North Kent is a destination of hidden gems, rich heritage and unexpected discoveries. Stretching across Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Gravesend, Faversham and the Isle of Sheppey, the area blends fascinating history with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and exceptional local food. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Rochester Cathedral and Fort Amherst, while literary enthusiasts can follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens.
North Kent is a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable mix of heritage attractions, delicious local produce, scenic waterways and stunning coastal landscapes.
History lovers will find plenty to explore, from the dramatic maritime stories of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where visitors can step aboard a Victorian warship and a Cold War submarine, to the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham and the impressive Fort Amherst, Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress. In Rochester, the magnificent Rochester Cathedral has welcomed worshippers since AD 604, boasting remarkable architecture, a beautifully restored crypt and an impressive library collection. Nearby Gravesend is home to the final resting place of Pocahontas, whose story is commemorated by a striking statue overlooking the town.
North Kent also has strong literary connections with Charles Dickens. Visitors can discover the places that inspired some of his most famous works, including Rochester's historic streets, Gad's Hill Place in Higham, where Dickens lived, and The Leather Bottle in Cobham, one of his favourite pubs.
Food and drink are another highlight of the region. Faversham, Kent's oldest market town, is renowned for its food scene and local produce. Macknade Fine Foods offers everything from artisan cheeses and local wines to freshly baked goods, while Brogdale Collections, home to the National Fruit Collection, invites visitors to tour orchards, pick seasonal fruit and enjoy a range of family-friendly events. The area is also home to excellent restaurants, traditional inns and characterful micropubs.
For those seeking the seaside, the Isle of Sheppey is a hidden gem. Its award-winning beaches include the Blue Flag-certified Leysdown Beach, ideal for family days out, and the picturesque shores of Minster Leas. At Warden Point, visitors can search for fossils along the shoreline, uncovering evidence of prehistoric life.
The River Medway and Thames estuary add another dimension to North Kent's appeal. Historic towns including Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham sit along the Medway, combining rich heritage with a growing cultural scene. In Gravesend, river cruises offer a unique perspective on the area's maritime character, while nearby Bluewater provides extensive shopping, dining and entertainment.
Nature enthusiasts can escape to Elmley National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey, where vast skies, wetlands and meadows provide a haven for birds, wildlife and walkers. To round off a visit, discover North Kent's brewing and distilling heritage with a tour of Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer, or sample locally crafted spirits at the Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham.
As summer fades and the countryside transforms into a patchwork of gold, amber and crimson, there's no better place to experience autumn than Kent.
Discover festive Christmas markets across Kent this season. From seasonal goodies that make the perfect gift, to warming up with a mulled wine and hearty food, find it all…
Here's your round-up of the summer's unmissable days out to pin to the fridge, because in Kent, "I'm bored" is never a sentence you'll hear twice.
From ancient cathedrals to clifftop views, Kent's royal heritage runs deep.
Kent is bursting with family-friendly things to do this summer. Whether you're looking for wildlife encounters, historic castles, open-air theatre, adrenaline-filled…
There is nowhere quite like The Isle of Sheppey and Faversham. Wild marshes stretch to the horizon. Seals haul out on mudflats within sight of the shore. The beaches are…
With a list containing four Michelin stars, one Michelin Key, and a fair few AA Rosettes, we thought it was about time we started shouting about some of Kent's best…
Fairy tale castes, winding streets, and romantic retreats...call us biased, but we happen to think our county has some rather perfect date night locations.
Date: 2nd Oct 2027
Ultimate tribute concert to Tina Turner, presented by the award-winning producers behind Whitney - Queen Of The Night.
Date: 4th Apr 2027
Three times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards Megson draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly unique…
Closing Date:22nd Aug 2027
Date: 21st Aug 2027
Medway Pride 27 is an LGBTQIA+ Community Event where everyone is welcome to celebrate diversity and inclusion with the LGBTQIA+ community of Medway & Beyond. This year we…
Closing Date:8th Mar 2027
Date: 7th Mar 2027
This vocally dynamic evening showcases smash-hit songs from the West End and Broadway, brought to you by four of the world’s finest voices. Join the guys on a spine-tingling…
Date: 4th Jul 2027
The Great British Detective tradition!Holmes and Watson meet Poirot and Miss Marple (alongside the usual suspects) in a spoof homage - who murdered Lady Fanshawe!? Why is…
Date: 26th Feb 2027
Star of The 11 O'Clock Show, winner of (the hearts and minds of the nation on) I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!For his whole career, he had impostor syndrome, believing he…
Date: 14th Nov 2026
We're expecting a Full House of fun as we welcome the infamous Delilah Tickles & Anita Wee to host our first evening of Drag Bingo!Eyes Down for a Full House as you take part…
Date: 16th Oct 2026
Mark Steel: Work in ProgressJoin Mark as he tries out some brand new material!Sony and Writers' Guild Award-winning writer and comedian, Mark Steel is best known for his…
Located on a historic family estate on the Kent North Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we are probably the closest woodland camping to London.
Two newly fitted out apartments, only a 5-minute walk from the local train and bus station in Gravesend.
In Gravesend town centre - Ideal apartments for a short break.
This 4 bedroom property is perfect for both getaways and worker stays
Opulent five-bedroom property, situated in a quiet village just five minutes drive from Gravesend
This new hotel in Gravesend is located just on the edge of the town with easy access to the A2 and London transport.
The Leather Bottle is a pub known to many as Charles Dickens' Favourite Ale House in Cobham and offers accommodation above the premises. If you are lucky you may sleep in the…
The hotel is set in 12 acres of woodland and is a family run establishment.
Post Date: 2nd October 2026
As summer fades and the countryside transforms into a patchwork of gold, amber and crimson, there's no better place to experience autumn than Kent.
Post Date: 2nd Oct 2026
As summer fades and the countryside transforms into a patchwork of gold, amber and crimson, there's no better place to experience autumn than Kent.
Post Date: 29th Apr 2026
There is nowhere quite like The Isle of Sheppey and Faversham. Wild marshes stretch to the horizon. Seals haul out on mudflats within sight of the shore. The beaches are long, sweeping and blissfully quiet; the skies enormous.
Post Date: 29th Nov 2024
One of the best things about the colder months is that dogs are allowed to explore more of Kent's beautiful beaches!
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