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Kent UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Kent UNESCO sites

Canterbury Cathedral: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

1. Canterbury Cathedral: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Canterbury Cathedral sits at the heart of England's story with 1,400 years of history to explore within. Secure your entry ticket to explore the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Enjoy a handset and audio guide to enrich your visit. As you explore the cathedral, discover architecture that’s been crafted through hundreds of years of building and rebuilding, altering with each change of style within the medieval period, but its roots reach even further. Admire colorful stained-glass windows, some of which are among the oldest in the world. Plug in your headphones and listen to your own personal audio guide to hear stories of royals, monks, and martyrs as you walk under the cathedral’s high ceilings. Your entry ticket also gives you access to the historic Chapter House with its incredibly detailed ceiling, the atmospheric Great Cloister which was walked by monks for centuries, three public gardens including a reimagining of a medieval Herbarium, and up to three exhibitions around the site. In 597 A.D., Pope Gregory the Great sent a monk, Augustine, to England as a missionary to spread Christianity across England. Augustine established his seat (or cathedra) and monastery in Canterbury and became England’s first Archbishop. When miracles were said to have taken place around the site, the cathedral became one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centers, as most famously told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Following a fire in 1174, parts of the cathedral were rebuilt in the new Perpendicular Gothic style.

From London: Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

2. From London: Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

Enjoy a full-day tour from London to Canterbury, Dover Cliffs, and Castle, and Kent Villages, with your expert guides. Departing central London take a scenic, guided drive through quintessentially English countryside, visiting towns and cities with huge historical importance. Discover for yourself why Kent is known as the "Garden of England". Visit Greenwich where GMT began and the home to the Prime Meridian Line. See where the eastern and western hemispheres meet, and the Greenwich Observatory where the world was divided into coordinates and time zones. See the Cutty Sark, a world-famous 19th-century tea clipper sailing ship. Enjoy views of Royal Greenwich Park and the Royal Naval College. Venturing deeper into the Kent countryside, through hop fields, orchards, and Oast houses, head towards Dover for views of the English channe. Admire the sight of the impressive white chalk cliffs guarding the coastline, and on a clear day, you may be able to see all the way to France. Head up the cliffs to the imposing Dover Castle and its network of tunnels that were instrumental as a military command centre and an underground hospital in WWII. Onward, to Canterbury, with an en-route stop in Chilham, a charming, quintessentially English village centered around a square with half-timbered buildings and a 15th-century pub. Canterbury is famous of course for its cathedral which is the Mother Church for English Christianity, and home to Royal tombs and more. Your guide will offer an optional (free) walking tour to show you some of its hidden secrets and passageways. Take a few hours to explore Canterbury on your own. Perhaps you might like to venture into the Cathedral or soak up the atmosphere of this modern and vibrant city with its important historical past. On the way out of Canterbury, drive past the old Roman walls. Then it's time to head back to London on a relaxing journey after a day of exploration.

London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, Greenwich Day Trip

3. London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, Greenwich Day Trip

Have a magical Boxing Day surrounded by beautiful locations and impressive buildings! Departing from central London, this day trip includes a visit to Leeds Castle, once described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, Canterbury, Battle of Britain Memorial, and Greenwich. Leeds Castle. Located in the idyllic countryside of Kent, Leeds Castle celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2019. The castle’s long timeline is filled with kings and queens, British aristocracy and many key moments in Britain’s history including World War II. It also happens to be a spectacular building that sits in the middle of a lake! You’ll get to see its lavish interiors as well as its picturesque grounds. Canterbury Cathedral Inhabited since prehistoric times, the cathedral city of Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What was once a pilgrimage site is now a popular tourist destination known in part for its beautiful cathedral, which dates all the way back to the year 597! Discover Canterbury Cathedral’s fascinating history and marvel at its impressive Gothic architecture. White Cliffs of Dover This region of the English coastline is part of the Kent Downs designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s not hard to see why! You’ll witness it is you drive past Battle of Britain Memorial In 2023 this tour will now stop at the Britain Battle of Memorial for a great bit of history Greenwich The last part of this Boxing Day tour will include a drive past the London borough of Greenwich, famous for its maritime history and giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time.

English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

4. English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

Get a range of benefits with a 9-day or 16-day single or family English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass, offering free entry to more than 100 stately homes, castles, prehistoric remains and gardens the length and breadth of England. Only available to non-UK residents, the great value pass will save you money even if you only visit 2 or 3 attractions, making a 9-day pass suitable for a weekend break. You can visit as many English Heritage attractions as you like, and come back as many times as you want to. But the more places you visit, the more money you save! Plan your vacation with the help of our overseas visitor Guidebook. The English Heritage website will also help you plan your visit before you travel. Once you have decided which attractions to explore, there is no need to get your money out at every attraction, and no need to keep track of your spending. The monuments bring the story of England to life, and have all been selected for their historic significance. Located in some of the most beautiful settings in England, they include mighty castles, tranquil monastic ruins, pleasant gardens and grand stately homes. Many host special events throughout the year, and your pass also gives you free or reduced price entry. You might even come face-to-face with a knight in shining armor. All sites have reduced opening times during the winter months (October to March). Detailed information available after booking. The full list of places you can access with your pass is as follows: In London: Apsley HouseChiswick HouseEltham Palace and GardensJewel TowerMarble Hill HouseRanger’s House - The Wernher CollectionWellington ArchIn the South East: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & BattlefieldBayham Old AbbeyCarisbrooke CastleDeal CastleDover CastleFort Brockhurst (as part of a pre-booked group)Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)Lullingstone Roman VillaMedieval Merchant’s HouseOsborne HousePevensey CastlePortchester CastleRichborough Roman FortRochester CastleSt Augustine’s AbbeyWalmer Castle & GardensYarmouth CastleIn the South West: Berry Pomeroy CastleChysauster Ancient VillageCleeve AbbeyDartmouth CastleFarleigh Hungerford CastleHailes AbbeyLaunceston CastleMuchelney AbbeyOkehampton CastleOld SarumOld Wardour CastlePendennis CastlePortland CastleRestormel CastleSt Mawes CastleSherborne Old CastleStonehengeTintagel CastleTotnes Castle In the East of England: Audley End House & GardensBerney Arms Windmill (as part of a pre-booked group)Castle Acre PrioryDenny Abbey and the Farmland MuseumGreat Yarmouth Row Houses and Greyfriars’ CloisterGrime’s GravesFramlingham CastleOrford CastleSaxtead Green Post MillTilbury FortWrest Park In the East Midlands: Ashby de la Zouch CastleBolsover CastleHardwick Old HallKirby HallKirby Muxloe CastleLyddington Bede HousePeveril CastleSibsey Trader WindmillLincoln Medieval Bishops’ PalaceRushton Triangular LodgeIn the West Midlands: Boscobel House and the Royal OakBuildwas AbbeyGoodrich CastleHaughmond AbbeyKenilworth Castle and Elizabethan GardenStokesay CastleWenlock PrioryWitley Court and GardensWroxeter Roman CityIn Yorkshire: Aldborough Roman SiteBrodsworth Hall and GardensByland AbbeyClifford's TowerHelmsley CastleKirkham PrioryMiddleham CastleMount Grace PrioryPickering CastleRichmond CastleRievaulx AbbeyRoche AbbeySt Peter's ChurchScarborough CastleThornton Abbey and GatehouseWhitby AbbeyYork Cold War Bunker (pre-booked visits only)In the North West: Beeston Castle and Woodland ParkBrougham CastleCarlisle CastleFurness AbbeyLanercost PrioryStott Park Bobbin MillAt Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman FortChesters Roman FortCorbridge Roman TownHousesteads Roman FortIn the North East: Aydon CastleBarnard CastleBerwick-Upon-Tweed-BarracksBelsay Hall, Castle and GardensBrinkburn PrioryDunstanburgh CastleEtal CastleLindisfarne PrioryPrudhoe CastleTynemouth Priory and CastleWarkworth Castle

From Brighton: Leeds Castle & Canterbury Full-Day Trip

5. From Brighton: Leeds Castle & Canterbury Full-Day Trip

Meet your professional guide in central Brighton and first travel to Leeds Castle. Discover the castle which was once the home of King Henry VIII, and is sometimes called "the loveliest castle in the world". Take a guided walk through the stunning gardens, visit the maze and grotto, and see the majestic hawks and eagles in the aviary. Kids can explore Knights Stronghold playground and adventure golf onsite. Next, visit the medieval town of Canterbury, a historic pilgrimage site. Take a guided tour of The Westgate and The River Stour, concluding at Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the Roman and medieval history of the city and associated famous people. Your guide will advise you with regards to visiting the Cathedral and other places of interest during your free time in the town. After some free time to explore, hop back on the bus for the return journey to Brighton.

Canterbury: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

6. Canterbury: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Take a stroll through one of the most visited cities in England on a walking tour of Canterbury. See the towering Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine Abbey, and St. Martin's Church — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — up close and learn about their history from your local guide. Walk through history in Canterbury, marveling at these valuable historical sites from a close vantage point. Hear stories about how the city has the oldest continuously operating school in the world, when the Canterbury city wall was built, what is special about the Christ Church Gateway, and more. Continue with a stroll through the exclusive downtown Canterbury Cory. Admire the unique architecture of the city, feeling the city's coziness and charm.

From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car

7. From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car

Enjoy the full attention of a Private Guide on your visit to Dover, the most important port city in England. Immerse yourself in the delights of the English coastline and local legends about distant voyages and old battles. Take advantage of tickets to Dover’s Top Attractions and private transportation from London for a perfect getaway. Your 9-hour adventure begins with pickup from your London accommodation in a clean, spacious vehicle, so you can enjoy a comfortable ride though the English landscapes. Upon arrival in Dover, you will be greeted by spectacular views of the English Channels that separate Britain and France. Take a walk along the epic White Cliffs of Dover and discover their historical value as a symbolic guard against threats from the Continent. The live commentary of your 5-Star Guide will introduce you to Dover’s history from the early Roman settlements through Saxons to WWII, as well as interesting facts about the local wildlife. This exclusive tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the city’s top attraction and the largest castle in England - the magnificent Dover Castle. Explore the 11th-century fortress with an Expert Guide to discover why it is known as the “Key to England”. Learn about the kings, lords, knights and soldiers who were involved in great battles on this historic site, such as the First an Second Barons’ Wars and the Battle of Britain in 1941. You will also get to see a little bit of Dover’s Old Town, with highlights such as the Western Heights hilltop fortifications and the scenic Dover Marine along the port. Choose the 11-hour option to also discover highlights of the city of Canterbury! This tour includes tickets to Canterbury Cathedral, which is one of the nation’s most famous Christian structures and a World Heritage Site. During the guided walking tour you will also see some of England’s finest medieval architecture, such as the Eastbridge Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr dating from 1190, the historic Westgate Tower built in 1360, as well as the renovated 19th-century Beaney House.

From London: Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral by Car

8. From London: Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral by Car

"Embark on a fantastic adventure in Kent! Explore the historic Leeds Castle and its fabulous gardens filled with beautiful plants and wildlife. Enhance your experience with a stop at the picturesque White Cliffs of Dover and a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. Enjoy an exclusive car trip from London. Choose the 5-hour option to visit Leeds Castle in Kent. We provide skip-the-line tickets and private car transfers with a pickup and drop-off at your London accommodation, so all you have to do is bring a good attitude and enjoy the adventure! Enjoy a comfortable short ride in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle exclusively with your group. At Leeds Castle, a 5-Star Expert Guide will lead you through over 900 years of the castle’s history, including interesting stories about its former royal inhabitants such as King Edward I and Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. The current castle was completed in 1823 in the Tudor style unique to the United Kingdom. Inside you will find glamorous 1930s Salton, Dining Room, Library, Games Room and more interesting areas. Every room tells stories of the noble families who called Leeds Castle their home as well as the house staff who contributed to its life and soul. Take a walk around the large castle grounds surrounded by a traditional moat and enjoy the beautiful nature all around. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the many attractions for all ages, such as the botanic gardens, a maze, falconry, adventure golf and a unique Dog Collar Museum! Choose the 11-hour tour to discover more Top Attractions in Kent! Travel to Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. Admire its awe inspiring Gothic architecture, the stunning stained glass, statues and other treasures. Another highlight of this tour will be a guided tour of White Cliff of Dover, a world-famous natural feature and an official icon of Britain. Immerse yourself in stories of the past and admire the views of the picturesque cliffs above the English Channel."

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What people are saying about Kent

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 107 reviews

We picked up our 16-day pass in Battle Abbey (near Hastings) and were received there in a very friendly and courteous manner with all of our questions. The exchange of the GYG voucher went smoothly. - Unfortunately, there was information on the GYG explanation pages that the family pass included 4 children under the age of 19. Unfortunately, as we learned in Battle Abbey, this is not the case; it only applies to children under the age of 18. So we had to buy an extra “adult” pass for our 18 year old son. But English Heritage cannot help it; please change the information on the Get Your Guide pages. Otherwise, the whole booking procedure was very pleasant, quick and flawless. And I think it's great that there are short-term passes for overseas tourists that save you having to take out an annual membership.

היה מצויין. מקומות מקסימים בהם בקרנו. המדריך פאבלו היה נהדר. הנהג מריו היה מקסים ואדיב. רק מילים טובות יש לנו להגיד. הצד הארגוני היה מצוין גם כן. ההדרכה היתה מעולה. תודה רבה על יום מקסים מחוץ ללונדון

we visited in London Apsley House and Wellington Arch with the English Heritage pass the visit was free and with audio guide in French for Apsley House. Informative visit and very beautiful building.

The pass is recommended. Paying locally is much more expensive.

Pitty it was realy bad weather - cold, windy and raining...