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Kent Travel and Tourism InformationIt seems
every travel guide is required to mention that Kent is known as "The Garden
of England". There, consider it mentioned. For all that the phrase is overused
and time-worn, there is truth to the saying. Kent is a county of delightful gardens,
farmland, and orchards, attractive despite its proximity to London and the bustle
of traffic heading south to the Channel ferry ports.
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Canterbury
Cathedral Knole Dover Castle | |
There are indeed so many outstanding gardens in Kent that is difficult
to know where to begin. How about Sissinghurst Castle, the wonderful creation
of popular garden writer Vita Sackville-West? Sissinghurst was planted as a series
of separate gardens within the larger garden around a Tudor tower house.
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| Sissinghurst Tower
from the gardens | Or what about Beech Court, where the
woodland garden surrounds a medieval farm house? At romantic Scotney Castle the
superb picturesque gardens tumble down the hillside to the ruins of a 14th century
moated manor, while the informal Emmet's Gardens at Idle Hill give wonderful views
across the Weald of Kent. There is, of course, more to Kent than gardens.
The county is home to more country houses and buildings of historic interest per
square mile than just about any place else in England, from the informal, like
Smallhythe, where actress Ellen Terry occupied a delightful half-timbered Tudor
cottage, to the grandiose, like Leeds Castle, which seems to float like a romantic
lily-pad upon its lake.
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| Leeds Castle |
Penshurst Place near Tonbridge, is perhaps the finest late-medieval
stately home in the country. Within Penshurst is the superb 14th century Baron's
Hall, boasting a wooden beamed roof which soars fully 60 feet above the hall floor.
Squerrys Court is a Jacobean manor in 10 acres of beautiful formal gardens, while
Knole is an opulent treasure house, little altered since the 18th century, when
the Sackville family filled it with fine art and furniture. Hever Castle
was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and the moated manor is surrounded by beautiful
Italianate gardens and a popular hedge maze. Chartwell, at Westerham, was the
home of Winston Churchill, and the house has been left as it was during the great
statesman's lifetime. Chiddingstone Castle is a romantic vision in the picturesque
style, yet it is a true castle, with roots going back to the Tudor era. It is
just as well to stop this listing of historic houses here, and mention a few of
the other delights of Kent - but there are scores more examples of wonderfully
enjoyable houses to visit. One of the most popular destinations in Kent is Dover; while the town
itself suffers from urban growth, the grim Norman Castle holds much historical
interest. It was begun by Henry II as part of England's ongoing attempts to discourage
French invasions. Beneath the castle are a maze of tunnels constructed to house
Allied headquarters during WWII. A series of special exhibits and living history
displays help bring that dark time to life. Take the North
Downs Way long distance path inland from Dover and you come at last to Canterbury,
the magnet that has drawn pilgrims to it for over 800 years. Canterbury Cathedral,
scene of the martyrdom of Thomas a Becket, is the prime attraction, but the city
itself is an attractive mix of new and old. The first church here was founded
by St. Augustine in 597, but the present building is primarily the product of
the 12th century, with notable later additions. The precise spot where Becket
was killed by four knights of Henry II is known, and cathedral guides recount
the tale with suitable gusto to visitors. Kent has something for everyone,
from beautiful countryside and attractive villagers, to grand houses and castles.
Then, there are all those gardens .... | |
Accommodation
| Kent |
Streete Cottage
St Nicholas at Wade
Self catering cottage
Streete Cottage offers one double room, one twin bedded room and a put-up bed, sleeping up to 5 people. The cottage also features a … more >>
Sleeps 5
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| Kent |
Coastguards Cottage
Ramsgate
Self catering cottage
This VisitBritain 4 star property offers 2 double rooms and 1 bedroom with adult sized bunk beds. Lounge with dining area fully equiped kitchen downstairs … more >>
Sleeps 6
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| Dartford (Hotel) |
Express by Holiday Inn Dartford Bridge
Express by Holiday Inn Dartford Bridge is located in Kent with marvellous coast and countryside on the doorstep waiting to be discovered, whilst being adjacent to junction 1a of the London Orbital. The hotel has been designed for the price conscious traveller with 126 contemporary designed bedrooms all with tea/coffee … more >>
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| Maidstone (Hotel) |
Stone Court Hotel
A unique Grade II listed hotel dating from the 16th Century, it still retains its Tudor charm with a large stone fireplace and wooden beams. The original owners were wealthy landowners, who were related to Queen Elizabeth I. Situated within the hustle and bustle of Maidstone town centre; this tranquil … more >>
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