Historic Towns and Villages

Kent's historic towns and villages are definitely one of the reasons to visit Kent. Within an hour or hour and a half of London, Kent is endowed with some of the cutest medieval towns and villages to explore. They are fun to visit on a day trip or during longer vacations in the county since they have eccentric houses that showcase the best of English architecture over the centuries, from half-timbered facades and wooden cladding to Georgian buildings. If you prefer fanciful architecture, cobblestone alleys, and dramatic historic centers, there are many fantastic sites in Kent, from Canterbury to Tenterden and from Aylesford to Tonbridge.

Some places worth a trip are Rochester, Whitstable and Chilham. This charming town in Kent, Rochester, is a treat to visit. It has a lovely high street that is dominated by one of England's oldest castles and England's second-oldest cathedral. Despite being known for its Dickensian past, Rochester has much more to offer, including Norman history, odd buildings, adorable cafes, and independent clothing and jewelry stores. The neighborhood is also highly vibrant, and all year long, festivals and events celebrating art and music are held there. Whitstable is well known for its working harbor and excellent seafood. Particularly coveted are the oysters from the area. Enjoy them at Wheelers Oyster Bar, a landmark establishment that has operated since 1856. The harbor is a terrific place to go for walks along the shore, to watch boats come in from the sea loaded with the day's catch, and to visit the fish market where there is an enormous amount of fresh seafood. Chilham is a charming tiny community with lovely old homes, a medieval center, and an individual castle. Chilham has appeared in numerous English films and television shows thanks to its charming atmosphere and charming architecture, most notably in the BBC version of "Emma," one of Jane Austen's best-known novels. You can drive to Chilham, spend some time wandering about and admiring the old façade, and then eat a wonderful supper in a neighborhood pub. Or you can take the Pilgrims' Way, an old trail that has supposedly been in use since the Stone Age, which runs from Canterbury all the way to Chilham.