Kent is often called the “Garden of England,” but it could just as easily be named the “County of Castles.” From Tudor moats to soaring Norman keeps, Kent’s fortifications have protected the English coast and housed kings and queens for a thousand years.
The challenge for any castle-hunter is that these historic sites weren’t built with modern car parks or train stations in mind. Many, like Hever Castle, are tucked away in rural villages with no bus links. At Kent Taxis, we provide bespoke “Castle Tours,” allowing you to visit multiple sites in a single day while we handle the narrow lanes and navigation.
Here is our ultimate guide to the “Big Three” castles of Kent and why a taxi is your best ticket to history.
1. Leeds Castle: “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
Rising out of a mirror-like moat, Leeds Castle is arguably the most beautiful in the UK.
- The Experience: Explore the 500-acre estate, the famous yew tree maze, and the unique Dog Collar Museum. In 2026, the castle has introduced a new “10x Stagecoach” service, but for door-to-door luxury and to avoid the 40-minute walk from the station, a taxi remains the gold standard.
- Taxi Tip: We can drop you at the main Visitor Centre entrance, just steps away from the Land Train that takes you directly to the castle doors.
2. Hever Castle: The Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn
This 13th-century moated castle is famous for its Tudor history and its spectacular Italian Gardens.
- The Logistics Trap: Hever station is a “request stop” with no taxi rank and a mile-long walk through rural fields. Many tourists find themselves stranded here.
- The Kent Taxis Solution: Don’t get stuck! We provide direct transfers from Edenbridge Town Station or your hotel. Our drivers are well-versed in the “back-door” routes of the Kent/Surrey border to avoid seasonal traffic.
3. Dover Castle: The Key to England
Standing tall on the White Cliffs, Dover Castle is a massive fortress that has seen action from the Roman era through to the Cold War.
- The Challenge: The castle is situated high on a hill. Walking from Dover Priory station is a grueling uphill trek.
- Why Taxi? We take you right to the top of the hill to the ticket office. This saves your legs for the real exploration—climbing the Great Tower and walking the Secret Wartime Tunnels.
4. Hidden Gems: Deal and Rochester Castles
If you have a full day, why not add a stop at:
- Deal Castle: A rose-shaped Tudor fort built by Henry VIII.
- Rochester Castle: Home to one of the tallest and best-preserved Norman keeps in Europe.
Why Book a Private Taxi Tour?
1. Custom Itineraries
Unlike a fixed coach tour, you are the boss. Want to spend an extra hour in the Hever Gardens and skip the maze at Leeds? No problem. Your driver works to your schedule.
2. Local Knowledge
Our drivers often know the local history better than the guidebooks. From pointing out the best local pub for a roast lunch to telling you about the “haunted” corners of Pluckley village along the way, we add a personal touch to your trip.
3. All-Weather Comfort
English weather is unpredictable. If it starts to rain while you’re at the White Cliffs, your warm, dry Kent Taxis vehicle is waiting just a few feet away, rather than a mile back in a public car park.
4. Group Savings
When you split the cost of an 8-seater vehicle among friends or family, a private taxi tour often works out to be similar in price to individual train and bus tickets—but with ten times the convenience.
Plan Your History Tour Today
Let the history of Kent come alive without the stress of travel logistics. Contact our team to book a single transfer or a full-day bespoke castle tour.
- Phone: 01233367347
- WhatsApp: Message us here
- Email: info@kenttaxis.co.uk
- Website: www.kenttaxis.co.uk