Biddenden Vineyards © Visit Kent
festival to the salty superstars every year !) But the best way to get the lay of the Kentish land in a short space of time is to take a trip to artisanal farm-to-floor indoor marketplaces like The Goods Shed in Canterbury and Macknade Food Hall in Faversham , who flaunt the Kentish local produce proudly .
Beer and Beyond If you ’ re lucky enough to bask in the Kentish sunshine in July , indulge in some al-fresco dining in some of Kent ’ s best beer gardens , like The Swan and Dog in the charming village of Great Chart . If you like your beer best with a beach , overlook the golden sands of Thanet at the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie , or the Zetland Arms . Alternatively , crack a cold one waterside with Pier Five in Chatham Maritime or The Wharf in Dartford . If you ’ re a real ale aficionado , go one step further with a full brewery tour , and choose from a true piece of history with Kent ’ s oldest brewery , Shepherd Neame , or hop off the train at Ashford International for the newly opened Curious Brewery .
Prime Wine We ’ re not the Wine Garden of England for nothing ! Kent enjoys one of the finest climates for viticulture , with it ’ s chalky terroir said to rival the Champagne region in France . We have some of the best wineries including Chapel Down , Hush Heath , Simpsons and Biddenden Vineyards . Take a tour and enjoy a tipple or two of one of Kent ’ s finest exports . And if you ’ re not a wine lover , you can still get into the spirit by heading down to Copper Rivet gin and vodka distillery at Chatham Dockyard .
Captivating Castles Did you know Kent has over 30 castles for you to discover during your time with us ? We ’ re very proud of our rich regal history ! Experience castles fit for a Queen at Anne Boleyn ’ s childhood home of Hever Castle , or Henry VIII ’ s ‘ Loveliest Castle in the World ’ at Leeds Castle .
Combining its medieval roots with its instrumental role in World War II , Dover Castle offers a piece of history wherever your interests lie .
Sensational Summer Days There ’ s plenty for the culture vulture to explore for a day out in Kent . Maybe it ’ s the revitalising seaside air or maybe it ’ s in our DNA , but Kent is imbued with a true artistic spirit which forms the basis for our creative coast . Margate has been inspiring artists from Tracey Emin to JMW Turner , whose namesake is The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery , holding world-renowned art . From world-class art to wild animals , explore Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve or Howlett ’ s Wildlife Animal Park , which make for perfect family days out .
Exciting Evenings Out If you luck out with one of those gorgeous balmy summer nights , there ’ s plenty of ways in Kent to enjoy them . Wander down to Folkestone ’ s Harbour Arm for food stalls and live music out on the sea . Or , why not give yourself and a loved one a civilised evening watching a stage show in Canterbury at the Marlowe Theatre which frequently holds West End touring spectacles , or discover smaller independent gems at Gulbenkian Theatre .
Historic Hubs It doesn ’ t get more historic than the city of Canterbury , the ancient Roman city which became the epicentre of Anglican church history over a thousand years ago and holds a crucial part in every aspect of English history , from wars to Kings and Queens . Royalty also leaves its stamp on Royal Tunbridge Wells , a delightful stylish town which is home to superb shops and restaurants . Medway is practically swimming in maritime , literary and Norman history , meaning it ’ s ideal for wherever your historical prowess may lie – check out the Historic Dockyard , Chatham whilst there , which was once the pinnacle of the Royal Navy . Medway also holds many of our literary links , being
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