This week marks the 7th annual English Tourism week, and across the country there are special events and days out in celebration of what is expected to be a record year for English tourism.
For the first time ever overseas visits to the UK are expected to break through the 40 million mark with tourism being worth almost £4bn per year in Kent alone.
Tourists pour into the county every year to experience first hand its stunning nature, ancient history, old castles and scenic views. Visit Kent is celebrating English Tourism Week by giving out thousands of tickets as a part of their annual ticket giveaway Kent Big Weekend to famous attractions such as Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Hythe, Romney and Dymchurch Railway.
But if you are planning a visit to ‘The Garden of England’ in the near future, here are the top 5 visitor attractions in the county according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions:

1. Canterbury Cathedral

On top of the list we find Canterbury Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in England. The historic gothic-style cathedral is acknowledged as a World Heritage Site and attracts 875,447 visitors a year. Built in 597, the cathedral hosts a vast variety of history and tales, and stands today as the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat to the archbishop of Canterbury. Located in charming Canterbury, this attraction is the perfect invitation to a day out in a traditional and beloved English town.

2. Leeds Castle

Interested in discovering your inner prince or princess? The castle has over 900 years of history, and with its own maze in the garden, it is the perfect Kent adventure for the whole family to enjoy together. The castle has over 500 acres of stunning parkland, and each September the castle is filled and decorated with hundreds of flower displays as a part of their Festival of Flowers where international award-winning floral designers let their creativity flow. The perfect picture of your English castle dream with 572,195 visitors each year.

 

3. Dover Castle

More interested in knights? The most iconic fortress in the country which commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries can be found in Dover, Kent. At Dover Castle you can climb the Great Tower to enjoy stunning views, meet different medieval characters and immerse yourself in medieval interior. The castle is situated near another famous landmark, the white cliffs of Dover, and during your visit you can delve deep within the cliffs to experience the Secret Wartime tunnels. This is the perfect choice for an action-packed day out, attracting 379,740 visitors a year.

4. Chartwell House

Calling all history enthusiasts! The beloved Churchill family home Chartwell, is open to visitors who seek to explore the place that inspired Sir Winston Churchill until his death. The rooms in Chartwell remain mostly the same as when Churchill lived there, and the hillside gardens reflect his love and passion for landscape and nature. Chartwell is located in Westerham, Kent and every year about 240,000 people make their way to visit the home of the well-known politician who led the UK successfully through World War II.

5. Sissinghurst Castle

Last but not least on our list is Sissinghurst Castle, which attracts almost 200,000 visitors a year being listed as the 135th most visited attraction in England by ALVA. The castle is mostly known for its stunning garden, which makes it the perfect choice to visit during the spring and summertime. The notable poet Vita Sackville-West, more famously known as Virginia Woolf‘s inspiration for the androgynous protagonist of Orlando: A Biography. Sissinghurst has a diverse history, all the way from its time as a prison in the 1700s to being the home to the women’s land army. A worthy visit for history and garden enthusiasts alike!