(Can also travel by foot from Kench Hill across country). Home of Ellen Terry, Edwardian actress (1899-1928). Display of old theatrical costumes. Early Tudor house, former Port House for local shipyard. Gardens, Thatched Barn theatre. Quiz, trail. WC’s. Open March-October only. Limited wheelchair access (ground floor and gardens only). Cost: … Read More
Rye
Picturesque cobbled streets, mediaeval houses and a walled citadel make Rye unique, an old Cinque Port now marooned away from the sea. Follow a fun trail to focus observation and provoke curiosity. A convenient half-day stop in combination with Camber Sands, Camber/ Bodiam Castle. Castle Museum Small local museum in … Read More
Hastings Fishing Museum
Small local museum with a real fishing boat, artefacts, video clips. Located amongst the old fish ‘shops’, bizarre tall huts where nets hang to dry. The area still supports a lively fishing industry. Close to Underwater World. No need to book, but opening times not guaranteed as staffed by volunteers. … Read More
Hastings
Hastings is a typical seaside resort, a shingle beach with an Old Town, fishing industry, lifeboat station and beach amusements, plus the new Jerwood Art Gallery. The Victorian pier was burnt down but now houses a roost of starlings and is being rebuilt. 40 minute drive Fairlight Glen … Read More
Sissinghurst Castle Garden (National Trust)
Tudor manor house with access to tower, library. Home of Vita Sackville-West. Stunning gardens, woodlands and lakes, oast house exhibition and farm buildings. Quizzes, excellent stimulus for art. Minibus option for up to15 pupils, half-day. 30 mins drive. Open Mar-Oct only. Gift shop, WC’s, wheelchair access to most areas. Cost: … Read More
Leeds Castle
Norman castle, residence of kings and queens, lovely gardens, aviaries, maze, grotto, dog collar museum, moats. 1930’s interior – pre-booked time essential, but guides do not always pitch answers to age group. Educational trail and teachers’ notes on website. Gift shop, WC’s. 30 mins drive. Wheelchair access, but long walk … Read More
Hever Castle
C14th home of Anne Boleyn, display on Tudors, mazes (Easter-October only), adventure playground, moat, model houses. Open March-November only. 1 hour drive (near M25). Gift shops, WC’s. Limited wheelchair access. Long walk from car park. Why not save money on coach hire – visit Friday on the way back home. … Read More
Dover Castle (English Heritage)
2000 years of history – A Norman keep with displays, Anglo-Saxon church, Roman lighthouse, medieval tunnels and guided tours of Secret World War 2 tunnels (Hellfire Corner). Views to France, interactive education rooms. Can combine with brief stop at Dover beach, Samphire Hoe or WW2 memorial. Early booking advisable, especially … Read More
Historical Places – Castles
How many castles are there in Kent? 28 according to Wikipedia!
Other Historical Places – Museums
With excellent transport links to Kent, Sussex and London the choice of museums will satisfy almost any area of interest.