Exploring Kent on the Railway

On Saturday 6th October 2018, for just one day, Southeastern Railway are offering a “Super Saturday” ticket. For £20 per adult, you can have a day of unlimited travel across Kent on the Southeastern network and add up to 4 children on the ticket for £1 each!

To celebrate this fantastic opportunity to explore the whole of Kent on the train, here are 7 destinations that you could take time to visit: 

1) Canterbury East/West

In the historic city of Canterbury, there is so much to see and do. Take a visit to the world-famous Cathedral, walk the medieval streets, tour along the River Stour, experience The Canterbury Tales, or stop off in the many cafes and restaurants that the city has to offer, the list is endless!

2) Folkestone Central/West

Folkestone has a lot going for it at the moment. The rejuvenated Old Town area of Folkestone has a number of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, the recently restored Harbour Arm has lots going on with wonderful views out to sea, and the Lower Leas Coastal Park is a great place for kids and adults-alike to explore.  

3) Margate

You have probably heard about Margate somewhere, but it is a town that really deserves all the hype it is getting. The seaside town is known for its golden sandy beaches, as well as Dreamland amusement park, the Turner Contemporary Gallery, the Old Town with its vintage clothes shops and the mysterious Shell Grotto, there is something for everyone in Margate. 

4) Kearsney

Kearsney is the station for some of the best parkland in Kent. Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens are beautiful parks that sit next to each other in the village of Kearsney, with sculpted pathways that weave their way around trees, streams, ponds, wildlife and plenty of open grassland. Kearsney Parks are just stunning, and the kids will love them too! 

5) Rochester

Perhaps the most historic of the Medway Towns, Rochester has plenty to see and do. How many places have a Cathedral next door to a 12th century Castle? Both are well worth a visit, as is the nearby Guildhall Museum. With Charles Dickens spending much of his childhood in Rochester, you can also follow a self-guided walking tour and see the buildings that inspired his writing, from a map available in the Visitor Information Centre on the high street. 

6) Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells is home to The Pantiles, perhaps some of the most refined buildings and walkways in the country. A vast array of independent shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants sit undercover held up by stylish columns dating back to the end of the 17th century. Tunbridge Wells is a place with much to see and do, not to mention a charming place too. 

7) Wye

Wye has been cited as one of the best places to live in the UK, and it is a must-see destination. The Great Stour river runs through this beautiful village, which has a lovely church, village shops and quite a few places to dine. Wye is in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, with some stunning countryside to explore. You can also see the Wye Crown, cut into a chalk hill in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII.  

These are just some of many destinations that you can visit in Kent this weekend with the Southeastern Super Saturday ticket. For more information (including details of a Super Saturday challenge), visit the Southeastern website.

Now that you know how to get around Kent, it's time to educate yourself on Kent's Local and Community History!