Kent
Properties and events in Kent
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
Medway Queen - routes and prices
An online exhibition featuring Medway Queens excursion routes pre-war and post-war.
Self Guided Walking Tour of Ramsgate
Pick up a map from Ramsgate Tunnels and take a walk around our historic town taking in the special historic features of Ramsgate with regards to the networks and connections
Fordwich Town Hall
A medieval town hall in the beautiful and ancient port on the River Great Stour, two miles downstream from the City of Canterbury in Kent.
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
Explore the unique story of the Palace and discover our local film heritage via the stories of the showpeople who brought the first films to Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate c.1900.
St Mary the Virgin Church, Fordwich, Canterbury
Church and churchyard trail.
Canterbury Cathedral Memorial Garden & Bastion Chapel Tour
A guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral’s Memorial Garden, including a rare opportunity to visit the tiny medieval Bastion Chapel set in the city walls.
Kent Museum of Freemasonry, Canterbury
Since 1933, Canterbury's Museum of Freemasonry has housed an amazing collection of Masonic and non-Masonic artefacts, and over 8,000 books on freemasonry, local history, heraldry and archaeology.
Routes, Networks and Connections - Ramsgate Tunnels Exhibition
Ramsgate Tunnels will be hosting a free exhibition, 'Routes, Networks and Connections' during the festival within our museum public spaces. This exhibition explores the history of Ramsgate and has been developed with our volunteers.
All Saints Church, Maidstone
Come and discover the fascinating history of this beautiful church in a stunning riverside setting. It was built in 1395 by Archbishop Courtenay to become one of the grandest Perpendicular churches in England.
Inside Maidstone Carriage Museum
Take a look inside Maidstone Carriage Museum and discover some surprising stories and fascinating facts about this wonderful collection.
Holy Trinity Church Ramsgate
Holy Trinity Church Ramsgate will host a local history exhibition, take a look around this beautiful Victorian church and browse the exhibition. There will be images and memorabilia relating to old Ramsgate and Broadstairs and Holy Trinity Church.
Hospital of Sir John Hawkins, Knight in Chatham
Built on the site of Kettle Hard, a part of Bishop Gundulph's Hospital of St Batholomew, the almshouses today are a square of Georgian houses dating from the 1790s. They replaced Hawkins' Tudor period buildings.
St George's Church Ramsgate Open Day
Situated at the heart of Ramsgate town centre, St George’s is a glorious Grade 1 Listed late Georgian church built in 1827, an outstanding feature being its octagonal stone Lantern which served as a navigational aid for shipping in the Channel.
Walmer Court Medieval Manor House
Discover the substantial and well maintained remains of this 12th century medieval moated manor house, which is not normally open to the public.
The Twitch Inn Heritage Centre
Uncover RAF memorabilia, various uniforms on display Graffiti in smoke on ceilings & cartoon on walls by David Langdon at the Twitch Inn Heritage Centre.
The Foord Almshouses
Join us on a guided tour or visit our exhibition during Heritage Open Days to discover the fascinating stories of the Foord Almshouses.
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Join us on Saturday 7th September for free entry to The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens!
Wynn Ellis Mausoleum
Stone mausoleum in the form of a squat stepped pyramid.
Mini-Pilgrimage along the Augustine Camino
A mini-pilgrimage from Minster Abbey to the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. 1300 to 1600. 5 miles easy walking via St Augustine's Cross and the Viking Ship. Learn about saints, scholars, Vikings and powerful princesses.
Wanstone Rediscovered
Wanstone Battery is a time capsule from the darkest days of the Second World War. Now the subject of an exciting community archaeological project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, visit an area not usually open to the public.
Historical walks in Old Park and Chequers Wood, Canterbury
The Old Park and Chequers Wood is a large, beautiful open space on the outskirts of Canterbury with a long history, a wealth of wildlife and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This guided walk will offer a chance to explore its many pleasures.
Dickens House Museum
Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens' long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
Leave to Land: The Kitchener Camp Rescue, 1939
In 1939 the Kitchener Camp was set up in a derelict army base in Sandwich, saving 4,000 men from the Holocaust. This exhibition brings together archival records and family treasures to build a moving and compelling picture of this unlikely sanctuary.
Littlebourne Barn Open Art Exhibition
Entry into the 14th-century barn to see an open art exhibition of various artwork by local artists.
The chapel of Maynard and Cotton's Hospital (almshouse)
A visit to the charming chapel of Maynard and Cotton’s Hospital, which is an ancient foundation. It was rebuilt after the great storm in 1703.
A Day in Paradise
Within the Ramsgate Historic Quarter is the town's oldest street Paradise which was home to retired sea captains in the early 18th century. Some of the houses will be open to the public accompanied by sea shanties and characters in costume.
Nash Mausoleum
Rectangular stone mausoleum topped by a dome and obelisk.
Canterbury Cathedral Precincts and Gardens Tour
A guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral’s outside spaces including the Great Cloister, Chapter House and monastery ruins, learning about the earliest inhabitants of the site, the monks, and how the public gardens were created and are cared for today.
St John's, Margate
St John's, Margate, are delighted to welcome visitors to this historic church again this year as part of Heritage Open Days. The church is celebrating connections with our local community and the church bells which are once again back in action.
Salomons Museum Talk, Tunbridge Wells
Salomons (Broomhill) was the country home of the Salomons family from 1829 to the mid 1930s. Designed by Decimus Burton between 1830 and 1850, and extended by the Salomons family later in the century, it sits on 36 acres of picturesque grounds.
Ditton Heritage Centre and Victorian Classroom
Ditton Heritage Centre invites you to step back in time to find out more about us and the history of the village of Ditton. Our volunteers will welcome you to our Victorian classroom and introduce you to our collection of local historical resources.
Royal Marines Heritage Walk
A guided walk marking the long association of the Royal Marines with the area and the establishment of a heritage trail devoted to that history.
St Mary's Abbey (Malling Abbey)
St Mary's Abbey was founded in 1090 for Benedictine nuns and is now home to a community of Anglican nuns. You will see buildings from the medieval period, the Grade II* listed Abbey Church (1966), the nuns’ Chapter House and 13th Century cloister.
St Dunstan's Church, Canterbury
A beautiful, mainly Medieval church on the Pilgrim Route into Canterbury. The head of St Thomas More lies within a vault in the Tudor Roper Chapel and the tower contains probably the oldest bell in the country still rung full-circle.
Birchington Map Exhibition
A collection of original and reproduced maps from the Birchington Heritage Trusts archives will be on display for all to see.
Knole
Sitting proudly within Kent's last medieval deer park, Knole offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vast estate and follow in the footsteps of tourists who have visited Knole's showrooms for 400 years.
Chartwell House, Gardens and Studio
Chartwell was the much-loved family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 until his death in 1965, a place from which he drew solace and inspiration.
St. Augustine's Abbey Free Entry Day
Situated just outside the city walls, St Augustine’s Abbey was created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent and is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. Explore the tranquil ruins and discover the rebirth of Christianity in Kent.
Maidstone Town Hall Tours
Enjoy a tour incorporating the architectural features of this fine Georgian building, the richly decorated council chamber, the gaol and its graffiti.
Queen Bertha's Walking Tour
Retrace the daily walk Queen Bertha of Kent took from St Martin’s Church, via St Augustine’s Abbey to Canterbury Cathedral. Learn about the re-introduction of Christianity to this area by St Augustine in the 6th century.
Mote Park Walks
Enjoy a series of walks in the beautiful Mote Park, looking at the living landscape, past and present.
Wateringbury Rail Ramble
A 4.5 mile ramble from Wateringbury, climbing gently to the hoppers huts at Shingle Barn Farm then descending to Yalding.
Behind the Scenes at the Carriage Museum
Come and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Carriage Museum
Physical & Spiritual: Pathways of St Martin's Church
An Art and Music event in the heart of the Ancient Church of St Martin’s. Local artist Kirstie Atkin Craske and musician Gareth Balch rejoin forces to take visitors on a journey of spirituality and history through the arts.
Canterbury Cathedral Historic Graffiti Tour
A guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral’s mysterious wall markings in the Eastern Crypt, depicting religious pictures and symbols. The tour will explore the origin of these marks and talk about who might have made them.
Emmetts Garden
Charming Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate that was owned by Frederic Lubbock, becoming both a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home.
Quebec House
Discover the family home of James Wolfe, whose victory at the Battle of Quebec changed the course of history. In the Coach House, uncover 100 years of the house's occupancy before setting off on a trail to learn more about the town's rich heritage.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart
The only remaining part of the Convent of the Visitation, this Grade II listed chapel was designed in 1881 in Gothic style by Peter Paul Pugin and Cuthbert Pugin, but not completed until 1890.
Angels come to Maidstone
Enjoy our Grade 2 Listed Victorian church, particularly its angel windows. Tea/coffee and cake available. Something for the children to do.
St Thomas a Becket Church - Weddings over the Decades
Wedding dresses, certificate and photos of couples married at Capel Church over the last 130 years.
The Playhouse Theatre
Have you always wanted to see behind the scenes at the Playhouse? Well here's your chance! Come for a tour, a coffee or a chat - we will welcome you with open arms. Guided tours, performances, refreshments, and a licensed bar will be available.
Holy Innocents' Church, Adisham
This Grade 1 listed church was founded c. 624. The present building - flint with stone dressings - dates from 1150 to 1350 - and the painted medieval wooden reredos was salvaged from Canterbury Cathedral by Archdeacon Battley, Rector 1684-1700.
Canterbury Friends Meeting House
Quaker meeting house of high aesthetic value on a site of high significance. Visit to the building and grounds, displays and refreshments.
St Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury
Find out about John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who visited Canterbury some forty times. See pictures of how the church, erected 1811, has changed – or join in a children’s trail round it. Enjoy displays and music by charities and organisations
Stories in Stained Glass
A talk about the local stained glass of national significance at St Mary’s Church, Walmer, exploring the saints, stories and symbols in the beautiful stained glass windows.
St Barnabas CEP School
Take the opportunity to visit this Victorian Primary School which was opened in June 1889.
Huguenot Museum
The Huguenot Museum is the only museum of Huguenot history in the UK. The Huguenots were French Protestants who escaped religious persecution from the 16th century onwards.
Stoneacre
Enjoy free weekend entry to Stoneacre on the 14th and 15th of September. Joining Heritage Open Days for the first time, discover this fairy-tale hideaway just outside of Maidstone.
Deal Timeball Tower
Discover an iconic Grade II listed building on the seafront, which is a reminder of the importance of the town to the navy in Georgian times.
St Peter's Anglican Church, Canterbury
Medieval Church on the foundations of a Roman church. One of only two Anglican churches within the city walls still used for public worship.
Catholic Church of St. John the Evangelist
This unusual design in a free version of the Romanesque style has a west front of unusual design which recalls some entertainment buildings of its period.
St Mildred's Church, Canterbury
The oldest church within the city walls of Canterbury.
Watts Almshouses
Discover Richard Watts and the fascinating history of his Charity established since 1579. Get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived & worked here. Tour the grounds & see behind the scenes of this beautiful Grade II listed building.
St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church, Deal
The church in late Norman style by F A Walters was officially opened on the Feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury in December 1885.
History and Architecture of St Mary's Church, Burham
A 50-minute illustrated talk on the history and architecture of this closed 900 year old church, tracing Roman connections, and its part on the Pilgrims Way.
Canterbury Old Synagogue
A unique, small 19th-century Synagogue, now used by The King’s School as a music centre. Built in 1847, visible from King’s Street, the building is strikingly Egyptian in style, maintaining many of its original Eygptian revival motifs.
Four Thousand Lives: the rescue of German Jewish men to Britain, 1939 - a talk by Clare Ungerson
Complementing the Leave to Land exhibition, this talk by author Clare Ungerson describes how the rescue came about, what life was like for the men in the camp and what residents made of having 4000 German speaking Jews living in a camp in Sandwich
Woodbury Park Cemetery - An introduction to a Victorian gem
2024 is the 175th anniversary year of Woodbury Park so come and learn about the history of the cemetery and those who helped run it along with some of the local tradespeople who rest here.
Paddock Wood Masonic Hall Tours of the Temple
Masonic tours of the temple, museum and library