The Kentish Barn

In this wonderful location near the Saxon Shore Way you can enjoy miles of ruins, dunes and medieval towns in a wonderfully rural environment. It is undoubtedly paradise for walkers and cyclists, with huge skies and rolling green hills punctuated by the occasional church spire or castle turret. Within walking distance, you will find the cosy Ferry Inn, a 14th century pub which offers roaring log fires and specialist Rye Bay scallops. The local village of Tenterden, just 15 minutes away, with its tree-lined High Street, has countless shops and cafes and even a steam train running services to the ruins of Bodiam Castle. When the weather’s right, take a dip in the sea at Camber Sands where you can enjoy surfing and other water-sports.

Renowned for its rural beauty and stunning sunsets along the 350 miles of breath-taking coastline, Kent offers a whole world of lavender fields, orchards, vineyards and oast houses intersecting amid the rolling green hills, and of course, its immense White Cliffs of Dover!

Whatever you’re into, be it art galleries, elegant stately homes, romantic getaways, fun-filled family attractions or historic buildings, you’ll be sure to find it here! Kent is home to stunning castles, exciting culture and artistic energy.

For the active types, there’s more than 4,200 miles of exhilarating foot and cycle trails. While on the water you can try your hand at Kite Surfing, Sailing, Jet Skiing, Surfing and much more! And if it’s a day outdoors you’re after, fear not: Kent offers some of the best beaches in Europe which have been attracting tourists for the past 250 years! Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate host just a few of these magnificently sandy bays, while Whitstable, Herne Bay and Broadstairs are lined with dazzling, traditional Beach Huts that always ignite a sense of joy!

Indeed, there’s beautiful scenery around every corner – Kent didn’t get its name as The Garden of England from nowhere! There are over 180 stunning gardens to choose from for a calm, relaxing and rejuvenating stroll, including such well-known gardens as Sissinghurst! Kent also has more castles than any other county, including Leeds Castle, the’ loveliest castle in the world’! And if it’s historical buildings you’re after, don’t miss Canterbury Cathedral, Britain’s oldest Cathedral!

And yet – it’s not all history! Across the county you’ll find cutting edge galleries, thriving theatre, vibrant nightlife and illustrious festivals – and not to mention some of the country’s best shopping! The famous Bluewater centre has over 300 stores, 60 restaurants, cinemas, leisure activities and much more!

Access to the area is simple: from almost any location, head to London! London Bridge, Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, Victoria and St Pancras International all connect to Kent. If flying to the area, the best airports are London Gatwick and London Heathrow, although there are many more airports within a short drive. If you prefer to travel by train, the high-speed Eurostar services from Paris, Brussels and Lille stop at Ashford International Station and Ebbsfleet International Station, both of which are in Kent. And of course, at the famous white cliffs of Dover, you can catch one of the many channel ferries from Calais.

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Kent

Welcome to the bloomin' marvellous "Garden of England", Kent! Sprinkled with Oliver’s Travels cute cottages, bee-shaped lodges, mansion houses, seaside wonders and colossal party houses, you will find just the perfect place to stay to discover this wonderful county. So, gather up your favourite friends or your family or whisk away your special someone for a romantic getaway. Thanks to Oliver’s Travels, your adventure in this flowery haven is just a booking away!

Kent is home to some real showstoppers. First up is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Archbishop of Canterbury's favourite hangout. With its Gothic glam and incredible history, it is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Leeds Castle, named the "loveliest castle in the world", is surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens that make you question if you have stepped into a fairy tale. The White Cliffs of Dover stand tall and proud, like the bodyguards of Britain. These chalky wonders have guarded this fine land for centuries and a trip to Dover not only treats you to panoramic views of the English Channel but also a chance to explore the historic Dover Castle.

Nature lovers adore The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a green haven of rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages. It feels like Mother Nature threw a garden party and you are invited! You can lace up those hiking boots, hop on a bike or just bask in the countryside tranquility. If you are looking for beachside bliss, Margate and Broadstairs have sandy shores and a lively arts scene. You should check out the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.

Canterbury is a living, breathing medieval postcard with cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Stour snaking through. Tenterden and Faversham, the market towns, are like stepping into a scene from a quaint British movie. Markets, boutique shops and historic architecture blend together in a beautiful way. Chilham, the village with a Tudor-style square, is practically a movie star. You might have seen it in period dramas, it is that photogenic.

There are plenty of festivals that take place, including The Canterbury Festival of music, theatre and art. The Rochester Dickens Festival offers Victorian-themed events, parades and street performances. It is like stepping into a Dickens novel. Get your taste buds ready for a dance because Kent is the "Garden of England" for a reason. Featuring orchards, hop gardens and vineyards, it is a feast for the senses. You can visit farmers' markets, cider houses and wineries to savour the local delights. Kentish cherries and apples are the celebrities here and you are the VIP guest at their flavour-packed party.

Kent is a whirlwind of history, natural beauty and culture. You will fall head over heels and the memories will linger like the scent of summer roses. So, whether you are storming medieval castles, sauntering through charming towns, lazing on a beach or feasting on oysters in Whitstable, a trip to Kent guarantees an adventure. Cheers to Kent where every moment is a bloomin' good time!