Best Places to Visit in Kent for Free

What Are The Best Places to Visit in Kent for Free?

White Cliffs of Dover

The most famous attraction in Kent are the White Cliffs of Dover. Used for defence in both World Wars, the cliffs are drenched in history and have become the perfect tourist attraction for those who have a deep interest in war history. You can see reminders of this past at Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk. This is a unique experience not found anywhere else.

The spectacular coastal cliffs overlook the English Channel that make for some amazing views. For the perfect day out, many people in the county will have a walk along the cliffs and explore the many unique offerings. There is also a play area, cafe and visitor centre to sweeten the pot.

Viking Bay

This horse-shoe-shaped beach is one of the most stunning and unique aspects of Kent, as it is known for its golden sand, so it’s one of the best places to visit in Kent for free with family. There is plenty to do for both adults and children. It’s best to go during the summer months when the sun will be shining and the weather will be at its peak, so you can enjoy all of the beach scenery even more.

Viking Bay is the holiday destination of choice for Charles Dickens, who even wrote an affectionate piece on the town. There is also a Surf School that is open from March to October, offering a range of water sports.

Canterbury Cathedral

Kent is a place full of culture and if you’re into this, you should make a visit to Canterbury Cathedral. Even if you aren’t into the culture, you can still enjoy a trip here as there is something there for everyone. There is beautiful architecture, music and gardens that can make your experience very pleasant. You can also experience the immersive light show ‘Crown and Coronation’, which is one of the more unique elements of the Cathedral tour.

Children (aged 17 and under) and Canterbury students can both visit the cathedral for free, but adults have to pay £17 for the ticket. This ticket will last 12 months, meaning you can visit as many times as you want throughout the year.

Mote Park

Maidstone, the largest town in Kent, is home to Mote Park which is a huge green space that covers over 450 acres. It was voted the top 3 parks in the UK in the People’s Choice for their favourite Green Flag Park. This makes it a must visit area for everyone making the trip to Kent, especially during the summer months. There are grasslands, woodlands, rivers and a 30 acre lake giving the park some very beautiful views.

There is plenty to do in Mote Park, including the Mote Park Outdoor Adventure that has high ropes, climbing walls and mini golf for people of all ages to enjoy. You can also go for a pleasant walk down the many paths and trails in the park, as well as let your kids enjoy the re-built children’s play area. It’s known as one of the best free entry gardens in Kent.

Herne Bay Pier

Herne Bay is a seaside town on the north coast of Kent and has a fantastic pier for you and your family to experience. There are a bunch of things to do on the pier, including carnival-style stalls, ferris wheels and bouncy castles. This can keep you entertained for hours, especially if you are going with children.

The attractions on the pier are only open at weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. There is also a retail village and food court located at the Herne Bay Pier, which are open daily. If you’re planning a wedding and marry the love of your life, this could also be the perfect venue for you as you get the opportunity to have a beach hut wedding with some of the best photo opportunities.

Shorne Woods Country Park

Shorne Woods Country Park is one of the best places to visit in Kent for free for people to enjoy with a plethora of events and activities to take part in all year round. There are traditional countryside walks, running events and seasonal adventures for the whole family, as well as natural arts and craft sessions that occur a few times a year.

There is a modern cafe, eco-friendly visitor centre and fishing lakes to give you extra things to be getting on with during your trip. You can even go to the gift shop to pick yourself up something to remember your amazing day.

Whitstable Town Centre

One of the prettiest English villages, Whitstable is an underrated gem that has plenty of amenities including a pleasant town centre with many interesting independent shops. From the Playhouse Theatre to the gallery to the Favourite Historic Ship, there is plenty to see in the classic town. You can go to some of the cute cafes and excellent restaurants to add the cherry on top of your Whitstable experience.

You can travel down the coast line for a great view of the sea while also taking a look at some of the amenities on offer. It’s in close proximity to Herne Bay and Canterbury, which means that you can easily get to and from each of these places for a full all day experience.

Bluewater Shopping Centre

The Bluewater Shopping Centre is the benchmark for the ultimate shopping and leisure experience. It has over 300 stores and 50 bars, restaurants and cafes, so you have plenty to choose from when it comes to retail therapy or relaxing dining. You can find almost anything inside the shopping centre from vintage clothing to homeware gifts to cosy cushion covers, so you aren’t limited in your choice.

With some of the most popular retail stores like Marks & Spencers, House of Fraser and John Lewis, there’s no wonder that Bluewater Shopping Centre is visited by over 28.1 million people per year. It has 13,000 parking spaces to help visitors with accessing the shopping centre.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

The Art Gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury is one of the best places to visit in Kent for free. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge has won many awards with its one-of-a-king art gallery and events that are scheduled for all ages. It unites art, heritage, books, ideas, information and collections for the ultimate experience.

It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Monday and bank holidays are closed, so you need to plan your trip accordingly so that you are in Canterbury during the opening days.

Dreamland, Margate

The Dreamland amusement park is located on the Margate seafront and has excellent communication links from living in London, which makes it the perfect place to visit on your travels. It has an outdoor park, amusements, arcades and even a roller disco for both adults and children to have fun with during their visit.

This is operated on a seasonal basis, so it’s only open at weekends and holidays from spring to the end of summer. There is also live music and events that take place during the autumn and winter, so it’s a great place to visit all year long. Going to Dreamland is free, but you might need to pay to take part in some of the activities that are offered, such as the Hollaback UV party.

Conclusion

There are so many places to visit in Kent for free. No matter which town you go to, there is plenty to do as each place has plenty to do from shopping centres to amusement parks to beaches. The county offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent amenities and great architecture, which makes Kent wonderful to explore.

By choosing to visit Kent, travellers can immerse themselves in the English countryside, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories. So, if you’re planning a trip to the UK, consider venturing beyond the well-trodden paths and exploring the enchanting county of Kent instead.