One ticket that gets you into multiple attractions for days out throughout the year – sign us up! We’re all looking for ways to save a little money right now, but with school holidays coming up and weekends to be filled we don’t want to do it at the cost of those family memories – queue an English Heritage membership. Giving you unlimited access to hundreds of sites across the country, and with family memberships where up to 12 kids go completely free with two adult members, this annual membership is literally the key to some of Kent’s most iconic attractions, from Dover Castle, to Walmer Castle.
Believe us when we say, there are far too many English Heritage sites in Kent for us to name them all, so we’re rounding up and sharing some of our favourites.
Dover Castle
The big one. Standing atop the White Cliffs of Dover, this historic fort represents centuries of history, from the Romans to World War II. Explore the opulence of the Great Tower, with its recreated medieval rooms and rooftop views across The Channel, try your hand at Morse Code on the Port War Signalling Station, and venture down to the Secret Wartime Tunnels for an immersive look into the story of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk. In addition to the clifftop fortress, the World War II tunnels through the cliffs and the 80 acres of castle grounds to roam, the events at Dover Castle are endless, with half term and school holidays specials offering some unforgettable family memories.
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Walmer Castle
Any conversation about gardens in Kent will soon lead to Walmer Castle which, when you consider the many gorgeous gardens in Kent, is certainly saying something. In addition to its famous gardens, Walmer Castle has been home to some pretty famous faces, from the Duke of Wellington to The Queen Mother, and in fact, this Tudor Artillery Fortress is even home to an original pair of Wellington’s boots. While you’ll enjoy the eight acres of award-winning gardens, and magnificent interiors of the castle that was commissioned by King Henry VIII himself, little explorers will love the play trail through the woodland, with its climbing nets, wobbly bridge and wildlife sculptures.
Deal Castle
Just along the coast from Walmer Castle is Deal Castle, another Tudor artillery fort built by King Henry VIII. With its incredible Tudor Rose footprint, castle storerooms, rampants and tunnels to be explored, it makes for a perfect family visit. Pair it with a visit to Walmer Castle (you may as well when you’ve got tickets to both!), and learn about the reign of a King and the fears that shaped the coast’s many defenses. Little ones will love exploring and discovering artefacts throughout, all while learning about the lives of those who once lived and worked here.
Down House
The first thing we need to tell you about Down House is it was Darwin’s home, the very place he lived, worked and home to the study where he wrote On the Origin of Species. The home itself is magnificent, offering views of Darwin’s very own desk, not to mention the gardens which became his living laboratory, where you can still see recreated experiments and see for yourself how his observations led to his ground-breaking theories. Take along the multimedia guide while you’re here for a true insight into the great scientist, with narration by none other than David Attenborough.
Richborough Roman Fort
It’s said Richborough Roman Fort is one of the most symbolically important Roman sites in Britain, so the fact that you get entry as part of your English Heritage membership is pretty impressive. Set in the heart of the East Kent marshes, this site once witnessed both the beginning and near end of Roman rule, with huge stone walls, rolling defensive ditches and impressive foundations still standing and marking the site of this former Roman settlement.
We could go on because there are plenty more English Heritage icons here in Kent, but we’ll let you explore those for yourself, after all, with a membership you could explore a new one every weekend.
