Discover Kent on a day trip from London:
- Book a Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover Tour from London now.
Known as "The Garden of England", the county of Kent is home to spectacular scenery and iconic sights rich in history and heritage, including world-famous Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover, Leeds Castle, Margate and much more.
Plan the perfect day out from London, with this selection of the best places to visit in Kent.
Canterbury
No trip to Kent would be complete without a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, a medieval marvel steeped in history, featuring beautiful 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows.
Make sure to wander through the historic town to take in the full beauty of this lovely Kent spot made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
You can visit Canterbury as part of a day trip from London that also takes in Leeds Castle, Dover and Greenwich.
Leeds Castle
Once a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace, the stunning fortress dates back to 1119 and makes for a beautiful day out from London, with many attractions and family activities, including a fun maze and underground grotto.
Combine a trip to the castle on a day trip from London that also takes in Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich.
Dover
Arrive at the gateway to England and marvel at the spectacular White Cliffs of Dover on the perfect day out in Kent. Stretch your legs as you walk along the coast, enjoying sweeping views of the English Channel.
Stop to admire one of the UK’s greatest fortresses, Dover Castle, along the way. Built in 1066, this mighty medieval fortress played a crucial role during the Second World War, when its tunnels were used to evacuate Allied troops who were transported from the beach of Dunkirk.
See the White Cliffs of Dover on a day trip from London that also includes Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Greenwich.
Chislehurst Caves
Enter an underground maze up to 30 metres below houses and woodlands at Chislehurst Caves. These man made tunnels are packed with ancient and recent history – they hold relics of WWI, like munition and more, and were used as shelter in WWII. These tunnels have also hosted concerts of famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones.
The House of Charles Darwin
Get a glimpse into Charles Darwin's family life, see the study where he wrote On the Origin of Species and browse the interactive exhibition about his life and work, with a tour of The House of Charles Darwin.
You can also visit the beautiful gardens that acted as Darwin’s living laboratory. See recreated experiments and discover how his observations helped him develop his groundbreaking theories.
English wine tours
Enjoy a trip to the English countryside through quaint villages and visit three vineyards. Savour some top English wines during your Cellar Door Wine Tour where your knowledgeable guide showcases the diverse English wine scene, from well-established larger producers and boutique wineries to small scale producers.
Hear captivating stories about wine making, the wine industry and its history from your guide. Depending on availability guests may either visit Kent or Sussex or both.
Whitstable
Famous for its delicious oysters, Whitstable hosts the annual Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival in September. This charming port town is brimming with seaside restaurants, independent cafes and pebble beaches.
Stroll around the harbour, try the town’s famous shellfish from any of the seafood shacks or restaurants lining the waterfront and get lost in the town’s winding alleys, which are full of cute pastel-coloured shopfronts, old pubs and art galleries.
Margate
From fab art and indie cafes to thrilling theme park rides, great vintage shops and sandy beach fronts, Margate is one of the most entertaining and fun seaside towns near London, with plenty to do for all ages.
Make the most of Dreamland’s old-school arcades and retro rides, see cutting-edge art at the Turner Contemporary gallery, and soak up the seaside vibes with a delicious fish and chips on the beach.
Deal
Head further along the coast to the picturesque coastal town of Deal, one of Kent’s unsung gems.
As well as a pebbly beach dotted with fishing boats, a pier and a 16th-century castle, discover well-preserved Georgian townhouses, colourful fishermen’s cottages and scenic views of the English Channel towards the famously beautiful Goodwin Sands.
Discover more days out and day trips within easy reach of London.
