E xplore Kent
Explore Kent
in 2019!
Kent has long been revered for its unique and diverse landscapes, from the young seeking
refreshment alongside adrenaline-pumping activities, to older people finding perfect harmony
in a traditionally inspired walk through heritage-inspired land, home to oast houses, orchards
and lost industry such as milling and weaving, with a lovely pub to eat in along the way.
Whether a Kent resident, visiting for the day or planning a staycation, you won’t be disappointed in Kent.
Step out into your own Garden of England Park Life
If you are a fan of art, then a visit to the England Coast
path taking in the fabulous art scene in Folkestone is a
must-do on your visit. Kent is a great environmental arena too. With
opportunities for young children to connect with the
environment by exploring rare grass chalklands, to
cycling through the outstanding Pinetum at Bedgebury,
you can be assured that Kent is the place to come to
lay down a lifelong love of the outdoors. Older children
and teens can try out surfing or paddle boarding at Joss
Bay, or how about crabbing off the pier at Whitstable?
Kent has inspired several literary figures, artists and
playwrights who have taken inspiration from the
landmarks in Kent that they would still recognise
today. Take the artist JMW Turner, who spent his time
on staycation in Kent; he stayed in a guesthouse on
the site now occupied by the Turner Contemporary
art gallery in Margate. He took inspiration from the
landscape of Kent and has painted several coastal
scenes on the Thanet coast, the Thames Estuary from
the Isle of Grain in Medway and has even reputedly
painted a waterfall in the pretty town of West Malling.
Families seeking an affordable day out won’t feel out
of pocket. Kent Country Parks are home to everything
needed for a great day out in the outdoors; from natural
wild play at Shorne Woods to the beautiful views of the
North Downs at Trosley, you won’t be stuck for things to
do whether you’re visiting to eat, relax or play.
Kent’s Romney Marsh has links to past activities of a
darker kind: smuggling. The rugged farming landscape
of this area inspired author Russell Thorndike to base
his novel Doctor Syn, a tale of Romney Marsh, written in
1915. Nowadays, the flat landscape of Romney Marsh
is enjoyed by walkers and cyclists who visit for the
unique landscape and slower paced life.
Whether you seek solace in the countryside, a coastal
escape or a visit to an historical city, there is plenty on
offer in Kent whether on foot, cycle or saddle.
For more inspiration on incredible walks and outdoor activities in Kent, visit www.explorekent.org
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