Fascinating World Heritage sites and show-stopping seaside towns are just a couple of reasons to holiday in Kent. And when you visit this stunning southeast county, you’ll see it’s a fantastic place to spend a well-earned break. Dubbed the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is renowned for its hop-growing history and glorious vineyards which have become highly regarded for their sparkling wines – so don’t leave without sampling a tipple or two. Whether you’re after family fun in Margate or you’d like to relax in one of our stunning beach retreats, you’ll find some brilliant days out in Kent.
When to visit
With so many historical and cultural attractions, Kent is a year-round destination, with plenty to see and do whatever the time of year. The coldest weather in Kent typically falls between December and February (average daytime temperatures of 7-8 degrees) and the hottest weather falls in July and August when average daytime temperatures fall between 18 and 22 degrees. Spring and Autumn are great times to visit Kent to avoid the crowds and enjoy the bright colours of its historical gardens. As with the rest of the UK, the weather is never predictable, so always pack your waterproof and wellies!
How to get there
Kent is very accessible by car from the UK and it’s well connected to London and the south via the M25, M2, M20 and M26. You’ll find many car hire options across the county and there are excellent rail links, with key stations in many cities and towns including Canterbury, Ashurst, Cowden, Hayes, Shoreham and Gillingham. A direct train service runs from London to Kent in less than 40 minutes. From mainland Europe, you can take the Eurostar direct to Ashford International Station or a ferry to Dover. Both domestic and international airlines fly into London Gatwick and Heathrow, the closest airports to Kent.
Why visit Kent?
Broadstairs
Coastline
Kent’s rugged coastline plays home to some of the country’s best-known beaches. Margate is a fantastic place to take your bucket and spade and a visit to Viking Bay in Broadstairs is one of the best things to do with kids in Kent.
Countryside
Kent has a history of hop growing, dating back to the 1800s and it’s home to rolling vineyards, orchards and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): the High Weald (which also covers parts of Sussex and Surrey) and The Kent Downs.
Food and Drink
Seafood lovers will revel in the oyster bars that fringe Whitstable’s seafront while those who enjoy a tipple can explore Kent’s local beer and wine. Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer while dozens of vineyards here produce high-quality English sparkling wine.
History and culture
The famous Cathedral city of Canterbury – one of the England’s five ‘Magna Carta Towns’ – and Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, are top historical attractions in Kent. Don’t miss the Creative Quarter of Folkestone and the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate, just some of Kent’s top cultural sights.
Hidden Gems
Dover castle
Curious Brewery
Check out Chapel Down’s Curious brewery in Ashford where you can try some great local craft beers and English cider and take a tour of this ‘Cathedral of Brewing’.
Escape Room experience at Dover Castle
Rise to a heart-pumping challenge and crack the security codes of a secret wartime tunnel. The Escape Room Experience, held in Dover Castle’s bunker, plunges you into a thrilling Cold War re-enactment and is a novel thing to do with your friends.
Folkestone Creative Quarter
With 90 restored buildings, artists galleries and warehouses doubling up as performance spaces, the Creative Quarter has become a hive of activity in Folkestone. See a theatre production at the Folkestone Quarterhouse and peruse the artisan shops on the Old High Street.
Where to visit
White cliffs of Dover
White Cliffs of Dover
Everyone’s heard of the White Cliffs of Dover, home to Britain’s iconic port and a fascinating military history. Today, it’s a beautiful place to discover wildlife, see the UK’s oldest surviving lighthouse and take scenic cliff walks overlooking the English Channel.
Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canterbury
Nicknamed ‘England in Stone,’ Canterbury Cathedral is a treasure trove of English history and it’s a great starting point for exploring Canterbury. It forms part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside St Martin’s Church (the oldest church in England) and St Augustine’s Abbey, which played a key part in Britain’s religious history.
Find more historic places to visit in Kent on our blog.
Kent Downs
Owing to its diverse topography of chalk streams, rivers and marshes, and thick ancient woodland, the Kent Downs is a recognised AONB. Its historical ruins and remains – from Neolithic megalithic monuments to Iron Age hill-forts – are some of the most visited Kent attractions. Highlights also include the Tudor houses of Chilham, the scenic Perry Woods and the Samphire Hoe nature reserve.
How about that then? Whether you’re looking for a few great days out in Kent or a long staycation, check out our holiday homes in Kent. If you need a hand choosing which one is perfect for you, contact our friendly concierge team who are always happy to help!
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