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Rochester

A Charles Dickens Centre and a Dickens' Festival in May/June. Chimney Sweeps festivals in May and the Carnival and Regatta in July. Craft and antique shops, sports and leisure facilities and riverside gardens.

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Chatham

At the heart of Medway is Chatham - a diverse maritime destination with a rich history stretching back more than 400 years. It has a fully pedestrianised High Street and the Pentagon Shopping Centre where many leading brand name stores can be found.

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Deal

Deal is a delightful jumble of narrow lanes which make dog-legs to divert the driving winds from the Channel. It is a 17th to 19th century townscape that, overall, amounts to more than the sum of its individual buildings.

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Westerham

The town has connections with Churchill and General Wolfe of Quebec, and their statues are on the green, the church with its 14th century timber spiral staircase up the tower.

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Gillingham

Gillingham is an important retail centre serving the local community. It has a twice weekly market which is ideal for the bargain hunters to wander around.

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Edenbridge

Edenbridge is a good base for touring the surrounding countryside and is within 10-15 minutes drive of the M25 - A25. The town has a selection of restaurants and pubs and a Leisure Centre with swimming pool and fitness club.

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Sevenoaks

Gorgeous stately homes, irresistible gardens, Roman remains and a picturesque landscape. Vibrant shopping streets, architectural treasures and appealing places to eat and drink,

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Royal Tunbridge Wells

This cheerful former spar town grew up amid the Wealden forests after Lord North discovered its chalybeate spring in 1606. The Pantiles, is in effect an 18th century shopping precinct: a raised paved walkway shaded by lime trees, and fronted by shops behind a colonnade.

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Tonbridge

At the centre of this fascinating portion of Kentish life sits Tonbridge, a market town since the Middle Ages that still buzzes today. Tonbridge Castle is Kent's best example of a motte-and-bailey gatehouse, where audio tours and interactive exhibits bring history to life.

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Sittingbourne

Kent’s modern market town of Sittingbourne and its nearby Milton Regis both have a rich history in paper-making, brick-making and barge-building. Indeed - it is because of these industries and Milton Creek that Sittingbourne is where it is today.

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Gravesend

The maritime town of Gravesend is an ideal place for a day out. Gravesham has the riverside, countryside, historic villages, picturesque parishes and a full calendar of events for you to enjoy. 24 minutes from London and links to Europe.

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Walmer

Walmer is closely associated with its adjoining neighbour, the town of Deal - sharing many amenities and services and benefiting from Deal's High Street shopping area. Walmer Castle and Gardens, built during the reign of King Henry VIII.

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Faversham

The historic streets head of in all directions from the old Market Place, with the photogenic Guildhall building in the centre. Bursting with history and located on a winding creek. With an amazing array of independent shops.

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Ramsgate

Lively and vibrant, Ramsgate has a veritable feast of attractions for residents and visitors alike. Ramsgate's award-winning beach has recently scooped a Seaside Award in the Resort Beach category.

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Dartford

This urban settlement is best known today as the home of the Dartford Tunnel, which runs for roughly one mile beneath the River Thames, re-emerging on the Essex bank near West Thurrock.

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Maidstone

The Maidstone area is the real heart of Kent, and boasts one of the county’s best known and most popular attractions - Leeds Castle. Plenty of choice of shopping centres and shops boasting one of the largest selection of independent retailers in the country.

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Tenterden

Nestling in the heart of the Weald of Kent, Tenterden, rich in history, has largely escaped much modern development and has consequently retained its charm. It has an attractive, broad tree-lined High Street, brimming with interesting shops that have something for everyone.

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Sheerness

The Port of Sheerness contains at least one Grade II listed building, the Old Boat House. Built in 1866, it is the first multi-storey iron framed industrial building recorded in the UK. Decorated with ornate ironwork.

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Lydd

Lydd is one of the larger towns on the Romey Marsh in Kent. It was originally an island, separated from Romney by the Rother estuary. The church, one of the biggest in Kent, is known as the "Cathedral of the Marsh".

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Sandwich

The quay offers a convenient parking area and peaceful picnic place, with wooden benches and plenty of grass for laying out rugs along the willow-fringed riverbank. Active youngsters will enjoy the excellent safe playground. Visitors can stroll along the quayside where a range of old boats.

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Fresh seafood from the local market, visit the working harbour, explore the independent shops and galleries.

Whitstable Harbour - A great place to take a walk, buy some quirky gifts, and find something to eat and drink. Sitting by the sea with fish and chips is a must.

Crab and Winkle Way - Go from cloisters to oysters with seven miles of almost traffic-free cycling between Canterbury and Whitstable.

Whitstable

Whitstable West Beach - This popular beach is perfect for a quiet walk, and is dog friendly too. It's also one of very few in the country with a pub on it.

Tankerton Beach - This quaint beach is perfect for windsurfers and rockpool adventurers alike. At low tide you can enjoy 'The Street', a natural path that takes you right out to sea.

Its maritime heritage is celebrated with the annual oyster festival.

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Kent Place Names

If you have wandered through the Kent Downs whether on foot, by horse, bicycle or car will have, at one time or another, pondered over the meaning of place names of towns , villages or hamlets that we normally take for granted in our everyday lives. Places such as Pett Bottom, Bigbury and Bobbing conjure up all manner of intriguing images as to the activities of former inhabitants, while others such as Whatsole Street, Smersole or Hartlip appear completely baffling.


Although most place names may appear at first sight to be random elements of words thrown together in no particular order, most are surprisingly easy to decipher with some elementary grounding in Old English. Over the centuries most of the Old English words have themselves corrupted and changed to appear as we know them today.

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Ashford

Set amongst beautiful ‘Darling Buds of May’ countryside and picturesque villages. Head for Ashford Town Centre and to the Ashford Designer Outlet for brand names at big discounts.

From the UK

If you have never been to Kent before, the best way to get into the county from anywhere in the UK is to head to London.

Getting from London to Kent is relatively simple. Once on the M25, there are two directions into Kent; if you are coming from the North or the East, you will cross the Dartford Bridge (which has a toll charge). Once over the bridge you will be in Kent and you can follow the signs for the M2 or carry on down a little further to reach the M20; if you’re coming from the south and west: on joining the M25, continue until you reach the M26 which will connect you with the M20. Equally you can stay on the M25 until you reach the M2.

From overseas

There are a variety of options for you to travel quickly into the county of Kent. If you are travelling by car, you can drive straight onto Eurotunnel Le Shuttle at Calais. In just 35 minutes you will be in Folkestone, where you can join the M20 motorway which runs through the heart of the county, meaning you can be on your way to your destination in no time at all! Eurotunnel Le Shuttle trains run all day and night, with up to 4 departures an hour.

By Sea

With frequent Channel crossings between Kent and Nord-Pas de Calais. P&O Ferries operate on the Calais to Dover route, while DFDS Seaways runs a service from Dunkerque to Dover.

By Coach

Eurolines coaches operate Europe’s largest regular coach service network, covering 500 destinations across the continent. Stopping in Canterbury, the buses also travel into London Victoria Coach station, where you can easily transfer to a National Express coach into Kent.

By Train

The high-speed Eurostar service which runs from Paris, Brussels or Lille into London, stopping at Ashford International Station and Ebbsfleet International Station in Kent.

By Air

London Gatwick and Heathrow are the two other airports closest to Kent. If you are driving straight from the London airports, then head for the M25 and follow directions for south-bound, taking just over an hour to reach the centre of Kent. If not, hop onto either the Gatwick or Heathrow Express trains into London for connecting trains into Kent.

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Folkestone

In the quaint regenerated streets of Folkestone, you'll discover cutting-edge art in its unique Creative Quarter. The Lower Leas Coastal Park where you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ on the beach. The Folkestone Harbour Arm for an eclectic mix of food, drink and enterntainment.

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Biddenden

If there is such a thing as a 'typical' village, Biddenden is probably what most people would like to think was just that. It owes a degree of prosperity to the Chulkhurst daughters, Eliza and Mary, were born in about 1100, the girls were England's first recorded Siamese twins.

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Dymchurch

Dymchurch was amongst the busiest locations for illicit trade. Inspiration from this gave rise to being the setting of the "Doctor Syn" novels. Martello tower No. 24 is open to the public. A holidaymakers paradise!

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Wye

New building has given Wye something of the character of a small town, although the heart of the place, around the church, is still unmistakably a village.

Due west of the village the Downs display perfectly the tufted chalk crown shaped on the hillside by Wye College students in 1902 to commemorate Edward VII's coronation.

Historic buildings, several restaurants and pubs. A centre for walking, marvellous views across countryside to the coast from Devil’s Kneading Trough, a deep coombe nearby.

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Cinque Ports - History

The coat of arms of the Cinque Ports is three lions passant guardant conjoined to as many ships’ hulls and this device is included in the majority of the coats of arms of the towns comprising the Ports and the Limbs.


The Cinque Ports date from the time of William the Conqueror, and refer to the five south-eastern ports of Hastings, Sandwich, Dover, Romney and Hythe. Cinque is, of course, the French for “five”, although when referring to the Cinque Ports it is pronounced “sink”. These five ports were known as the Head Ports, and were thriving fishing and trading centres.

In the thirteenth century, Rye and Winchelsea also became Head Ports and the formal title became “The Confederation of the Cinque Ports and the Two Ancient Towns of Rye and Winchelsea”.


Until the reign of King Henry VIII, England did not have a navy so, to provide a means of defence, the Cinque Ports were required to provide ships and men to the King on demand. The requirement for Dover, Sandwich and Romney to place ships at the King’s disposal was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) and it is likely that the arrangement started in the 10th century. The King first granted a charter to the Confederation in 1260, and by 1278, the men of the Cinque Ports - the Portsmen- were required to supply 57 ships, fully manned, for 15 days a year. In return, they were given numerous concessions,

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Dover

Sitting in the Shadow of Dover Castle & the Iconic White Cliffs, is ideal if you want to shop, relax over a cappuccino, or enjoy a light lunch. Good shopping areas and a full calendar of events for you to enjoy. Close links to Europe.

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Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. Canterbury has two very different facets. There is the modern pedestrianised shopping area around the Marlowe Arcade, and the more recent Whitefriars development. If you are coming to Kent, Canterbury is a must see.

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Hythe

There are plenty of flat areas along the seafront and in Hythe's many green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. With its fabulous Festival and Venetian Fete and a winning combination of sea and greenery, sheltered alleys and higher levels, Hythe is picturesque, peaceful, friendly and perfectly placed.

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Margate

These days, Margate fizzes with artistic energy. To traditional, holiday-town charms, add a world-class art gallery. To sandy beaches and sparkling bays, add a cool café culture and tempting retro shops. The internationally-acclaimed Turner Contemporary leads the creative charge.

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New Romney

Romney Marsh is known for its natural beauty, the diversity of its habitats, rich history, extensive coastline and its sheep. Excellent accommodation, outstanding attractions, fine food and drink, varied walking routes and many sandy beaches, Romney Marsh is an ideal place to visit, explore and enjoy.

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Herne Bay

The resort of Herne Bay is a popular destination for water sports, wind surfing, sailing, zapcats racing and jet skiing but is still suitable for sandcastles, swimming and excellent fishing too.

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Kent - Points of Interest

350 miles of coastline to explore, over 1000 square miles of countryside plus more historic homes and castles than any other county.


At the southeastern border of England, Kent is only around 21 miles from France.


England's oldest county is a wonderful short break and holiday destination, with many Blue Flag beaches, places of interest, and fun things to do.


A train journey from London to Kent's coast is just a short trip.


Gorgeous stately homes, irresistible gardens, Roman remains and a picturesque landscape.


Vibrant shopping streets, architectural treasures and appealing places to eat and drink,


Art, architecture, creativity and culture around every corner.


Visit Kent - you will love it.

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A bit about Kent

Kent is a land of gardens and orchards, of historic castles and churches, of pretty villages and fine market towns, but above all, it is a land that is inescapably linked to the sea. Its proximity to Europe across the narrow channel means that invaders through the centuries have chosen the Kent coast as a gateway to Britain.You don’t have to travel far to find beauty, fun and relaxation.


Kent Towns

These Towns and villages are being updated at present.

Kent - What-When-Where

Kent Points of Interest

What - When - Where Kent's popular way of communicating and spreading information and news. Our what's on provides a one-stop source of accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date family - orientated information on events and places and points of interest in Kent.

Kent Place Name

Place Names

If you have wandered through the Kent Downs whether on foot, by horse, bicycle or car will have, at one time or another, pondered over the meaning of place names of towns , villages or hamlets that we normally take for granted in our everyday lives.

Kentish Dialect

Kentish Dialect

Modern Kentish dialect shares many features with other areas of south-east England (sometimes collectively called Estuary English). Other characteristic features are more localised. Some parts of Kent, share many features with broader Cockney.

Cinque Ports

Cinque Ports

The Cinque Ports date from the time of William the Conqueror, and refer to the five south-eastern ports of Hastings, Sandwich, Dover, Romney and Hythe. Cinque is, of course, the French for “five”, although when referring to the Cinque Ports it is pronounced “sink”. These five ports were known as the Head Ports, and were thriving fishing and trading centres.

Kent Churches

Martello Towers

Martello towers are small defensive forts built in several countries of the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the Napoleonic Wars onwards. Between 1804 and 1812 the British authorities built a chain of towers based on the original Mortella tower to defend the south and east coast of England

Kent Castles

Kent Castles

Kent has more castles and historic houses than any other county, there are 18 castles alone, from romantic Hever to the fortress of Dover. Deal Castle was one sturdy link in the chain of coastal fortresses built by order of Henry VIII, who feared invasion from France.

Kent Parishes

Kent Parishes

Parishes in Kent - Transcribed from The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales, 1894-5

In England, a civil parish is a territorial designation and, where they are found, the lowest tier of local government below districts and counties. It is an administrative parish, in comparison to an ecclesiastical parish.

Kent Scientific Sites

Kent Scientific Sites

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Kent.

In England the body responsible for designating SSSIs is Natural England, which chooses a site because of its fauna, flora, geological or physiographical features. As of 2008, there are 98 sites designated in this Area of Search, of which 67 have been designated due to their biological interest, 21 due to their geological interest and 10 for both.


Kent Visitor Information Centres

Use Kent Visitor Information Centres to help plan your visit – you’ll find them in all major towns and cities as well as some larger villages. The Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and can get all the help you need from local town maps and transport routes to finding the best accommodation for your trip. Many centres stocking a wide range of merchandise from local books, gifts, traditional postcards and souvenirs.

Kent Visitor Information Centres

Kent Visitor Information Centres

Use Kent Visitor Information Centres to help plan your visit – you’ll find them in all major towns and cities as well as some larger villages. The Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and can get all the help you need from local town maps and transport routes to finding the best accommodation for your trip. Many centres stocking a wide range of merchandise from local books, gifts, traditional postcards and souvenirs.

Ashford
2nd Floor, Ashford Gateway Plus
Church Road, Ashford
TN23 1AS
Tel: 01233 330316
tourism@ashford.gov.uk
Canterbury
Beaney Art Museum and Library
18 High Street, Canterbury
CT1 2RA
Tel: 01227 862162
canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
Deal
Landmark Centre
129 High Street, Deal
CT14 6BB
Tel: 01304 369576
info@deal.gov.uk
Dover
Dover Museum
Market Square, Dover
CT16 1PB
Tel: 01304 201066
tic@doveruk.com
Edenbridge
Visitor Information Point
Edenbridge Town Council
72A High Street
Edenbridge TN8 5AR
Tel: 01732 865368
www.edenvalleykent.org
Faversham
Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre
13 Preston Street, Faversham
ME13 8NS
Tel: 01795 534542
ticfaversham@btconnect.com

Folkestone
Town Hall
1-2 Guildhall Street
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 1DY
Tel: 01303 257946
tourism@folkestone-tc.gov.uk
Gravesend
Towncentric
18a St George’s Square, Gravesend
DA11 0TB
Tel: 01474 337600
info@towncentric.co.uk
Herne Bay
William Street, Herne Bay
CT6 5NX
Tel; 01227 378100
canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
Maidstone
Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery
St Faith’s Street, Maidstone
ME14 1LH
Tel: 01622 602169
tourism@maidstone.gov.uk
Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate
The Droit House, Stone Pier, Margate
CT9 1JD
Tel: 01843 577577
visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk
Rochester
95 High Street, Rochester
ME1 1LX
Tel: 01634 338141
Visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk

Royal Tunbridge Wells
Unit 2, The Corn Exchange
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TE
Tel: 01892 515675
touristinformationcentre@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Sandwich (Summer Only)
Guildhall, Sandwich
CT13 9AH
Tel: 01304 613565
tourism@sandwichtowncouncil.gov.uk
Swanley
London Road, Swanley
BR8 7AE
Tel: 01322 614660
touristinfo@swanley.org.uk
Tenterden
2 Manor Row, High Street, Tenterden
TN30 6HP
0845 8247202
tourism@ashford.gov.uk
Tonbridge
Castle Street, Tonbridge
TN9 1BG
Tel: 01732 770929
Tonbridge.castle@tmbc.gov.uk
Whitstable
The Whitstable Shop, 34 Harbour Street,
Whitstable, CT5 1AJ
Tel: 01227 770060
wit.whitstable34@talktalk.net

Getting Around

Getting Around

Use Kent Visitor Information Centres to help plan your visit – you’ll find them in all major towns and cities as well as some larger villages. The Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and can get all the help you need from local town maps and transport routes to finding the best accommodation for your trip. Many centres stocking a wide range of merchandise from local books, gifts, traditional postcards and souvenirs.

Rail Travel - From London
One of the easiest modes of Transport is by Rail. Kent has one of the most dense rail networks of any county in the UK, particularly due to its close proximity to London, as well as needing to provide good rail links to locations such as Dover for cross-channel traffic and the Eurostar terminals.
Train operating companies
Most Train Services in Kent are operated by SouthEastern Trains. See their site for more up to date information on schedules and engineering works. The exceptions are the local trains between Tonbridge and Redhill via Edenbridge and the local trains between Ashford and Hastings (Sussex) via Appledore, which are operated by Southern.
Timetables and Fares
National Rail Enquiries provide a simple route planner and ticketing system. Seat reservations are not available on South Eastern or Southern trains, except for large groups. Advance ticket purchase can sometimes save you money for longer journeys, but note that cheap fares are generally not available before 9am on weekdays. A ticket called 'PlusBus' available to many towns in Kent. This ticket will add rides on local buses at your destination. There are terms and conditions, so check before you buy.
The trains
All trains in Kent are modern air-conditioned electric multiple-units and are fully disability compliant, with wheelchair bays and suitable toilets. Look for the 'wheelchair' symbol on the train doors. First class travel is available on the main lines, but is not worth the extra cost as all you get is different colourseat! On board refreshment service is limited to a portable 'bar' that passes through the train. It is very expensive, so if you think you might need a drink or snack, buy something from a shop near the station of departure. The cafes and shops on thestations are almost as expensive as the on-board service.
Stations
All stations in the county are open seven days a week, with a train at least once an hour at even the smallest. Larger towns and cities will have up to six trains to/from London every hour, ten or twelve in peak weekdays rush hours. There are however no trains after about 9pm on December 24th (Christmas Eve, none at all on December 25th (Christmas Day) and virtually none on December 26th (Boxing Day) therefore if planning to travel around those times you may have to think again!
Some very small stations are unstaffed at all times and many of the ticket offices at 'medium sized' smaller stations have limited opening hours. If boarding at these places, you can pay your fare on board, without penalty, in cash or with a credit card. Many stations also have ticket machines which also accept cash and credit cards. However if you board elsewhere without a valid ticket, make sure you have a good excuse ready. Most of the larger stations are now gated, so you need to keep your ticket to exit the system.
Weekend track maintenance work
Train services at weekends are sometimes affected by track maintenance and repair work, with some services diverted and buses used to cover some sections of route. You can get details of upcoming work at the South Eastern railway website.
Getting into Kent and getting around
There are a number of ways to get around by train, and many visitors will start out at London.
From London the main terminals that serve Kent are London St Pancras (High Speed Trains), London Victoria and London Charing Cross (of which this article will focus on). You can also use London Bridge, London Waterloo East, London Cannon Street, and London Blackfriars.
London St Pancras is the terminal for the High Speed Train (HST 125mph) service towards the Medway Towns, Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. This station is adjacent to London King's Cross and a short distance from London Euston, two other important London terminii. High Speed trains into Kent also stop at Stratford, very convenient for travel to and from Essex and East Anglia. Do bear in mind that for certain journeys the time gained using the HST route may be negated by the need to cross London to get to or from St Pancras.
Victoria is one of the Kent terminals, and serves the whole county (as well as neighbouring Sussex and Surrey, and the London suburbs). This is the place to start journeys to the Kent Coast (in particular the Isle of Thanet and Dover). There are also services to Ashford (for some international Eurostar Services) and Maidstone, as well as Canterbury.
Services to all of these destinations are very regular from Victoria running about every half hour/every hour. Tickets should generally be bought in advance if travelling from London, and Victoria does have ticket barriers in operation most of the time.
London Charing Cross is a smaller Kent terminus that offers services to all of the above destinations, as well as other routes, including to Folkestone and Deal on the coast, Tunbridge Wells,Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Staplehurst in the Weald of Kent, and also Chartham and Wye for the spectacular views of the North Downs. Trains from Charing Cross also call at Waterloo (East), some call at London Bridge while during peak weekday rush hours many trains run to or from London Cannon Street station, in the heart of the 'City'.
The trains from London's several terminals criss-cross the county serving a variety of routes and destinations. Screens and announcements on the platforms and in the trains are used to reel off the stopping points and destinations. Some trains divide en route, so do make sure you are in the correct section of the train if you hear such an announcement. Don't be afraid to ask people if you are not sure. Many of those on the train will be regular travellers and can help if there are no staff around.
New High Speed trains now running between London and Kent.
The new Ebbsfleet International station provides full high speed services to and from London St Pancras station within 20 mins.These new high speed trains also serve Ashford, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate, Canterbury and other stations in the east of the county. A higher fare is payable for journeys on the HST (High Speed Train) between Ashford, Ebbsfleet and London but normal fares apply where these new trains share routes and tracks with the standard service.
St Pancras station is a couple of miles to the north of the City and West End of London.This is very useful if connecting for trains arriving at or leaving from St Pancras, King's Cross and Euston. However, travellers to or from certain areas of London (ie the West End and City) will still find it more convenient (and cheaper) to use Victoria or Charing Cross and the 'classic' lines.
Intending travellers can get full details from the South Eastern railway website at www.woutheasternrailway.co.uk
JOURNEY TIMES:
HST - via High Speed Route to St Pancras. Other times are via 'classic' routes to london Victoria/Charing Cross or Cannon Street. Times are the average. Faster trains run on many lines during peak commuter hours.
Isle of Thanet (Mar/Ram/Broad): Ihr 25 minutes HST, ~2hours
Canterbury: 56 minutes HST, ~1.5hrs
Ashford Intl: 38 minutes HST, ~1.25hrs
Tonbridge: ~40mins (no HST)
Tunbridge Wells ~50/60 minutes (no HST)
Dover: 1 hr 8 minutes HST, ~1hr 50 minutes otherwise
Medway Towns: 40 mins HST, 1 hour otherwise.
Maidstone: 1 hour (no HST)
Rail Travel Towards London From Country and Coast

If you are visiting London for the day, you can buy a 'Travelcard' ticket, which will combine the train journey to and from London and the ability to use London's local buses and trains to get around once there.
Dover - If you are arriving at the port of Dover, then Priory station is a short bus ride away. From here there are regular trains to London as well as to Ramsgate (for Broadstairs and Margate) and Canterbury.
Gatwick - The airport is actually not in Kent, but will be included here. There is the Gatwick Express train that runs from London Victoria direct to Gatwick, with journey times taking about 30mins. If travelling from/towards other parts of Kent, use trains to/from Tonbridge (which always now include a change at Redhill).
Canterbury and Thanet - Trains run towards London Victoria very regularly from Canterbury East via Faversham. From Ramsgate and Thanet via Canterbury West there are trains to Charing Cross roughly every half hour. There are also occasional trains from C.West to Victoria (see National Rail
Enquiries for more details).
From Thanet there are services to London Victoria via Herne Bay, Faversham and the North Kent coast. This is the quickest route into London (~1hr45mins).
There are also services from Ramsgate regularly to London Charing Cross via Dover and Folkestone.
Ashford International and Maidstone - If arriving into Ashford by Eurostar, the domestic station is in the immediate vicinity. Trains from Ashford to London via Tonbridge run about every 30mins and via Maidstone East roughly every hour. Other local services connect Ashford with Folkestone, Dover and Canterbury at least once evey hour.
Rush hour!
Trains towards London and other major cities and towns in Kent are very busy on weekdays with commuters from start of service around 5am until 9am. In the reverse direction, trains will be full leaving London between about 4pm and 7pm. If leaving from a London terminal, try to arrive 10 - 15 minutes before your train leaves and you will have a reasonable chance of getting a seat.

By CAR
Kent has a good network of roads and motorways, however these are often jammed and queues are quite likely at any point of the day. In particular the M20, M2, M26 and M25 can get very busy, especially between 7:30am-10am and 4pm-6:30pm (rush hours).
Have a look at a Kent Roadmap to plan your journey accordingly.

By BUS/COACH
National Express run regular services to most major towns in Kent from London Victoria Bus Terminal on Buckingham Palace Road, London. The majority of services will end up terminating at either Ramsgate or Dover, but will have lots of stops on the way depending on your route. See their website for more information on Kent schedules, services and prices.
Local buses in Kent
Local buses around the county are operated by a large number of companies, ranging from the large organisations of Arriva, Metrobus and Stagecoach down to one man and his bus. There is a comprehensive travel website for the region at http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/ within which you can discover all the routes and timetables.The major companies also have their own websites.
- Most of the county is reasonably well served by bus on weekdays and Saturdays until early evening, However buses after about 7pm and all day on Sundays and holidays are often very limited, so travel on those times/days will need to be carefully planned. There are NO local buses operated on December 25th (Christmas Day) and very few on December 26th (Boxing Day) and New Year's Day, January 1st..
- The larger companies may issue 'rover' tickets, which generally allow unlimited travel after 9am weekdays, all day Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. However these can usually only be used on that company's own routes. Enquire at the local bus station or bus office or through the company website.

By BOAT
A few visitors may arrive into Kent on a cruise, or have come from one of the ports in France, Belgium or beyond. SeaFrance, P&O and Speedferries operate cross-channel services in and out of Dover, usually costing around £20-£30. The Port of Dover is very well run, and staff will be able to assist with onward travel into Kent, and directions to the station if required.
There are also ferry services to Oostende in Belgium from Ramsgate operated by Transeuropa.

By EUROSTAR/CHANNEL TUNNEL
A very few Eurostar services still currently call at Ashford International en-route to London St. Pancras, but are not as frequent as they used to be. From Ashford, passengers can easily and smoothly connect with the domestic rail services to the rest of Kent. Ebbsfleet Station in North Kent is now also open and accepting Eurostar passengers to/from the Continent. - Car parking is available at Ebbsfleet station. To reach Ebbsfleet by rail , change at Dartford, Greenhithe, Swanscombe or Gravesend for a FastTrack bus service to Ebbsfleet. Staff at these stations will be able to direct you to the correct buses. Rather annoyingly, Ebbsfleet station is within half a mile of Northfleet station on the Gravesend - London rail route but there is no walking route between the two
Most Eurostar trains no longer stop at Ashford. Therefore those travelling from or to Ashford, Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate etc now have to travel using the High Speed trains some 40 - 50 miles in the wrong direction to reach the Eurostar terminal at Ebbsfleet.
EuroTunnel (The Channel Tunnel) operates from just outside Folkestone, and is clearly marked by road from both the M20/M2 and the main routes from Dover to Folkestone. You can board the Channel Tunnel train with your car the journey takes about 35 minutes and runs from Folkestone to Calais, France . It is difficult to reach Eurotunnel from the Rail stations at Folkestone (and Sandling), but is do-able by taxi from either Dover or Folkestone station. (A bus service may operate from the Folkestone stations). The Channel Tunnel and The Channel Tunnel Rail Link are however not the same, which is why it has now been called High-speed 1.

By AIR
Gatwick Airport is the nearest airport to Kent. Roads and rail links are outlined above. There is also Kent International Airport at Manston on the Isle of Thanet which operates some passenger flights during the summer. The nearest rail station is Ramsgate about 3 miles away. Please see the airport website or look at the Broadstairs Travel page for further information.