What to do in Canterbury
Canterbury, famous throughout the world for its Cathedral has so much more to offer. Canterbury has an excellent shopping centre, good food and a plethora of fine public houses. you can also take a boat trip along the River Stour.
If it is sight seeing that you are after then the Canterbury Tales exhibition has to be on your list. It is almost as if you were part of the pilgrimage. St Augustine's Abbey, with parts of the original building standing after 1500 years, symbolises the Religious and Roman history of Canterbury.
Of course, Canterbury Cathedral is the high point of any trip to Canterbury and you will be awestruck by the magnificence of the building and the history it exudes. The history of Canterbury can be seen throughout the city with several museums and galleries including the Museum of Canterbury itself. Perfect for a rainy hour or two.
Out and about in Canterbury's surrounding villages you will find Howlett's Wild Animal Park complete with elephants, tigers and the fantastic gorillas. Also on the wildlife front there is Wildwood, Druidstone Park and Wingham Wildlife Park. Also sure to be fun for all are the nature walks in the woodlands surrounding Canterbury.
Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre is the south east’s No. 1 touring venue; Often referred to as "the West End on your Doorstep", the theatre hosts dramas, opera, classical music, musicals, pop, celebrity concerts and children’s shows (currently under reconstruction).
What to do in Dover
Dover needs no introduction. The Famous White Cliffs and Dover Castle dominate the skyline at Dover and can be seen as a welcome home from any excursion to France by ferry and sometimes on a flight into England.
Standing 465 feet above sea level Dover Castle comprises a Roman Lighthouse and Saxon Church, together with the secret wartime tunnels and many other historic treasures.
Dover Castle is well worth a visit and a picnic further up on top of the white cliffs watching the boats come into port could not be any more relaxing.
A visit to Dover is often accompanied by one of the many day trip options to France by ferry or Le Shuttle from nearby Folkestone. Angling, sailing, windsurfing, tennis, golf and riding are also all available within a few miles of the park.
Dover is much more than a town it is the centre of an area that embraces Walmer and Deal with their Tudor castles (Walmer Castle a favourite of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). Deal is a quiet seaside town with its colourful fishing boats always on view, and only 10 minutes away from Dover.
As well as The White Cliffs, the area is perfect for the many National Trust walks designed for all ages. Deal and nearby Sandwich also are favourites for golfers with internationally renowned golf courses including Royal St Georges (a regular on the Open Golf circuit).
What to do in Folkestone
Folkestone is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance. Folkestone's seafront below the leas is a picturesque, tranquil and visually stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of this busy seaside town.
Folkestone town centre is divided into new and old. Up to the 19th century Folkestone was a smugglers haven. Folkestone's old high street is reminiscent of a bygone age. The new centre has the shopping centres and boutiques you would come to expect.
It is the seafront that is the true focus of Folkestone, with a harbour and seafood stalls, and a promenade that links Folkestone to Hythe and then to the Romney marshes. Outside of Folkestone you can visit the racecourse or the many golf courses.
Also nearby is Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and the much enjoyed Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Great fun! Don’t forget the nearby white cliffs of Dover, the fishing boats at Deal and smugglers houses in nearby Sandwich.
A day trip to France is also an option or a trip down the coast to Hastings. There simply is so much to do.
What to do in Herne Bay
Herne Bay is steeped in seaside history; a splendid promenade and gardens provide a pleasant area to stroll throughout the year, not just in the summer months.
Herne Bay is regularly top of the national sun shine charts and possesses a well presented pebble beach with characterful ice cream parlours and amusements to while away in the sun.
Herne Bay has a pedestrianised shopping area which is home to local businesses, its own leisure centre and cinema.
On Hene Bay's seafront there is the Pier Pavilion Sports Centre with fitness studio, bowls, squash and roller hockey. Along Herne Bay's seafront is the King’s Hall where shows and concerts are held throughout the year, making Herne Bay an ideal venue for all the family.
At the other end of Herne Bay is Hampton with a wide range of water sports available.
Nearby towns to Herne Bay are Whitstable and Canterbury as well as Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. All accessible to visit in a day or part of a day.
What to do in Maidstone
Maidstone is at the very heart of Kent and is a busy centre for commerce and culture. The River Medway winds its way through Maidstone where craft navigate its upper reaches and can be seen at the quay side in the town. Maidstone is perfectly placed to benefit from much of the history Kent has to offer.
Kent is home to many picturesque ancient castles and Maidstone is near to some of the most beautiful: Leeds Castle lies to the east of Maidstone where there is also a beautiful ‘pay and play’ golf course.
Hever Castle, near Edenbridge – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry Vlll – contains many memories of her as well as an opportunity to view the award winning Italian gardens. Also at Hever is another golf course.
Maidstone is also close to the County Showground at Detling which throughout the summer hosts some fantastic outdoor displays, from the Kent Show to War and Peace. Within easy reach of Maidstone is The Hop Farm Family Park which has fun events for all the family.
What to do in Thanet
Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Sandwich are all in easy reach of Quex Caravan Park. Margate, a famous seaside town with a fine beach and plenty of amusements for the lively amongst your party is just a few minutes by car away.
The lovely harbour at Ramsgate, with private yachts moored in a similar fashion to the French Riviera. Miniature golf, bowling green and boating pools are just part of the other Royal Esplanade's attractions.
Pretty Broadstairs, with its sheltered harbour and the quiet, interesting cinque port of Sandwich should also be visited. For the sun seekers to relax and unwind, there are numerous bays along this stretch of the coastline. But if its purely sightseeing you enjoy, many other places of interest are available in this area. Details are available from our reception.
What to do in Whitstable
Whitstable is fast becoming the "have to be seen" town in Kent. Whitstable, once a small fishing village, now still retains much of its charm but has flourished as a bohemian centre with boutiques, galleries and a working harbour where local fisherman stock the quay-side stalls with shell and wet fish.
Whitstable Oysters, known for centuries throughout the world, are still cultivated within view of the shoreline and a harbour-side museum, giving a comprehensive history of this industry, is a must for visitors.
In fact the harbour at Whitstable is the centre of the town and there are many eateries and public houses to ensure that you will enjoy any day you choose to visit.
Sport is high on Whitstable's list of to do's. Yachting, windsurfing, water skiing are all available and even a golf course is within the town. For your evenings or rainy days why not use the leisure centre and ten pin bowling alley.
Just through the town and past the castle brings you to the Tankerton slopes which are great for a picnic or to enjoy their annual festival.
