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KentCulture & history

Our most recommended Kent Culture & history

Dover Castle Admission Ticket

1. Dover Castle Admission Ticket

Step into the vibrant world of Henry II’s medieval royal palace and follow lifelike hologram figures round the private chambers, guest rooms, and great hall, along with the kitchen and armories. After immersing yourself in life at the 12th-century court, climb to the roof of the Great Tower for amazing panoramic views over the huge medieval castle, which was one of the strongest in England. Enjoy the unique experience of the secret wartime tunnels, telling the story of the 1940 Miracle of Dunkirk using film, audio, and archive photography. Witness the evacuation of over 300,000 British and allied troops as the rescue operation is played out before your eyes.

Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour

2. Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour

Discover film location sites from the award-winning TV adaptation of Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Join a guided walking tour of the Chatham Historic Dockyard, led by a costumed guide to bring the world of a midwife to life! Get a sneak peak behind the scenes as you hear fascinating anecdotes about the filming of the show. Designed to represent the impoverished East End of London in the 1950s and 60s, the dockyards also have a fascinating history of their own. Walk along streets that were used to represent the slums of Poplar Dock, and walk in the footsteps of some of Miranda Hart and Jenny Agutter's most memorable scenes. Enjoy full access to Chatham Historic Dockyard throughout the day, and discover other memorable exhibits, including historic warships and an old Victorian rope factory.

Canterbury Cathedral: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

3. Canterbury Cathedral: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Canterbury Cathedral sits at the heart of England's story with 1,400 years of history to explore within. Secure your entry ticket to explore the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Enjoy a handset and audio guide to enrich your visit. As you explore the cathedral, discover architecture that’s been crafted through hundreds of years of building and rebuilding, altering with each change of style within the medieval period, but its roots reach even further. Admire colorful stained-glass windows, some of which are among the oldest in the world. Plug in your headphones and listen to your own personal audio guide to hear stories of royals, monks, and martyrs as you walk under the cathedral’s high ceilings. Your entry ticket also gives you access to the historic Chapter House with its incredibly detailed ceiling, the atmospheric Great Cloister which was walked by monks for centuries, three public gardens including a reimagining of a medieval Herbarium, and up to three exhibitions around the site. In 597 A.D., Pope Gregory the Great sent a monk, Augustine, to England as a missionary to spread Christianity across England. Augustine established his seat (or cathedra) and monastery in Canterbury and became England’s first Archbishop. When miracles were said to have taken place around the site, the cathedral became one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centers, as most famously told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Following a fire in 1174, parts of the cathedral were rebuilt in the new Perpendicular Gothic style.

London: Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, and White Cliffs

4. London: Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, and White Cliffs

Explore the beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury, the White Cliffs of Dover, and Dover Castle on a day tour from London. Soak in the views of the countryside of Britain while learning about the history from your guide. Make your first stop at the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. There’s plenty to see in Canterbury, including the Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church, and St. Augustine’s Abbey. Learn about the pilgrims who have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages, and it remains popular today with visitors from around the world. Travel on to the coast to see the White Cliffs of Dover, one of the country’s most spectacular natural features. An icon of Britain, the White Cliffs have been a sign of hope and freedom for centuries. Take a walk along the clifftops and look out over the busy English Channel. On a clear day, you will be able to see across France. Take a short drive up the road from the White Cliffs of Dover to Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in the country, strategically placed at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe. See the castle that has played a prominent role in Britain’s history and dates back to the Iron Age. A Roman lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church still stand within the grounds. Admission to the castle is included in the tour and you’ll also have some free time to explore the grounds.

Kent: Leeds Castle Admission - Ultimate Explorer Ticket

5. Kent: Leeds Castle Admission - Ultimate Explorer Ticket

Visit one of the most popular historic attractions in Britain, and take in the grounds of a medieval castle. Set amongst a Kentish parkland, the castle grounds host afternoon teas, falconry displays, adventure golf, and classic gardens. Take in Leeds Castle, an 11th century Norman stronghold, and uncover how the British would have lived year after year in the huge architectural feat. Learn how England’s kings and queens would have used the 500 acres of grounds for their pleasure. Discover how the Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie restored and transformed the castle into an elegant 20th-century retreat. Today it stands with grounds to explore through the Princess Alexandra Gardens and a yew tree maze designed by Adrian Fisher. Enjoy afternoon tea, and falconry shows.

Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

6. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

Embark on a day trip from London to discover some of England's most important attractions. Explore Leeds Castle, see the historic Canterbury Cathedral, stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial, and marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover. Described as 'the loveliest castle in the world' by Lord Conway, Leeds Castle sits on 500 acres of landscaped parkland across two idyllic islands, deep in the heart of the magnificent Kent countryside. Arrive early to visit Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII retreated to escape the plague that was raging in London during his reign. Upon arrival at Leeds Castle, you will be greeted by your guide. Discover the history behind this magical castle and experience life how Henry VIII would have. Next up, embark on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome murder in 1170. Learn the intriguing history behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture. Marvel at the cathedral’s spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Admire the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you drive past Then, head to Greenwich to see the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, as well as the Royal Observatory and the world-famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th-century clipper ship. Stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial where you’ll find mesmerizing views of the White Cliffs of Dover. Get a fresh perspective on London’s attractions with a boat ride on the River Thames, from Greenwich to Embankment Pier. You'll pass Tower Bridge and stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way.

From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich

7. From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich

Depart from London in the morning on a drive to Leeds Castle, the former royal residence of 6 of England's medieval queens. The palace was transformed by Henry VIII, and became a retreat for the rich and powerful. Begin with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. Explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards, and the banqueting hall. Afterwards, you’ll see the grounds that are home to wildfowl, black swans, and birds in the aviary. Next on your full-day tour is a scenic drive along the old coastal road to the famous white cliffs of Dover. Admire the historic port and its magnificent 12th-century castle. On a clear day there are views of France across the English Channel. Experience the ancient city of Canterbury and its greatest treasure, the Canterbury Cathedral, probably best known as the site of the brutal murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. Have free time to explore Canterbury on your own. Take a walking tour through Greenwich, which boasts exquisite parks and gardens. See the famous Cutty Sark which was the fastest sailing ship of its time. As evening approaches, you’ll enjoy an exclusive Thames River cruise. Cruise back to the center of London, sailing past historic sites, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

Canterbury's Unesco Places Tour

8. Canterbury's Unesco Places Tour

On this special tour, devised by Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain and Canterbury's heritage as a UNESCO world heritage site on this unique fully-guided tour experience lasting over 5 hours. Visit St Martin’s church, the oldest church in the English-speaking world, explore the remains of St Augustine’s Abbey, resting place of St Augustine and the first Archbishops of Canterbury, and experience the beauty of Canterbury Cathedral. Together, these three historic sites form Canterbury’s Unesco World Heritage Site which gained Unesco listing in 1988 – a must-visit destination. A guided tour at each site, given by each of the site's own expert guides, offers a fascinating insight into the royals, clergy and ordinary people involved in the story, and allows you to explore successive architectural responses to Canterbury’s developing role as the main focus of the Church in England. Chart the development of the architecture of the city, from the adaptation of existing Roman buildings to new Christian uses; the development of innovative Anglo-Saxon brick and stone churches through to the evolving grandeur of Romanesque and Gothic styles. You will also enjoy a cream scone and refreshments, provided by Canterbury Cathedral, at the end of your day, and a chance to discuss your day’s discoveries with your fellow travelers. Tea will be provided in the lovely gardens overlooking the Cathedral (weather permitting). This tour involves a good amount of walking and part of the tour takes place out of doors.

Dover to London & Heathrow via Canterbury and Leeds Castle

9. Dover to London & Heathrow via Canterbury and Leeds Castle

After meeting your friendly guide at Dover Cruise Terminal, board a luxury coach and combine your transfer to London with a wonderful tour of the Garden of England, with visits to historic Canterbury and Leeds Castle. Firstly, come face-to-face with the White Cliffs of Dover, and the magnificent Dover Castle. The fortress dates back to Roman times, and is one of the largest and most impressive castle keeps in Britain. Continuing through this chalk landscape, discover the history of the country, from Celtic Settlers and Roman invaders to the Saxon migration and the Norman conquest. Stop at the city of Canterbury and glimpse into its world famous cathedral on a guided walking tour. Formerly the Roman town of Durovernum Canticorum, the city boasts a wealth of history. After the walking tour, have some free time to walk the narrow streets and admire the historic buildings. In the cathedral, you can see the tomb of King Henry IV, the resting place of The Black Prince and learn of the death in 1170 of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. It is then on past the Oast Houses, hop fields, orchards and vineyards to Leeds Castle, described by Lord Conway as the loveliest castle in the world. Dating back to 880AD, Leeds Castle has been home to many English Queens, from the end of the 12th century to the Tudor reign. Beautiful landscaped gardens are a main feature of the grounds, as is the stunning lake. Explore the castle's historic interior, admire the delightful rooms and get lost in the famous maze. After some free time, the tour departs for central London to begin drop offs, followed by Heathrow drop offs. The drive from Leeds Castle to London takes you through Royal Greenwich, and past Tower Bridge, with a view of the Tower of London. 

From London: Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

10. From London: Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

Enjoy a full-day tour from London to Canterbury, Dover Cliffs, and Castle, and Kent Villages, with your expert guides. Departing central London take a scenic, guided drive through quintessentially English countryside, visiting towns and cities with huge historical importance. Discover for yourself why Kent is known as the "Garden of England". Visit Greenwich where GMT began and the home to the Prime Meridian Line. See where the eastern and western hemispheres meet, and the Greenwich Observatory where the world was divided into coordinates and time zones. See the Cutty Sark, a world-famous 19th-century tea clipper sailing ship. Enjoy views of Royal Greenwich Park and the Royal Naval College. Venturing deeper into the Kent countryside, through hop fields, orchards, and Oast houses, head towards Dover for views of the English channe. Admire the sight of the impressive white chalk cliffs guarding the coastline, and on a clear day, you may be able to see all the way to France. Head up the cliffs to the imposing Dover Castle and its network of tunnels that were instrumental as a military command centre and an underground hospital in WWII. Onward, to Canterbury, with an en-route stop in Chilham, a charming, quintessentially English village centered around a square with half-timbered buildings and a 15th-century pub. Canterbury is famous of course for its cathedral which is the Mother Church for English Christianity, and home to Royal tombs and more. Your guide will offer an optional (free) walking tour to show you some of its hidden secrets and passageways. Take a few hours to explore Canterbury on your own. Perhaps you might like to venture into the Cathedral or soak up the atmosphere of this modern and vibrant city with its important historical past. On the way out of Canterbury, drive past the old Roman walls. Then it's time to head back to London on a relaxing journey after a day of exploration.

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What people are saying about Kent

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 502 reviews

Our tours guide was amazing!!! Due to the winds we could not do Dover Castle so he took us to Leeds Castle and I believe the castle and it’s grounds had so much to offer and we were given sufficient time on this first stop, than off we went to the white cliffs which are beautiful, from there we could see Dover Castle but the winds were pretty strong, our last stop was Canterbury Cathedral and city which both were beautiful!!!

The trip was Ok. The guide never stopped talking, which was enjoyable at the beginning but was very annoying by the end. The time allotted for the White Cliffs was a joke. We had 45 minutes, of which it was a 20 minute walk from the car park to the Cliffs and 20 minutes back, leaving 5 minutes to visit the Cliffs. They could cut out Canterbury Cathedral and give more time for the Cliffs.

We loved it! Our tour guide and driver were great and on time. Our itinerary in order was Dover Castle, White Cliffs, and Canterbury. I wish we had a bit more time at Canterbury—it seems rushed a bit at the end. Overall, it was a positive experience and I’d book again with Get Your Guide.

We had so much fun going out to Leeds and Canterbury (with a pit stop in Dover). Pedro (our guide) was fantastically informative, funny, and charismatic - making sure everyone felt welcome and informed. Lucien (our driver) was so excellent in getting us there/back safely and efficiently.

Sophie the tour guide was very good and informative. We enjoyed the trip.