World Tourism Day: 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kent

The 27th September 2021 is World Tourism Day. It is a United Nation's event which aims to highlight the incredible value that tourism has for society. Tourism holds social, cultural, political and economic value to society. It also contributes towards meeting Sustainable Development Goals. Covid-19 impacted the tourism and travel industry particularly hard. It is hoped that the recommencement of tourism and travel will aid recovery and development. 

As our regular readers will know we are huge advocates of our beautiful county, Kent. This blog is dedicated to tourism in Kent and highlights just some of the reasons why Kent is an ideal tourist destination.

Stunning coastlines, rolling countryside and bustling towns – Kent has it all!

Whether you are seeking a quiet countryside escape or a bustling city break, Kent has it all! Known as the Garden of England, Kent contains a variety of landscapes to appeal to all tastes. There are many historic towns, such as Canterbury, as well as coastal areas, such as Thanet, and more remote areas nestled in the depths of the countryside, like Edenbridge. 

Endless things to do 

There are numerous options for days out and excursions in Kent! For animal lovers, there are a variety of wildlife parks such as Port Lympne, Howletts and Wingham. Kent also has a rich and diverse variety of historical sites to visit, ranging from iconic castles, such as Hever Castle and Leeds Castle, to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and the Lullingstone Roman Villa. You can also take a step back in time by embarking on a steam train ride at the Spa Valley Railway or the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Other offerings include brewery and distillery tours, lavender farms and museums. There are also fantastic options for shopping, guided tours and long, beautiful walking routes. 

Great transport links 

Whatever your preference for transportation, Kent can provide it all. If you prefer driving your own set of wheels, Kent offers a range of fantastic motorway links. There are various cycle trails and walking routes. Public transport in Kent is wide and varied with regular buses and trains, depending on the area you are staying in. Kent is well-connected and this will allow you explore the county with ease.

Rich in culture and history

Wherever you stay in Kent, you are bound discover captivating remnants of the past. Did you know…? 

• Charles Dickens lived in Kent and our fine county served as the inspiration for many of his greatest works. He once described Kent as ‘delightful’ and ‘fresh’. 
• Kent boasts an historic dockyard that was responsible for building powerful ships; many of which took part in notable wars, such as WW2 and the Cold War. If you are a fan of naval history then a visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham should be high on your list. 
• The formidable King Henry VIII had a soft spot for Kent. When he came to the throne, he inherited many of Kent’s finest castles, such as Dover and Rochester. His ill-fated wife, Anne Boleyn, grew up in the beautiful Hever Castle nestled in the Kent countryside.
• Maidstone was once home to dinosaurs! In 1834, the fossilised remains of an Iguanodon were found in Queens Road. The Maidstone Museum contains more information about Maidstone’s dinosaur dynasty. 

Kent is a favourite amongst the famous

Many notable and famous faces have resided in Kent or frequently visit the Garden of England. As previously mentioned, Charles Dickens was a fan of Kent and found inspiration in our county for many of his novels. Moreover, it is reported that Julius Caesar’s first stop in his invasion of Britain was in Pegwell Bay in Thanet. Sir Norman Wisdom grew up and lived in Kent; there is now a pub in Deal named after Sir Norman. 

5 Fascinating Facts About Kent

1) Following the Battle of Hastings, the Normans started building castles and cathedrals across the whole land. Canterbury is home to the first Norman cathedral and castle, with Rochester being second. Interestingly, no other county in Britain had two cathedrals.

2) Built in approximately 1127, Rochester Castle has been subject to siege 3 times and was partly demolished by King John in 1215. King John used the fat of 40 pigs to light a fire under the keep and demolished the southern corner of the castle!

3) Ever wondered why both Canterbury and Maidstone are home to a County Court? During the medieval period Canterbury became a ‘county corporate’, or a town with rights to act like a county. Although Maidstone is the county town of Kent today, Canterbury was once administered independently of the rest of Kent.

4) Kent’s county emblem is the white horse known as ‘Invicta’, which you’ve problem seen in various places when you’ve been out and about in Kent! The word ‘Invicta’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’, and Kent’s motto dates back to 14th October 1066 when Kent was granted the right to use the emblem of the horse and the motto by William the Conqueror.

5) Kent remains a county of two halves today. In 1972, Canterbury was drawn in County-wide administration, or Kent County Council as we know it today. This united county only actually lasted for 30 years until the Unitary Authority of Medway was formed, composed of Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham and Strood, and the county was once again divided in two! 

So, if you are searching for your next holiday destination, why not holiday-at-home and make a journey to the county of Kent? 

If you enjoyed this article then our post ’10 Places to Visit in Kent for a Peaceful Escape’ is the perfect article to read next.