Kent Tourist Information

The County of Kent, situated at the south eastern tip of England, is often called the 'Garden of England'; with its hop fields, oast houses, orchards, sumptuous gardens and captivating countryside.

Kent is the oldest place name in Britain, the county's history goes back to Roman times, not surprising then that Kent has many historic towns, more than the average amount of intriguing castles, beautiful stately homes and historic attractions.

Kent offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind, stroll in quiet country lanes, go horse riding, cycling, play golf or enjoy exhilarating coastal walks.

On the north coast, Kent Tourist Information can be found in the historic High Street of Rochester, childhood home of Charles Dickens. Many of Rochester's buildings feature in Dickens' novels.

Chatham is famous for the Historic Dockyard, once home of the Royal Navy, where over 400 years of naval history are brought vividly back to life.

Sittingbourne and Milton Regis were barge making towns - for a flavour of their past visit the Dolphin Yard Sailing Barge Museum. Nearby are beautiful Kentish villages such as Tunstall, Upchurch and Rodmersham, with thatched roofs, centuries old churches and atmospheric pubs, surrounded by orchards.

Faversham, nestling between the rural beauty of the Downs and the sweeping flatlands of the north Kent marshes, is one of the most charming and historic small towns in the area - the Kent Tourist Information Centre is in Preston Street.

The Isle of Sheppy's name means Island of Sheep - it is a popular holiday destination, with award winning beaches. Ornithologists should visit the Swale National Nature Reserve on the sourthern tip of the island and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds site at Elmley Marshes.

Kent Tourist Information centres are to be found in the five historic towns in the heart of Kent:

Maidstone, the County Town of Kent, has excellent shopping, sports and leisure facilities. Only five miles from Maidstone is the magnificent Leeds Castle - a wonderful historical national treasure.

Sevenoaks, home of England's oldest house Knole, which is set in 1000 acres of splendid deer park.

Ashford, a convenient central point to tour from, to explore delightful villages in the surrounding countryside.

Tonbridge, home of the most complete motte and bailey castle in Kent, and Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of the most elegant towns in the country.

Each town is distinctive and offers antique shops, lively shopping centres and gourmet restaurants

One of the Country's greatest cities, Canterbury is a wonderful blend of heritage, culture and tradition. The magnificent Cathedral and the tranquil ruins of St Augustine's Abbey form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kent Tourist Information can be found in Sun Street.

Herne Bay, north of Canterbury, has an attractive seafront, and the town's story including the fate of its famous pier, is told at the local museum. For Kent Tourist Information in the town head for Central Parade.

Further along the coast, fresh fish and seafood are for sale at Whitstable's busy harbour where the Kent Tourist Information Centre can be found in Oxford Street.

The east coast of Kent is known as the Isle of Thanet - you can access Kent Tourist Information in its three principal resorts: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Each has its own distinct character, attractions and charm. Throughout the season the area is packed with festivals, sports and events, providing a wide choice of stimulating activities.

Kent's Garden Coast is a region rich in heritage, picturesque villages and sandy beaches:

Folkestone is a traditional seaside resort, with harbour, seafood stalls, cobbled streets and a mile long Edwardian cliff top promenade. The Kent Tourist Information centre is in Harbour Street.

The ancient and tranquil Cinque Port town of Hythe offers speciality shops and walks along the Royal Military Canal, Kent Tourist Information is in Red Lion Square.

Romney Marsh is a unique expanse of flat, open countryside characterised by medieval churches and excellent rural pubs, it has been a smugglers' haunt for generations. The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, the world's smallest public railway runs from Hythe to New Romney and across the marsh to Dungeness with its lighthouse, power station and RSPB National Nature Reserve.

The landscape of White Cliffs Country is unforgettable, with breathtaking views from the Cliff tops. On a clear day you can see France, 21 miles (30 kms) across the Channel. Kent Tourist Information is housed in the Old Town Gaol, Dover.