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Where to go in Kent for a 'staycation' this summer to avoid foreign travel quarantine rules

Travelling abroad for a break became a lot less attractive today after the introduction of a two-week quarantine for people returning to the UK from most countries.

So with summer holidays overseas increasingly unlikely this year, here is what Kent has to offer for your 'staycation' after lockdown eases.

Canterbury Cathedral instead of the Sagrada Basilica

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is a striking Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona, Spain.

Building began in 1882 but has remained unfinished as its slow construction was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1936 when revolutionaries set fire to the crypt.

Though such a monument will be sad to miss this year, Canterbury Cathedral is saturated in history as one of the oldest Christian structures in England.

Founded in 597, it was where St Augustine preached after being sent from Rome to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. It is also where Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket was assassinated in 1170 by four of King Henry II's knights.

Deer in Knole Park instead of antelope on the Serengeti

Wildlife lovers may have missed their chance to see majestic antelope, buffalo, zebra and elephants on the Serengeti this year.

But even with zoos like Port Lympne closed, you can still get out and see the wildlife of Kent.

On Knole Estate's park in Sevenoaks there are 350 wild sika and fallow deer. This herd's ancestors have been wandering the park for over 500 years after it was enclosed by a fence in 1455 so the owner could hunt.

The National Trust has asked any visitors to the park not to feed the deer or get close to them as they can become aggressive.

Joss Bay instead of Gerakas Beach

There is no shortage of stunning coasts across the globe which avid beach-goers will be yearning for to visit as lockdown eases.

For example, Gerakas Beach, Greece has a stunning view, lovely sands and sea turtles are often spotted on their shores.

But don't despair just yet, as Kent has many beautiful beaches of its own, including Joss Bay in Broadstairs.

You can enjoy the sea, soft sand, explore the rock pools along the coast or take a walk to see Kingsgate Castle atop the chalk cliffs.

River Medway instead of the canals in Venice

Venice, Italy, is a beloved European city which is on many travellers' bucket lists.

There is nothing quite like it in Kent. However, if you are willing to stretch the imagination and would still like to peacefully drift through the water in a small boat, canoeing down the River Medway could be a nice alternative.

Some canoeing companies are open for people to hire their boats to take along the Medway.

Though you may not have a colourful city view, there is plenty of riverside greenery to enjoy as you paddle along.

North Downs instead of the Swiss Alps

It's not just the warm and cosy locations that will be missed this summer. Eager hikers will be missing the challenge of mountains across the world.

The Swiss Alps are famously challenging with their highest point being a 4,634 metre climb. But this is all made worth it by the extraordinary view over Switzerland.

As an alternative, hikers can stretch their legs by taking on North Downs which stretches from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover with its highest point at 245 metres in Westerham Heights, near Bromley.

This way there is still the challenge of a steep climb and the satisfaction of a wonderful view across the green expanse of Kent.

Deal Castle instead of Château de Pierrefonds

Château de Pierrefonds in Oise, France is one of the many famous French castles which tourists flock to see every year. The château was built between 1393 and 1407 with many characteristics of a middle aged military fort.

After coming under siege, it was rebuilt after Napoleon I bought it in 1810 for less than 3,000 francs. Castles are often rich with interesting history, which is true of many in Kent.

Deal Castle was built on the order of Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540. This was part of a wider effort to defend the area from invasion of the French and Holy Roman Empire.

Whether you are admiring it from the outside or seeing the vast storerooms and captains quarters on the inside, the castle takes you back in time to those who worked there over 400 years ago.

To read more about the likelihood of travellers being able to go abroad this summer, click here.

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