Kent for Leisure | 
County 
Pursuits 
From castles and cathedrals to Blue Flag beaches and Bluewater, Kent offers visitors a diverse mix of exciting tourism and leisure destinations. 
A
s EnglandŐs oldest county, Kent is alive with history. Visitors can follow ChaucerŐs pilgrims to Canterbury or trace Dickens to his favourite haunts in Rochester. Or unravel royal romances at Leeds and Hever Castles and unlock the private worlds of Winston Churchill or Charles Darwin at their homes, Chartwell and Down House. Then there are the opportunities to explore the maritime adventures that have shaped Kent from Roman invasion to World War II. 
The rich variety of KentŐs landscapes is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Over 4,000 miles of footpaths criss-cross the county and many are through protected countryside. Attractions include the iconic White Cliffs, Bedgebury Pinetum near Tunbridge Wells and golf at over 90 courses. KentŐs gardens are rightly world-renowned and there are over 180 to experience, including the formal walled garden at Penshurst Place or the spring bluebells at Goodnestone Park Gardens. 
Kent also offers clean family-friendly sand and pebble beaches. Blue Flag and award-winners can be found across the county, including some 15 sandy beaches and bays along the Thanet coast encompassing the popular resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Surfers can head to Joss Bay while kite surfing is available at Whitstable. Visitors can also enjoy the Edwardian elegance of Folkestone. 
A visit to Kent is incomplete without savouring the countyŐs authentic tastes. Visitors can lunch on fresh fare at CanterburyŐs The Goods Shed, EnglandŐs only six-days-a-week farmers market, or enjoy a glass of handcrafted ale from BritainŐs oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame. Kent is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and dishes as diverse as local marsh lamb or oysters can be enjoyed in the weaverŐs cottage setting of The West House, Biddenden. 
For shoppers, Kent contains a wealth of retail experiences from a growing network of local markets to Bluewater, the largest retail outlet in Europe. The shops, boutiques and markets of northern France meanwhile are only an hour away. 
Each of these leisure opportunities combined with improving transport connections make Kent an attractive location for weekend 

breaks, business meetings or a short stop before heading to the continent. 

www.visitkent.co.uk 
The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood