DAYSOUT
ARCHBISHOP ’ S PALACE FROM THE RIVER MEDWAY
ON THE WATER
A county famous for its coastal corner position on the UK map , Kent absorbs an outstanding array of the country ’ s beaches and with beaches come rivers - of which Kent has plenty . A series of veins that run across our county , feeding the land and providing a means of transport for centuries , these rivers still play an important role in Kent ’ s identity and what there is to do here . One of Kent ’ s most iconic and important rivers , the River Medway runs through Chatham and is an excellent way to explore Kent and its diverse landscape while learning about its enthralling history . Jet Stream Tours offers several different cruises that do just this . Take a three-hour evening cruise along the Medway with a local and prominent speaker highly knowledgeable in all things River Medway and Kent . This is a chance to discover the history , wildlife and cultural importance of the Medway Estuary . This informal but intimate setting gives you an opportunity to see the estuary in its glory , to ask questions and to get a full insight to the speaker ’ s expertise , which can vary across topics such as wildlife or the Rochester Oyster Floating Fishery .
The Kentish Lady River Boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent ’ s premier excursion providers , offering unique experiences of the Upper River Medway including one-hour trips at weekends and selected school holidays , three-hour lunch and supper cruises for groups and individuals during the week , plus a unique visit to the marvellous Allington Castle . The Kentish Lady departs from Maidstone Town Centre and cruises upriver through Farleigh Lock and onwards under Farleigh , Barming and Teston bridges , turning at Teston Lock for the return journey . Once through Farleigh Lock , the countryside opens up to reveal wildlife of all varieties including birds such as kingfishers , herons , swans , cormorants , geese and ducks , so remember to keep a watchful eye out and bring your camera !
Yet another way to explore a different area of the River Medway is with Tonbridge River Trips . This eco-friendly , electric-powered boat is available for a peaceful guided river cruise on the River Medway in Tonbridge , as are their hireable rowing boats . The electric launch boat , Enid May , runs trips in the Tonbridge area and is the ideal platform for photographing the area and its wildlife . The boat seats up to 12 passengers comfortably and is safe for children who love to explore , too . Why not enjoy a relaxing 50-minute river trip or book a private voyage ? Either way , you will get to see the unique wildlife of the area up close and will glean some local history from the skipper before finally returning to your starting point next to Tonbridge Castle .
The more traditional art of sailing is a muchloved pastime here in Kent . With over 30 sailing clubs up and down the coast , you ’ ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which one to join if you have the luxury of your own boat . For those eager to learn how to sail , or simply wanting to try it out , Elite Sailing based in Chatham is a great place to start . An accredited RYA training centre , Elite Sailing provides both professional and leisure sailing , as well as power qualifications for every level from complete beginners to the experienced . Whether you are looking to improve , refresh or simply want to learn how to sail or motor , there ’ s no better place than the heart of Kent ’ s maritime heritage town of Chatham where thousands have done so for hundreds of years .
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
Honour Kent ’ s locomotive history by traversing the county by rail . As well as the option to go here , there and everywhere with Southeastern , tourists can dive deep into nostalgia as they explore Kent by train . Get historical with East Kent Railway Trust based in Shepherdswell . Once a thriving industrial line serving the Kent coalfield , the four-mile round trip is today an opportunity for visitors to travel on a scenic journey between the pretty villages of Shepherdswell and Eythorne . Expect to revel in rolling countryside , steep chalk-lined cuttings and the fascinating Golgotha Tunnel - all features on your trip that will make this a visit to be remembered . Complete with an awardwinning visitor centre , beautiful woodland walks and lovingly restored heritage trains as well as informative museums , a day at the East Kent Railway will be a day for all the family to enjoy .
Another unique railway line in Kent that was built at the end of the Industrial Revolution in 1905 is the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway . Originally built to transport raw goods for the manufacture of paper to the mill at Sittingbourne , today , visitors can travel on board the train from Sittingbourne Viaduct station , which winds its way out of the town through Milton Creek Country Park across the marshes and finally onto Kemsley Down station . The entire journey takes about 15 minutes at the beginning and end of which passengers can explore the two stations . The stations have a railway shop , original wagons , museums , a model railway and even a wildlife garden . The train itself is a tank engine which carries its own water and coal , so travellers can expect a truly nostalgic experience .
One of Kent ’ s top tourist attractions and popular with visitors from around the world is the Romney , Hythe and Dymchurch Railway . Since 1927 , the Romney , Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has been an integral part of the landscape of Kent ’ s surreal and vast Romney Marsh . Known as ‘ Kent ’ s Mainline in Miniature ’, the much admired one-third full-size steam and diesel locomotives have powered their way along the 13.5 miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe terminating in Dungeness , a National Nature Reserve . With four stations in between , all within walking distance of one of Kent ’ s
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