17th October 2008 - by Ram Singh
Fascinating Kent in England
Kent has the most attractions out of all the counties in
Britain in any season or for anybody.
Kent has enchanting gardens, mysterious castles, fascinating
museums, animal parks, steam trains, outdoor activities,
historic houses and great maritime heritage.
If you want adventure, grab a lantern and get ready, as there
are miles of mystery and history here beneath your feet.
Explore the passage ways of Chislehurst. These caves were made
for the people's protection during World War II. The Caves
Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and more for the guided tour
that takes 45min approx.
Danson house is a building that was constructed for the Mayor
of London, now it has been restored for the nation, and is open
to the public for the first time in over 30 years. It is one of
Robert Taylor's finest villas and was built in 1760 - advance
booking is recommended here.
The Guildhall Museum is a treasure trove of Britain's Medway
colourful history. It is Kent's most visited museum with the
ornate 17th century Guildhall Chamber, the Hulks Experience and
Dickens's Discovery Room. Many authentic objects and also use
of modern technology enliven one's visit.
In nearby Chatham the Brooks Pumping Station provides an
interesting insight into 20th century technology.
Rochester Castle is another well preserved and elegant example
of Norman architecture in England. With great views across the
river Medway, that can be seen from its great keep, which Is
the tallest in England. You can take a computer simulated
virtual reality tour, situated in the Visitor Information
Centre.
Restoration House and Garden is an ancient city mansion, though
privately owned, it has some beautiful interiors. It includes
early paintwork 'run-up' for the visit of Charles II on the eve
of restoration. Dicken's created Miss Havisham here and there
is a rare and fine collection of English furniture and Pictures
to be seen here.
The Historic Dockyard at Chatham is a naval heritage place. It
has an 18th century style dockyard adventure, a Second World
War Destroyer - The HMS Cavalier, Submarine Ocelot, Victorian
Sloop Gannet and an RNLI lifeboat here. You also have a Road to
Trafalgar Exhibition and the Museum of the Royal Dockyard.
Another unique part of Britain's maritime heritage is Paddle
Steamer 'Kingswear Castle' which offers morning, afternoon,
evening and full day cruises from Chatham & Rochester. You
can watch the paddle in the water or relax and enjoy a drink
and let the beautiful scenery pass by.
In the picturesque valley of the River Medway there is the
attractive turreted Upnor Castle built in 1559 on the orders of
Queen Elizabeth I to defend her country from invaders. The
story of the Dutch raid is told by audio visual method in
graphic detail. It is open daily from April to October.
The prize winning Royal Engineers Museum covers the work of
Britain's engineers in both War & Peace, from 1066 to the
present time. Here you can see photographs of the military
divers, engineering tanks and vehicles, 26 Victorian Crosses,
gallantry awards of the Falkland war, regalia of 4 Field
Marshals, relics of Gordon and Kitchener, a Harrier jump jet,
early torpedo and Wellington's map of the battle of
Waterloo.
Belmont is an 18th century house which is set in exclusive
views of the rolling Kent Countryside. It contains fine
paintings, furniture and Indian Silverware and one of the most
extensive collections of clocks and watches in the country.
Take a guided tour of Shepherd Neame Brewery in Kent. It was
the first brewery in Britain. It has a newly refurbished
Visitor Centre and have a look at the old mash tuns, taste the
natural mineral water from its well, try the malted barley and
you'll certainly smell the locally grown Kentish hops. Here you
can also see the old and bygone era's delivery vehicles and
step into the cooper's workshop. There are also the great &
tasty Kentish ales and special lagers and this shop.
Enchanting Mount Ephraim Gardens has terraces of beautiful
smelling roses leading straight to a small lake in the
woodlands. These are home to lots of varieties of vegetation
like spring bulbs, trees and shrubs including rhododendrons,
topiary and also a Japanese rock garden, new exciting grass
maze, gardens and a tea room. Better check its opening and
closing time before visiting here.
Kent's Wild Woodland Discovery Park helps you come very close
to nature. It reveals the wildlife of many British animals like
badgers, otters, beavers, wolves and 50 other species in their
natural environments. Have fun in the woods and let your kids
play free in the Treetops adventure playland. It is open all
year round from 10am.
In Quex Museum, House and Gardens you will find the finest
Regency-period world class collections of the Powell-Cotton
family. Great dioramas of African wildlife, displays of
weaponry, costumes, archeology and Far Eastern artefacts.
Beautiful gardens with a plant stall, restaurant and gift shop.
It is open from mid March to 31st October.
Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are sort of
jungles of Britain. In Howletts which is situated in 90 acres
and is the largest collection of western lowland Gorillas in
captivity in the world and it houses the largest herd of
African Elephants in Britain. Go through this jungle in the
lion-tailed macaque enclosure. Port Lympne is set in 600 acres
of which has the largest herd of black rhinos outside Africa
plus Indian elephants, Siberian and Indian tigers, barbary
lions and the world's largest gorillarium 'The Palace Of The
Apes'. It's open every day except Christmas from 10am to
6pm.
Article Source: http://www.articlesabroad.com
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