Kent’s northern shores harbour several Blue Flag beaches, which fill up with campers and caravanners as soon as the sun starts shining. Hit the beach at Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Joss Bay near Margate for the best surf, then duck inland to admire the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral. Just to the north, Herne Bay and Whitstable are Kent’s quintessential seaside resorts with their pebble beaches and lively seafront promenades—visit the latter in July for the renowned Oyster Festival. Leeds Castle has a moat and a maze near Maidstone; Hever Castle has a fascinating history associated with Anne Boleyn and beautiful year-round gardens; and Dover Castle is hard to beat in terms of location with a varied history of defence told through interactive displays. The stunning UNESCO-protected Canterbury Cathedral, where Thomas Becket met his grisly end, is a must-see if you head to Canterbury. Guided punting trips on the river are a good way to learn more about the history of this pretty, medieval city. You can learn about Kent’s rural history at Kent Life museum, though adults may prefer to hear about one of its biggest industries with a visit to Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, in the historic market town of Faversham. The Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway makes for a great family day out, as do the Kent and East Sussex Railways.