Heathrow Airport 1 hr 18
Hadleigh Castle (19 min)
Ruined 1200s castle, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War, affording marsh views. The Historic Dockyard Chatham (44 min)
Historic Royal Navy warships and shipbuilding heritage in an 18th-century dockyard museum. Thorndon Country Park (22 min)
Trails through a landscape of ancient oak trees, marshes & meadows, with birdlife & grazing cattle. Adventure Island (29 min)
Free-admission fun park with more than 40 rides and attractions from rollercoasters to ghost trains. Barleylands Farm Park (11 min)
Family-friendly attraction featuring farm animals, craft workshops, rides, play areas & more. Rochester Cathedral (43 min)
Norman building with a Romanesque facade, a 14th-century library door and daily CofE services. Hanningfield Reservoir (25 min)
870-acre reservoir with diverse flora & fauna, seasonal fly fishing & paths, plus on-site cafes. RHS Garden Hyde Hall (19 min)
Site run by horticulture charity, including bird hide and Dry Garden with bold architectural plants. Southend Pier and Railway (29 min)
Seasonal museum on the pier with 19th- & early-20th-century train cars, slot machines & costumes. Wat Tyler Centre (7 min)
Large country park with an education centre hosting green exhibitions, a scultpure trail and cafe. Rochester Castle (43 min)
Landmark 11th century Norman castle with large keep giving views over the River Medway, plus tours. Thames Estuary (1 hr 15)
1 of the country's largest, this landmark estuary features shipping routes & various lighthouses. Hylands House (24 min)
Council-run stately home and grounds hosting music festivals and family activities year-round. Sealife Adventure (28 min)
Sea life aquarium with sharks in walk-through tunnel tank, plus rays, turtles and insect displays. Chalkwell Beach (26 min)
Pebble & sand beach with a large granite obelisk from the 1800s & a promenade with snack kiosks. | 
