Kent - the county known as the ‘Garden of England’. There are stately homes, cathedrals, pretty villages, picturesque seaside resorts and of course an abundance of historic castles.
Kent's geographical location at the south-eastern corner of England meant that in the past it was open to maritime raids and invasion from France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. To combat this threat castles were constructed for defense. These fortifications began springing up shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and today there are 30 castles in Kent many of which are open to visitors.
Dating back to 1180, Dover Castle stands proudly on a hill above the famous white cliffs of Dover. There’s a wonderful Saxon church in the grounds, and the remains of a Roman lighthouse. Plus take time to see the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Museum, a treasure trove of military paraphernalia.
The small village of Hever is home to the magnificent 13th century Hever Castle. Anne Boleyn lived here in the 15th century until she literally lost her head to Henry VIII. American millionaire William Waldorf Astor restored the castle in the 1900s, landscaping the beautiful gardens that you can still enjoy today. You can also stay here for a night of luxury.
Rochester Castle was built by William the Conqueror after the invasion by the Normans in 1066. The fortifications tower over one hundred feet, and the castle still dominates the town today (which is also worth a visit with its Cathedral and cobbled streets).
The picturesque village of Leeds is the idyllic setting for one of the country’s most stunning castles. Leeds Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest on two islands in the River Len. It’s surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. As well as rare paintings and tapestries, there’s a ‘dog collar museum’ (the only one in Britain!) and an aviary for rare birds.
Built in the sixteenth century as an artillery fort by Henry VIII, Deal Castle is one of the finest examples of its kind in the country. Much of the original Tudor structure remains including an impressively tall keep, surrounded by bastions. The castle was originally built to protect the Downs in east Kent - a strategic anchorage which could be used to land enemy soldiers.
Similarly Walmer Castle was also built by Henry VIII as a means of defense against invaders from France, Spain and the Pope. It is understood that 1,400 men completed the construction work in just 18 months. The castle later became a stately-home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, which included the Iron Duke of Wellington. Also on the site are over 8 acres of award-winning gardens.
Upnor Castle was built in the Elizabethan period to protect Chatham Dockyard and the Royal Navy ships anchored in the Medway. Over the years the castle has been modified and today is managed by English Heritage and remains a part of the Crown Estate.
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