What to do and see in Kent, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Whitstable is very fortunate to have its own theatre, The Playhouse, which is owned and managed by The Lindley Players Limited.

The first Church of England, this historic gothic-style cathedral dates back to 597, which served as a rich and powerful monastery of Benedictine monks in the 12th century.

The K&ESR opened in 1900 as England’s first ‘light railway’, serving the rural communities of East Sussex and Kent. Closing to passengers in 1954, the line was saved and reopened by a charitable organisation in 1974. It now operates steam hauled and diesel observation trains on a 10.5 mile line from Bodiam Castle in East Sussex to the historic market town of Tenterden in west Kent.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an Art Gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury. This award winning facility provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, excellent educational facilities and a varied programme of events for all ages. The building takes its name from its benefactor, Dr James George Beaney, a Canterbury-born man of modest background who studied medicine before emigrating to Australia, where he found his success. Upon his death in 1891, Dr Beaney left money in his will to the city of Canterbury to build an ‘Institute for Working Men’ with amenities for men from poor backgrounds such as his own. His patronage was fundamental in building the Beaney Institute: a new home for the Canterbury Royal Museum and Free Library, now known as The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. A cultural hub in East Kent, praised for its welcoming atmosphere, providing a range of services under one roof, uniting art, heritage, books, ideas, information and collections. Whether you are a frequent Library user, a teacher on a Schools Workshop, a parent enjoying the perfect cup of coffee in our Cafe or an inquisitive explorer studying our treasures from the Ancient worlds; The Beaney is a building for everyone.

Pre-booking essential. The Shell Grotto is one of the world’s most mysterious places: a series of underground rooms and passageways covered by 2000sqft of exquisite mosaic created with 4.6 million shells. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, when, or why. “The grotto is simultaneously haunting and homely. It could be a lost pagan shrine or have ‘A Present From Margate’ picked out in the shells - it wouldn’t matter. It’s still magical, mysterious and (once it’s in your head) impossible to forget.” Far From the Sodding Crowd: More Uncommonly British Days Out, Penguin Books.

Step into the heart of Chatham’s legendary ship building heritage and return to the ‘Age of Sail’, when the Dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world’s oceans. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a WWII Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell aboard a Victorian Sloop. Delve into the award-winning Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and imagine the crash of the waves as you explore the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats before gaining first-hand experience of life as a Victorian ropemaker. And don’t forget to check out the exciting programme of events and seasonal activities throughout the year.

The Museum tells the story of the Corps of Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight for over 300 years. Highlights include 25 Victoria Crosses, Wellington's map of Waterloo, Chard's weapons from the Zulu War, an amazing collection of bridge laying tanks the world’s first useable guided torpedo, a huge piece of the Berlin Wall, a Harrier Jump Jet and a deadly V2 Rocket. The Royal Engineers’ story is one of courage, innovation, skill and endurance which is told through the many galleries, enabling you to follow the evolution of the Sapper from military architects and specialists in siegecraft, to the Army's innovators on everything from diving to surveying, flying to photography and transport to combat engineering. With interactive exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafe and gift shop, there is plenty for all the family – tickets valid for a whole year! Please check our website for more details on visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.