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.
Christmas tours in Kent
Enjoy the festive season in Kent, whether you like Christmas markets light trails at Leeds Castle or just feel like a day trip with multiple stops, you can find the right day trip for you.
Whether on your own or in good company spend Christmas eve on a Leeds Castle, Canterbury Christmas Market and Greenwich on Christmas Eve tour. Discover Leeds Castle and the Christmas decorations throughout. Leave for Canterbury and let your tour guide tell you more about the literary past, then walk through the Christmas market for some last minute shopping. Snap a picture of the white Cliffs before driving back to London and passing through Greenwich where you can spot plenty of maritime landmarks.
No plans for Christmas Day yet then the Christmas in Canterbury & Greenwich with Traditional Christmas Lunch tour should be on the top of your list. Enter Canterbury Cathedral for the 'sung Eucharist' service and marvel at the gothic and Romanesque architecture. After the service tuck into a delicious Christmas buffet lunch before heading off to a photo stop at the White Cliffs and return to London passing through Greenwich home of the Old Royal Naval College.
Leave the worries of the big city behind and enjoy a day trip to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich on Boxing Day where you receive entry to Leeds Castle as well as Canterbury Cathedral and learn more about this impressive structure from your professional guide. The tour then continues with a photo stop at the White Cliffs of Dover before heading back to London and passing through the London Borough of Greenwich famous for its maritime past.
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 World War I relics, like munition and more, and were used as shelters during World War II. 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.
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.
