20 Best Things to Do in Kent in January 2026: A Local’s Guide

I have lived in Kent for nearly three decade and during that time had the chance explore Kent all year round. People often ask me if January is a good time to visit. They think the county shuts down after Christmas, but I think there is still plenty to do and see. It’s just a bit colder, but it’s a wonderful chance to see the “real” Kent without the summer crowds.

I enjoy browsing for treasures in huge vintage emporiums or reading a book by the fire in a cosy village pub. On a crisp, sunny morning, there is nothing better than a bracing walk along the white cliffs to blow away the cobwebs. I also love catching our beautiful winter sunrises—luckily, they happen late enough that you don’t even have to be an early bird!

If you want to escape the crowds and see Kent the way we locals do, follow my personal list of the best things to do this month.

Is January a good month to visit Kent?

This really depends on what you want to do. It will be quiet, chilly, and some smaller places might be closed, but it’s a great opportunity to see Kent’s famous attractions without too many people.

One thing I should say is: be prepared for the British winter! The weather in January is often damp and windy, with temperatures averaging around 6°C. You will definitely need a waterproof coat, a warm scarf, and sturdy boots if you plan on hitting the coastal paths or estate walks.

While some gardens are closed for the winter, many of Kent’s big attractions like Leeds or Hever Castle stay open year-round.

When it’s sunny I head to coast and enjoying a brisk walk along the white cliffs followed by a home cooked meal in a pub with a roaring log fire. When the weather is more bleak, it’s perfect excuse to stay indoors and visit museums, churches and local cafes for afternoon tea.

1. Explore Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is spectacular in the winter mist. While the big Christmas light trails usually wrap up in the first few days of January, the castle remains open for “Winter Walks” and historical tours. The 500 acres of parkland are perfect for a crisp morning stroll, and the interiors are beautifully preserved and warm!

My Local Tip: The tickets are valid for the whole year, so make sure you come back later in the season to see the gardens in full bloom.

• Location: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
• Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 3:30 PM)
• Tickets: Adults £31.50 (online), Children £22.50.

2. Visit Canterbury Cathedral

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cathedral is a must-see. In January, the atmosphere inside is incredibly peaceful. You can explore the medieval cloisters and the crypt without the summer queues. Afterward, the surrounding cobblestone streets are full of cozy tea rooms like Tiny Tim’s Tearoom for a coffee and homemade scone.

• Location: 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH
• Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tickets: Adults £17.00, Children (under 17) go free with a paying adult.

3. Coastal Walk: Broadstairs to Ramsgate

This is a fantastic, flat, 2.5-mile walk (approx. 1 hour). In January, the sea air is incredibly bracing and the famous white chalk cliffs look brilliant against a winter sky. But, if you get a bit of sun, you’ll be surprised how warm it can be! The Broadstairs to Ramsgate walk is very easy, just follow the “Viking Coastal Trail” from Viking Bay. When you reach Ramsgate, head to the Royal Harbour for a hot coffee at one of the cafes tucked into the arches.

My Local Tip: If you are too tired to walk back to Broadstairs the same way or you run out of daylight, there are regular buses that will take you back to Broadstairs (bus stops are on the main road by the harbour)

4. Learn more about history in Dover Castle

Dover Castle is a massive fortress with enough indoor attractions to keep you warm, including the Great Tower and the Secret Wartime Tunnels. In January, it’s mostly open on weekends, making it a perfect Sunday trip.

• Location: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU
• Opening Times: Saturdays & Sundays only in January, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. (Daily from Feb 14th).
• Tickets: Adults £20.90 (online), Children £12.70. Free for English Heritage members.

5. Catch a Movie at the Palace Cinema

This tiny, historic gem is over 100 years old and watching a film here feels like stepping back in time. I always pop in when I’m visiting Broadstairs and in January it’s the perfect place to hide from a cold wind. Before the movie, walk around Viking Bay and grab an ice cream at the famous Morelli’s Gelato (their 1950s interior is iconic!).

• Location: Harbour Street, Broadstairs CT10 1ET
• Opening Times: Evening screenings daily; afternoon matinees on weekends.
• Tickets: Adults approx. £9.50, Seniors/Children £7.50

6. Experience the Kentish tradition of “Wassail” (17 January 2026)

If you want a truly unique “Kentish” experience, you must visit a Wassail celebrations at Brogdale Farm Fruit Collections in Faversham. This is a centuries-old tradition held in orchards to bless the apple trees for a good harvest. It involves torch-lit processions, Morris dancing, and a lot of noise (bring a saucepan and spoon to bang!).

• Location: Brogdale Farm, Faversham ME13 8XZ
• Date: 17 January 2026 (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
• Tickets: Adults £8.50, Children £5.00, Family £20.00.

7. Visit the Turner Contemporary

If the January weather turns particularly grey, head to Margate’s world-famous Turner art gallery, which was built on the site where J.M.W. Turner used to stay. The building has massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the North Sea—watching a winter storm from the safety of the warm, quiet galleries is a beautiful experience. In January 2026, you can see the “Turner 250: Breaking Waves” exhibition.

• Location: Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
• Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Tickets: Free entry (donations welcome).

8. Go Underground at the Canterbury Roman Museum

When it’s freezing outside, go 5 meters below the modern street level to see a preserved Roman townhouse. It’s entirely indoors and built around the remains of an original Roman floor mosaic. It’s a great “escape the rain” activity if you are already visiting Canterbury for the Cathedral and it’s a fantastic way to learn more about the Roman history in Kent.

• Location: Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR
• Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Jan 1st).
• Tickets: Adults £11.00, Children £5.50. (Look out for “Kids Go Free” deals in early January).

9. Birdwatching at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

January is actually one of the best times for birdwatching in Kent. Because the trees have lost their leaves, it’s much easier to spot Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, and overwintering ducks on the lakes. The reserve has several “hides” (wooden sheds with windows) where you can sit out of the wind and watch the wildlife in peace.

• Location: Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks TN13 3DH
• Opening Times: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Tickets: Free entry (parking charges apply).

10. Winter walks at Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is beautiful in winter. While the Hever castle itself is closed for deep cleaning on certain weekdays in early Jan, the gardens remain open for “Winter Walks.” By late January, you can often see the first snowdrops appearing.

My Local Tip: Garden tickets are cheaper in the winter and members of Historic Houses get free entry during weekdays.

• Location: Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: Daily 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Gardens), Castle opens at 12:00 PM.
• Tickets: Adults £23.10, Children £13.45

11. Treasure Hunt at Petticoat Lane Emporium

This is a massive indoor vintage marketplace with over 200 stalls. It is the ultimate retreat for a cold afternoon because it is entirely undercover and so big it takes a long time to walk around. There is even a quirky cafe called The Baker’s Dozen inside.

• Location: 47 Dumpton Park Dr, Ramsgate CT11 8AD
• Opening Times: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tickets: Free entry

12. Discover Bedgebury National Pinetum

Bedgebury has a world-class collection of coniferous trees that stay green even in the middle of winter. The paths are well-maintained for all-weather walking, and the on-site café has huge windows with great views of the forest (and a great hot chocolate after the walk!).

My Local Tip: The admission to the park is charged per car, so you pay about £10 – £15 per car. If you are planning to visit with friends – car share to save the environment and keep the extra money to spend on coffee!

• Location: Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ
• Opening Times: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: Free, but parking is approx. £10–£14.50

13. Visit The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is a beautiful museum in the heart of Canterbury. It’s warm, free to enter, and full of fascinating local history and art. It’s the perfect “escape the cold” activity while you are exploring the city’s historic streets.

• Location: 18 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2RA
• Opening Times: Tue–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tickets: Free entry

14. Watch a Beautiful January Sunrise

You don’t have to be an early bird, as the sun rises around 8:00 AM in January. Head to the White Cliffs of Dover or Botany Bay to see the sky turn pink over the sea. For a countryside view, Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone has a stunning lookout over the misty valleys.

• Location: Various coastal and hilltop spots
• Time: Aim to be in position by 7.30 – 7:45 AM to see the ‘blue light’
• Tickets: Free!

15. Ice Skating at Planet Ice

While the temporary outdoor rinks usually close by January 4th, this permanent indoor arena stays open all year. It’s a full-sized rink, so it’s perfect for a bit of exercise to beat the January blues, and they even have a heated spectator area.

• Location: Ambley Road, Gillingham ME8 0PT
• Opening Times: Daily (Check timetable for public skating sessions)
• Tickets: Approx. £14.80 (includes skate hire)

16. Walk Through Shorne Woods Country Park

This is one of the largest parks in Kent with nearly 300 acres of woodland. It has a fantastic eco-friendly visitor centre and a café serving hot homemade soups. The “all-ability” trails mean you can enjoy a walk without getting too muddy.

• Location: Brewers Rd, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3HX
• Opening Times: Daily 9:00 AM – Dusk
• Tickets: Free entry (Parking charges apply)

17. Visit Historic Towns for a Stroll and a Brew

Kent’s historic towns are perfect for a winter stroll to admire the architecture when the sun is out, and nip into a tea room, museum or a gallery when it’s cold.

My favourite towns to explore in the winter include Rochester with Dickensian High Street, Cathedral, and Norman Castle, Canterbury with narrow streets, quirky shops, museums and amazing cathedral, Tenterden with broad, tree-lined High Street and antique shops or Faversham which is Kent’s oldest market town with over 500 listed buildings and a historic brewery.

18. Pick up local food at Farmers Market

The good news is that the Kent’s local farmer’s markets returns early in the year! It’s the best time to pick up seasonal winter veg, local cheeses, and honey.

• Tonbridge Market: Sunday, 11 January 2026 (9:30 AM – 1:30 PM).
• Rochester Market: Sunday, 18 January 2026 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
• West Malling Market: Sunday, 25 January 2026 (9:30 AM – 1:30 PM).
• Cliftonville (Margate): Sunday, 25 January 2026 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

19. Warm up in a Seafront Sauna in Margate

For something truly unique, visit Margate, where you can try the Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach. You can sit in a wood-fired sauna looking out at the North Sea, and if you’re brave enough, take a “cold plunge” in the sea before running back to the heat. It’s the ultimate January wellness treat.

• Location: Margate Main Sands (near the Harbour Arm)
• Opening Times: Various slots from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Tickets: Sessions from £15.00 per person.

20. Watch a Ice Hockey Match

Since you’ll be visiting Planet Ice in Gillingham, why not stay for a game? The Invicta Dynamos usually have home matches on weekend evenings in January. It’s loud, exciting, and a very “warm” way to spend a winter evening indoors.

• Location: Planet Ice, Gillingham ME8 0PT
• Tickets: Adults approx. £13.00, Children £8.00.

This blog post was originally published on 28 December 2025 and last updated on 28 December 2025