Castles

Castles are the next reasons to visit Kent. The region of Kent is home to about 30 castles. They provide fascinating insights into England's past and are an excellent place to visit on a day with some free time. Some, like Leeds Castle and Hever Castle, have many amenities, including a cafe and a playground, and they provide a comprehensive calendar of events all year long. You could easily spend the entire day there, letting the kids run around while learning about the history. Some of Kent's towns have other old fortified buildings right in the middle of them. An excellent illustration is Rochester Castle, which is shown above. It bears watch over Rochester, a lovely town, encircled by a (now dry) moat and strong defensive walls. The castle's imposing keep was added at the beginning of the 12th century after it was first constructed in 1080. You can visit it before going to the town's unique high street with its adorable shops and cafes because it is located directly across from the stunning Rochester Cathedral. Additionally, Rochester Castle's keep offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Kent and the River Medway.

In Kent, England, you won't just find medieval castles. Manor houses with moats are also seen here. These are substantial, moat-enclosed residences from antiquity. Not a castle or a palace, they are unique and exquisite. Examples include Ightham Mote and Groombridge Place. The latter is a 17th-century moated manor house with a secret garden, 200 acres of farmland, and sculpted formal gardens. It is quite atmospheric and is a terrific day trip. Finally, there are a few Tudor artillery forts in Kent that you can visit. They have semicircular petals that overlap around a central building that is cylindrical, giving them the shape of a rose. Learn more about Henry VIII, who erected these forts, and the numerous historical personalities who resided and worked there by visiting these forts. Deal Castle and Walmer Castle can be visited on the same day because they are close to one another.