Aylesford - Very ancient town with old ford across the Medway succeeded by medieval bridge. Location of ancient battles in which the British were beaten by Hengist, and the Danes, by Alfred. On the downs above is a prehistoric stone tomb.

Broadstairs - A quiet seaside resort between Margate & Ramsgate. Bleak House, where Dickens performed much of his work, stands near the wooden pier, dating from Henry VIII. Good sands on seven beaches. Forty acres of pleasure gardens. Contains a museum on the Battle of Waterloo.

Chatham - Henry VIII established a Dockyard here early in the 16th Century. Nelson's Victory was launched here in 1765, but Chatham only became a naval base in 1890. Today the historic dockyard is an enormous and lively heritage centre open to the public, (including a collection of lifeboats). Fort Amherst which protected the area is also a fasinating place to visit. Town also has a Medway Heritage Centre.

For more information on Chatham and the surrounding area take a look at our Medway pages.

Cranbrook - This attractive Kent town, 'the capital of the Weald', achieved prosperity through weaving from the 15th century on. It is sited on a hill and has one of the biggest and best working windmills in Britain. The church was built by Flemish weavers, among other ancient buildings there is an Elizabethan Cloth Hall.

Deal - Between Ramsgate and Dover. The landing place of Julius Caesar in 55 B.C. Splendid quiet fishing report and holiday centre for those with children. Port had bad reputation as centre for smuggling. Golf. Walmer Castle is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque ports, currently HM The Queen Mother. Maritime museum as well as one on Naval communications.

Faversham - Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, Faversham is one of the most charming and historic towns in the area which dates back to prehistoric times, and was occupied by both the Under the landmark of the graceful church’s “flying spire” days out can be spent at the 9 acre Edwardian gardens of Mount Ephraim set in the heart of an 800 acre estate comprised of farmland, house and gardens or at Belmont Park where visitors can tour the gardens or even visit the pet cemetery. Great for the children is Farming World where they can get close to farm animals, heavy horses and birds of prey or enjoy the large adventure playground.

As with the other beautiful south-east towns, Faversham offers a wide variety of pubs and restaurants where those who visit and stay in the town can relax in the atmosphere of the Kentish coast.

Hythe - One of the Cinque Ports. Sea wall extending to Sandgate and Dymchurch. The Church is a gem of Early English architecture. In the churchyard is the grave of the builder of the first life-boat. Several ruined castles in the vicinity, including Saltwood, where the four knights plotted the murder of Thomas a Becket. Royal Military Canal follows line of hills at back of Romsey Marsh. Terminus of Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Miniature Railway.

Queenborough - Small historic but industrial town on the Isle of Sheppey facing the entrance of the Medway and the refinery on the Isle of Grain. So named by Edward III in honour of Queen Philippa. Nothing but the moat remains of the once important Castle. The Guildhall is old and its upper floor is supported on pillars. Nearby is Sheerness from which car ferries sail to Flushing in the Netherlands. At Sittingbourne is the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum.

Rochester - Medway city on west bank, facing Chatham to east. Has numerous associations with Dickens and has been in succession a Roman and and a Saxon town. The Castle, built by William's Bishop Gandulf, has seen many assaults and received the title of The Englishman's Castle owing to its success in repelling them. The Cathedral is small but very fine. Town has pedestrianised high street with Georgian buildings. Dickens Centre and major Dickens festival.

For more information on Rochester and the surrounding area please visit our Medway Pages.

Romney Marsh - Unique area of Britain with dead flat farmland famous for sheep grazing. The coast includes the sea walls and Martello Towers, the light houses and nuclear power stations of Dungeness, where a desert of shingle makes for one of the best bird reserves in the country. A miniature railway runs from Hythe down to Dungeness.

Sandwich - One of the best golf courses in the country. The first and oldest Cinque Ports. So one of Britain's most historic sea ports, indeed it was England's second greatest port in the 14th century. Walled and still possessing a quay ? outside ? 14th century gateway, but on the Stour river several miles inland now. A town full of 15th & 16th century buildings. Church is mostly Norman. Guildhall Elizabethan, contains museum. Outside town is Richborough Roman Fort, well preserved, the base for their invasion of AD43.

Sheerness - On the Isle of Sheppey, east of Chatham. Important naval dockyard up until 1960 and a popular seaside resort. Dockyard first built under supervision of Samuel Pepys in 1665 and extended in 1812. Now the dockyard is a commercial port with car ferry services to the Continent. Town is largely Victorian. The fine esplanade is not the least of the town's attractions as a holiday centre.

Tenterden - One of the most attractive country towns in Kent, with a wide tree-lined street and Elizabethan and Georgian houses. William Caxton, who brought printing to this country was born here in 1472 (it is believed). Sited above the Rother levels, it had a port two miles away at Smallhythe and in medieval times shared the priviliges of the Cinque Ports. A preserved steam railway runs across the Levels to Bodiam in Sussex.

West Malling - This attractive small town a few miles west of Maidstone has the remains of a Norman castle (St Leonards Tower) while the church has another Norman tower, and the remains of an abbey yet another. The abbey has been restored and is occupied by nuns again. The Swan hotel is Tudor and was a prominent coaching inn.

Westerham - Small attractive town on the road between Oxted and Sevenoaks, famed as the home of General Wolfe who defeated the French at Quebec in 1759. A statue of the General can be seen in the High Street. Westerham now lies south of the M25 which cuts it from the North Downs along which runs the Pilgrims Way, with a particular highpoint overlooking Westerham.

Whitstable - The largest oyster hatchery in Europe, celebrated for the Royal Whitstable Native oyster. Oyster Exhibition. Has interesting streets and old houses and makes an ideal centre for a fisherman's holiday. Yachting centre with estuary of River Swale nearby. Events include Oyster Festival, Water Ski Championships and traditional Thames Barge Regatta.