Kent is a county in southeastern England. In the city of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral has a 1,400-year history, and features a Romanesque crypt and medieval stained glass. The underground Canterbury Roman Museum has excavated mosaics. Whitstable, to the north, is a coastal town with colourful cottages and a harbourside fish market.
The house, gardens and grounds of Scotney Castle are absolutely stunning including the bluebells in the woodland, daffodils, cherry blossom and wild flowers – all of which make for a gorgeous setting for a romantic day out for 2. If it’s a nice day, why not bring a picnic hamper filled to them brim with both your favourite treats. There is also the option to visit the tea room after exploring the house and grounds to try any of the delicious dishes with local produce from Scotney’s walled-garden, as well as their scone of the month!
Two words come to mind when thinking of what Chiddingstone Castle has to offer: Afternoon Tea! Book ahead of your visit for the opportunity to enjoy their delicious afternoon tea for two. The grounds with its grade II listed orangery and lake is the perfect setting for a romantic walk as is the National Trust owned village of Chiddingstone which is reached via the gate in the Castle grounds.. The tea rooms can be accessed without admission to the Castle.
Biddenden Vineyard makes for lovely date idea. The self-guided walks through the vines are both peaceful and romantic with wonderful views of the Kent countryside. Afterwards there is always wine and cider tasting in the Vineyard’s shop to help you choose which ones to purchase. You could take even book a private guided tour of the vineyard, followed by a selection of wine tasting. End the experience with a delightful cheese sharing platter for two – filled to the brim with local cheeses. Yum! See the Vineyard website for prices of guided tours and food options.
There are many Country Parks to explore within the Kent Downs AONB offering outdoor activities, trails, visitor centres and plenty of open space to enjoy and discover. Link to more Kent’s parks.
The Viking Coastal Trail is a 25-mile multi-user route around the Isle of Thanet, keeping as close as is possible to the coast. It is also Regional Route 15 of the National Cycle Network. From Reculver, the trail passes through Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate to reach Pegwell Bay, where Vikings first landed in Kent.
The Royal Military Canal is a canal running for 28 miles between Seabrook near Folkestone and Cliff End near Hastings, following the old cliff line bordering Romney Marsh, which was constructed as a defence against the possible invasion of England during the Napoleonic Wars
Maidstone Museum is a local authority-run museum located in Maidstone, Kent, England, 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.
Late 16th-century inn, The Man of Kent, backs right onto the River Bourne and comes complete with a red brick bridge. Burgers come juicy, stacked, with lots of cheese and a side of salad, fries and onion rings. What more do you need? The garden: The interiors are cosy in the winter and feature a wood-burning fireplace and exposed beams. Or, when the sun’s out, head into the garden for a pint of something cold as you watch the passing river. Children can even ask behind the bar for scraps to feed the fish.
Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and has been a place of worship for 1400 years. Throughout its long and colourful history, the cathedral has witnessed many world-shaping events, such as the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett by Henry II’s men in 1170. Beckett’s murder resulted in thousands of pilgrims visiting his shrine over hundreds of years, the proceeds of which have largely helped to extend and develop the cathedral. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the fan-vaulted ceiling, as well as the impressive nave.
This historic abbey was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine and was originally intended to be the burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. You can walk among the ruins where thousands of generations of people have walked before, soaking up over millennia of history. If this isn’t enough to convince you, how about this from English Heritage: “At the abbey, you can also enjoy the museum and free audio tour, along with our exciting new VR experience. “Visitors can now experience the abbey as it would have appeared in the early 1500s with virtual reality headsets that enable visitors to ‘walk’ through parts of the 16th-century monastery and experience the site in an immersive way.”
A joint ticket is available with The Canterbury Tales attraction.