12 best historic towns in Kent (as recommended by a local)

The best historic towns in Kent, that are perfect for a day out, including what to see in each town, hidden gems and local tips.

I love visiting historic towns in Kent and over the last 27 years I’ve enjoyed exploring the better known towns such as Canterbury and Rochester, but also smaller towns like Sandwich or Tenderden, which are equally amazing to visit.

There are so many charming towns that offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re into historic sites, castles, browsing independent shops or just having a good cup of tea, whilst watching the world go by, Kent’s towns have got it all!

In this blog post, I’m going to take you on a tour of some of my favourite historic towns in Kent. You will see I’ve left out all the seaside towns in Kent, because I’ve recently wrote a whole blog post dedicated just to these.

1. Canterbury

When I think of historic towns in Kent, visiting Canterbury is definitely on the top of my list and where I usually take my friends and family when they come to visit me. This magnificent city is dominated by a beautiful cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for centuries.

It’s here where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 and where Chaucer’s famous “Canterbury Tales” are based. The cathedral is also very closely linked to the nearby St. Augustine Abbey, which is mostly in ruins now, but it’s where you find out more about the beginnings of Christianity in England.

Walking through Canterbury feels like stepping back in time. I love the medieval streets, exploring the city walls and gates and finding more about the history of timber-framed buildings.

There are so many things to do in Canterbury, but I really like wandering through the pretty Westgate Gardens along the River Stour, taking a punt boat trip to see the city from the water, visiting the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge or exploring the Roman Museum to understand Canterbury’s Roman origins.

You can also shop in quirky independent stores in the King’s Mile, enjoy performances at the Marlowe Theatre, or simply relax in one of the many historic pubs.

2. Rochester

Visiting Rochester is like stepping back in time. There is the imposing Rochester Castle with a large Norman keep, standing alongside the magnificent Rochester Cathedral and the quirky houses and streets winding up the hill. Walking down the High Street feels like stepping into a Dickens novel, which is no coincidence since Charles Dickens spent much of his life in the area and used his Rochester inspiration in many of his books.

What I find special about Rochester is how it packs so much history into such a walkable area. The cathedral is among England’s oldest, dating back to 604 AD, while the well-preserved castle offers stunning views over the River Medway.

I also enjoy browsing the independent shops, bookshops and charity shops along the High Street and having a tea or coffee in many of the Rochester tea rooms. If you want to learn more about the local history I’d recommend that you visit the Restoration House or the Guildhall Museum, which also has a lot about Rochester maritime past.

3. Faversham

When I worked in Faversham, I often used my lunch breaks to have a walk around the town and explored this amazing town. The town’s history goes back to Roman times, but a lot of it’s heritage comes from the medieval times.

As you walk through the streets, you will see well-preserved buildings, especially around the Market Place, where the Guildhall stands proudly on its wooden stilts.

One of my favourite spots is the little harbour area by the Faversham Creek, where you can see historic and modern boats and there are also restaurants, antique shops and tearooms here. If you fancy a longer walk, you can join the Saxon Shore Way here and explore the area more.

You might also like to visit the Shepherd Neame Brewery, Britain’s oldest brewer, where you can take a fascinating tour and sample some excellent ales.

Faversham also has an interesting connection to the gunpowder industry and you can find out more about it when you visit the Chart Gunpowder Mills just outside the centre of the town.

4. Royal Tunbridge Wells

My friends live in Royal Tunbridge Wells and everytime I visit, I’m always struck by its elegant Georgian architecture and refined atmosphere. The heart of the town is The Pantiles, a charming colonnaded walkway dating back to the 17th century when the town became famous for its spring water.

There are so many things to see and do in Royal Tunbridge Wells and you can also find pretty boutique shops here as well as art galleries outdoor cafés and restaurants. The best thing is that you can still taste the taste the iron-rich water spring that originally attracted people to Tunbridge Wells all these years ago.

The town’s royal title was granted by Edward VII in 1909 and I like how historic buildings have been preserved in the town. My favourite find is the original opera house, which is now a Weatherspoon’s pub, but inside it has been kept exactly as it was and once a year, they even put on opera or play performance that you can attend.

Just outside the town, you can find Dunorlan Park, which has gorgeous landscaped gardens and a boating lake, while the surrounding High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides endless opportunities for countryside walks.

5. Sandwich

When I visit Sandwich I always love walking through the medieval narrow streets, admiring the houses and the interesting history.

One of the must-see attractions is the Sandwich Guildhall Museum, where you can learn about the town’s fascinating past, including its role as one of the Cinque Ports. The museum is in a beautiful 16th-century building on a little square in the middle of the town.

Whilst Sandwich is no longer a sea port, you can take a boat trip on the River Stour or just walk along the river to the marina and further to where the river meets the sea.

The historic St. Peter’s Church in the middle of the town is also worth a visit as the streets around it have some beautiful houses and independent tearooms there.

I also love exploring the Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, which is in a walking distance from the town centre. Last time I visited Sandwich I also enjoyed visiting the Gazen Salts Nature Reserve which is great for seeing a variety of bird species in their natural habitat or to just have a quiet stroll in the country park.

6. Gravesend

Gravesend is another town which is sometimes overlooked as a tourist destination, but I think, it’s definitely worth the visit and full of surprising little finds.

My favourite is the story about Pocahontas, who was a native American princes who died in Gravesend in 1617. You can see her statue next to the St. George’s Churchyard close to the centre of the town.

One of unexpected hidden gems is the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, which is one of the largest Sikh temples outside India. The architecture is stunning, and you can walk around and also visit the temple to admire the beautifully decorated interiors.

If you are interested in military history, the Gravesend Nuclear Bunker is fascinating place to learn more about the Cold War era in Britain. The bunker has been preserved to show how it would have operated during a nuclear threat, complete with original equipment and informative displays.

You can also walk around the New Tavern Fort and Milton Chantry and learn more about the town’s defensive history.

7. Maidstone

Maidstone is the largest town in Kent with an interesting centre and a mix of historical sites, independent shops, restaurants, cafes and shopping centres.

The Maidstone Museum is in pretty Elizabethan manor house is one my favourite museums in Kent and has large collection of fine art, local history artefacts and natural history. The separate Carriage Museum is also great to visit and very different to any other museums, I’ve been to.

Right opposite the Carriage Museum you can find the Bishop’s Palace with nice gardens. Once you see the town centre you can take a walk by the River Medway, which is also perfect for a scenic boat trip. I like to follow the Medway Valley Path and walk along the river to Allington Locks and then to Aylesford to visit Aylesford Priory.

8. Westerham

Westerham is another pretty historic town, which has the perfect mix of beautiful houses, independent shops and lovely tearooms.

The centre of the town is called The Green, which is a lovely spot to relax and take in the historic buildings that surround it. My favourite view is from the church, it’s here where you realise that Westerham is actually on a hill!

I always like to visit Quebec House, which was the childhood home of General James Wolfe, the hero of the Battle of Quebec. The house has been preserved to reflect its 18th-century origins and has interesting exhibits about Wolfe’s life and military career. The garden is also very beautiful with mixed borders, trees and benches to sit on.

9. Sevenoaks

The combination of historical buildings, independent shops and beautiful countryside makes Sevenoaks a perfect town to visit.

The amazing Knole House, which is in a walkable distance from the town is a magnificent 15th-century estate surrounded by a deer park. You can visit the house itself and the park is open all year round.

The High Street has pretty buildings and a mix of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Stag Theatre is also worth checking out, as often there are fairs, markets and of course theatre plays, concerts, and films.

The nearby Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is perfect for a easy walk by the lake and it’s also great place for birdwatching.

10. Tenterden

Tenterden is often talked about as the “Jewel of the Weald,”, because it’s picture perfect town with interesting history and picturesque high street buildings. The high street is quite different to other towns, because it’s quite wide and has trees on both sides. You can find here independent shops, traditional pubs and pretty tea rooms.

Don’t miss the St. Mildred’s Church, which is a beautiful medieval church with an impressive tower that dates back to the 12th century.

I’ve also really enjoyed visiting the Tenterden Town Museum, because it’s packed with local history exhibits and tells the town’s story from it’s agricultural roots to becoming an important in the wool trade.

Once you see the town, I’d recommend to take a ride on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, which takes you from Tenterden Town Station to Bodiam, where you can visit the Bodiam Castle.

11. Tonbridge

I like Tonbridge because it’s quite compact, but still has a lot of historical and cultural attractions. The Tonbridge Castle towers dominate the town centre and you can get a great views of the town from the top of the gatehouse. The castle grounds have been turned into a beautiful park with riverside views, perfect for picnics or leisurely walks. Along the High Street, you’ll find a charming mix of historic buildings, independent shops, and local cafés.

The River Medway flows through the middle of Tonbridge and you can follow it by walking the Eden Valley Walk towards Edenbridge or the Meadway Walk towards the Meadway town. You can also take boat trips or try kayaking. Haysden Country Park is within easy reach of the town centre with beautiful lakes and walking trails.

Tonbridge has a regular farmers’ markets, where you can discover locally produced food and drink, like, for example the Greensand Ridge Distillery.

12. Sittingbourne

Whilst Sittingbourne might get slightly overlooked, I think it’s still a pretty interesting historic town to explore. There is the Sittingbourne Heritage Museum, which includes exhibits on local industries including paper-making and brickworks that shaped the area’s development. The Heritage Hub in the Forum Shopping Centre has even more insights into local history and is perfect for a quick visit while shopping.

You can also visit nearby Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, which offers rides on a historic narrow-gauge railway that once served the local paper mills. The countryside around Sittingbourne is also interesting, you can walk around the Milton Creek Country Park, follow the Saxon Shore Way or other local walking trails.

This blog post was originally published on 16 April 2025 and last updated on 16 April 2025