Any Men/maids Of Kent Out There?

[EcclesCake]

Actually I don't care which side of the river you were born in.

I'm toying with visiting some old friends and having a pootle about the county, which has surely changed in the umpteen years I've been gone.

I remember much of the county as a dump, with the exception of west Kent. Any recommendations for where to go/see? Any must sees?

[jno]

the usual array of stately homes, pretty towns (self-consciously so but none the worse for that), oast houses, lavender fields, cherries for sale (in season, not now) ... but you'll know all those.

https://www.visitkent.co.uk/see-and-do/find-attractions/

[TWR]

Let Balders answer this, I'm sure you will get a straight answer.

[EcclesCake]

I'm open to all comers, more opinions and perspectives the better!

[EcclesCake]

Goodness, is Kent just the same as when I left it in 19something?

[DTCwordfan]

west malling is a nice country town, some good antique shops, bars and a couple of good restaurants there, one that specialises in mussels.....

[snags]

My Brother-in Law-is the Sous Chef here and always recommending it for a visit (if the sun's out):

https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

[EcclesCake]

I know West Malling well, we had a commercial orchard there when I was growing up.

[EcclesCake]

I meant to add that the Beatles filmed something at the old aerodrome their and a friend got a pound note signed by them all.

[Toorak]

Chartwell is worth a visit too

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

[DTCwordfan]

The Swan and Frank's are where I am thinking about, both within 50 metres of each other.

I know it's not Kent but how about Rye....?

[EcclesCake]

I'm relatively young, all the stately homes and castles where there when I was.

More interested in towns areas that have been gentrified, for want of a better word, just would like to see places that have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps.

[DTCwordfan]

Friends of mine (he from near Rochester originally) are thinking about moving from Ripley to Margate or Badricville.

[Baldric]

@ 15:26. I've only just seen this and as far as I'm aware don't need your permission with reference to what Posts I answer on AB.

[DTCwordfan]

to be fair to TWR, balders, he thought that you were best placed to make a contribution to this thread.....particularly to your neck of the Kent proverbial woods.

[Baldric]

///I'm sure you will get a straight answer///

including the ^^^ Sarcasm?

[DTCwordfan]

I didn't read it like that, but then if you and Eccles have clashed before, so be it....

[Baldric]

Never had a problem with Eccles, and I'm sure she was the one who told TWR a few days ago that he was a bit more thoughtful composing his posts he wouldn't get this type of problem.

[EcclesCake]

Errr, get back in line DTC.

I don't recall having a falling out with Baldric and do not appreciate your comment.

[Maydup]

Like you I moved away umpteen years ago, but I return to visit family. To be honest I can't think its changed a great deal, although Whitstable has gentrified to a certain degree and Margate is trying hard too. If you're in east Kent and like art, then I would call into Margate, look out for the Gormley Man in the sea, have a look round the old town and the Turner Centre which is free.

Otherwise I prefer the peace and quiet of the Romney Marsh, Hythe and Folkestone. Not changed, just worthy of a potter around!

[TWR]

I doubt if I will respond further.