Kent is among the country’s more picturesque counties, offering plenty of coastline for those looking for a seaside adventure, magnificent castles for those looking to soak up English culture and history, and several world-class restaurants. According to Lonely Planet, the county’s beaches are among Europe’s best, and there’s an abundance of foot and cycle trails waiting to guide you into every corner of the county dubbed the Garden of England.
Several small market towns stand out as worth visiting, each of which makes a great base of operations for those making the trip. Among the most attractive of these is Rainham. But exactly what does this little corner of the country have to offer? Here, we’ll take a look.
How do I get there?
Transport links make the town particularly attractive for Londoners. Trains to Rainham run frequently from across the region, and thus it’s an ideal retreat for city-dwellers looking for a little peace and quiet.
What is there to do in Rainham?
Once there, you’ll find a slew of pleasant distractions to occupy yourself with. The centrepiece of the town is St. Margaret’s Church, whose spire dominates the skyline. It’s through this building that you’ll be orienting yourself as you explore the various side-streets and quaint little cafes.
If you’re looking for some greenery, then you’ll want to head down to the Riverside Country Park. As you might expect, it’s sited beside the Medway estuary, and covers some 100 hectares. Within the site, you’ll find mudflats, ponds, reeds and grasses, all of which help to sustain a teeming ecosystem. This is an area of Special Scientific Interest, and a must-visit for those who appreciate the natural world.
An alternative park comes in the form of the Capstone Farm Country Park, which is more meticulously landscaped, though no less impressive for those in search of that sort of thing.
If you’re looking for a castle, then the local one is Upnor Castle. This Elizabethan artillery fort can be found on the west bank of the Medway, near to the village of Upnor. Since its construction, it’s played a vital role in the defence of the country from European belligerents – first the Spanish Armada, and then later the Dutch and the French.
Of course, much of the joy of a stay in this part of the world comes from the smaller attractions: the cafes and pubs at which you’ll be recuperating after a hard day’s sightseeing. There are plenty of them to choose from in the town, from traditional gastropub fare to high-quality Indians and Chinese restaurants. Nutmeg’s Patisserie, on the high street, is worth a visit, as is the Sundar Rachana Indian restaurant, on Lower Rainham Road.