Kent is best known as the ‘Garden of England’, a phrase first coined by Henry VIII. It claims to be the oldest county in England and contains some 17000 listed buildings. Kent is most famous for its oast-houses, having tall conical or pyramidal roofs.
Kent is blessed with a spectacular coastline. Just along the south coast stands the famous and iconic White Cliffs of Dover, which run from Kingsdown to Folkestone, a well known symbol of Britain. To the south west is a wide expanse of low-lying marsh called Romney Marsh, where the shingly promontory of Dungeness extends southwards into the English Channel.
Because so many future Queens of England have lived behind its protective walls, Leeds Castle is known as the “Ladies’ Castle.” Edward I’s two wives, Eleanor of Castile and Margaret of France; Edward III’s wife, Philippa of Hainault; Henry V’s spouse, Catherine de Valois; Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon; and even his daughter and future queen Elizabeth all called Kent castle home.