We can’t be the only ones who are craving spring to properly arrive more than just in name, bringing with it the flowers, warmer weather and of course the longer days to enjoy it all. Read on for our summary of some of the best places take in the blossom filled gardens, vineyards and even goat walks and surfing - let's get outside in Kent!
Castles and Gardens
We've certainly got some grandeur in Kent and a number of English Heritage’s properties are open throughout the year which means they're ready to go and welcome those who want to soak in the daffodils and spring planting right through to the autumnal colours. From iconic Dover Castle, Walmer Castle to The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House Kent's historic welcome stretches across the county and you can frame your colourful spring or summer photos with iconic backdrops.
Canterbury Cathedral and its precincts
Sitting inside Kent's only city is possibly the county's most iconic building - Canterbury Cathedral. The view once you enter the grounds is quite staggering with Bell Harry Tower standing tall across the landscape. We cannot knock the inside of the castle, but the grounds truly match it - with your entry ticket or in the evenings at sunset you can wander the precincts and try and capture the cathedral from multiple angles while soaking up the Healing Garden (the Cathedral's herb garden) or the spring daffodils that surround the site.
Port Lympne & Howletts
Situated in Kent's countryside near Canterbury and Hythe are two of England's premier animal parks. Port Lympne is 600 acres of animal parkland reminiscent of African plains that is perfect to get out into the wild - with the likes of safari tours and routes that will take you around enclosures of rhino to bears and if that's not enough stay overnight in their Bear Lodge for a truly individual trip away. Its sister park Howletts is just in the outskirts of Canterbury and has equally as impressive amount of animals - and you'll certainly get your fresh air intake as you'll admire tigers and then gaze up at mystical giraffes.
Belmont House
For those of you planning your late Spring garden visits, Belmont House has a whole host of events taking place throughout the year, from spring wreath making workshops to Herb Walks – so not only will you be able to see and smell the fragrance of the garden you’ll enjoy the tales behind the garden too. If you want to even make a weekend of it, enjoy Bloom Stays Walnut Tree Cottage and Crow Cottage to stay on the estate!
Penshurst Place
The historic 11 acres of walled gardens at Penshurst Place that appear now remain largely unchanged since the design was adopted in the 1560s by Sir Henry. Today, the gardens provide seasonal displays of colour and fragrance throughout the year, with highlights including the 100 metre Peony Border, Union Flag design garden and ornate Italian Garden. If you’re looking for something more, Penshurst Place can also provide guided tours with the Head Gardener.
Godinton House and Gardens
Springtime is the time to be at Godinton House and Gardens, as the iconic tulips, the apple and cherry trees start to blossom, and you won’t need to wait much longer as they're starting soon! If you are planning for later in the year, then remember the 7th April as the House itself will also reopen to visitors, who can discover over 600 years of history, and throughout the year there's a stacked events schedule with the likes of jazz in the gardens and open air theatre.
Franciscan Gardens Canterbury
A hideaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of Canterbury, the Franciscan Gardens are a new addition to the city's grandeur. With the aid of a lottery grant towards some works, the gardens opened just over a year ago with a small shop for people to access the gardens and Greyfriars Chapel where you can watch the River Stour flow past and breathe in the history, which began on the site in 1267.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle hosts some of the finest gardens in Kent which are just going to be bursting into spring colour. Take a walk on their Darling Daffodils route, which is included in your entry ticket, or throughout April take the kids along to the Family Easter Quest when once complete, you'll take home an Easter treat. If you're here beyond Easter time, there's year round activities from Bird of Prey displays, getting lost in the Maze, and of course the castle itself!
Hever Castle
With daffodils in the grounds at Spring almost as iconic as the history of the castle itself, Hever Castle is undoubtedly one of the springtime locations that should be on your to-visit list. Throughout the next few months you'll have many good reasons to visit, but especially in spring when you can enjoy the grounds while the spring flowers add a bit of colour to your day. As we get into April, the vivid tulips are expected to peak around the 19-25th, and you can stay on the grounds and enjoy the Royal sophistication that you've maybe not been getting at your own home!
Gusbourne
With the trip to the vineyards of Burgundy or Provence not being viable for a Saturday trip out, you’ll have no trouble getting your wine fix in Kent. Gusbourne offers visitors a whole host of trips out - from a simple sparkling wine flight to taste with a board of local cheese and bread, to an estate tour with a special three course lunch or springtime picnic in the fields with a bottle of their Gusbourne Brut Reserve and a fine selection of artisan cheese and charcuterie, local fruit and homemade bread - book your trip here.
Wild Kitchen
You may be able to take a little time out and head into nature, but what about getting really involved with nature? The Wild Kitchen’s huge list of foraging events through the year are the perfect remedy for those wishing to taste nature as well as be in it – from Edible Seashore to Asparagus by Bike - a day out never tasted so good.
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
According to scientific research, we can all learn a little from goats in that when we smile it makes them happy! If you’d like to test the theory yourself, head to the Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats and meet the 137 goats that live on site. You can help the charity and your own mental well-being by doing something you may not expect such as taking a goat on a walk - just look at their lovely faces!
Folkestone Artworks
Being out and along the coastline is one of the things many of us fortunate enough to do living in Kent. One of our most popular towns is Folkestone, and if you are looking for something that’s open year round, take a trail around Folkestone Artworks. Being totally free and accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year it’s the perfect way to get some culture. The changing exhibition currently includes Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Yoko Ono and more.
Seaside in Thanet
Kent certainly can have its windy days, and if you've not booked a trip to Portugal or California to surf across the waves - we’re able to help right here in Kent believe it or not! In Thanet, head over to the Kent Surf School where you can take part in surfing or the popular SUP (Stand up Paddle). Although, if you want to take to the water, but in the comfort of boat, take a trip with Sea Searcher to see seals in their natural habitat.
Canoe Wild
If you love the idea of taking to the water, but you’d like to be a little less worried about the tides, Canoe Wild could be for you. From day rentals of canoes and SUP, right through to lessons on each of those, you’ll be sailing up and down the Stour smoothly in no time. Just be sure to keep an eye on the wildlife too, as you can spot fish below, to cows in the fields and those springtime flowers.
Outdoors in Dover
While we may think of Dover as being a coastal hotspot, this time we’re telling you to stay on dry land! The dramatic backdropped Samphire Hoe provides your springtime fix by popping wildflowers, including the rare Early Spider Orchid, which make for colourful surroundings as you wander along the paths among the chalk grassland habitat. Look up to the skies to see the kestrels circling, look out to sea at the distant views of France - this unique country park is a fabulous place to be in Spring, or at any time of the year.
St Andrews Lake and Watersports Centre
This one certainly is embracing outdoor leisure! If we get any kind of warm spring or a nice 20c+ summertime day, this should be your first stop. St Andrews Lake and Watersports Centre is home to adrenaline on the water, from sailing boats, kayaks to inflatable obstacle course this is in open air and open water. If you don't want to get in the water, go for a fish or head to the onsite Mischicks Day spa where you can enjoy a hot stone massage.
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