What to Do in Kent

Moated castle dating back to the 13th century and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Later acquired by William Waldorf Astor who created the spectacular gardens, and a house of beautiful furniture, paintings and tapestry. The Yew Maze, a miniature model house exhibition, and an adventure playground are other attractions at this historical castle.

25th-26th September Castle Triathlon Series. This is the final triathlon in The Castle Series. This is second year hosting the event and Triathletes start with an open water swim in the spectacular 38 acre lake, transitioning into cycling around a 20km circuit through the High Weald of Kent followed by the run which circumnavigates the estate.

Described as the grandest and most perfectly preserved example of a fortified manor house in England.  Staterooms, tapestries, furniture, portraits and armour on display.  In addition to the manor house, there are 10 acres of gardens, a toy museum and a venture playground.

Weald of Kent Craft Show takes place 10th-12th September. Diverse selection of creative crafts, inspirational textile arts and innovative sewing. Show features displays, catwalk shows, competitions, plus free workshops, demonstrations & talks.

The beauty of Groomsbrigde has attracted movie makers and can be seen in Pride & Prejudice.  Traditional gardens created 300 years ago and developed to their present magnificence.  The Enchanted Garden can be entered through a gate, where stunning gardens are on view, along with a children's playground, activities, and animals such as deer, can be seen wandering the land.

Shorne Woods Country Park is an area of Outstanding Natural covering 288 acres of woodland.  A Site of Special Scientific Interest within the Kent Downs, with a mixture of chestnut coppice woodlands that are full of wildflowers in the spring, ancient woodland with towering old trees, open meadows to play and picnic in, and ponds and wetlands that are home to dragonflies in the summer time. There are views of the Thames from the open grassland at the park's highest point. Shorne Woods is renowned for its fungi and blue bells and the woodlands are full of wildlife including dormice and bats.

Owned by the Forestry commission, the 320 acres of parkland are situated among the lakes and valleys of the Kent countryside and surrounded by the 2,600 acre Bedgebury Forest. Stunning scenery all year round produced by over 6,000 trees and over 2,000 species of conifer. Walking, cycling, nature walks, four orienteering courses, archery with a qualified instructor from April-October and concerts are held throughout the year. Enjoy a gentle family cycle ride in a beautiful woodland setting or top speed mountain biking around Bedgebury’s challenging single-track routes - 10km of newly surfaced family cycle track round the 2000 acre forest - over 12km of single-track mountain biking. Cycle hire available.

The Electric Forest  22nd October-7th November. A specialist visual arts team transforms part of the National Pinetum. Follow the illuminated trails and experience the forest in a whole new light. it's a walk of approx 2km where you will experience light, sound and interactive installations surrounded by stunning woodland and the stillness of the night sky. The walk is self guided.

Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe,Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence where the Duke of Wellington once resided.  The armchair in which Wellington died on 14 September 1852 can still be seen. His campaign bed also remains on display, along with a pair of original 'Wellington boots' and numerous personal in Wellington museum. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother made regular visits to the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visitors, as is her magnificent garden, given to Her Majesty on her 95th birthday. The beautiful gardens surrounding the house also include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden. The remainder of the grounds are mostly wildlife gardens.