Planning a holiday in Kent? If you enjoy mapping out an itinerary in advance and considering a budget, we have done some of the leg work for you and compiled a handy list of attractions, landmarks, and beauty spots in Kent for you to visit. So, prepare a packed lunch and discover the best free places to visit in Kent; there are beaches, rainy day destinations, free family days out and so much more to discover. Whether you are with your family or fancy a quiet romantic break, we can help you uncover the best free attractions in Kent including free museums, free farms and country parks. There are so many great places to visit in Kent.
When you have agreed on where you’d like to visit, you will need to find a great place to stay. Browse our collection of charming self-catering holiday cottages in Kent and find your perfect holiday escape.
Kent cottages
Free days out in Kent
Discover Samphire Hoe Country Park, Dover
Samphire Hoe Country Park is located on land that has been reclaimed from the sea, built with land spoil from digging the English Channel (and from the first abandoned attempt to build a subterranean link to France during the late 1800s). Built on 5 million cubic metres of chalk marl, it is now a wonderful place for a scenic walk. Found at the foot of some sheer chalk cliffs close to Dover, it’s a hidden joy. There is a walking loop that is just under 2 miles for you to enjoy where you will see wildflowers and birds on the wing. The park was completed in 1994, after the completion of its huge sea defences. Please note, there is a very small parking stipend.
Stay nearby: Marwood Farm Cottage | Sleeps: 6 guests + 1 dog
Free kids days out at Cobtree Manor and Dunloran Park
Cobtree Manor Park in Maidstone has over 50 acres of parkland with a themed play area, sculpture trail and picnic areas whilst the elegant Dunorlan Park on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells is set around a huge lake. There are lots of places for a game of hide and seek, trees to climb and statues to photograph. The lovely thing about going to a park is that there are always lots of other children playing and picnicking, so it’s a great way to make friends.
Stay nearby: Lime Trees | Sleeps: 4 guests
Step back in time to The Sound Mirrors, Romney Marsh
The Sound Mirrors are relics of the Second World War, an obsolete technology that predated the use of radar. These huge concrete structures were used to listen to approaching enemy aircraft coming across the English Channel. There are several Sound Mirrors dotted across Kent, but the best examples for a photo opportunity lie close to the coast at Lydd-on-Sea. There’s a walking trail that links the Sound Mirrors to the coast. Other mirrors can be found in Hythe.
Stay nearby: Troubadour | Sleeps: 4 guests
Enjoy a unique seaside stroll at Dungeness
Dungeness is one of the UK’s most unique seaside villages. It sits on Europe’s largest shingle bank and is home to lots of peculiar buildings that have been converted from former military outposts, railway carriages, and fisherman’s huts. It’s still a local haulout for fishing boats, and there are also some eye-catching lighthouses and wonderful sea views. You can also visit Dungeness B power station for a pre-booked free tour, to see the UK’s only visible nuclear reactor. Dungeness attracts nature spotters and photographers alike.
Stay nearby: Stonihoe | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 1 dog
Fun times with the kids await at Lower Leas Coastal Park and Pepenbury Farm, Folkestone
Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone, home to the largest free adventure playground in the South East, will also go down a treat with its huge adventure play area if you are travelling with children. Zip lines, a sunken pirate ship and much more awaits. There is a wildlife area for quieter moments where you can see if you can recognise any of the birds and little animals. Another brilliant afternoon out is at Aspens’ Pepenbury where you can help a charity as well as have fun. Try to spot pot-bellied pigs, donkeys, goats and rabbits on the farm, stroll around the Bluebell Forest and play musical instruments along the fabulous walking trails.
Stay nearby: Kings Cottage | Sleeps: 6 guests + 1 dog
Cycle the beautiful Tudor Trail, Tonbridge
On sunny days, make the kids get on their bikes and get some exercise on The Tudor Trail. If you can take your own bikes along on holiday, it is completely free to cycle the Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place Tudor Trail (6 miles). If you can’t bring your own bikes with you, you can hire them for a small charge at Bewl Water, the largest enclosed stretch of water in the South East. Here you can experience brilliant rides through miles of fabulous forest and all around the reservoir.
Stay nearby: The Coach House | Sleeps: 2 guests
Admire architecture in Tunbridge Wells
Visit Royal Tunbridge Wells, where you can embark on the fascinating Heritage Walking Trail – download the map and visit over 30 fascinating historic places around the town centre! Tunbridge Wells is the only spa town in the South East of England and it is one of inland Kent’s largest and prettiest towns. Famous for its colonnades and blooms, much of the town is also admired for its architecture, the villas and wide avenues of handsome houses. Look out for the Opera House, Calvery House and The Great Hall on your walk, all distinctive edifices that have been designed to impress.
Stay nearby: The Stables | Sleeps: 6 guests + 1 dog
See a Viking ship, Ramsgate
Head over to Ramsgate’s Pegwell Bay to see Hugin, a full-scale replica of a Viking longship. It’s on permanent display and was a gift from the Danish people to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the landing of Hengist and Horsa at nearby Ebbsfleet in 449AD. It was sailed all the way from Denmark to Kent in 1949; quite a feat of endeavour and skill! Please note, it is covered up for protection during the winter months.
Stay nearby: Wrotham House | Sleeps: 8 guests + 1 dog
Discover hidden beaches at The Warren, Folkestone
There’s a big climb up from the town to Folkestone Warrens, marked out by one of Kent’s many Martello Towers, but if you can summon up the energy, there’s a fantastic hidden beach up and over the hill. Head down a windy (occasionally boggy path) to the rock and sandy shore at the bottom of the cliff. Views along the tall cliffs around to St Margaret’s Bay and Dover Harbour are bound to enchant you. There is a way back up from the beach and back to the Martello Tower via a hilly lane. The whole circuit is about 2 miles and a moderate challenge if you don’t mind a muddy downward scramble to begin with.
Stay nearby: Melbury Abbas | Sleeps: 10 guests
Meet ancient giants at Blean Woods Nature Reserve
Kent is full of nature reserves and natural spaces worth writing about, but we chose Blean Wood National Nature Reserve near Canterbury as it is home to a species you might not expect to find here in the UK – European bison! These huge ambling creatures are excellent ecosystem engineers and, alongside pigs and Exmoor ponies, are helping to restore and regenerate these magical woodlands. Enjoy a relaxing bike ride or long family walk through Blean Woods, and look out for these marvallous mammals along the way.
Stay nearby: Westgate Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests
Map of free days out in Kent
Find these free days out in Kent with our useful map.
Stay in a Kent holiday cottage
Looking for somewhere special to stay on your trip to Kent? Then why not have a look at our gorgeous selection of cottages in Kent? Begin by browsing our wonderful collection of getaways throughout Kent to find your ideal holiday retreat.
Browse cottages