Kent Staycation 2019 | Page 96

Coast: Days Out Attractions Continued Spitfire Museum, Ramsgate Roman Painted House, Dover Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate Dungeness National Nature Reserve, Dungeness Located in an atmospheric and historic RAF airfield, get a feel for what flying a real Spitfire was like and view the beautifully restored Spitfire MK XVI and Hurricane IIC. www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk A major Kent archaeological rescue back in the 1970s dating back to AD200. Featuring five rooms of a major Roman hotel and addition displays. www.theromanpaintedhouse.org.uk Relive the story of Britain’s best-loved toys at this fantastic day out for the whole family. See fascinating displays featuring rare products from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives. www.hornby.com/uk-en/hornby-visitor-centre A stark landscape – and Britain’s only official desert – with an otherworldly beauty, Dungeness is an unforgettable destination featuring wooden houses, power stations, lighthouses, gravel pits and unique wildlife, as well as the largest shingle beach in Europe. www.dungeness-nnr.co.uk Wildwood, Herne Bay Set within 40 acres of beautiful woodland, come nose-to-nose with British wildlife, past and present, at Kent’s unique wildlife park that is home to over 200 native animals. www.wildwoodtrust.org Shell Grotto, Margate Explore atmospheric underground passages and marvel at the walls covered in exquisite mosaic created with millions of shells at one of the world’s most mysterious places. www.shellgrotto.co.uk Reculver Towers, Herne Bay Imposing twin towers dating back to the 12th century that dominate the Herne Bay skyline at the site of one of the earliest Roman forts built against the Saxon raids, later to become the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery before becoming the parish church. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ reculver-towers-and-roman-fort/ Samphire Hoe, nr Dover Unique, tranquil coastal setting created using 4.9million cubic metres of chalk marl from the Channel Tunnel excavations, this hidden gem has quickly become one of the world’s rarest habitats and a haven for wildlife. www.samphirehoe.com Deal Castle, Deal The finest Tudor artillery castle in England, with its defences, and cannons. Explore the dark passages that wind through the huge bastions and discover the castle’s history from interactive exhibitions. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/deal- castle/ Dover Museum, Dover White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge Whitstable Castle & Gardens, Whitstable The Micro Museum, Ramsgate Immerse yourself in fascinating objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of Dover, as well as viewing The Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing boat. www.dovermuseum.co.uk A truly iconic English landmark. Delve into the dazzling white chalk faces and spectacular coastal views that have been saying ‘farewell’ and ‘hello to’ people crossing the English Channel for centuries. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover The most important collection of Battle of Britain artifacts on show in the country. Visitors can savour the atmosphere of the airfield's past with the landmarks and buildings that remain. www.kbobm.org Wander through the flower-filled gardens, enjoy sea views, fresh sea air and tour period rooms that show how the wealthy elite used to live at this splendid late 18th-century castle. www.whitstablecastle.co.uk/the-castle Glimpse into our digital history, see vintage computers and micro electronics and play classic video games at Kent’s only museum of computing and videogaming history. www.themicromuseum.org 96