Kent Reports
County Review by Derek Byrne on September 20th, 2009To me Kent is the best County in England.......being a man of Kent born in Dover in 1941 and lived in Essex since 1952....I cant wait to cross the Rochester Bridge when i go home and vist my cousins and old haunts.....and have a meal at The Coastgaurd at St Margarets Bay ....looking out onto the White Cliffs of Dover
Ash-cum-Ridley, Kent
Review of Ash-cum-Ridley by John Haywood on August 24th, 2006
fantastic - great food and good selection of ale
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Review of Ashford by Mr T Jupe on May 8th, 2009
Born & bred in Ashford,i cannot say a good word for the town now,in the days when you could go into town on a saturday & spend the whole day shopping & looking around,the loss of the market spelt the end of the town,now you have hardly any choice &lots of takeaway joints ∅ shops.Im an avid collector of Ashfords history but im afraid im not looking foreward to Ashfords future!
Review of Ashford by Ju on January 11th, 2007
Brilliant day out, where kids can learn about environment, touch animals, play in two indoor playbarns, feed Lambs at Easter, there is a awsome off ground assult course in the woodlands. the kids can run around in 120 acres of woodland and countryside.
They put on some fantastic events throughout the year, from Egg'cellent Easter mazes to Halloween fright nights, Christmas Grotto is truly amazing and they even have a family beer festival in June!!
The prices have gone up slightly, but it's still cheaper (and healther) than going to the cinema!!
Recommend looking at the website and keeping up to date with the BLOG link on the site.
Pig racing is a real hoot or should it be 'snout' and the butterfly tunnel is beautiful
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Review of Biggin Hill by Rod on January 19th, 2010
The old jail has been a favourite of our family and friends for many years. We have just moved back into the area and will be visiting the Old Jail on saturday of this week. You always need to book a table. Great.
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Review of Canterbury by Margaret Minoletti on February 20th, 2006
Although we spent our Sunday in Canterbury buffeted by strong easterly winds and penetrating cold rain, we were very impressed by the Sung Eucharist at 11am in the Cathedral. Awe-inspiring though the cathedral is at any time, it really becomes sublime when you hear the choir voices soaring up into the vaulted roof and watch the procession of robed clerics as they walk serenly through the transept, past hundreds of years of history.
We enjoyed walking around the shopping centre too; it's on a manageable scale and felt friendly. Enjoyed a light lunch in an Italian restaurant/pizza bar near the centre. Parked for free (at weekends only) in the Council car park; this was about 10 minutes walk from the Town centre, but a useful saving when the short-stay car park charges 70p per hour.
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Review of Capel le Ferne by Jeremy and Penny Holme on February 17th, 2008
A spectacular part of the Kent coast has just lost a frequent visitor. Every week our little family visited and enjoyed a mug of tea and sandwich at the cliff top cafe with the wonderful view of our English channel. We told our friends and families what a great place Capel is and that there's the all important cup of tea and sit down available for tired legs at the cafe.
To our dismay, bewilderment and huge sadness we found today having sat down that a key member of our family is no longer allowed to visit. He always had a drink, a sausage and a sit down to watch the world go by but not for no reason we can think of he's banned! He never caused any problem or mess and has been discriminated purely for the fact he has 4 legs and has fur!
There was only one sign we could see which is an obvious recent addition and we were treated as leppers despite the business we have brought this place over the years. How very sad. We have no idea of the reasons for this decision, whether petty minded councilors or the owners but they have driven us away and we will not be visiting Capel again and we will tell friends and family to stay away too.
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Review of Chatham by Steve on December 30th, 2009
Response to Richard Harrison whose Grandfather was the caretaker for Fort Bridgwoods. I have lots of information about the fort and some photographs. I have been researching the forts history as a War Office Wireless Interception Station from 1921 until 1946. Would love to hear from you. Please contact via e-mail steveg4hje@blueyonder.co.uk
Review of Chatham by derek harrison on January 10th, 2008
hi there i was just looking at the very few bits of information on fortbridgewood and close by cookham wood there is a little bit of history to read but sadley no pictures. my interest is of a family nature my grandfarther was the caretaker of fort bridgewood and lived on the grounds along with my grandmother. he would do regular checks on the fort when i was a young boy he would take me with him it was great he had a big key that opened the drawbridge then we would walk over the bridge with the huge moat below. inside there were many rooms with big generaters that my grandad would test regulary i can remember they were so loud when he switced them on. there was a big tank in there also i have a couple of pictures of the fort i was just wondering if any body had any more pictures of the old fort perhaps they could email me with them.thanks derek harrison
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Review of Chislehurst by Maureen White on July 2nd, 2006
My parents moved to Chislehurst in March 1943, when I was just two years of age. The second world war was raging and my father sent my mother and me to Chislehurst caves when the worst of the air raids were on. I can remember the churh down there and the beds that lined the walls and of course the air raid warnings that sent us running to the caves and then sounds of the all clear. At fifteen I spent a lot of time at the caves at weekends with my friends. I also remember live groups playing there. And yes, here I am still living in Chislehurst today.
As one can imagine I have seen a great deal of change. Some good some not so good. In spite of losing almost all of the individual trades and shops that we once had here and certain assets being sold off instead of being kept for posterity, there is, thankfully, still some village atmosphere left. Of course we are lucky enough to have the common and woods to walk and the two ponds that hold a variety of wildlife.
My parents raised my brothers and me here and in turn I raised my children here too. My siblings are not too far away either, just outside the Chislehurst boundery, regularly using the amenities here in the village. Their children attended our excellent schools. Chislehurst is still a great place to live. If you don't believe me - come visit.
Maureen White
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Review of Cliftonville by Carol on May 13th, 2008
Cliftonville is a handsome seaside resort forming the eastern - and
at one time more exclusive - part of Margate, with distinguished
former visitors including the poet TS Eliot. Indeed, the restored
Walpole Bay Hotel aims to recapture that ambience by inviting guests
to step back in time to a "bygone era", with an Edwardian restaurant,
a 1920s ballroom and a snooker room. Located at the top of the Isle
of Thanet and also incorporating the Palm Bay district, Cliftonville
is an ideal holiday destination. The sea front is lined with grand
houses looking down over gardens to the paved promenade and sandy
beach below, and there are some lovely coastal walks as well as great
opportunities for cyclists. The Viking Coastal Trail, which passes
through Cliftonville, is one of the finest cycling routes in south-
east England. With a little bit of something for everyone,
Cliftonville has an indoor bowling green, tennis courts, pitch and
putt, crazy golf, a main shopping street and the Tom Thumb Theatre -
which, true to its name, is one of the tiniest in the country.
Families are next door to the traditional amusements of Margate,
which also provides for modern water sports and cultural interests.
Carol
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Review of Cranbrook by geoff piper on June 17th, 2007
for a feeling of Cranbrook and all its facilities and what's on guide please visit the Official Homepage: www.cranbrook.org.uk
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Review of Deal by sarah watson on May 13th, 2007
I lived in Deal for 5 years - on the outskirts in Walmer. Walmer has on the seafront Walmer Castle - more of a country estate than castle. Lovely gardens. The seafront is a long stretch perfect for cycles, wheelchairs and pedestrians from Kingsdown cliffs to Sandwich. Deal itself is a small town the an artisan quarter of narrow streets and unexpected pubs. The town pedestrian part is not magnificant but just off this area you can find the clock tower,pier and sea front shops/cafes clamouring to be the best dressed flower fronts. Deal carnival is lovely the town turn out to watch and the day before carnival is fireworks on the beach (last week in July). A quiet place as the bypass takes most traffic from Dover to Sandwich so it can be missed. Definately worth a day to visit in the summer
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Review of Dover by Walledge on May 13th, 2009
Our Grand daughter joined The infant & Junior school after her previous school closed unexpectedly. We have been so inpressed with the quality of teaching and care that she has received - we just wished we had sent her there first instead!
Review of Dover by Pete on April 2nd, 2006
During WW2 Dover was known as Hellfire Corner [for obvious reasons] & the Medieval and Napoleonic tunnels within the White Cliffs were brought into action as a control centre and hospital, which can be visited today. Hitler allegedly boasted that, on conquering Britain, he would take dinner at Dover Castle.. The railway station is 'Dover Priory', named so due its location being close to the ancient Priory. From here, it is but a short walk into the town, where there is much to see and do. Obviously, the most dominant feature from any point in the town is the great Castle sitting high up on its cliff-top. Henry the Second's Great Keep dates from the 1180's, and is a wonderful experience to walk around. Be warned though, folks.. this castle is said to be very haunted!
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Review of Fawkham by on June 29th, 2006
Village life focuses on Fawkham Green, where there's a decent pub/restaurant. Half a mile away is a country house hotel with high aspirations. Probably the village's main claim to fame these days is its proximity to the Brands Hatch race track. Unless you're an enthusiast of motorised sport, be warned that this can have traffic and noise implications. As a place to live or stay, it's handy for London and will in a couple of years be ideal for Ebbsfleet station and its international connections.
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Review of Folkestone by Graham Bacon on September 4th, 2007
I live up in Nottinghamshire. I love Folkestone and travel there every month for a long week end in local B & B's.
Folkestone has changed a lot in the few years I have been going down there, in lots of ways. Some of them for the better, but some of them not.
It is a relaxing place to stay in, the pace of life always seems slower that in the Midlands. I do miss the link to France from Folkestone harbour. It was fun to go on the sea cat and have a day out, shopping and sampling the local bars and cafes. Would be greata if there was a ferry or sea cat once again. Would bring more holidaymakers back to the town. Anyway, that is my slant on good old Folkestone. From Graham.
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Review of Goudhurst by stephen moore on July 13th, 2006
One of our all time favorite places in the world. Have stayed there on many trips to the garden of England.
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Review of Herne Bay by Sonya Lawrence on February 13th, 2006
Hi
I live on the outskirts of Herne Bay.
Its a great place to live and visit. Its a real working town and is really on the up. There are some lovely cafes and bistros and the Herne Bay Museum is really worth a visit.We also have proper old fashioned fruit & veg shops and some lovely bakers.Its not a pretentious town (you won't see many barber jackets) and you you'll be at home in you t-shirt, jns and fleece. Theres also a lot more parking than in Whitstable
with a large car park in the centre. We do not suffer from the large groups of vandals that Whitstable suffers from either.(Something the estate agents dont let on as Whitstable is a lot more expensive)Also if your thinking of buying you can still get a bargain here wether its residential or commercial.
On the safety side your more likely to get mowed down by a OAP reversing badly in his brand new jag than you are mugged. There is the Co-OP and Morrissons.ALso several chemists. People are very chatty and friendly as well.
You can walk from town along the seafront to Reculver or the Towers. Bring your dog as its a lovely walk. Also you must visit the info centre on the front bandstand building. You'll be suprised that Herne Bay is a really nice working town.
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Review of Hollingbourne by Judith Hall on April 20th, 2010
Stayed at Woodhouses B&B Eyehorne Street Hollingbourne - made us most welcome. It's a chance to stay in an original cottage in the village which is quite picturesque. Hollingbourne has several choices of places to eat within the village (The Windmill has a decent menu), and Christopher's Village Shop has a notice board of what's on in the village - he even had slices of locally "bread pudding" when we were there - what a treat.
Great village.
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Review of Maidstone by Charles Drown on May 24th, 2009
This was our first visit to Maidstone and we were immediately impressed with the cleanliness of the town, very little litter to be seen anywhere. The shops and eating places were of a very good standard. The museum and art galleries excellent as was the riverside walk. Traffic seemed to flow without many hold ups (residents may disagree!)and we found the bus services to be reasonably priced and frequent. We also found the inhabitants to be friendly and more polite than we are used to in Bristol. Over all a very good town to visit and probably live in, we will definitely be returning in the future.
Review of Maidstone by David Hutchison on February 27th, 2008
There are rumours that People attending dog shows held at Lockmeadow market on a Sunday, will in future be charged a car park fee, which is free at prersent. The dog show societies that use this venue use some of the car parking area for outside rings, does will this mean that they will be charged to use this area in addition to the hire chrges already paid. If so how much will be charged or will the clubs be banned from using this area?
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Northfleet, Kent
Review of Northfleet by helen haeell on August 4th, 2011
I have already said my story on northfleet kent but I for got to say my maiden name was may, just in case any one remebers me it would nice to hear from them helen hassell thank you
Review of Northfleet by helen hassell on May 18th, 2011
l lived in springhead rd. as a child in a flint house on the same side as tne leather bottle l liked living in northfleet so many places to go as a child there was the pits to play in and the springs to look around, and parks to play in and northfleet high st. there was even a cinama to go on saterday morning,l went to st. bottleth school and every mornings we went into church to pray and sing hyams it used to be a nice place to live in but lately it as gone down hill as people do not keep the place tidy and well looked after as it used to be.
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Review of Ramsgate by john beszant on April 13th, 2011
great job on library but miss the harbour lights rail tunnel to dumpton now blocked.the bounty the cinemas .but great job on the mock waterfall.hope it continues to improve still my favourite resortand was for my father and his father .ithink the tourist inform ation officeshould be in a more obvious position and wish the restaurant was still at the end of the harbour.
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Review of Sandwich by John Trott on December 31st, 2012
Hi,
Sandwich is a real Gem! a lovely village to wander through, good Pubs & Food. The Tourist Centre was really helpful with events and directions.
Its a great pity about accommodation, we stayed at St Johns Cottages, Moat Sole, in 2011, small, tired and dirty, never again ..... customer beware !
Review of Sandwich by John Trott on September 23rd, 2011
Sandwich is a lovely town to visit,very picturesque,
with good coffee shops and an excellent Pub, 'The New Inn' for good Pub Food.
The downside; is very poor accommodation at St. Johns Cottages,Moat Sole. We stayed in No. 6. Its very tired, and is in much need of a good clean out and face lift, it was quite dirty too.
We definitely would not stay again, a great shame as the rest of Sandwich was charming.
The staff in the Tourist Centre in the Guildhall were very helpful, with good knowledge of the town and history.
Pity about the very poor St Johns Cottages
Review of Sandwich by Jenny Santos on May 19th, 2008
I visited The Salutation Gardens, nestled just off the quayside in Sandwich and it's lovely. Inspirational. The Tea Rooms also have delicious cake and what a lovely place to while away the afternoon with a chilled glass of wine!
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Review of Sheerness by DIANE MCALLISTERQ on September 2nd, 2007
WE WENT TO SHEERNESS HOLIDAY PARK AND PITCHED UP ON THE TOURERS FIELD. WE THOUGHT IT'D BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AND WE WERENT WRONG.
IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, AND THE CHILDREN ADORED IT! 2 PEOPLE STOOD OUT FROM ALL OF THE STAFF AND THEY'RE BOTH CALLED DAVE! THE YOUNG MAN IN CHARGE OF THE ENTERTAINMENTS WAS WONDERFUL, AND WHAT A SINGING VOICE?? INCREDIBLE.HIS CONSTANT AND SEEMINGLY EFFORTLESSLY CONDUCT BOUGHT A SPARKLE TO OUR KIDS HOLIDAY. ALL WE'VE HAD SINCE WE'VE BEEN HOME IS 'CAN WE GO AND SEE DAVIE AND DO DANCING'.
THIS IS A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN WHO WILL GO FAR.
FINALLY THANKYOU TO THE MANAGER OF THE RESORT DAVE WHO WENT OUT OF HIS WAY ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION TO COME TO OUR ASSISTANCE. MY HUSBAND AND I WASN'T SURE ON HOW TO INSTALL OUR GAS PROPERLY AND WENT TO RECEPTION TO SEEK ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS. BUT THE BOSS DAVE WHO WAS JUST LEAVING FOR HIS LUNCHBREAK INSISTED ON COMING TO OUR RESCUE IN PERSON. WITHIN MINUTES IT WAS ALL WORKING. WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME AND WILL MOST DEFINATELY BE RECOMMENDING SHEERNESS HOLIDAY CAMP TO EVRYBODY WE KNOW, AND WE'VE ALREADY BOOKED TIME OFF WORK TO RETURN NEXT SUMMER.
SO SEE YOU NEXT SEASON AND THANKYOU ONCE AGAIN!
DIANE AND DOMINIC MACALLISTER
Review of Sheerness by Katherine Harrison on June 12th, 2006
We liked Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey in general. However, DO NOT go into The Playa near the beach near Warren Point. They are really up themselves there and only choose to serve you if they like the look of you.
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Review of Sittingbourne by nigel on June 22nd, 2007
have been working in sittingborne now for about 6 weeks nice enough town center ,have also been staying at a hotel or bb called the tong barn i would just like to say that i have never stayed at a hotel where the place looks nice but nothing works eg. the t.v,the showers ,the lights.
Review of Sittingbourne by emily on August 24th, 2006
i think sittingbourne is really good as you have a lot of ahops,pubs,restaurants and you also have a cinema
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Swanscombe, Kent
Review of Swanscombe by Malcolm Munn on February 19th, 2006
Swanscombe is situated 21 miles East of London and 3 miles East of Dartford and is expanding very rapidly as it falls within the development area known as the Thames Gateway: the population is due to double within the next 20 years.
Within the boundaries of Swanscombe & Greenhithe is situated the Bluewater Shopping Mall, one of the largest out-of-town shopping centres in Britain. To the West of the town on the boundary with Northfleet, is the Ebbsfleet International station which is part of the Channel Tunnel rail link due to be in service in 2008.
One of Swanscombe's major claims to fame is the discovery of sections of a human skull known as Swanscombe Man - some of the oldest human remains found in Europe dating back some 250,000 years.
Other sites of interest include the Parish Church which is included in the Domesday book and has parts of the building dating back to the mid 11th Century. It houses the remains of Sir Anthony Weldon, a famous parliamentarian general and of Sir Erasmus Wilson, a noted surgeon, philanthropist and the transporter of Cleopatra's Needle to London.
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Review of Tunbridge Wells by Daniel Bech on June 30th, 2007
Why not visit Tunbridge Wells during the Heritage Open Days and enter some of the beautiful buildings of this town
Heritage Opne days takes place between Thursday 6th Spetember and Sunday 9th
For more information on participants, please vistit www.twhod.org.uk
Review of Tunbridge Wells by Jenny Collins on March 1st, 2007
The best food we have had in years!!!!
KITSU - TUNBRIDGE WELLS
This is only the first time I have ever written about food. But that all cahnge when I went to Kitsu Japanese sushi restaurant, Victoria Road, Tunbridge Wells Tel:01892 515510.
We (my husband and I!:O)had a wonderful experience at Kitsu's last Saturday night.
We were greeted warmly greeted as we ascended the steps into Kitsu. Once I had acclimatised myself to the simple but cheerful decor and bright lighting, we made our selection from an exciting menu. We chose tempura soft shell crab, Sushimi, sushi and a wonderful minature rice ice cream coated in a soft texture rice jacket. We were presented very fresh
foods with wonderful colours, incredible flavours and varying succulent textures.
The best food we have had in years!!!!
What an experience! Well done Kitsu!!!
If you don't believe me - try it for yourself!
BTW take your own wine. Champagne is very good with sushi!
Steve, my husband, took me to Kitsu 's for our 16th wedding anniversary celebration (Because Penny Greenaway recommended it - Thanks Penny!).
Jenny Collins,
Eridge.
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Westgate-on-sea, Kent
Review of Westgate-on-sea by Ms Jose Franks on July 1st, 2007
I stayed in westgate on Sea last year. The town was pleasant but the accommodation was deplorable.I stayed at the Bridge Hotel which was shabby, dirty and thoroughly unpleasant. Whil I would enjoy visiting the town again I could not set foot in that accommodation.
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Review of Whitstable by Jackie on August 20th, 2010
Hi
My youngest son married a 'Whitstable' girl and now the rest of the family are moving from Essex. We have fallen in love with Whitstable. Saying that we usually spend more time there in the Summer, but as we are relocating can anyone give me any ideas of how the while away the long, dark winter months.
Thanks
Jackie
Review of Whitstable by Kim Hollingshead on June 29th, 2009
Whitstable is famous for its oysters and other shellfish, for its sailing and for its sunsets
Judi and I lived here until quite recently and we loved the community atmosphere. It's a bustling, lively place to live and has its own excellent Theatre Company, Music Club, and a variety of Sports Clubs.
Whitstable Harbour, a lovely little working harbour, covers 14 acres of which 1.5 is harbour basin, 2.5 foreshore and the remaining acres quays and storage areas. There are three quays South, East and West which can accommodate seven vessels between them. It has its own little market selling artwork, curios, antiques and gifts. It also has stalls and shops selling seafood and a great seafood restaurant.
Whitstable is also the summer haunt of the Thames Sailing Barge, 'Greta', which offers trips out into the estuary.
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Review of Willesborough by maureen on August 30th, 2008
hi there
i went to willesborough to see if i could find where my mum[barton] lived in about 1919. i found the house 105 the street and it was beautiful my grandparents also lived there[butchers] looking at the side view i would say that it was a shop at one time.is there any one who could give me any information about this house and the familys who lived there? i also found the place where my mum started her first job[lacton house].
WELL DONE WILLESBOUGH FOR KEEPING YOUR VILLAGE AS IT MUST HAVE LOOKED ALL THOSE YEARS AGO
maureen
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