I remember watching a movie a while back about how King John, after signing, and then ripping up,…read morethe Magna Carta, laid siege to this castle. I don't think it has been repaired since (though I think there are other reasons it is in the state it is in). It is one of William's castles, namely because they all pretty much look the same. It is still cool to go in and explore, and even though it is ruined, there is still a lot to check out here.

One of my favorite castle ruins, the imposing Rochester Castle, a mighty Norman tower-keep of…read moreKentish ragstone standing 113 feet, was built c. 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury. It stands on the east bank of the River Medway. Rochester is the tallest keep (central tower) in England and has been the commanding presence of the city and river crossing for over nine centuries. The castle and keep take up half of the Roman-built walled city. From the 12th into the 14th centuries Rochester Castle played an important role in defending against invasion and uprising threats. After falling into disrepair, King Edward III reconstructed the castle and it was fully functional by 1400. Over the next three centuries it was, once again, neglected and vandalized until the city took command of the property. Though the castle's center wooden flooring no longer exists there are passageways and stairs that carry visitors to the top of the keep, offering impressive views in all directions. The English Heritage now has responsibility for preservation and its doors are open to the public. This castle is a must see when visting the South of England.

Two neolithic stone tombs a few hundred metres apart. Kit's Coty is the most impressive as it still…read morehas its roof although the iron fence around it to protect it from vandals detracts from the atmosphere. Little Kits Coty is more of a jumble of stones but worth dropping in on if you care to risk the narrow lanes and speeding motorists around

It is nothing special, really.read more

We had a fantastic day at Leeds Castle! This visit was made possible through a NCL shore excursion…read morefrom the Port of Tilbury. It usually takes about an hour to get there via the M25, but we encountered an accident on our way to the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. We ended up taking a detour through the Dartford Tunnel instead. Our coach driver was able to make up some time. Our guide was great at pointing out everything she saw of interest along the way. She told our group about the history of Leeds Castle as a preview of what we were about to see. Once we arrived, she walked us up to the admission area and gift shop. We received our wrist bands. We also bought 2 bags of bird feed based on her recommendation. Do not leave this store without buying some. The families of birds at Leeds Castle will be extremely happy to see you. I'm not going to get into the age of the castle, nor its history. It's way too much information. Just know that it's something you must see. The interior was last updated in the Art Deco style of the 1930s by Lady Baillie and her French designer Stéphane Boudin. All of her staterooms were beautifully restored. Another cool part of the castle is the Eleanor of Castile exhibit that features a life size AI avatar of the Queen. Ask her a question and she will reply with either an answer or a stern dismissal. It's certainly a challenge to anyone who dares to ask her anything. The garden and grounds of the property are the biggest highlight here. There's so much beauty all around this castle. I wish we could have stayed longer. We were totally amazed by all the birds, ducks, coots, geese, and swans. The flowers in the many gardens are even more spectacular during the springtime. There are so many attractions including a maze, grotto, dog collar museum, birds of prey center, and playgrounds for the kids. There are many activities as well as scheduled falconry displays throughout the day. You can even book a stay at one of the lodges and cottages as well as the Maiden Tower. How lovely is that? It's also popular as a wedding venue. The Castle View Restaurant is available for tourists and guests, and there are some fast food options as well. I could definitely spend a whole weekend here. The owls at the Birds of Prey Center were particularly interesting. I really enjoyed seeing Zorro the Spectacled Owl. I would have stayed for the falconry demonstration, but there just wasn't enough time to see it all. Do plan to stay all day if you have the time. It's so worth the drive from London.

There has been a castle on this site since 857 AD although the current castle, in its current form,…read moredates primarily to the early 19th century when it was extensively renovated. The castle actually sits on an island created by the local river. It is a fairly long walk from the Visitor's Center to the castle itself but they offer transportation via a "land train", which, unfortunately for us, couldn't navigate up the hill due to wet conditions on the day we visited. So, we walked about 1/2 mile to entry but were able to take the land-train back to the visitor's center. This is a beautiful medival castle that was occupied, at various times, by a succesion of kings and queens. Allow yourself at least an hour to tour the inside of the castle and at least another hour to see the grounds. This is a "must-see" site. It's a bit of a ride outside London but is well worth the ride.

Absolutely great place to visit! Its steeped in history, has a picnic area and loads of greenery so…read moreits ideal to walk the dogs or let the kids run about. Theres 2 different play areas aimed at different age groups to keep the kids entertained as well. They have regular open days where you can go inside the fort and have guided tours etc so that you can see exactly what its like. Theres also a massive car park which would probably fit about 20/30 cars if parked right. A nice, cheap day out.

Thatcher would be proud…read more Looking around Hever, many would be left with the impression that the owners are enormous fans of Anne Boleyn. The unfortunate wife of Henry VIII is, after all, the main focus of the exhibition and makes an appearance on much of the marketing material. But look a bit closer, and the more astute visitor may notice a different, more 'true blue', streak permeating the house. Yes, Labour voters clutch your pearls, but the proprietors appear to be worshippers of none other than Margaret Thatcher. (More so than Ms Boleyn, I would wager.) In the castle, visitors are treated to a near life-size oil painting of the union basher. And for those lucky enough to stay in the guest house for the price of £300 per night, they will find a letter written by the Iron Lady to thank the castle for her stay that has been framed and hung in one of the hallways. Among the owners personal possessions, I note Ms Boleyn has not received a similar dose of affection. Of interest is also the fact that this castle, its stunning gardens and water maze, owe their amazing condition to our friends across the Atlantic. Most stately homes in Britain are now virtually on their knees, with years of decline and underinvestment in the country reflected in their faded carpets, moth-eaten curtains and peeling paintwork. Hever, however, has avoided this fate for the good reason that it was bought by... gasp... an AMERICAN. Horrifying as it may sound, Mr Astor - who owes his astounding wealth to the rise of New York City - purchased the castle and injected nothing short of a fortune into it in order to create the attraction that we see today. Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit so often absent in Britain, he then had the vision to order the construction of a second moat, a lake, a walled Italian garden complete with artefacts from Pompeii, a 'wall waterfall' and to direct the gardeners to shape some bushes like a chess set. I don't think he was involved in the water maze, so loved locally, but its presence reflects Hever's enduring ambitious spirit. Perhaps it was this spirit that so inspired Margaret Thatcher to write of Hever: 'I have seen several castles and large country houses but none as perfect as Hever.'

If you are visiting London, Hever Castle is a must do. Only a 90 minute drive from London hotels,…read morethe trip is well worth the wait upon arrival. From its sprawling vistas to the castle itself this place is a real treat. There is a large lake on site that offers rowing, an area that allows you to try your hand at archery and even a place to see falconry. There are jousting exhibitions and plenty of food from the cafe or restaurant on site. The REAL gem is the castle. Home for Queen Anne Boleyn from 5 years old to 12 one can only imagine the wonder this place brought her. The castle provides an audio tour in several languages so there is no issue there. (The staff are marvelously kind and helpful in the castle and in the dining areas and gift shop.) It's small but chock full of informative history about Anne Boleyn as well as those who lived in the castle after her death. If you are looking for a respite from the concrete jungle and noisy planet that is London, Hever provides you with lots of peace and quiet Tour the rose garden or just sit and enjoy the views and shade from the trees. It's an idyllic setting and a trip that will make your visit to the UK complete.

Reculver Towers is the remains of a 12th century church, which is located on the remains of Roman…read moreand Saxon buildings. The Towers themselves are perched on the top of a large cliff, which has been heavily eroded in the past and is the reason why there are only partial remains of the church left standing. Due to its location on the north coast, the towers lend themselves to some lovely photographs with the sunset to their rear and the sea to one side. There is a large stony beach at the base of the cliffs, which is ideal for dog walking rather than bathing, as the Thames Estuary leaves it somewhat muddy. Also be aware that the tide can come rather far in at certain times of the year, partially cutting off some areas at the base of the cliffs!! There are reputed to be a decent number of fossils to be found along the beach, especially following storms, though me and the dog have never found anything exciting. There is ample parking in the vicinity of the towers, good paths suitable for wheelchairs and buggies along the cliff top. There is also a pub very close by and a small shop/amusements arcade associated with the nearby caravan park. All in all, a nice place for a picnic or for a stroll.

A beautiful area to have a picnic on a sunny day. About 3k walk from Herne Bay. Not easily…read moreaccessible by public transport. Very good toilet facilities though, which is important on a picnic! Worth a visit if you're in the area, as it really is a beautiful spot.