The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach Canterbury; giving 21st-century visitors the same sense of awe as their medieval counterparts.

The city was one of the busiest places of pilgrimage in the medieval world and the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction takes you back to Chaucer’s England and the shrine of Thomas Becket, the murdered archbishop.

The Museum of Canterbury completes the story of the historic city with Invicta the engine that pulled the world’s first passenger railway and the locally created characters Rupert Bear and Bagpuss.

Today Canterbury still welcomes visitors from all four corners of the globe and has, with its many ancient buildings, shops, bars and restaurants, retained both an old world charm and a cosmopolitan vitality.

A small and compact city the centre is closed to traffic during the daytime so that streets and attractions may more easily and safely be accessed by walking trails or from April to October with a guided tour.

The Victorian High Street and inspiration to Charles Dickens in his three books, Great Expectations, The Pickwick Papers and Mystery of Edwin Drood with its range of international cuisines in an eclectic range of restaurants provide a perfect rest-bite during your visit.

Stay a while longer and browse through the specialist shops which create the wonderful atmosphere of this historic high street.

During the summer Rochester’s esplanade provides a perfect setting for a pleasant walk along the River Medway, which has shaped the landscape over the centuries.

Chatham is a fascinating maritime destination with a history stretching back over 400 years, through, The Historic Dockyard Chatham with eighty acres of spectacular architecture and dramatic naval & maritime exhibits.

Chatham is particularly proud in 2005 for its links to Nelson and the Trafalgar celebrations as Nelson joined his first ship aged 12 at the Dockyard and this is where HMS Victory was built.

Canvey Island was created by the currents of the Thames estuary.

In the 17th century the land was reclaimed by a group of Dutchmen, under the guidance of Cornelius Vermuyden.

From an agricultural area, with a few villages, the island has developed into a large residential area.

There is a 16th century inn, old Dutch cottages and watersports.

Surrounded by a gentle landscape of orchards and hop gardens, Maidstone – Kent’s thriving county town –combines its rich history with arts, culture and superb shopping and entertainment facilities.

Don’t miss the historical attractions of Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery with its fascinating new Earth Heritage Gallery – see the bones of the Iguanodon and look for fossils under your feet.

Discover the Tyrwhitt-Drake Carriage Museum - this unique collection of horse drawn vehicles is one of Maidstone’s hidden gems!

Take a stroll along the Maidstone Millennium River Park, which weaves its way along a 10 km stretch of the River Medway. At its heart lies an exciting recreational area – Whatman Park.

With its treetop walks, nature reserves, adventure playgrounds, skateboard park and Riverstage Arena, there is plenty to entertain all the family.

Why not combine a boat trip along the River Park with a visit to the Museum of Kent Life, where a collection of historic buildings tells the story of rural life in Kent.

At the heart of the Garden of England, Maidstone is surrounded by picturesque countryside attractions and villages.

Highlights include Leeds Castle and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while Yalding Organic Gardens and Iden Croft Herb Gardens are must sees for gardeners.