5 things to do in Kent this week: Secret locations to discover
Coldrum Long Barrow (c) Brian Fuller, Flickr (CC BY 2.0) - Credit: Archant
With tougher restrictions on what we can do in Kent in place once again, each week we’ll be featuring a selection of walks, things to do at home or places to visit all of which adhere to social distancing guidelines
This week we are featuring some of a selection of Kent’s secret locations. Please check all links before heading out as locations mentioned may be closed. Please also only travel to locations near you
Darnley Mausoleum, Cobham
The mausoleum at Cobham Wood, near Gravesend, dates from 1786. Built by the third Earl of Darnley after the family’s vault at Westminster was filled, it was intended to be used by his descendants – the owners of the Cobham Hall estate – but it was never consecrated and was left to fall into ruin.
Click here to read more about Kent’s beautiful and ancient woodland.
Coldrum Long Barrow, Trottiscliffe
Going back even further in time, one of Kent’s least known but most important prehistoric sites is Coldrum Long Barrow in Trottiscliffe. One thousand years older than Stonehenge, this stone monument – with a burial chamber beneath – is the best surviving example of the ‘Medway monoliths’, which include Kit’s Coty House on Bluebell Hill.
Read more about Kent’s collection of ancient monuments including Kit’s Coty House.
Blean Woods, Canterbury
With more than 11 square miles of ancient woodland, Blean Woods is a National Nature Reserve and RSPB reserve. Thanks to its unique mixture of habitats, it’s home to woodpeckers, nightingales, dormice and rare butterflies.
Click here to read how bison have been reintroduced to Blean Woods.
Kearsney Parks, Dover
There are so many fabulous parks and gardens to choose from, but the combined site of Russell Gardens and Kearsney Abbey (known as Kearsney Parks) is one of the county’s most interesting. Set just outside Dover, in the beautiful Alkham Valley, the origins of the neighbouring parks can be traced back to grand country houses built by local industrialists in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Read more about Dover’s best bits.
Reculver Towers, Herne Bay
This really is one of Kent’s most magical spots. Set overlooking the sea between Herne Bay and Margate, Reculver Towers is a striking sight. The twin towers are the remains of a 12th-century monastic church. But even the church is fairly modern compared to the other ruins on the site.
Here’s a great walking route from Minnis Bay to Reculver.
Click here for our full list of Kent’s secret places, some of which may still be closed at the moment
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For more information about any of the events listed above; how to get there, how to book tickets and prices, please follow the links in the event name.
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We update 5 things to do in Kent at the weekend every Monday. If you are in need of inspiration, bookmark this page for events from Friday through to Sunday.
