Folkestone Holidays

Canterbury is encircled by a medieval city wall and dominated by its historic Cathedral, with pretty parks, gardens and historic buildings around almost every corner it’s a UNESCO heritage site steeped in history and not to be missed.

At the very edge of the Garden of England, Ramsgate is a Georgian and Victorian resort, this harbour town, with miles of low chalk cliffs, shelters a string of secluded, unspoilt sandy bays. It’s an idyllic area, if you have the time take a boat trip to spot seals basking on the Goodwin Sands. Alternatively, enjoy sitting at one of the waterfront bars or restaurants and people watch.

Rye is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns. With names like Mermaid Street, Watchbell Lane, and Wish Street you will be enchanted by a town where time stands still.

Like something from an old time movie the crooked half-timbered houses line a muddle of cobbled lanes, a castle hosts a rare smuggler’s lamp and a medieval herb garden, for views of the town and river Rother estuary head to the towers of the caslte. If that wasn’t enough there are beach walks, ancient inns and independent shops to peruse.

This little gem of a town is surrounded by buzzing cafes and pubs that sit alongside a photogenic seafront and sweeping pier. Not only is it a seaside resort it has two castles of importance: Deal Castle built by Henry VIII, it was one of three fortresses constructed by Henry along this coast line.

Walmer Castle this was the former command post to the Duke of Wellington and even features an original pair of Wellington boots.

Dymchurch Railway is a fabulous experience taking you back in time on a narrow gauge steam railway running from Hythe all the way across the Romney marshes to the sea and lighthouses at Dungeness.

The railway is well-run by very friendly local people, mostly who volunteer and there is a great exhibition at New Romney, with a model railway and a good café with a nice choice of menu.

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is in an old armoury and features the RAF Room, the Luftwaffe Room, the Aircraft Armaments Room, and an art gallery. There is a Spitfire and a Hurricane on static display, a highlight of the memorial is a short film that shows interviews from some of the fighter pilots with their recollection of events and a very informative display of how the events of the Battle of Britain unfolded and played out.

This National Memorial to the Few is also in a glorious location atop the famous white cliffs and offering superb views across the Channel to France.