Kent Holiday

Kent Holiday

I organised a short holiday for myself and my parents to Kent to break up the winter a bit after last years trip to portsmouth went well.

Rochester

On the way down we stopped at Rochester crossing over the bridge which I had previously gone over via rain to Austin’s wedding.

It has a castle (I remember it was beseiged by King John) and a small cathedral.

The cathedral was a bit surreal with a exhibit of Mars.

The main high street was very nice keeping a lot of the individual shops and I was suprised how nice it was. If I was coming down again I might stay in the older partof Rochester.

Chatham Docks

On the first day we also went to Chatham docks where many ships where layed down. I thought it was very good the preserved part is not as extensive as portsmouth but there was a lot to see. We have an annual ticket so might go back in the summer.

Some of the show pieces where the covered docks. Originally built to protect ships like Victory during construction and avoid dry rot. They are over 200 years old and the beaming is a sight - dad got some very nice photos.

There were 2 ships and a submarine in docks which you could go around:

Going in the submarine I found this one a lot more cramped than the one in portsmouth - you had to swing through the hatches between bulkheads

An interesting sight was a royal naval helicopter that did look a bit heath-robbinson but I am sure had a reason for it’s form

A fog signal ship that is mostly a loud signal ona boat seemed very oddly proportioned but I did love the look of:

Whitstable

On the next day we went to whitstable on the coast known for it’s Oysters. Had a nice walk around and coffee.

Sandwich

Sandwich used to be a major trading port before the channel it was on silted up. In part due to the towns reduced fortunes it was never heavily rebuilt after it’s heyday and was charming

The town museum was excellent and one of the redundant churches has been taken over as a community space.

Maidstone

We went back via Maidstone the main town seems to have been very heavily modified by 1960’s architects and I didnt have much love for it. But we had an excellent meal in a frech bistro Frederico’s:

Chatham Docks (Part 2)

We had another day in Chatham going around the ropery (dad got to participate) and a few of the boats we hadn’t seen before as well as a lifeboat exhibition

There was a few small shunter trains moving around.

Wheatsheaf

We then went to a nice pub for a sunday lunch. It was really good and reminded me of all the old pubs I have had the good fortune to see.

Hever

We then drove to our next accomadation, as a suprise to mum I had organised to stay at Hever castle and got mum and dad a suite for a taste of luxury and to give them a bit of a boost.

Mum had a ready good time and we played some games in the reading room

The next morning we had a lovevy breakfast in the Tudor room:

We then went around the castle and grounds before it was opened to the public

All in all a great time :)