A Christmas Carol in Kent

If you want to experience some of that Christmas Carol magic then Kent is the place to come with so many Dickensian connections.

Historic Rochester with its cobbled High Street full of gables, old beams and traditional shops is a great place for finding unique Christmas gifts. Don't miss the Cathedral or the Castle. It's said that Dickens' ghost haunts the grassy castle moat - a church graveyard in his time. But a must is the Dickensian Christmas (5-6 December), culminating with a Victorian parade through the town and carols - even snowfall is guaranteed.

For a winter stroll follow the route of one of Dickens favourtie walks through Cobham Hall and Park. In Cobham village Dickens would test his storytelling skills by giving readings from his latest work at the half-timbered Leather Bottle Inn - no wonder the pub menu lists such dishes as Mr Pickwick sirloin steak.

On 28th- 29th November enjoy a Vicitorian Fayre with renactments at Quex House in Birchington. Close by there is a Christmas Parade on 6th December at Broadstairs, Dickens' seaside haunt. You can see Bleak House, Dickens' seaside home, standing proud on the cliffs. Take some time to visit the Dickens House Musuem on the seafront, and why not enjoy a Christmas lunch at the Royal Albion Hotel where Dickens stayed, which offers lovely views over the Viking Bay.

Head to Dickens World if you want a live performance of a Christmas Carol with costumed characters, carol singers and mince pies - you will be guatanteeed a Dickens of a time!

Looking ahead to Christmas Future, 2012 is the bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth. A host of celebrations and festivities are being planned for this important year; we'll keep you posted with details of events on the Visit Kent website.