With its beautiful landscapes, popular attractions and proximity to the capital, Kent is becoming an increasingly popular destination for celebrities.

This year, dozens of famous faces were spotted around the county, from some of music’s biggest names to daytime TV stars.

Here, we look at some of the big names who visited the county in 2024.

First up, three-time Grammy winner Dua Lipa caused a stir when she turned up in Viking Bay, Broadstairs, in May.

She was there filming an O2 advert and was seen strutting along the sand.

The finished commercial included shots of the local RNLI station and Morelli’s ice cream parlour.

Sticking with music, the one-and-only Sir Paul McCartney was spotted at an Ashford restaurant in June.

He was visiting Boys Hall for a family meal to celebrate his 82nd birthday.

An onlooker told The Sun: “Paul and his family booked a private room.

“They were quietly ushered in and were taken to the Drawing Room, where the chefs cooked a three-course feast for them.

"It was super low-key, just Paul and his closest family members.”

The Beatles legend lives close to the Kent border in East Sussex and was seen in Ashford in 2016 watching Kung Fu Panda at Cineworld.

In April, This Morning star Alison Hammond went to Port Lympne near Hythe - a very popular spot with celebs.

She visited with her 26-year-old boyfriend and the pair stayed in the £1,450-a-night Lion Lodge.

“What a lovely stay at Port Lympne,” she wrote on her Instagram page.

“A superb hotel and reserve!

“Staying at the Lion Lodge was a dream and truly unforgettable.”

Earlier this month, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared snaps from a rainy weekend in Herne Bay.

She was joined by Waterloo Road actress Angela Griffin, activist Tamzin Outhwaite, Trollied star Sarah Parish and TV chef Lisa Faulkner.

The pals stayed at Signature By the Bay, costing just over £3,000 for a minimum three-night stay.

They also had dinner at the Michelin-starred Sportsman in nearby Seasalter, with Holden sharing a photo of her salmon dish.

Posting the video, the 52-year-old said: “The best girls’ weekend in the most shocking weather with the women I adore.”

While Haven may not seem somewhere the rich and famous would like to stay, Stacey Solomon did just that.

She was spotted at the resort in Allhallows, near Rochester, in April.

The X Factor star joked she and her husband Joe Swash were being “held hostage” as the kids did not want to go home.

Another much-loved TV personality also came to the county this year.

We’re back at Port Lympne again, where Holly Willoughby stayed in February.

The former This Morning presenter visited for her 43rd birthday, also sleeping in Lion Lodge.

A post on Instagram read: “Thank you to my family for the best birthday weekend.

“Lions and lie-ins pretty much sums it up.”

In September, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man delighted fans after snapping selfies with them outside a Margate Tattoo studio.

He was there to film a music video for a new track.

Artist at Reaperz Inc. Dan Bolton said: “He spent time with the clients we had in the shop, laughed and joked, stood for photos and had a bit of banter between shooting scenes.

“[He is a] really down-to-earth guy and it was a pleasure to have him in the studio.”

Presenter Clare Balding visited St Mildred’s Church, Tenterden, in October.

The sports show host was there to oversee an auction to raise funds for the building’s renovation and extension.

A total of 250 people were in attendance during the evening to see the BBC Sports Personality of the Year presenter.

Rev Lindsay Hammond said: "Clare was fantastic. We all left the church buzzing.”

Another familiar face on the telly, Joanna Lumley, visited the same place of worship earlier in the year.

The Absolutely Fabulous star went along in May for another charity sale.

​​Following the gala, town mayor Sue Ferguson said: "Huge thanks to Joanna Lumley for attending a fundraising evening at St Mildred's Church [and] raising money for the transformation of St Mildred's.

“An absolutely fabulous evening.”

Yet another famous face stayed at Port Lympne just last week.

Former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate stayed in Tiger Lodge.

The pair visited over the weekend for son Cree’s fourth birthday, coming face-to-face with tigers in a luxurious lodge.

In one video, the former England centre-back, who has 81 caps for his country, and his family were left in awe as the majestic animals paraded in front of their window.

In March, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer played in a charity football match in Chatham.

Held at the Bauville, reality stars Dan Osborne from The Only Way Is Essex, as well as Ouzy See and Billy Brown from Love Island, were also in the team.

It was in aid of The Red Eagle Foundation, set up to empower disadvantaged children who have mobility, mental health and learning difficulties.

Dyer - who recently starred in hit TV drama Rivals - also played in Chatham FC’s charity lineup last year.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas delighted competitors at Medway Park Sports Centre, which hosted a four-day Latin and Ballroom tournament this year.

The International Dance Festival 2024 took place from September 29 to October 2 and saw 10,000 dancers from 64 countries take part.

She was spotted taking snaps with star-struck dancers at the event.

Doctor Who even came to Kent this year in the form of Tom Baker.

He played the fourth Time Lord between 1974 to 1981 and visited Sid’s Emporium, Tenterden, in April.

The 90-year-old was invited along by owners Donna and Simon.

Donna, who was a big fan of the show as a child, described Mr Baker as a “true gentleman”.

Much to her delight, he posed for a picture with her and a Charman and Hawes 1965 Dalek.

Also in April, Shaun Wallace - aka The Dark Destroyer - hosted a charity quiz at Bower Grove school in Maidstone.

Mr Wallace has featured on ITV’s The Chase since 2009 and is one of six “chasers”.

He is a barrister and lecturer, as well as a former winner of BBC's Mastermind quiz show.

The 63-year-old took part in the event to raise funds for the Mid Kent Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

The Gentlemen and Divergent star Theo James was seen in Nature's Goods at the Nuttery Café, in Ryarsh, where he ordered a flat white.

His visit in September stunned staff, who spoke to the actor and took pictures.

Comedian Jason Manford did more than just visit a Kent pub, he reviewed it.

In August, he visited the Tickled Trout in Wye and tried out a ploughman's.

Posting on social media, he said the chunky ham, good selection of cheese, and pickled onion were great, but he decided the £20 price tag was “a bit steep.”

Over in Faversham, a big star often spotted in the town gave an exclusive interview to KentOnline.

Mia Khalifa - who rose to fame in the adult entertainment industry - says Faversham is the only place she doesn’t wear a mask while walking around as she feels safe in the town.

Not so mysterious, Peter Andre delighted locals when he visited a cafe in Whitstable.

Revival Food and Mood staff in Whitstable High Street were very happy to welcome the 90s singer in May.

He was there for a segment on the One Show taking a look at the venue’s Mental Health Bank, which provides free resources.

Also in May, internet sensation and fitness coach Joe Wicks led schoolchildren in a workout.

The YouTuber, also known as The Body Coach, attended Charlton Church of England Primary School in Dover.

He gave tips on how to stay motivated and healthy, saying: “Every day I feel like I don't want to exercise, but I get up and I get going.

“If you have a cold shower it gives you more energy, and exercising gives you more energy for the rest of the day too.”

Last but by no means least, in January a pub was graced by a man who famously travelled around the world in 80 days.

Broadcaster Sir Michael Palin unveiled a plaque in honour of a group of Arctic explorers at the John Franklin in Greenhithe.

In 1845, a British voyage of Arctic exploration led by Captain Sir John Franklin departed England but never returned after becoming ice-bound.

Sir Michael even spoke to KentOnline at the event, saying: “This was their last port of call and the last time a lot of their families would have seen them.

“It is freighted with significance as it was the last time they would celebrate together. It’s very emotional.”