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The home of Darwin and Dickens, famed for its hop gardens and orchards, beautiful
beaches and historic houses and castles, Kent is the true Garden of England
Kent
W
ith its position between
London and the Continent,
Kent is not only England's
oldest county, but it has always been at
the front line. Its mighty castles and
fortifications have acted as defences
against invaders and its ports have
provided warships for 800 years; the
Cinque Ports in the 12th to14th centuries
and Chatham Dockyard in the 16th to
20th centuries were of huge importance
to national security. Not for nothing is the
county motto, Invicta, � undefeated.
France can be seen clearly in fine
weather from the iconic White Cliffs of
Dover and with one of the longest
coastlines � 350 miles � Kent's broad,
sandy beaches offer endless scope for
family fun, walks and relaxation.
Kent also boasts a superb green
heartland, the Wealden dome, running
east-west across the county and home
to lavender fields, orchards, vineyards,
distinctive oast houses and ancient
woodland. Here you will find many
National Trust treasures � the world-
famous gardens of Sissinghurst, Knole
at Sevenoaks, birthplace of Vita
Sackville-West and still home to a
medieval deer park, and the romantic
ruins of Scotney Castle.
Kent has a truly exciting past � you
can tread in the footsteps of Chaucer's
pilgrims by taking the North Downs Way
National Trail, an ancient track following
parts of the historic Pilgrims' Way to
Canterbury; discover ancient Rochester
through the eyes of Dickens; or take the
Saxon Shore Way, from the Thames and
Medway estuaries to the mysterious
Romney Marsh and the forts of
Reculver, Richborough, Dover and
Lympne that once protected the land
against Saxon marauders.
There is a thriving arts scene with
leading-edge galleries such as the new
Turner Contemporary being built at
Margate, and there are theatres,
Michelin-starred dining and entertaining
nightlife. Kent's retail opportunities are
second to none, from the sensational
Bluewater in Greenhithe, to the quirky
boutiques of the elegant spa town of
Tunbridge Wells.
Don't miss...
Snapping a photo of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover; sipping a glass of award-winning
Kentish fizz; a guided tour of the majestic Canterbury Cathedral; munching a crisp Kentish
Bramley; a visit to Leeds Castle, known as `the loveliest in the world,; visiting the Old Man
of Kent, Bedgebury Pinetum's magnificent giant silver fir.
For all thats great about
Kent, check out
Kent Life magazine
www.kent-life.co.uk
Most noted for...
5 Oast houses, hop gardens and
breweries � Shepherd Neame in
Faversham is Britain's oldest brewery
5 The orchards of Brogdale, � home of
the national fruit tree collection
5 Romney lamb, Whitstable oysters
and Dover sole
5 Churchill's home at Chartwell,
5 Quebec House, former home of
General James Wolfe
5 Chatham Dockyard where Admiral
Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory
was built
5 The Trafalgar Night dinner
The South East
PHOTO:MANUPALOMEQUE-BOTANYBAY

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