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Castles in Kent
When you come on holiday you should be sure to visit some of the castles in Kent. In fact there are enough in the area for even
the most keen 'castle visitor'.
Here are just a few to whet your appetite (I know they aren't all in Kent, some are from neighbouring Sussex but close enough that I wanted to
include them).
Leeds Castle
A typical fairytale castle set on a lake with 500 acres of parkland and woodland walks and with lovely gardens.
It has a maze to get lost in, an underground grotto, an aviary and often has displays of falconry.
There is a cafe or you can take a picnic - watch out for the peacocks, they like a spot of lunch too.
It sas lots of special weekends such as easter egg hunts, fireworks and concerts.
- Open all year round
- Opening times from 10am to 5pm
- Costs for entry is adults £15, chhildren £9.50 but the tickets do last for a whole year
- You can go up in a tethered helium ballon for just £14 for an adult and £8 for a child
Dover Castle and Wartime Tunnels
Set on the white cliffs of Dover, the castle is of course a fascinating place to visit.
Much more than just a castle, a tour of the tunnels underneath will give you a glimpse of how the castle was used during the wars as a
command post, hospital and much more. Try and get on one of the guided walks.
Not just used for the 2 world wars, see the Roman lighthouse and visit the siege experience of 1216 as well.
There is a shop and restaurant.
- Open all year round
- Opening hours 10am till 6pm in summer and 4pm in winter
- Visits to the underground tunnels by tour only
- Entrance costs £10.30 for an adult and £5.20 for a child
Deal Castle
Perhaps one of the less well known castles, however, it does claim to be one of the finest in England and you can
look right over the whole of the castle.
If you are feeling energetic - and the weather is good - you can cycle from Deal to Walmer castle along the beachfront.
- Open mid March to end of September
- Opening hours every day 10am to 6pm (5pm on Saturdays)
- Entrance costs an adult £4.20 and a child £2.10.
Hever Castle
With its double moat and rich history this is another one to visit.
It has several mazes including a splashing water one - always fun - and a miniature house collection.
it has lovely gardens and a great adventure play area for children just in case they get fed up with castles.
Falconry displays and jousting take place in the summer.
- Open beginning of March to mid December
- Opening times 12pm to 5pm in the summer, 3pm in the winter, check website for full details
- Mazes are only open between April and October
- Boats £10 per hour to hire on the lake
- Entrance to castle and gardens is £11.50 for an adult and £6.30 for a child aged 5-15
Check their website for details here.
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