From the white cliffs of Dover or the Thames estuary to the heart of the Garden of England, the best castles in Kent paint a vivid picture of royal power, internal strife or foreign threats, from Roman times to World War II.
Norman fort or royal residence, they are easily reached from London, combining a pleasant escape to the country with a fascinating insight into the past. Castles in Kent hold special events to bring history to life in colourful ways.
Dover Fort
Guarding the English Channel at its narrowest point, Dover fort spans 2000 years of history. A Roman lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church testify to its early days. The castle was rebuilt by William the Conqueror and significantly altered by his successors.
Dover fort boasts a massive keep, gateways, battlements and towers where history rises from every stone. Commanding unrivaled views across the Dover Strait, this was the first concentric castle in Western Europe and housed a garrison for 892 years.
Tunnels dug into the cliffs were used in Napoleonic times and World War II. They are open to the public, making Dover castle as exciting below ground as it is above.
Leeds Castle
This lovely castle started as a Saxon manor, became a Norman fortress and was later embellished as royal residence for widowed queens of England. It stands on two islands on the river Len, with Norman foundations, medieval gatehouse, Tudor tower and 19th century country manor all in one.
The interior was refurbished in the 20th century by Lady Baillie, daughter of an English Lord and heiress to an American fortune. She lived in Leeds longer than any queen and Leeds Castle is filled with sumptuous furnishings, art and antiques.
There are flower and herb gardens, a vineyard and the only Dog Collar museum in Britain. Hot air balloon rides are available.
Anne Boleyn Hever
Hever Castle is best known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, future wife of Henry VIII. The oldest part dates from 1270 but the main section was built by the Tudors. It was restored in 1903 with its double moat and Tudor buildings.
Anne Boleyn Hever Castle has fine displays of Tudor portraits, furniture and tapestries, models of Henry VIII and his wives and two beautiful prayer books signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. A ‘Pampered Prince’ exhibition will mark the fifth centenary of Henry VIII accession to the throne.
The award-winning grounds include Tudor and Italian gardens, a walled rose garden, a rhododendron walk and delightful water features.
Rochester Castle
Perched on a hill, Rochester castle stands near the confluence of the river Medway and the Thames estuary. Built by the Normans, it was besieged several times, tossed between rebels and kings and strengthened after every battle.
The four-turreted keep was gutted by fire but visitors can climb inside the shell and marvel at the thickness of the walls, the Romanesque columns, fireplaces and doorways which show this was a noble residence as well as a fortress.
Towers, fortified entrance and sections of the curtain walls bear witness to Rochester’s importance. Impressive views of keep and walls can be enjoyed from across the river.
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