Captivating castles, stunning seaside towns and historic World Heritage sites – a holiday in Kent is sure to be one you’ll never forget. Found in the southeast, it’s been dubbed the ‘Garden of England’ for its network of vineyards, fertile farmland and fruit-filled orchards. Feeling inspired by the scenery throughout your stay? You won’t be alone, as the Folkestone Creative Quarter is brimming with artists, galleries and performing spaces.
Kent is also known far and wide for its hop-growing history and sparkling wines, plus there’s no shortage of traditional English pubs here if you’re looking for a slap-up meal or Sunday roast. After all, you’ve got stay fuelled for all the adventures ahead!
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Kent. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Something of a hidden storybook gem, Kent is one for the dreamers, explorers and history fanatics. Boasting everything from beaches to breweries, as well as castles and the White Cliffs of Dover, it’s the sort of place you’ll quickly wish you were staying in for longer.
With so many cultural attractions to uncover, Kent is a year-round destination, though you may want to plan your break around the seasons. Not afraid to embrace the cold? Stop by in winter to enjoy Canterbury Christmas Market, with temperatures falling to 4 degrees. Spring and autumn will see the natural world aglow with captivating colours, while summer brings longer days to explore it all.
With our luxury Kent cottages, you’ll be at the heart of the fun. But if you’re hoping to discover more of the region, you can check out our full collection of holiday homes in South East England.
You can’t visit Kent without taking in a castle or two. Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle served as Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Today it features manicured Italian gardens, a striking moat and peaceful lake area, while inside the fortress you’ll find beautifully preserved rooms.
Nicknamed ‘England in Stone,’ Canterbury Cathedral is a treasure trove of English history, and often serves as the starting point for most cottage holidays in Kent. Forming part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside St Martin’s Church (the oldest church in England) and St Augustine’s Abbey, this is a pivotal spot when mapping Britain’s religious past.
Looking for something a little different from the average historical visit? Try The Escape Room Experience, held in Dover Castle’s bunker, which sees you plunged into a thrilling Cold War re-enactment.
Once you’re out of there, it’s time to explore the natural landscape – after all, Kent has not one but two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): the High Weald and the Kent Downs. The White Cliffs of Dover also serve as home to Britain’s iconic port, so a visit here allows you to learn more about its fascinating military history – plus take on one of the UK’s most scenic cliff walks.
High Weald
Due to Kent’s flourishing natural landscape, it’s unsurprising you’ll find seasonal produce produce prepared into sumptuous cuisine across the county. Oysters are particularly popular when visiting Whitstable, a fishing town on the northern coastline. This local delicacy now forms part of the Whitstable Dredgerman’s Breakfast – a thick toasted sandwich that’s filled with freshly caught oysters and fried bacon.
Looking to stay on the carb train? It’s time to try huffkins. Kent’s answer to a signature bread roll, this baked good is characterised by its small indentation in the middle, which is made by the baker’s thumb and sometimes filled with jam or whipped cream. For those who prefer something savoury, you’ll also find them sandwiched with bacon.
Then it’s time to find a sweet treat, and once again you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Canterbury Tart has a grated apple and lemon filling that’s then topped with more sliced apples, while the Folkestone Pudding Pie sees raisins, sultanas and spices added to an unusual rice pudding filling. This is then layered on top of pie crust for an intriguing but ultimately delicious result.
When it’s time to wash it all down, there’s plenty of options available owing to Kent’s hop-growing history. Many of Kent’s top ales are produced in Shepherd Neame Brewery – England’s oldest brewery, which is found in Faversham and dates back to 1698. Prefer gin? There’s a dedicated festival to the spirit held in July.
The classic steam railway is ideal for mini train fanatics in the making, allowing them to chug along happily on your lap. There’s space for buggies on board too.
The Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to more than 400 animals. Their residents span leopards, monkeys, and the UK’s largest herd of African elephants!
What better way to get them off their phones than a walk in the great outdoors? Head to Mote Park and let them enjoy the skate park and Segway rides too.
Always unpredictable: No matter what season you visit, make sure to bring your wellies if planning to explore outdoors – the UK weather can never make up its mind!
Make plans: Keep in mind that some of the castles and museums require you to book in advance. Research your top picks to avoid disappointment.
Kent is one of England’s greenest counties, allowing you to truly switch off from reality and reconnect with the world around you.
Get ready for ‘Sandwich’ to mean something more than just a lunch staple! This medieval town is best known for its white mill, dating back to 1760.
Within the county of Kent, you’ll find an attractive town, quaint village or seaside spot to suit every type of holidaymaker. Whether you wish to spend your time wandering National Trust spots, soaking up the sun on retro beaches, or simply enjoying a few pints in the pub, a holiday in Kent is nothing if not varied.
Want to extend your trip further? We’ve got holiday homes to rent across the South East of England, covering hidden-gem Hampshire, beautiful Sussex and bustling London.
Undoubtedly top of the list when it comes to places to visit in Kent, this famous cathedral city is also one of England’s five ‘Magna Carta Towns’. Home to Hever Castle, the Creative Quarter of Folkestone and the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate, it guarantees a full day out.
Serving as the entrance way to the British Isles, Dover is bursting with history to discover throughout your visit. Whether you prioritise its castle, Roman lighthouse, secret WWII tunnels or simply a stroll along those famous White Cliffs, it’s somewhere you’ll leave with a head full of stories.
When the sun comes out, you can expect locals and tourists alike to flock to Ramsgate for its Blue Flag beach. Flanked by imposing cliffs and boasting its own pretty promenade – perfect for grabbing fresh fish and chips or perhaps an ice cream cone – it provides the quintessential English seaside experience.
If you’re visiting from Europe or the US, remember that the UK drives on the left side of the road!
Kent is very accessible by car from across the UK, and it’s also well connected to London via the M25, M2, M20 and M26. If you’re flying into either Gatwick or Heathrow airport (the closest to Kent), you’ll find many car hire options plus excellent rail links to Canterbury and beyond. A direct train service runs from London to Kent in less than 40 minutes.
From mainland Europe, you can also take the Eurostar direct to Ashford International Station or a ferry to Dover.
If you’re hoping to truly uncover everything Kent has to offer, we’d recommend either driving here or hiring a car from one of the local rentals in the area. Keep in mind that this county has everything from picturesque country lanes to busy motorways, so you’ll need to stay alert when driving.
Looking for a cheap place to leave your car? JustPark connects you with thousands of parking spaces across Kent, including on-street parking and regular car parks.
You’ll find train stations in many towns across Kent, including Canterbury, Ashurst, Cowden, Hayes, Shoreham and Gillingham. Services are fairly regular, with cheaper fares available on weekends and outside of key commuter hours. Travelling in a party of 3-9? Use GroupSave on Southeastern services.
A regular Arriva bus service operates across West and North Kent 7 days a week. It’ll also take you out to Bluewater shopping centre if you’re after a bit of retail therapy!
There’s a £5 Family Day pass that covers five people (including two adults) plus an app that helps you to plan your journey and buy tickets in advance.
Much of Kent is made to be explored outdoors, whether it’s a seaside promenade, stunning garden or those luscious rolling hills. Be sure to pack some supportive shoes and get out there!
