insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 97

DAYSOUT

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

for free IN Kent

Kent offers plenty of enticing things to do that are totally free or inexpensive. In fact, you
will find many of its city, coast and countryside attractions are priceless in every sense of
the word. Come and be surprised.
1. Book a Kent Greeter
Kent Greeters offer you an exciting and rewarding
experience through the eyes of a volunteer who
is passionate about their local area in Kent.
Sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, the
Greeters welcome visitors from around the world
and advise of the best places to visit, how to get
around using public transport, and teach you
more about Kent’s rich heritage and history.
2. Country Parks
The 13 county parks in Kent are home to many
of the South East’s finest areas of outstanding
natural beauty. Enjoy the perfect day out from
the wetlands and meadows of Shorne Woods
to the ancient, rolling woodlands of Lullingstone
in the heart of the Darenth Valley.
3. Reculver Towers
The Reculver Towers are a landmark and its
Scheduled Ancient Monument can be seen
across the coastline from Herne Bay to
Birchington in Kent. It is estimated that over
100,000 people visit the park annually, with Kent
Wildlife Trust also running organised school trips
for up to 3,500 students each year.

4. Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary is a Margate-based visual
arts organisation that celebrates JMW Turner's
association with the town and promotes the
understanding and enjoyment of historical and
contemporary art.

7. Town Museums and Art Galleries
Take a fresh look at Kent, England's oldest county
,
and get in touch with its thousands of years of
heritage and traditions, before stepping into the
21st century at one of Kent's many exciting and
cutting-edge galleries.

5. Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral became a major place of
pilgrimage in the 13th century following the death
of William of Perth, a Scottish baker who was
murdered nearby. His body was brought to the
cathedral and at his shrine, of which no trace
remains, miracles were reported. Modern pilgrims
who journey to the cathedral still climb the Pilgrim
Steps, now worn by the many thousands of
medieval pilgrims visiting the shrine. Visitors who
journey to the cathedral today are direct
descendents of those early pilgrims.

8. Events
Many of Kent’s top events are free to attend,
including Broadstairs Folk Week, Canterbury
Food & Drink Festival, Rochester Dickens Festival,
Margate International Kite Festival and Heritage
Open Weekends.

6. Tour Biddenden Vineyards
Biddenden Vineyards, Kent's oldest family-owned
vineyard, is located outside the picturesque village
of Biddenden. Producing wine, as well as cider
and apple juices made from locally grown culinary
and dessert apples, guests at Biddenden can
enjoy free tours and tastings too.

9. Walking
Walk along one of Kent's many designated
walking routes such as The North Downs Way,
The Saxon Shore Way and the Greensand Way,
and be greeted by mile upon mile of Kent’s
stunning landscape.
10. Viking Coastal Trail
The Viking Coastal Trail is one of the most
attractive leisure cycle routes in Kent. Discover
what Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs have
to offer on either the 27-mile-long route or six
shorter themed routes.

For more information, go to www.visitkent.co.uk.

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