The Garden of England is well known for its rural beauty as well as its multitude of historical and cultural attractions - and many are also easily accessible to those with accessibility needs.
We have put together a weekend itinerary including some of the top attractions to show you what Kent has to offer.
We have tried to keep travel to a minimum so you get as much time as possible enjoying the attractions themselves! Each location is reachable by a short journey, usually either by car or train.
Where possible, the Access Statements of the various attractions and accommodation have been included. If you require any extra information that is not included on their Access Statement, you can contact the venue directly and they will be happy to provide you with the information you need.
No matter what your accessibility needs, Kent has plenty to offer.
Day 1
Begin your journey in the historic City of Canterbury. The city is easy to reach by road or by rail, sitting on the HS1 line direct from London St. Pancras ( 57 mins)
First stop is Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers a range of stunning sights and experiences. Marvel at the architectural splendour, visit the tombs of Henry IV and the Black Prince and see the very spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered
Audio-visual, audio tour or guided tours are available and you can find out more from their access statement.
Your next stop is The Canterbury Tales, a fully immersive attraction which brings Geoffrey Chaucer’s bold, beautiful and bawdy stories to life. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the middle ages through a combination of live interaction from costumed guides and audio commentaryfrom wax figures as you journey from London to Canterbury.The Canterbury Tales offer great flexibility for those with accessibility needs, and their Access Statement can be found here.
After lunch in one of the City’s many independent cafes and restaurants, take a trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park, located just 15 minutes outside of Canterbury, for a truly wild afternoon
Consistently a favourite with TripAdvisor reviewers, Howletts offers a day out like no other! See some of the world’s most rare and endangered species in this spacious reserve, including gorillas, primates, big cats, small cats, elephants, rhino and more. A copy of the park’s Access Statement can be found here.
After all that adventure, it’s time to head to your hotel, the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a unique and contemporary hotel, with one of the best locations in the country – inside the private grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
Offering a peaceful sanctuary only a couple of minutes’ walk to Canterbury’s many attractions, the Lodge has stylishly refurbished en-suite bedrooms overlooking beautiful gardens. Wake up to breathtaking views of the Cathedral from your bedroom window.
All rooms in Canterbury Cathedral Lodge benefit from luxury furnishings, LCD screen TV’s with free-view and there is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
With disabled access and toilets, more detail can be found on their Access Statement here.
Day 2
Start your second day in Kent with a trip to Goodnestone Park Gardens, just outside of Canterbury. It is a peaceful and romantic garden with connections to Jane Austen, and has been described by various writers as ‘the very heart of rural England’, and ‘one of the loveliest gardens in Kent’.
With disabled access, toilets and parking, it is a thoroughly enjoyable accessible attraction. More details can be found here on their Access information for visitors.
Then head out to one of the most iconic destinations in Great Britain - The White Cliffs of Dover. The spectacular coastline must be seen to be believed and the dramatic cliff-top walks offer unrivalled views of the busy English Channel and the French Coast.
While you’re here, learn more about the fascinating military and penal history of the white cliffs and savour the rare flora and fauna that can only be found across this chalk grassland.
Once again this attraction has disabled access, toilets and parking and more information can be found on the National Trust webpage for the White Cliffs of Dover.
The cliffs are also just a short 10 minute drive to Dover Castle. Known as the key to England, Dover Castle has been our nation’s first line of defence for centuries, guarding our shores from invasion for 2000 years.
Step into the dazzling medieval royal palace in the Great Tower, where you can immerse yourself in court life; meet the first of many lifelike projected figures guiding you round the sumptuously furnished chambers, and meet costumed characters welcoming you to life at Dover Castle during the reign of King Henry II.
Head underground and explore the atmospheric Secret WartimeTunnels that burrow deep into the iconic White Cliffs, with vivid recreations telling the story of the Dunkirk evacuation, complete with dramatic projections of swooping Spitfires and real film footage.
With exciting exhibitions, winding tunnels to explore, ghosts to hunt – and of course restaurants and shops – an action-packed, great value day out awaits!
The castle has disabled access, toilets and parking, more information can be found here.
Ashford & Tenterden Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable Dover, Deal & Sandwich Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh Gravesend & Dartford Maidstone Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate Rochester, Chatham & Gillingham Sevenoaks Tonbridge and Malling Tunbridge Wells