What to do and see in Kent, England: The Best Free Things to do

December 12, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

Discover the best top things to do in Kent, United Kingdom including The White Cliffs of Dover, Royal Military Canal, Rochester Cathedral, Viking Coastal Trail, Guildhall Museum, Westgate Gardens, Joss Bay, Viking Bay, Mote Park, Maidstone Museum.
Restaurants in Kent

1. The White Cliffs of Dover

Upper Road Langdon Cliffs, Dover CT16 1HJ England +44 1304 205108 [email protected] http://www.whitecliffsofdover.co.uk/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,851 reviews

The White Cliffs of Dover

Reviewed By nigel567

We had lovely walk along the top of the cliffs great views of the ferries and the harbour on a bright sunny day

2. Royal Military Canal

Royal Military Road Hythe to Rye England +44 1797 367934 http://www.royalmilitarycanal.com/pages/index.asp
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Royal Military Canal

Reviewed By JudithTintern - Yeovil, United Kingdom

We visited 3 parts of the canal. We put our kayak in at Hamstreet - the bridge near the garden centre and paddled to Bilsington and back. Lovely peaceful stretch of the canal. We visited Hythe Lock and walked a fair bit of the canal. A good, free car park and stunning views. We also parked in Hythe and walked a stretch. Really lovely. The bottom line - its quite stunning to walk by and kayak on. For kayaking you have to have a licence from Hythe Lock to Seabrook which is why we explored further up - glad we did.

3. Rochester Cathedral

The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SX England +44 1634 843366 [email protected] http://www.rochestercathedral.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,131 reviews

Rochester Cathedral

Growing in Christ since AD 604. This is England's second oldest cathedral. We are home to the Textus Roffensis, the only existing copy of the first code of English Law. Dating from 604 AD, this is the second-oldest cathedral in England.

Reviewed By 819stephanieo - Rochester, United Kingdom

Rochester Cathedral is such an interesting place to visit. It is full of history and has lots of information to read and learn about it's past. Even though it is a very popular tourist attraction in the area you ca always find a quiet space to sit and be with your own thoughts. The ladies chapel and the gardens are a favourite place of mine & my husband's to just sit quietly, light a candle and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The team of volunteers are brilliant, very friend and always happy to help or talk about the cathedrals rich history. There is a great programme of events throughout the year, they are very popular so best to book tickets. The refurbished vaults are very impressive and a great space to have a coffee.

4. Viking Coastal Trail

Isle of Thanet England http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/viking-coastal-trail/8676
Excellent
53%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Viking Coastal Trail

Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom

We decided to walk part of the Viking Coastal Trail between Minnis Bay to Reculver and back on a mid-week morning in April. The walk is about 3.7 miles in each direction and is fairly level throughout and with a good walking surface. We had originally tried to park at Reculver and start the walk from there however the car parks there were full and so we ended up at Minnis Bay and in hindsight we thought this was the best option. We found ample free car parking along the front and additionally, there is a large ‘pay & display’ park should the free spaces be unavailable. At Minnis Bay, you will find cafes, a public house and public toilets. We also noticed a cycle hire shop who also seemed to do four person bikes which is an alternate way to enjoy a ride along the coast. We started our walk toward the Reculver towers which can be clearly seen in the distance, passing some colourful beach huts some of which were being prepared by their owners for the forthcoming summer season. There is a good wide footpath on the seawall to follow for the whole route but note that this is also shared with cyclists. On the way, the walker can enjoy the views out over the Thames Estuary towards Essex and on a clear day the wind farms and also some of the Thames forts can also be seen with the naked eye. On the other side may be seen farmland punctuated with small steams and waterways. If you own a pair pf binoculars we would recommend taking them on this walk. Along the way we noted several types of birds including swans, ducks, sparrows and the occasional Kestrel as well as gulls. On our return journey we even got to see a grey seal sunning itself on the shingle beaches. Arriving at the ruined church at Reculver, there is much to see here and there are also cafes and a public house close to a grassed area if you are looking for refreshments. There is a visitors centre (not open on the day of our visit due to covid restrictions), and public toilets. There are two reasonably sized pay and display car parks and public busses also serve the area if you are not intending to walk onward (or back). The remains of the Church itself is well worth a look around, there are some explanatory signs to help if you are unaware of its history. After taking refreshments at Reculver, we started back to Minnis Bay along the same route leaving the towers of the church behind us. I personally think that this direction gives the better views as you approach Minis Bay with the bay stretching out before you. Arriving back at Minnis Bay we enjoyed a well-deserved drink before driving home after what had been a thoroughly enjoyable coastal walk.

5. Guildhall Museum

17 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY England +44 1634 332900 http://www.medway.gov.uk/guildhallmuseum
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 463 reviews

Guildhall Museum

Reviewed By danielgraham1989 - Chandler’s Ford, United Kingdom

An interesting museum full of interesting artefacts and references to the local history. Well set out with plenty of information and an enjoyable place to visit.

6. Westgate Gardens

Westgate Grove, Canterbury CT1 2BQ England +44 1227 475202 http://www.canterbury.co.uk/Canterbury-Westgate-Gardens/details/?dms=13&nearby=1&GroupId=2&venue=3030588
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,003 reviews

Westgate Gardens

Reviewed By gailbh - Essex, United Kingdom

My husband and I walked through these gardens quite a few times over our three day stay in Canterbury, very peaceful and tranquil, walking along the river, also enjoyed a lovely cup of tea, weather permitting in the outdoor terrace.

7. Joss Bay

Joss Gap Road, Broadstairs CT10 3PG England
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Joss Bay

Reviewed By Taz3619 - Hawkinge, United Kingdom

Loved this beach had a fab day out car park is great £5.00 all day in farmers field opposite beach there is a shop toilets and rock pooling when tide is out. Still space on beach when tide is in but get there early as gets busy real quick on hot days definitely going again and will reccomend to anyone.

8. Viking Bay

Harbour Street, Broadstairs CT10 1EU England
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 877 reviews

Viking Bay

Reviewed By SueW80

This beach is wonderful all year round but during the summer season it is especially interesting. There are activities for younger children, for example, bouncy castles, swingboats, a vintage roundabout and Punch and Judy Show. There is also a watersports school offering surfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking for older children and adults. There are lots of cafes on the beach and around the promenade. It is a really traditional English seaside resort - quaint, charming and very photogenic!

9. Mote Park

Mote Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7RN England +44 1622 602169 http://www.visitmaidstone.com/site/things-to-do/mote-park-p12581
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 986 reviews

Mote Park

Reviewed By SteMar247 - Maidstone, United Kingdom

We love walking our dog round the lake and often see woodpeckers, kingfishers, geese, grebes, cormorants and lots more wildlife. The park houses a nature reserve, model train that kids can ride, a Go Ape experience, football pitches, rugby pitches, a cafe, play area, swimming pool and a large fishing lake with a specialist dementia walk round it.

10. Maidstone Museum

Museum St. Faiths Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH England +44 1622 602838 [email protected] http://www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Maidstone Museum

Maidstone Museum a local authority-run museum located in Maidstone, Kent. Featuring internationally important collections including fine art, natural history, and human history. The museum is one of three operated by Maidstone Borough Council. The building is Grade II* listed. Maidstone Museum is Free, with some paid events and exhibitions. From May 19th Wednesday-Saturday 10:00-16:00 ( last entry at 15:30) . School Holidays Excluding Bank Holidays : Monday - Saturday 10:00-16:00 Last Entry at 15:30 Seasonal Closures Apply. Currently operating in accordance with Government Guidelines : A One Way System Face masks are compulsory when entering, Test and Trace/ Check in before visiting , Some Galleries have remained closed due to social distancing

Reviewed By 571lasseh - Stokmarknes, Norway

Nice museum, friendly and helpful staff????wery intresting exehibition???? Also it’s free entry, fantastisk Maidstone????.............................................

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