Jubilee Weekend Walks

As we prepare to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June, we have handpicked some of Kent’s best walks with royal links of past and present. Kent is home to the most castles in England so naturally our county is brimming with royal history in every direction. So why not pick one of these walks and discover something new this Jubilee weekend in Kent.

Kings and Castles

The Walmer to Deal Castle walk is ideal for families with little ones as it’s only 2 miles long – perfect for those with pushchairs, wheelchairs users or people who simply want a short, but fact-filled walk. Featuring both Walmer and Deal Castle there will be no excuses for not throwing out some history facts at the kids!

Walmer Castle, a hidden gem to many, was built by Henry VII as part of his coastal defence network. Did you know the castle is built in the shape of a Tudor rose? Although it’s probably Lord Wellington who spent the most time at Walmer. The castle is now conserved by English Heritage and you can even go and see the original Wellington boots worn by the Duke himself! The Queen Mother was Lord Warden here for 23 years with the stunning Queen Mother Gardens created in her honour.

Deal Castle was also built by Henry VII to repel potential invaders from France and Spain! No reason to not get out exploring…

Snack Time: Deal Pier Kitchen, The Lane, Hog and Bean

Arrive by:

Train: Leave the car at home and explore by train, arrive at Deal Train Station where Deal Castle is only a 9 minute walk away!

Car: Parking is widely available in Walmer and Deal.

Bike: Even better, cycle to Walmer or Deal and then enjoy the off road stretch of coastal path between Walmer and Deal.

For those of you wanting a longer adventure check out The Three Castles Walk: Dover to Deal.

Tudor Cycle Trail

Prepare to be left in awe with a visit to Penshurst Place, a truly stunning building filled with history. The house, gardens and estate has stood in the historic village of Penshurst since the 14th century when the awe-inspiring medieval Baron’s Hall was completed in 1341 as a country retreat for the Lord Mayor of London.  The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII. However it is Henry’s daughter, Elizabeth I, who would go on to visit Penshurst the most, regularly holding audiences during her reign.

Cycle along the Tudor Trail from the heart of Tonbridge to enjoy a whole day out with the family. The route offers an excellent mostly off-road ride from the heart of Tonbridge, alongside the River Medway, out into the countryside, passing through Haysden Country Park.

Snack Time: Porcupine Cafe

Arrive by:

Train: Leave the car at home and explore by train, arrive at Tonbridge Train Station and it’s just a short ride to the beginning of the trail.

Car: Parking is widely available in Tonbridge near the swimming pool.

Bike: Even better, cycle all the way! Maybe…

Check out our Tudor Cycle Trail and Penshurst Place itinerary to make the most of your day out.

Cliffs Tops and War Memorials

For the more adventurous explorers, why not enjoy a stretch of the England Coast Path between Folkestone and Dover? A 9 mile linear route which leads you out of Folkestone and along the cliff tops to experience a range of things to see, from Martello Towers to a Sound Mirror! However, it does offer you the chance to visit the Battle of Britain War Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne. There your will find an amazing aircraft museum, a wall of remembrance, cafe and facilities.

It was in July 1993 that the Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother braved storm force wind and rain on the helicopter ride that brought her to the Memorial’s clifftop home for it’s unveiling. So why not check it out for yourself over the Jubilee weekend.

Arrive by:

Train: Leave the car at home and explore by train, trains regular run between Dover and Folkestone providing you with an ideally way back after completing the linear route.

Car: Parking is widely available in Folkestone.

Characteristic Canterbury

Why not opt for an urban walk around the heart of Canterbury and discover a side of this city we bet you never knew. This walk celebrates one of Britain’s best known playwrights Christopher Marlowe, born in 1564 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Wander through the cobbled streets and visit the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its breathtaking mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

It is the Archbishop of Canterbury who has the privilege of crowning the kings and queens of England and ranks immediately after the Princes of royal blood.

Snack time: too many to list, take your pick!

Arrive by:

Train: Arrive into Canterbury via train to Canterbury West or East with regular services.

Bike: Make use of the cycle paths and routes that lead you into the heart of Canterbury, like the Crab and Winkle Way or The Great Stour Way. Park your bike up somewhere safe and continue exploring by foot.

Car: Ample pay and display car parks available in the heart of Canterbury