Things to do in Kent for FREE!

**This blog has been updated for 2020**

Taking the kids out for the weekend doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of low cost and free things to do in Kent, so peel yourself off the sofa and explore Kent on a budget!

1) Viking Ship Hugin, Ramsgate 

See this amazing replica of a Viking ship which sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to commemorate  the 1500th anniversary of the invasion of Britain. The ship is located on the cliff top at Pegwell Bay in Ramsgate. 

2) Biddenden Vineyards, Biddenden 

Biddenden Vineyard is Kent’s original commercial, family run vineyard. 11 different grape varieties are grown on the estate which produce award winning wines. You can undertake a self guided tour of the grounds for free and the gift shop is open for refreshments, wine tasting and gifts.

3) Walks in Kent 

Take a walk around the Garden of England and get your dose of wellbeing from nature. As various quotes tell us, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’ So wrap up warm and venture outside! 

4) Museums

Swot up on some art or history with this list of museums with free entry; don't forget a small donation would be welcome to help with the running of the attractions:

Kent Museum of Freemasonry, Canterbury 

Turner Contemporary, Margate 

The Beany House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury 

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery, Maidstone 

Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, Ramsgate 

Whitstable Museum and Gallery, Whitstable (this attraction is free for local residents from postcodes CT1 to CT6)

Sittingbourne Heritage Museum, Sittingbourne 

Ashford Museum, Ashford 

5) Rochester Cathedral, Rochester 

Visit this historical place of Christian worship which has been open since 604 AD. The Cathedral is cited as Britain's second oldest and showcases the finest Norman architecture and Romanesque facades.   

6) Canterbury Norman Castle, Canterbury 

Experience a unique piece of history by visiting Canterbury Norman Castle ruins. Canterbury Castle was originally built in 1066 by William The Conqueror in motte and bailey design and was later used as a prison and even as a coal store in the 19th century! The castle grounds are open from dawn to dusk and is the perfect place for a picnic!

7) Eynsford Castle, Eynsford 

Eynsford Castle is an English Heritage site and is a rare example of an early Norman 'enclosure castle'. Parts of the castle wall survive to their full height and provides an impressive backdrop to a countryside walk or picnic. 

8) The Old Brook Pumping Station, Chatham 

The Old Brook Pumping Station has been a museum since the 1980's, housing a collection of exhibits relating to the industrial history of the Medway Towns and its surrounding area.

If you know of more fun free activities, please share them with us!

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