Visitors reveal their favourite spots

1 Leeds Castle Billed as being the loveliest castle in the world, it seems visitors agree. Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal palace, and an elegant early 20th century retreat for the rich and famous. More recently, it became one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain, with more than half a million people visiting its scenic grounds each year. There’s nothing like the great outdoors and standing at more than 180 hectares Mote Park has more than its fair share of open space for those seeking fresh air. With its mix of grassland, woodland and lakes it’s a favourite of dog walkers. For families, there’s pitch and putt golf, watersports and a chance to see deer, bats and kingfishers. Younger and smaller than Mote Park, but Cobtree is hot on the heels of its urban cousin in terms of popularity. Created in the 1970s on the site of the former Maidstone Zoo, the grounds have since been planted with more than 600 different species of trees and shrubs. And how many other parks can boast their own elephant house? Also offers a cafe, playground and zip wire. Kent Life in Sandling, near Maidstone pays tribute to all aspects of rural life, from tractor rides to a petting zoo full of traditional farm animals. And you can take a step back in time with the vintage village, with restored Victorian buildings and a Hopper’s Hut. Leeds Castle gets a second mention, with the Go Ape adventure park also proving to be a crowd-pleaser. There are Tarzan swings and high ropes in the treetop adventure 12m above the forest floor, while a zipwire offers stunning views of the North Downs. The collection is one of the largest in Kent, with more than 600,000 artefacts including a 2,700 yearold Egyptian mummy. Founded in 1858, the museum is free and the adjoining gallery features touring exhibitions. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are fans of what started as a tin shack serving tea by the riverside, in Yalding, and has become a record-breaking institution. Teapot Island houses the biggest collection of teapots in England, with more than 7,600 on display. If river walks and lush meadows are your thing, try Teston Bridge Country Park. It combines 32 acres of countryside with a children’s play area and the picturesque 14th century Teston Bridge. The Bridge Meadow is a favourite with picnickers while the skies are filled with colourful shapes during the annual kite festival. People travel for miles to mill around the centre’s 50 stores. The site was previously a brewery making Fremlins ales and beers – all that remains of it is the arch entrance and clock. A medieval yeoman’s house and garden in Maidstone’s Otham valley. With beautiful furniture, soft furnishings, glass and decorative metal work, a visit is described as a must for any fine art lover.