DAYS OUT : ARTS & HISTORY
Kearsney Abbey , Dover An informal parkland around two ornamental lakes . Plenty of opportunities to relax watching the wildlife on the lakes , or enjoy a family picnic in the gardens while watching model boating . www . kearsneyparks . co . uk
The Margate Caves , Margate Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century , The Margate Caves were forgotten for over 100 years before they were rediscovered and restored . Campaigned by the Friends of Margate Caves Community Education Trust in 2011 to reopen to the public , now enjoy a range of immersive educational events and exploring the captivating surroundings . www . margatecaves . co . uk
Rochester Castle , Rochester Fine 113-foot tall castle featuring a Norman tower and stood on the bank of the River Medway . This English Heritage property offers a year-round calendar of events . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / rochester-castle
Deal Castle , Deal The finest Tudor artillery castle in England , with original defences and cannons . Explore the dark passages that wind through the huge bastions and discover the castle ’ s history through interactive exhibitions . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / deal-castle
Upnor Castle , Rochester Stunning Elizabethan artillery fort located on the River Medway dating back to 1559 . Now part of the English Heritage collection and offering regular family events and an outdoor theatre . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / upnor-castle
Scotney Castle , Lamberhurst A fortified manor house built in c . 1378-80 inspired by picturesque style . Discover the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat , with celebrated gardens featuring spectacular flower displays . www . nationaltrust . org . uk / scotney-castle
Leeds Castle , Maidstone Visit the stunning castle , sat majestically in the still waters of its moat , surrounded by 500 acres of gardens . Its former residents include six medieval queens , King Henry VIII and Lady Baillie . www . leeds-castle . com
Richborough Roman Fort & Amphitheatre , Sandwich Perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain , explore the huge stone walls that mark the site of the Saxon Shore fortress , rolling defensive ditches and impressive foundations . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / richborough-roman-fort-and-amphitheatre
Hever Castle , Hever , nr Edenbridge Romantic , double-moated 13th-century castle . The childhood home of Anne Boleyn , it houses historic 16th-century portraits , paintings , furniture , tapestries and treasures set amongst magnificent gardens featuring a fun splashing water maze . www . hevercastle . co . uk
Dover Castle , Dover Immerse yourself in 2,000 years of history and experience the vibrant colour and opulence of this medieval English castle as you ’ re transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / dover-castle
Sissinghurst Castle , Cranbrook Created by poet and writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson , discover the castle and its famous Grade I listed country gardens , divided into intimate garden ‘ rooms ’ which offer an array of colour all year round . www . nationaltrust . org . uk / sissinghurst-castle-garden
Chiddingstone Castle , Chiddingstone Fascinating historic house with breathtaking views of the North Downs complemented by large lawns . Perfect for picnics , fishing in the beautiful lake , or marvelling at the daffodils in the springtime . www . chiddingstonecastle . org . uk
Lullingstone Castle , nr Dartford One of England ’ s oldest family estates , dating back to the time of the Domesday Book . The World Garden combines plant heritage with cutting-edge horticulture , with rare and beguiling botanicals being added to their impressive collection year on year . www . lullingstonecastle . co . uk
Walmer Castle , Walmer A charming Tudor castle by the sea ; explore eight acres of magnificent gardens , woodlands , majestic sea views and a brilliant playtrail for the little ones to enjoy . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / walmer-castle-and-gardens
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