News

A number of the county's hidden gems are opening their doors free to everyone to mark the Kent Big Day Out on Saturday, March 27.

Thousands of free Kent Big Day Out tickets to more than 120 attractions have been distributed by the event organisers at Visit Kent.

But, as free tickets numbers were limited, some people entering the Kent Big Day Out ticket ballot were disappointed.

"This is a great day to get out and about and see for yourself why Kent is such a popular destination with visitors. We have so many attractions ranging from internationally renowned castles and cathedrals to a host of delightful hidden gems," said Visit Kent Chief Executive Sandra Matthews-Marsh.

"It is many of these less familiar treasures that are opening their doors to everyone wanting to celebrate the Kent Big Day Out. And many are staging guided tours, walks and organising events to make the day extra special."

There will be free Kent Big Day Out admission for all Kent residents and special events at the Polka Dot Art Centre, Teynham; AffordART Fabulous Folkestone; The Grand, Folkestone; Tunbridge Wells Museum; Minster Abbey Gatehouse, near Sheerness; Bluetown Heritage Museum, Sheerness; Whitstable Museum; Herne Bay Museum; Westgate Tower, Canterbury; The Roman Museum, Canterbury; the Museum of Canterbury and Rupert Bear Museum; Cranbrook Union Windmill; Crampton Tower, Broadstairs; Drapers Windmill, Margate; Ramsgate Brewery; RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Museum; St George's Church, Gravesend; and The Agricultural Museum, Brook, near Ashford.

Meanwhile, travel and tourism students from West Kent College, Mid Kent College, Canterbury College, Thanet College and Cornwallis Academy are preparing to join in the countywide event to gain hands-on experience in leisure, tourism and hospitality businesses by helping out with customer service and undertaking research projects.

Everyone visiting an attraction as part of the Kent Big Day Out is being encouraged to take along their camera and enter their photographs and videos in two Visit Kent competitions.

There are two categories in this year's People and Places photo competition one for the best image capturing the fun people are having with their families and friends, and a second for the best photo which would encourage someone else to visit the destination. The winner of each category will receive a year's membership of English Heritage for two.

Meanwhile, there will be prizes for the best two short videos capturing the Kent Big Day Out experience. Visit Kent and Kent County Council will present the winner with a FlipVideoHD camcorder and the runner-up will receive a year's English Heritage membership for two people.

To enter the Kent Big Day Out photo and video competitions, and to discover more about the places for a great day out in Kent, go to   www.visitkent.co.uk

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010