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Top 10 Ideas for a Rainy Day in Kent
As the clouds darken and the heavens open, you may wonder what there is to do in such dismal, wet weather. Fear not! Kent has such a wide variety of attractions and places to visit, that no matter what the weather there is always something to keep you and your family entertained. We have compiled a list of 10 ideas for things to do on a rainy day in Kent, no wellies required!
Retail therapy
Shopping under cover is a perfect way to spend a rainy day! Spend a whole day at Bluewater exploring 330-plus outlets - you can always have a breather and a snack in one of the 40 cafés, bars and restaurants. If you're looking for a bargain, head to Ashford Designer Outlet or De Bradelei Wharf, Dover for huge discounts on fashions and furnishings.
Bringing history to life
Kent, England's oldest county, offers thousands of years of enthralling history. A mere 3,550 years ago the world's oldest known seagoing boat was skilfully crafted, and you can admire the remains of this early cross-Channel ferry at Dover Museum. The six thousand items in 25 galleries at the Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham will keep you absorbed for hours, ranging from Wellington's map of Waterloo to a Harrier Jet. Uncover the matchless African and Asian collections of the Powell-Cotton family, from animals and weapons to ethnography and porcelain, at the Regency-period Quex House and Gardens, Birchington.
Full steam ahead!
Even in wet weather, a ride on a steam train is thoroughly enjoyable and a great way to see some of the county. Catch a vintage steam train of the Victorian age for a 10.5-mile transport of delight on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Or have a 13.5-mile expedition on ‘mainline in miniature' the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, from Hythe to the lighthouse at Dungeness. The Spa Valley Railway takes you through the alluring Kentish Weald countryside between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge.
Cosy pubs
Relish the comforts of a traditional pub or gastro pub, in a town or away from it all in the countryside. Ancient, quirky, individual, they give you quintessential England in a pint and on a plate. Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer and you'll find its characterful pubs scattered throughout the county, where you can sip handcrafted ales full of spicy Kentish hops. Or go behind the scenes at its brewery in Faversham to discover the processes behind the making of the perfect tipple.
Going underground
Delve 8,000 years deep into Kent's ancient past on an evocative lamplit tour of Chislehurst Caves, a labyrinth of hand-hewn passageways and chalk mines. Druids, Romans and Saxons have all passed this way - unravel the mysteries of the Druid Altar and Haunted Pool. Visit Margate's most curious ‘architreasure', the Shell Grotto, uncovered in 1835. Ancient temple or Regency folly? Descend the chalk stairway and see for yourself the 2,000 sq ft of mosaic created from 4.6 million shells, depicting gods and trees of life.
Entertain the kids
Let the kids run wild at an indoor adventure play centre such as the dinosaur-themed Snappy's in Whitstable, or in the jungle of rope swings, slides and mazes at Monkey Bizz in Rochester. Or maybe investigate what was life like in Chaucer's England? Join his band of pilgrims at The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury. The stunning reconstruction of 14th-century England follows their journey from London to St Thomas Becket's shrine in Canterbury, during which you'll hear their rumbustious tales of chivalry, romance and horror. A special children's commentary is available.
Literary connections
Visit the Dickens World complex at Chatham Maritime, themed around the life, work and times of the author. Featuring Europe's largest ‘dark' boat ride through the streets of Dickensian London, ghostly encounters with Ebenezer Scrooge, animatronic and live theatre, it's a must-do attraction for all the family. Alternatively, indulge in a little childhood nostalgia in the Rupert Bear Museum, Canterbury. Mary Tourtel, creator of Rupert the Bear and his friends, was born in Canterbury in 1874.
A heritage to treasure
Reach into the country's spiritual heartland at the magnificent cathedrals of Canterbury and Rochester. Canterbury Cathedral has welcomed pilgrims ever since the martyrdom here of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Rochester, England's second oldest Cathedral, has an interesting blend of Norman and early English architecture, plus a newly completed fresco. Step back into Roman times at Lullingstone Roman Villa, built c. AD 75, where you can view incredible mosaic-tiled floors, or the Roman Painted House at Dover, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman Official Hotel.
Get sporty
For some fun and excitement (and a body workout!), check out Revolution Skate Park and Climbing Centre. The Skate Park suits all levels of ability and ages and there is a wide range of climbing walls. If that sounds a bit too challenging, how about ice skating at the Ice Bowl in Gillingham, or bowling at one of the many bowling alleys, from Whitstable, to Ashford.
Theatre & Cinema
Cinema is the classic rainy day solution! Kent offers multi-screen complexes at Bluewater, Rochester, Ashford and Margate, as well as small quirky cinemas such as Sandwich and Faversham. Why not soak up some culture watching a play at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, or head to the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, set in a beautiful, converted church.
