10 spectacular castles in Kent

Thanks to its important defensive location between London and continental Europe, Kent has been at the front of several important historical conflicts. This means that today you are really spoilt for choice if you fancy visiting the brilliant castles in Kent – here we pick our 10 favourites which all provide a wonderful day out packed full of learning, exploration and entertainment.

Leeds Castle

When it comes to breathtakingly beautiful buildings, Leeds Castle is hard to beat. Surrounded by a moat, this stunning castle has served as a home to six English queens and today it offers visitors a great range of attractions, from exploring the lavish interiors and lovely gardens to enjoying boat rides and falconry displays. There are also excellent children’s outdoor play areas for kids to step into a magnificent medieval world. Day tickets are £19 for adults, £11 for children aged 4 to 15 and free for children younger than 4.

Hever Castle & Gardens

Dating from as far back as the 13th century, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and contains a collection of 16th century portraits, furniture and tapestries. The striking gardens, which have won the award for Gardeners’ World Magazine Most Romantic Garden in the South East, are an attractive prospect in any season. Entry to the castle and gardens costs £15.50 per adult and £8.70 per child aged 5 to 15.

Walmer Castle

Impressive Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII to defend against invasion from France and Spain and was later home to the Duke of Wellington. The castle also welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on several visits. You can visit 2 rooms dedicated to the Duke of Wellington, who loved the castle very much, and see a pair of original Wellington boots. Entry is £7.90 for adults and £4.70 for children aged 5 to 15.

Deal Castle

A look around one of England’s most splendid Tudor artillery castles is an outing that will be remembered for years to come. Deal Castle was constructed on the orders of Henry VIII and occupies a stunning coastal position. You can explore the entire castle with an audio tour and interactive exhibitions provide informative insight into the castle’s history. Walmer Castle is only a mile away, an easy walk or cycle along the coast, making it convenient to visit both castles in a day if you wish. Adult entry to Deal Castle costs £5.20 and entry for children is £3.10.

Dover Castle

Magnificent Dover Castle overlooks the famous White Cliffs and has played an important role in defending England since medieval times. The castle offers a really good day out for people of all ages, from the superb exhibition inside the Secret Wartime Tunnels to the Great Tower which explores the world of King Henry II. Standard entry is £17.50 per adult and £10.50 for children aged 5 to 15.

Rochester Castle

The tall and foreboding keep of Rochester Castle was constructed around 1127 and includes three floors and a basement, with a total height of 113 feet. The castle underwent a siege in 1215, during which the southern corner was destroyed, but it was reconstructed during the reign of Henry III and Edward I and even today it remains a proud and noble sight. Adult entry costs £6 and entry for children aged 5 to 15 is £3.80.

Tonbridge Castle

Kent’s finest example of a Motte-and-Bailey gatehouse boasts an extensive history full of heroic and tyrannical tales. An audio tour and interactive displays provide insight into the people and history associated with Tonbridge Castle and enable visitors to imagine castle life in the 13th century. Entry to the castle costs £7.70 per adult and £4.40 per child, with free entry for children under 5.

Upnor Castle

Upnor Castle is an Elizabethan artillery fort which was constructed in 1559 to serve as a defence for the warships at Chatham dockyards. However, its defensive efforts failed in 1667 against the Dutch and more about this event can be discovered during a tour of the castle. Theatrical and historical events are also held at the castle throughout the year. Tickets to the castle cost £6 for adults and £3.80 for children aged 5 to 16.

Canterbury Castle

Canterbury Castle is a ruined Norman castle that is free to visit and offers extensive remains to explore, including the opportunity to partially climb one of the towers. Construction of the castle began on the orders of William the Conqueror but the majority of the keep construction was completed under Henry I.

The city is a great base for exploring the county while on holiday - Canterbury campsites.

Scotney Castle

Visitors to Scotney Castle will be able to explore a beautiful country house constructed on the orders of Edward Hussey III that is full of intriguing and fascinating objects, as well as see the remains of a picturesque 14th century moated castle. The gorgeous garden and wooded estate are also well worth exploring. Standard entry to the whole property is £13 for adults and £6.50 for children.

Excellent attractions that bring the past to life

These fantastic Kent castles provide an entertaining and informative way to discover the past, as well as an opportunity to take in Kent’s impressive architectural heritage. With beautiful gardens and grounds, diverse historical associations and interactive displays and exhibitions, a trip to these fine castles is a great outing for all ages.