Alfred Palmer

Alfred Palmer is a historic site just outside Canterbury that most visitors to Kent walk straight past without realising what they're looking at. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of digging - literally and figuratively - because the story here runs deep into the region's past.

What you're actually visiting depends on what's survived and what's been preserved, but the site itself tells you something about how people lived and worked in this part of Kent centuries ago. It's not a grand manor or a castle - it's more intimate than that, which is precisely why it matters. History types and anyone interested in how ordinary folk made their living will find it compelling; families with young children might find themselves asking "what are we looking at exactly?" within ten minutes.

The Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite sits barely a mile away, making this an easy morning walk if you're based there. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping is equally close. It's the sort of stop you'd pair with a proper wander around Canterbury itself rather than a full day's outing - allow 45 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you're just passing through or actually stopping to read what's there.

Do check opening details before you go - these smaller historic sites don't always keep regular hours, and admission terms vary. It's worth the detour if you're curious about how medieval and Tudor Kent actually functioned day-to-day, but don't expect visitor facilities or a café.