The historical sites of kent
From Kent's many castles to Canterbury's Cathedral, and many beautiful landscape gardens, the area has all manner of historic sites to explore. Some of our favourites include:
Walmer Castle and Gardens - a Tudor fortress by the sea, home to the Wardens of the Cinque Ports and a former residence of the 1st Duke of Wellington and HRH Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. It's landscaped gardens are particularly beautiful.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and destination of the pilgrims in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the stunning cathedral has been a place of worship for more than 1,400 years.
The gardens at Goodnestone Park - with its spectacular ancient trees, including the cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, and an enormous sweet chestnut, Castanea sativa.
Dover Castle, the Roman Lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon Church - a site of great importance in British history: "The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries."
The Mediaeval Churches of Romney Marsh - 14 of England's most beautiful mediaeval churches are scattered across this beautiful marshland, known for its rich history and diverse natural wildlife habitats.
kent cultural festivals
Church Cottage is well-located for visiting several of the cultural festivals that take place in Kent. Some of our favourites include:
The Canterbury Festival - Running annually in the early to mid autumn, Canterbury's international festival of the arts fills the city with classical concerts, jazz music, performances and art exhibitions.
The Stour Music Festival - Usually held in June/July, this annual early music festival has a programme of concerts taking place at All Saints’ Boughton Aluph, a church "renowned for its superb acoustic".
The Folkestone Triennial - Held every three years (next due in 2024), this festival of the arts "has rapidly established itself as a significant event in the international calendar of recurring art exhibitions".