C O N T E N T S. Page 3... A brief history of Kent. Page 4... Why Kent? Page 5... Where is Kent?

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2 C O N T E N T S Page 3... A brief history of Kent Page 4... Why Kent? Page 5... Where is Kent? Page 6... What's in Kent? Attractions, Food & Drink, Art & Culture, Accommodation, Shopping, Famous Faces, Coast & Countryside, Gardens, Step Back in Time Page 8... What's new in 2017? Page Feature ideas Page Coming soon & You may have missed in 2016 Page Annual events calendar Page How can we help? 2

3 B R I E F H I S T O R Y O F K E N T app. AD43... The full might of the Roman army landed on the beaches in Kent. Many sites of the Roman invasion still exist in Kent, such as the Roman Villa at Lullingstone Saint Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Augustine is considered the founder of the English church Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral and was later made a saint Archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton was instrumental in the signing of the Magna Carta Geoffrey Chaucer began writing his most famous works, The Canterbury Tales Anne Boleyn (King Henry VIII's second wife) was born, and grew up at the family home in Kent, Hever Castle The River Medway went up in flames as the Dutch invaded England during the Battle of Medway Shepherd Neame (Britain's oldest brewer) was founded and its brewery opened in Faversham, Kent Charles Dickens' seaside home, over looking Viking Bay in Broadstairs, was the inspiration for Bleak House and Rochester inspired many more works Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay organised the extraordinary evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk from the Napoleonic tunnels at Dover Castle The Royal Navy Dockyard at Chatham closed. The Historic Dockyard, Chatham opened Britain's first high speed rail network launched. Domestic passengers are now able to reach London from Kent in just 20 minutes from Ebsfleet International 3 2

4 W H Y K E N T? Kent, the Garden of England, is the jewel of the South East. Nestled between London and the continent, Kent is world renowned for its rural beauty, rich heritage, spectacular coastline, and artistic heart. Here you will discover the White Cliffs of Dover, staggering castles and cathedrals, award-winning vineyards, unspoiled villages, and culture-rich cities. Benefitting from the fastest domestic & international rail links in the country (just 38 minutes from central London), Kent is the perfect destination for day trips and short-breaks and offers a wealth of options for longer stays. Choose from luxury hotels, cosy pubs, safari lodges or cliff-top teepees. Whether you want to explore modern art galleries or historic landmarks, find a romantic retreat or enjoy a fun-filled family break, laze in a luxury spa or learn to surf Kent has it all. There are few places where London is so close, and yet feels so far away. The world drinks our wine, blockbusters are filmed on our shores, and history was made on our soil. 4

5 WHERE IS KENT? Kent is located in the southeast corner of England, just outside of London and on the edge of the English Channel. Access to Kent is easy with Southeastern Railway's high speed rail links direct from central London (38mins to Ashford, 57mins to Canterbury), or by car via the M20 or M2. The county also has enviable fast links to mainland Europe via The Port of Dover, Channel Tunnel Folkestone, and Eurostar (Ashford & Ebbsfleet), and has good access to London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Kent is an easy day-trip for Londoners or international visitors in the capital, and is an excellent short break destination for those wanting to experience England's countryside, coast and cultural cities. It is ideally placed for visits from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. London Kent

6 WHAT'S IN KENT? F O O D & D R I N K Award-wining English vineyards Chapel Down, Biddenden, Hush Heath Brand new craft distillery at Chatham Dockyard: Copper Rivet Famous Whitstable oysters, Romney Marsh lamb, and Kentish apples and strawberries. Real ales from Shepherd Neame, Britain s oldest brewer, and unique craft ales at Kentish micropubs. Over 4,000 different varieties of fruit trees at Brogdale s National Fruit Collection Michelin star dining at The West House and The Sportsman. U N I Q U E A C C O M M O D A T I O N Luxurious 'glamping' in wild animal parks, rural retreats and medieval tents. Live like a king in luxurious rooms within Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, and Dover Castle Unique self-catering accommodation - rent your own oast house, or enjoy views of Britain s only desert 6

7 I C O N I C A T T R A C T I O N S M A G N I F I C E N T C O A S T The White Cliffs of Dover Canterbury Cathedral Leeds Castle Dover Castle Hever Castle Stunning National Trust and English Heritage properties F A M O U S F A C E S 15 sandy bays across Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate 11 Blue Flag beaches (more than any other county in the UK) Kite surfing, sailing, jet skiing, surfing Boat Trips to seal colonies, wind farms and sea forts T H E G A R D E N O F E N G L A N D Charles Dickens Geoffrey Chaucer Charles Darwin Sir Winston Churchill Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn Ian Fleming/James Bond Jane Austen Tracey Emin S T E P B A C K I N T I M E More than 180 gardens with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, huge estates and small family run properties 4,273 miles of footpaths and cycle routes Famous Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, Goodnestone Park, Walmer Castle Gardens More than 90 golf courses, home to the British Open in 2011 and due to return in 2023 A R T S & C U L T U R E The Historic Dockyard, Chatham Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Dreamland Margate S H O P P I N G Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, Margate Creative Quarter, Folkestone Marlow Theatre and Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery Powell-Cotton Museum at Quex Park Bluewater Shopping & Retail Destination McArthur Glen Ashford Designer Outlet 7

8 W H A T ' S N E W I N ? Campaigns Year of Literary Heroes A national campaign led by VisitEngland, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen s death and 20 years since the first Harry Potter book, to name just two milestone events. Kent is already well established as a literary destination, with the famous and the infamous drawing inspiration from the county - and leaving their mark on various towns and villages. Bespoke itineraries and private tours around Kent's literary famous faces (Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, Ian Fleming and more) are available throughout the year. Gardens & Gourmet - In 2017, Visit Kent will launch a new bookable product encouraging international visitors to explore the excellent gardens and gourmet offer in the Garden of England. Gardens & Gourmet is supported by the Discover England Fund (DEF), and aims to inspire international visitors from Germany, the Netherlands and USA to experience our outstanding gardens and superb local restaurants, cafes, vineyards and breweries. It will do this through a new visitor pass and new Digital Local Guides that will arm visitors with information only locals would know. The campaign will go live early spring for travel during Anniversaries 350th Anniversary of the Battle of Medway (June 2017) - This year marks the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Medway - a significant battle for both Kent and the Netherlands and a spectacular series of activities and exhibitions has been planned for the Medway towns. The campaign will truly showcase Kent s role in maritime history and will extend a warm welcome to Dutch tourists, and we are working closely with our partners in Medway to ensure more European visitors discover Kent in this important anniversary year. 200th anniversary of death of Jane Austen (July 2017) - This world-renowned author had numerous connections to Kent, including Godmersham Park, Tonbridge and Goodnestone Park mansion which can now be rented out as a luxury home for up to 24 guests, following an extensive renovation. In line with 2017 s Year of Literary Heroes, Kent will be promoting various anniversary events throughout the year, and pushing press visits to experience Jane Austen s Kent further. 8

9 W H A T ' S N E W I N ? 400th anniversary of death of Pochahontas (March 2017) - The Native American Indian was one of the most significant women in early American history, and is buried at St George s Church, Gravesend, Kent. This year marks 400 years since her death, and Gravesend will be hosting numerous events to honour the anniversary including commemorative parades, riverside tours, and musical performances. New New Tasting Rooms at Chapel Down Winery - Kent s award-winning vineyard Chapel Down is expanding for The winery s offices and production have now moved to allow room for a brand new 80 seat tasting room at the vineyard, allowing them to double the number of people on tours from 100 to 200 per day. A brilliant new venue to experience the true tastes of Kent! The Winery have also exchanged contracts on a 1.6 acre site in Ashford town centre for the development of a brewery for their fast-growing beer and cider business, Curious Drinks. Memorial to Geoffrey Chaucer - A 10ft bronze statue of Geoffrey Chaucer author of The Canterbury Tales was installed and unveiled in Canterbury city centre in October The statute overlooks the former pilgrims way (now the city s pedestrianised high street) where thousands of medieval travellers took the final steps of their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral. The statue has been commissioned by Canterbury Commemoration Society to celebrate the author s genius and links to Canterbury. The plinth (in the shape of a horse s hoof) depicts the pilgrims described in The Canterbury Tales, some of which have been updated to resemble the project s donors, including Canterbury-raised actor Orlando Bloom. Copper Rivet Distillery Raise a glass or two of Medway s finest spirits at the brand new Copper Rivet Distillery, situated at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. Take a tour and experience the entire distillation process from grain to glass. Enjoy a taste of Medway, experience a botanicals masterclass, and have a go at distilling your own gin. 9

10 W H A T ' S N E W ? One Warwick Park Hotel Composed of thirty nine rooms and suites and a range of entertainment spaces, brand new hotel One Warwick Park has opened in the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. From its origins as a brewery and school house, visionary architectural and interior designs have turned the building into a stunning luxury offer. Right next to the famous Pantiles area and only a few minutes from Tunbridge Wells train station, the hotel is perfectly located for enjoying all the activities that this beautiful Kentish town and its surrounding countryside has to offer. Events & Exhibitions Folkestone Triennial 2017 (2nd Sep - 5th Nov) - The biggest visual arts event in the South East returns once again with internationally recognised artists commissioned to make new contemporary artworks exhibited in public spaces around Folkestone under the theme of double edge. A Tale of Two Times: the Roman road to Chaucer s Canterbury - Experience A Tale of Two Times: the Roman road to Chaucer s Canterbury! A brand new collaboration means that, in 2017, groups and individuals alike can purchase a joint itinerary to The Canterbury Tales and Canterbury Roman Museum. School groups also get a lunch room, and other groups also receive a discount in the Beaney Café. Hever Castle & Gardens Astor s Garden Exhibition - New at Hever Castle & Gardens for 2017 is Astor s Garden Legacy - an interactive garden exhibition which traces the restoration and development of the stunning gardens from Tudor times to the present day. Officially opened by celebrity gardener, Rachel de Thame, this display provides a fascinating insight into the history of the award-winning gardens. 10

11 F E A T U R E I D E A S Year of Literary Heroes 2017 Visit the former haunts of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Ian Fleming and Geoffrey Chaucer this year as we help to celebrate the Year of Literary Heroes throughout Come and be inspired, like so many great writers, by Kent s idyllic rural landscapes, captivating cities, castles and gardens. Wine country & foodie experiences Tour Kent s numerous award-winning vineyards and sample sparkling wine that experts place on a par with Champagne. Vineyards such as Chapel Down, Biddenden and Hush Heath offer guided tours and tutored tastings, which can easily be combined with wider food and drink tours of the county s excellent restaurants, gastro pubs and farmers markets. The Garden of England Kent has more than 180 gardens to visit, offering dazzling colours, seductive scents, and superb seasonal shows. Seasonal calendars of blooms and shows are available, and the Garden of England also has an abundance of fresh produce for a features with a foodie twist and quirky stories from gardeners and producers across the county. 11

12 F E A T U R E I D E A S Enjoy a break in Lonely Planet s #1 destination for families With hordes of great value attractions peppered around the county, days out in Kent are something the whole family can enjoy. Paddle and play on classic, sandy beaches, go wild in exciting animal parks, or even meet knights at enchanting castles. You'll find boredom busters to suit children of all ages and parents can also unwind in idyllic surroundings. Days out in Kent are something to be treasured - where will your day out take you? Heritage Railways There a few finer ways of exploring the Garden of England than hopping on board one of the county s glorious steam trains or retro diesel engines. Kent s heritage railways give visitors a wonderfully unique perspective of Kent, with enviable views and evocative experiences. From the quintessentially English stations to watching the rolling fields and beautiful villages roll past your carriage window, these historic attractions offer a perfect day out for the whole family. 12

13 C O M I N G S O O N th Anniversary of the Historic Dockyard, Chatham (2018) Expansion of Ashford Designer Outlet the second phase of its development with a further 30 shops (adding to existing portfolio of premium brands including Ralph Lauren, All Saints, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker & Tommy Hilfiger) and stunning outside space is due to open (2019) Opening of Betteshanger Country Park's Visitor Centre and The Kent Mining Museum (2018) I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T... Visit Kent awarded Discover England Funding in summer Kent received at grand total of 20 Blue Flag and Seaside awards more than any other county in the country. Kent was announced International Garden Tourism Destination of the Year Award. The county was also shortlisted for a Best Youth Travel Destination Award. The Department for Transport announced Visit Kent as one of the winners of its Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation competition, which aims to boost rail-related tourism across the country, resulting in major Government funding to help promote and celebrate the county s beautiful heritage railways. 13

14 KEY ANNUAL EVENTS M A R C H J U L Y Spring Gardens (various locations) Whitstable Oyster Festival Brogdale Cherry Fair M A Y Gravesham Heritage Festival Rochester Sweeps Festival Kent County Show, Maidstone The War & Peace Revival, The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood A U G U S T J U N E Rochester Dickens Festival Broadstairs Dickens Festival Broadstairs Folk Week Jousting Tournaments (Hever Castle & Leeds Castle) BOing! Festival, Canterbury 14

15 S E P T E M B E R N O V E M B E R Faversham Hop Festival Salute to the 40's, The Historic Dockyard Chatham Folkestone Book Festival Fireworks Spectacular, Leeds Castle Canterbury Food & Drink Festival D E C E M B E R O C T O B E R Screamland, Dreamland Margate Broadstairs Food Festival Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle Christmas Carol Services, Rochester & Canterbury Cathedrals Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink Dickensian Christmas Festival, Rochester Arts & Culture Family Food & Drink Halloween Heritage Music Nature 15

16 W H A T C A N V I S I T K E N T D O T O H E L P? Our PR team is happy to create bespoke press trips to suit your publication or feature needs, and can liaise with all suppliers to ensure you get the best out of your trip to The Garden of England. We welcome pitches from bloggers and vloggers, and can support trips through social media with bespoke digital We can assist with: Story ideas & feature planning Itineraries for press trips Familiarisation visits Introductions to attractions, accommodation and destinations Hi-res images Regular news updates and social media liaison Meals, accommodation and public transport Lana Crouch Marketing Coordinator lana.crouch@visitkent.co.uk Tel: Please visit for media & industry updates 16