EXPLORE Local ATTRACTIONS & NEARBY TOWNs AND VILLAGES
BROADSTAIRS
Broadstairs, the nearest town, has been a beloved seaside destination since Georgian times. Known for its charming coastal atmosphere, it offers a variety of attractions and events, especially in the early spring and summer months. Highlights include Broadstairs Folk Week, a traditional August festival with music, dance, and workshops, and the Broadstairs Dickens Festival in June, celebrating Charles Dickens with Victorian costumes, readings, and theatre. The town also hosts the Broadstairs Food Festival and local coastal arts & craft fairs, making it perfect for visitors looking to explore culture, food, and local traditions.
Ramsgate
A short trip away,
Ramsgate Harbour and Marina is a quaint yet fascinating port, brimming with yachts and boats. Steeped in history and continental charm, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Ramsgate hosts events such as the Ramsgate International Carnival, a colorful street parade with music and performances, and the Ramsgate Maritime Festival, featuring boat displays, sailing races, and family-friendly activities. Summer also brings outdoor theatre and music events at the harbour.
Margate
Margate has become one of the UK's most exciting creative destinations. Alongside the renowned Turner Contemporary, a striking seafront gallery inspired by the light that captivated J.M.W. Turner, visitors can discover a thriving arts scene with independent galleries, studios, exhibitions and creative spaces throughout the town. The gallery hosts world-class contemporary exhibitions and offers free admission, making it a cultural highlight of any visit.
Turner Contemporary: https://turnercontemporary.org/
Carl Freedman Gallery: https://carlfreedman.com/
Visit Thanet Arts & Galleries Guide: https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/see-and-do/arts-and-culture/galleries-and-studios/
Sandwich
Sandwich, Kent — yes, it’s a town, not a sandwich! This charming historic town dates back to Saxon times and was first mentioned in AD 664. Once an important Cinque Port, it is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, with beautiful historic streets, listed buildings and churches dating back to the 13th century. Its ancient street plan has changed little since the Domesday Book in 1086. Surrounded by picturesque villages, peaceful countryside and the beautiful Kent coast, Sandwich is a wonderful place to explore history, heritage and traditional English charm.
Whitstable
A trip to Whitstable is very much worth the time. This charming seaside town in Kent is famous for its independent shops, boutiques, art galleries and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic High Street, browse the stalls at Whitstable Harbour, and enjoy fresh seafood, particularly the town’s famous oysters. With its beautiful shingle beach, colourful beach huts and rich maritime heritage, Whitstable is an ideal destination for a relaxing day out by the sea.
Canterbury
Just a short drive away, Canterbury is one of the UK’s most popular tourist spots. The city is rich in history, with landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the ancient city walls that date back to Roman times and were later rebuilt in the 14th century. You’ll also find the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey, a Norman castle, and the world’s oldest continuous school, the King’s School. Canterbury hosts major events such as the Canterbury Festival, a multicultural arts and music festival in autumn, the Canterbury Christmas Market, and historical reenactments and medieval fairs throughout the year.
Book now
London
Spend the day discovering world-famous landmarks, exploring fascinating museums, enjoying a riverboat trip along the Thames or indulging in a little shopping. For those seeking a bigger city experience,
London is within easy reach – approximately an hour away by car in good traffic, or around 1½ hours by train from Broadstairs. For a family day out, compare train fares from Broadstairs with the combined cost of driving, parking and public transport. Taking the train can be the easiest option, while driving to The O2 and continuing by Tube or river boat offers more flexibility. After a busy day in the capital, return to the tranquillity of Kingsgate Bay, where you can unwind by the coast and enjoy the perfect balance of city adventures and seaside relaxation.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN TO LONDON
You can park at Broadstairs Station and also park in roads nearby for free. A Family Travelcard may be a good option if you plan to use public transport around London.
A useful tip for the return journey: Some trains divide at Faversham, with different portions travelling to different destinations. Always check the destination displayed on your carriage and listen carefully to announcements. Make sure you are in the correct portion of the train for Broadstairs, or you could find yourself heading towards Dover instead!
Plan your journey and check fares at
Southeastern Railway.
TRAVELLING BY CAR TO LONDON
The drive from Broadstairs to London can take around 1 hour in favourable traffic. For a convenient place to leave your car and continue by public transport, consider parking at The O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula. From North Greenwich Underground station, right beside The O2, the Jubilee line offers a direct connection to central London. Alternatively, you can catch an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service from North Greenwich Pier and enjoy a scenic journey along the River Thames. The O2 is outside the central Congestion Charge zone, making it a useful starting point for exploring London without driving into the centre. However, ULEZ rules still apply, and tunnel charges may be relevant depending on your route.
Sat Nav: The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX.
IMPORTANT: LONDON'S ROAD CHARGES
Driving into London can involve additional charges, so check your route and vehicle before travelling.
Congestion Charge: It applies from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and noon to 6pm at weekends and on public holidays, subject to the scheme's exemptions and discounts.
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): This operates across almost all London boroughs, 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards and is not exempt.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels: These tunnels have separate user charges during their charging hours.
Congestion Charge: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge
ULEZ: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone
A Day Out in Kent: Gardens, Castles, Zoos and Seaside History
SHELL GROTTO, MARGATE
One of Kent's most intriguing attractions, the Shell Grotto is a mysterious underground passageway decorated with around 4.6 million seashells arranged in intricate mosaics. Discovered by chance in 1835, its origins and purpose remain unknown, adding to its fascination. As you wander through the winding tunnels and chambers, you'll be surrounded by beautiful shell patterns and an atmosphere of mystery unlike anywhere else in England. A visit can easily be combined with a day exploring Margate's Old Town and seafront.
33 Grotto Hill, Margate, Kent, CT9 2BU
RAMSGATE TUNNELS
Hidden beneath the town, the Ramsgate Tunnels are one of the most fascinating wartime attractions in Kent. Built in 1939 as a vast network of deep air-raid shelters, they provided protection for up to 60,000 people during the Second World War. Guided tours take visitors through the atmospheric tunnels, where exhibits and personal stories bring to life what it was like to live underground while the town above endured heavy bombing. Both educational and memorable, the tunnels offer a unique insight into Ramsgate's wartime history.
Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8FH
HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK
A fantastic day out for animal lovers,
Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury is home to more than 390 animals, including the UK's largest herd of African elephants, western lowland gorillas, black rhinos, giant anteaters, tigers, and many other rare and endangered species. Set within beautiful ancient parkland, the wildlife park is renowned for its conservation work and spacious enclosures. Visitors can enjoy animal talks, feeding sessions, and close-up views of some of the world's most impressive animals, making it a memorable family day out.
Bekesbourne, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5EL
WINGHAM WILDLIFE PARK
A fantastic day out for children,
Wingham Wildlife Park is home to an impressive collection of animals, including red pandas, penguins, monkeys, and many more. Families can enjoy animal talks and feeding sessions, a dinosaur park, adventure play areas, indoor soft play, and mini golf, making it an ideal attraction whatever the weather. With so much to see and do, it is easy to spend a whole day here.
Rusham Road, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1JL
IMPORTANT: LONDON'S ROAD CHARGES
Driving into London can involve additional charges, so check your route and vehicle before travelling.
Congestion Charge: It applies from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and noon to 6pm at weekends and on public holidays, subject to the scheme's exemptions and discounts.
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): This operates across almost all London boroughs, 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards and is not exempt.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels: These tunnels have separate user charges during their charging hours.
Congestion Charge: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge
ULEZ: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone
BELMONT HOUSE AND GARDENS
One of our family's personal favourites is Belmont House and Gardens, a beautiful Georgian estate set in the rolling countryside near Faversham. The award-winning gardens offer year-round colour and interest, with a restored Victorian kitchen garden, elegant walled gardens, an orangery, and peaceful parkland walks. Inside, visitors can admire the historic house and one of Britain's finest private collections of clocks and watches. A hidden gem, Belmont provides a wonderfully tranquil and uncrowded day out.
Belmont Park, Throwley, Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HH
GOODNESTONE PARK GARDENS
Visitors to
Goodnestone Park and Gardens are often surprised to discover this hidden gem in southeast Kent. The gardens, which date back hundreds of years, have been owned and carefully managed by the FitzWalter family for generations.
Goodnestone, Caterbury, Kent, CT3 1PL
DEAL AND WALMER CASTLE
The charming seaside town of Deal is known for its maritime heritage, Georgian seafront, independent shops and historic pier. For centuries, ships anchored offshore near the Goodwin Sands, while local boatmen transported passengers and cargo to the shore. Nearby, Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII in 1540 as a coastal fortress and later became the residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother stayed here regularly, while other famous Wardens included the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. Today, visitors can take an audio tour of the castle and enjoy its beautifully landscaped gardens.
Kingsdown Road, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7LJ
North Foreland Golf Club, Kent
North Foreland Golf Club, situated just behind the holiday house this is a wonderful place to enjoy a round of golf with spectacular views across the sea. The championship course combines rolling fairways, challenging bunkers and coastal breezes, making it an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. There is also an 18-hole par-3 course, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to improve their short game. With its stunning scenery, welcoming clubhouse and rich golfing history dating back to 1903, North Foreland is a lovely destination for a memorable day out.
Convent Road, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 3PU
DOVER CASTLE
Dover Castle is an excellent attraction to visit on a rainy day, as much of the experience takes place indoors, exploring the tunnels and castle interiors. Known as the "Key to England", the castle offers far more than its impressive medieval fortifications. Visitors can explore the secret wartime tunnels carved deep into the chalk cliffs, including the underground hospital, where realistic sights and sounds bring the experiences of wounded soldiers during the Second World War to life. Fascinating, educational, and full of surprises, Dover Castle makes for a memorable day out.
Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
LEEDS CASTLE
Often described as "the loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle is set within 500 hectares of beautiful parkland and gardens. Once visited by Henry VIII, the castle features historic interiors with ancient stonework, exposed beams, fine furniture, and Flemish tapestries that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The colourful gardens provide interest throughout the year, with vibrant flower displays, fragrant herb gardens, roses, and Mediterranean plants. Families will also enjoy exploring the famous maze, which offers fun and adventure for younger visitors.
Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Hever Castle
One of England's most romantic castles, Hever Castle & Gardens was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. Surrounded by a picturesque moat, the castle offers over 600 years of history, beautifully furnished Tudor interiors, and 125 acres of award-winning gardens. Highlights include the spectacular Italian Garden, the rose gardens, and the yew and water mazes, making Hever Castle a wonderful day out for both history enthusiasts and families.
Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN
A historic country estate famous for the stunning garden created in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson. For garden lovers, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is considered a place of pilgrimage when visiting southern England. The beautifully maintained garden is divided into a series of distinct garden rooms, each with its own character and planting scheme. The renowned White Garden, featuring an elegant collection of pale and white-flowering plants, is particularly impressive.
During the summer months, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid queues.
Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, TN17 2AB