Things To Do

Broadstairs was a favourite resort of Charles Dickens and the town continues to celebrate both the writer and his characters. It retains much of the charm that appealed to Victorian visitors and the many sandy bays are the perfect destination for today\'s beachcombing sea bathers. Broadstairs is also home to a traditional ice cream parlour which was chosen by The Times as one of the \'50 Best Places to Eat by the Sea\'.

The castles at Dover, Deal and Walmer are all reminders of the vulnerability of Kent for invasion and they make for a very interesting day out. The imposing cliff top castle at Dover has been continuously used for many centuries from Anglo Saxon times to the Cold War Years. It has been at the forefront of most major conflicts throughout history and played an important part in the Second World War from the fascinating underground tunnels.

A Day at the Races can be enjoyed at Kent's only racecourse situated at Folkestone, an intimate course that hosts flat and National Hunt racing throughout the year. When there's no racing, you can always hop on the Eurotunnel for a day out in France. In only half an hour you can be enjoying moules et frites on the Northern shores of France and look back at the white cliffs of England.

Situated in a commanding position overlooking the Channel is Port Lympne a marvellous mansion built in 1912 by Philip Sassoon. It is now set within the grounds of a Wild Animal Park devoted to the conservation of many endangered species including gorillas and rhinos amongst others. This is a great place to experience the thrill of an African Safari without the expense of trekking to Africa.

Ramsgate is the only port in Britain to have a \'Royal\' Harbour, granted by King George IV in 1821. The Marina is busy with the local fishing fleet as well as international yachtsmen and all manner of water-sports is on offer from sailing and surfing to water skiing, power-boating, canoeing and diving. There are daily ferries to Belgium and frequent flights from Edinburgh and Belfast to Manston. There are easy walks along the coast to Broadstairs and Pegwell Bay and many trendy restaurants, like Age & Sons in a converted warehouse one minute from the sea, and cafes to choose from when you need some sustenance.

Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is a miniature steam railway that runs from New Romney to Dungeness. It is an absolute delight to chug through the Romney Marsh admiring the sheep, the wonderfully preserved medieval Churches and finally the shingle headland at Dungeness where many rare water birds can be spied at the RSPB reserve. Top it off with fish and chips at a local pub for a great day out.

Samphire Hoe is a new piece of coastline created by the excavation of the Channel Tunnel. A wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with fabulous views of the cliffs and the Channel and a perfect haven for wildlife and bird watching.

The Historic Dockyard at Chatham is well worth a visit. The history of shipbuilding and the Bristish Navy is vividly brought to life in the beautifully preserved dockyard where warships have been built for 400 years. Explore many examples of seafaring vessels and take a trip on a coal fired Paddle Steamer for a really fun day out for all the family.

Deal boasts the last pleasure pier to be built in Britain, reputed to be the exact length of the Titanic, and with a celebrated restaurant at its end. The delightful view of the picturesque town reveals its history and maritime connections with the fascinating Timeball Tower and the hotel where Lord Nelson stayed with Emma Hamilton. The pier is also popular with fishermen.

The Turner Contemporary Gallery opened in Margate in 2011. A tribute to the artist JMW Turner who admired the skies over Thanet as... The loveliest in Europe. The Gallery is free to visitors and will always showcase at least one painting by Turner along with contemporary art and installations, It is sited on the spot where Turners lodgings once stood and overlooks the long sandy beach and its traditional saltwater pool. While you are in Margate you should visit the Shell Grotto whose origins are unknown.

No trip to the Kent Coast would be complete without sampling the native oysters and Whitstable is the place to go. An Oyster Festival takes place every summer but there are many fine pubs and eateries open throughout the year. Whitstable has many fashionable shops and galleries to enjoy.

Just inland from Herne Bay is some ancient woodland that is home to Wildwood, full of British wildlife including badgers, wolves, otters and beavers. Children will have great fun discovering the natural habitats of their favourite creatures and there is an adventure playground too.