlisted as one of Britains’ greatest streets.  One nerdy thing you might not be aware of about me is that I love historic steam trains so a trip on the Spa Valley Railway would be a must-do for me.

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour 20 by car or 45 minutes by train

Penshurst Palace

Penshurst Palace is a medieval house and gardens with 500 acres of parkland, rivers, scenic walks and cycle routes.  It would be the perfect place to visit on a sunny day.

Distance from London: Approximately 1 hour 15 by car or 1 hour 30 by train and bus

Leeds Castle 

Always high on a Kent travel list is Leeds Castle, it is one of the most popular castles in the south of England, and for good reason.  It’s a frankly stunning castle surrounded by one of the countries biggest motes and it was inhabited right up to 1974.  It’s got multiple exhibitions inside and amazing grounds to explore.

Distance from London:  Approximately 1 hour 10 by car or 2 hours 20 by train and bus

This is far from everything there is to Kent, you might have noticed the absence of the popular seaside town of Margate but that’s only because I’ve already visited and loved this colourful town. When it comes to Kent travel my wish list seems to be getting longer instead of shorter!  Is there anywhere you think I’ve missed?  Be sure to let me know in the comments.