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Canterbury West Gate Towers
After the Cathedral, the West Gate is Canterbury's next eye-catching landmark. It has stood for six centuries on guard over the road to and from London. Hundreds of thousands of medieval pilgrims,on their way to visit Saint Thomas Becket's shrine, passed through this gateway into the city. West Gate is well preserved. The spiral access stair is...
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Canterbury Tales
Ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era? At The Canterbury Tales you can do just that. Step into medieval Canterbury and accompany Geoffrey Chaucer and his colourful Pilgrims on their medieval magical journey from London to the Shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury....
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Canterbury Heritage Museum + Rupert Bear
Discover Canterbury's history, from millions of years ago to the present, explored through interactive displays in an amazing medieval building. Includes Anglo-Saxon treasures, Oliver Postgate's Thomas Becket story, the Tudors, Joseph Conrad's study, the Blitz gallery, Stephenson's original Invicta railway engine, Rupert Bear and the real...
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Canterbury Roman Museum
Explore the Roman town beneath your feet. Canterbury's underground Roman Museum is built around the remains of a Roman town house with mosaics preserved where excavated. Descend 100 years with each step or by lift to the Roman street level. Stroll through the marketplace, look inside recreated Roman rooms, and discover amazing finds including a...
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Canterbury Cathedral
Still channeling the hearty sense of Benedictine hospitality that it has since the middle ages, Canterbury Cathedral welcomes all! Be sure to ask for the Welcome Centre for the free ‘Tomb Trail’ or ‘Creatures Great and Small’ leaflet. Alternatively, for £2.99 you could purchase the ‘Young Person's Guide to...
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ST AUGUSTINE'S ABBEY
This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the cathedral and St Martin's Church.The impressive abbey is situated outside the city...
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RECULVER TOWERS AND ROMAN FORT
The imposing twin towers of the medieval church at Reculver dominate the skyline of Herne Bay, acting as a navigation marker for ships at sea. This was the site of one of the earliest Roman forts built against Saxon raids on the 'Saxon Shore'. It later became the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery before becoming the parish church for Reculver. The...
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Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre - Faversham
Faversham Museum, incorporating the Fleur de Lis Gallery, is housed in the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre in Preston Street and provides an insight into the history of Faversham and the surrounding area. Do not let the small frontage to the Museum on Preston Street deceive you – there is plenty to see and learn about this unique historic...
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MAISON DIEU
Originating as a 13th-century wayside hospital, this flint and timber-framed building now displays Roman artefacts from nearby sites. OPENING TIMES 14 APRIL - 29 OCTOBER 2017 Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday Closed Saturday 14:00 - 17:00 Sunday 14:00 - 17:00 ...
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RICHBOROUGH ROMAN FORT AND AMPHITHEATRE
Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. Explore the huge stone walls which mark the site of this Saxon Shore fortress and take a look at the fascinating museum. Catch a boat from Sandwich...
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Powell-Cotton Museum - Birchington
The world-class natural history and ethnographical collections at the Museum support the study, understanding and simple enjoyment of the zoological, cultural and ecological diversity of Africa and the Indian sub-continent. Admission and Opening Times Summer 2011(April-October) Tuesday - Sunday (OPEN BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS) ...
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ST JOHN'S COMMANDERY
The flint-walled 13th century chapel and hall of a 'Commandery' of Knights Hospitallers, later converted into a farmhouse. It has a remarkable medieval crown post roof and 16th century ceilings with moulded beams. Read more about the history of St John's Commandery. BEFORE YOU GO Opening Times: Open any...
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Dover Castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels
No fortress in England boasts a longer history than Dover Castle. Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, the site has served as a vital strategic centre since Roman times. William the Conqueror strengthened the existing Anglo-Saxon fort in 1066, both Henry II and Henry VIII made their own additions, and Vice...
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DOVER CASTLE
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower , meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover’s White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime...
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Walmer Castle and Gardens
Walmer Castle and Gardens offers a chance to step back in history, but also for kids to explore a castle with battlements with wonderful sea views! plus much of it has been recently given a sympathetic restoration to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, including a new multi media guide and a more authentic refinishing of...
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DEAL CASTLE
For a fascinating day out on the Kent coast look no further than Deal Castle. Built by the order of King Henry VIII it is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles. ...
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Sea Searcher boat trips
Traditional boat and experienced skipper for sightseeing, seal spotting, wildlife watching, and sea angling trips. providing boat services for sightseeing, seal spotting and wildlife watching, sea angling and boat fishing, as well as boat chartering for film and television, safety boat, and work boat services. Details of trips on our website.
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Leeds Castle - Maidstone
Leeds Castle, set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years. Open all year round, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets to Leeds Castle are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so you can visit the castle and grounds as many times as you like. Visitors...
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DYMCHURCH MARTELLO TOWER
Between 1805 and 1812, faced with the threat of invasion by Napoleon, the British government built a chain of ‘Martello towers ’ – small defensive forts – around the south and east coasts of England. Dymchurch Martello Tower on the Kent coast is one of these ingeniously designed artillery...
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HORNE'S PLACE CHAPEL
A rare survival of a fine domestic chapel, Horne's Place Chapel was built for William Horne in 1366 and attached to his timber-framed manor house, which was attacked during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. The house and chapel are privately owned. Read more about the history of Horne's Place Chapel. BEFORE YOU GO Access Information: The...
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SUTTON VALENCE CASTLE
The ruins of this small Norman keep, built in the second half of the 12th century, are all that remains of what was once a strongly defended castle. It was owned from 1238 by Simon de Montfort, who led the baronial rebellion against Henry IIII and was killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. Henry III then gave the castle to his...
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Southend Planetarium
The Southend Planetarium is the only public Planetarium facility in the south-east, outside of London. It presents a range of talks about astronomy and the night sky. All our presentations are given live, giving plenty of opportunity for any questions you may wish to ask, and are generally suitable for ages 7 to adult. Programmes...
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Fort Amherst - Chatham
Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fortress: come and discover how the dockyard would have been defended Over 300 years of military history with an amazing network of underground passageways, historic buildings and gun emplacements all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland Take a tour of the incredible tunnel...
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KIT'S COTY HOUSE AND LITTLE KIT'S COTY HOUSE
Kit's Coty House and its neighbour, Little Kit's Coty House, are the remains of two megalithic 'dolmen' burial chambers. Kit's Coty is the larger of the two monuments, with three uprights and a massive capstone, while the smaller, Little Kit's Coty (also known as the Countless Stones), is now a jumble of sarsens. Although the origins of their...
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ROCHESTER CASTLE
Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. Today it stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester along with the cathedral and cobbled streets. Its Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone was built about...
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UPNOR CASTLE
Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards. Despite a brave attempt, it entirely failed to do so in 1667, when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor. ...
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TEMPLE MANOR
Temple Manor was built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, a military and religious order founded during the Crusades. Located to the west of the River Medway, the hall was designed to provide lodging for dignitaries travelling between Dover and London. Now standing in an industrial estate, the manor is a fine example of a medieval...
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CAMBER CASTLE
OPENING TIMES
30 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018
Aug-Oct
Open on the first Saturday of the month for guided tour starting at 2pm prompt. See the Sussex Wildlife Trust website for more information.
Meet at the castle and no vehicle access.
Regular guided walks around the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve include the castle
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ST LEONARD'S TOWER
This early and well-preserved example of a small free-standing Norman tower keep is located on a natural sandstone ledge near the head of a narrow valley. Rising almost to its original height, the tower takes its name from a chapel of St Leonard which once stood nearby. Very little is known about the history of the building or its intended...
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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome was established in September 1916 as a base for 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, which also operated from aerodromes at Rochford (today London Southend International Airport) and Goldhanger (long since disappeared). For two years it played a pivotal role in helping to defend the British mainland from...
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Scotney Castle - Tunbridge Wells
Scotney is not one but two houses. At the top of the hill is the new house, designed by Anthony Salvin in Elizabethan style and built in 1837 for Edward Hussey III, who took the ‘Picturesque’ style as his inspiration. At the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat. This is the focal point of the...
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BAYHAM OLD ABBEY
Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent Sussex border. The impressive ruins, built from golden local sandstone, include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse. Bayham Abbey is now set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry...
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MILTON CHANTRY
The oldest building in Gravesend, Kent, Milton Chantry is all that remains of a leper hospital built in 1322 by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. It has served in turn as a hospital, Tudor chantry chapel, public house, and Georgian barracks, and its basement was converted for use as a gas decontamination chamber during the Second World War....
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Bodiam Castle
Perfect example of a late medieval moated castle One of Britain's most famous and evocative castles Sussex Family Attraction of the Year Medieval battlements, ramparts and moat to explore Try on armour (on selected days in school holidays) Wonderful views across an archaeology-rich landscape What's new this year ...
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Coalhouse Fort
The Coalhouse Fort Project was set up in 1983 by a dedicated team of volunteers. Leased from Thurrock Council, with the aim of restoring the fort. The Fort is set within several acres of Green Flag parkland next to the River Thames and is currently undergoing refurbishment. Constructed between 1861 and 1874, the Fort cost an estimated...
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Tilbury Fort
The artillery fort at Tilbury on the Thames estuary protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to World War II. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort was begun in 1672 under Charles II: it is much the best example of...
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Tonbridge Castle
Tonbridge boasts Kent's best example of a Motte-and-Bailey Gatehouse, and its mighty gatehouse is among the finest in England. Yet its glory lies not only in what can be seen. Its story is interwoven with that of kings and archbishops, tyrants and heroes, murderers and mercenaries who, on this ancient site and inside these weathered stone...
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1066 Battle of Hastings - Abbey and Battlefield
Everyone knows at least one date in English history – 1066, the year the invading Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. In fact the conflict took place some 7 miles north of Hastings, at a place then called Senlac. Here, William the Conqueror later founded ‘Battle’ Abbey to commemorate the event and on the site...
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Yesterday's World - Battle
Battle Experience an amazing 125 years of British social history magically brought back to life. Discover 5 floors and over 150,000 nostalgic artefacts plus virtual and interactive exhibits. Journey through history with superbly recreated life size street scenes and shop displays, with evocative sounds and smells of the...
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Smugglers Adventure - Hastings
For the Smugglers Adventure and the 1066 Story follow the signs to the pay and display car park by the crazy golf on the beach at Pelham Place and then take the West Hill Railway in George Street. Or you can walk up via the pathways by the Pump House pub in George Street or opposite St. Clements Church in the High Street. ...
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Fishermans Museum - Hastings
The Hastings Fishermen's Museum is one of the town's most popular tourist attractions. It is open every day, except Christmas Day, and over 140,000 people go through the doors every year. It is inside a church built on the Stade in 1852, which fell out of use after the...
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SPLAT creative
SPLAT is a safe & fun, Drop & Shop, child-care facility in the heart of Hastings, East Sussex. We deliver a range creative learning modules in a fun & friendly environment. From zany art to music & movement, we have a class for your child to enjoy, while you get a little extra 'me-time'.
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Penshurst Place and Gardens
Penshurst Place and Gardens have something to offer all the family with the lively recreation of interesting historic events, staff led craft activities, seasonal children's gardens trails around the labrynthine gardens and nearly seven centuries of history all in one place! Their traditional Adventure Playground has swings, balancing bars,...
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OLD SOAR MANOR
Old Soar Manor is a small but complete portion of a stone manor house built in about 1290. Lying in a remote part of the Kent countryside, on the edge of the North Downs, this rare survival of 13th century domestic architecture gives an illuminating insight into the life of a rich medieval household. The manor originally belonged to...
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Lullingstone Castle
Lullingstone Castle is an historic family mansion dating back to the time of Domesday. Frequented by Henry VIII and Queen Anne, the Manor House and Garden, set within the beautiful Darent Valley close to Sevenoaks, are open to the public from the 1st of April to the end of September. The UK’s first ever ‘World Garden of...
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Lullingstone Roman Villa
Lullingstone is amongst the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain and provides a unique all weather family day out in the attractive Darent Valley in Kent. The villa was created around AD 100 and adapted to suit the tastes and beliefs of its successive wealthy owners eventually reaching its peak of luxury in the middle of the 4th...
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EYNSFORD CASTLE
Standing within a picturesque village, Eynsford Castle is a rare example of an early Norman 'enclosure castle'. Built by the Eynsford family, the castle became the subject of a disputed inheritance. It culminated in an act of vandalism in 1312. From that point, the castle was abandoned. Rather than having a keep or motte, like most Norman...
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This section covers historical heritage sites such as castles and stately homes in the Canterbury region, these historic buildings usually date back hundreds even thousands of years and are real educational experiences for the whole family. Topics covered include the middle ages, political and royalty evolution spanning time and history. Or just a great day out at lush tree lined grounds and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. Tours of these buildings are widely available and worth consideration for an in depth knowledge of the sites you wish to visit. Some sites like stately homes have gardens, animals and lots of other things to see and do.
We provide information on castles and stately homes by county, city or by activity, please use the home page map for county level browsing. If you cannot find what historical place you like by city level here,
please use the search box for more detailed searches.
