Have a maritime adventure in Kent

What more invigorating call to adventure than the sound of the sea crashing along Kent's coast? Over the centuries it has beckoned men to battle, smuggling and trade.
 

Discover thousands of years of naval and nautical heritage on The Maritime Heritage Trail from Gravesend to Dungeness. Sail, walk, drive, cycle, browse museums, castles and smugglers' haunts - the route is divided into sub-trails to suit your interests and length of visit.

Imagine what it was like for the hordes that raided Britain with Hengist and Horsa - there's a full-size replica of their Viking Ship at Pegwell Bay. Envisage the labour that went into building the Royal Military Canal to guard against Napoleon. Nowadays it provides great opportunities for walking, fishing and boating.

Defence of England

The significance of Kent to the defence of the country is clear from the Confederation of the Cinque Ports formed around 1050. By this arrangement five coastal towns - Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, Romney and Hastings - agreed to provide the king with men and ships in return for special privileges.

Plunge 2,000 years back in history at Dover Castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Commanding the shortest sea crossing to the Continent, the fortress has always been on the frontline of defence. At Upnor Castle find out how Queen Elizabeth I protected her warships at anchor in the Medway, capital of maritime Kent.
 

Sailing the high seas 

The unique Bronze Age Boat at Dover Museum is the world's oldest known seagoing boat. Fast-forward several millennia to The Historic Dockyard Chatham and the story of vessels and men who sailed the high seas. The naval heritage site, the most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail, spans over 400 years of maritime history.

Smugglers' haunts

Smuggling began as an export enterprise. Massive taxation on wool exports from the 13th century made it worthwhile to smuggle fleeces to weavers on the Continent and the famous Romney Marsh sheep provided big profits. The Marsh's isolated churches are particularly intriguing - Snargate Church is believed to have been one place where smuggled goods were hidden.

Deal was notorious for a peculiarly Kent brand of smuggling, it was here that ‘Guinea boats' were built to ship gold across the Channel to pay Napoleon's armies. But the smugglers didn't have it all their own way, as you'll appreciate at the Custom House Museum, Gravesend, where items confiscated by the ever-vigilant Customs Service are displayed.

Use our search facility to discover more about Kent's exciting maritime heritage and attraction or download one of our self-drive itinerary suggestions.

Don't forget to enter our competition to win a National Trust annual pass for 2, allowing free entry into all National Trust properties. A perfect way to experience Kent's heritage and countryside!