The South Eastern English county, famously described because the ‘Garden of England,’ has scenic magnificence in abundance. From the enduring White Cliffs and easy-on-the-eye seaside enclaves, Kent’s shoreline is especially particular, however the inland countryside is spectacular, too! Here are my favorite spots I’d like to share with you…
1. Broadstairs
I extremely suggest beginning at this coastal city on the Isle of Thanet! It has a particular appeal all of its personal and is crammed with good old style seaside enjoyable.
For starters, the lengthy, vast sandy seaside lined with fairly, vibrant seaside huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is simply great.
I really like how the city has a nostalgic really feel with a mixture of retro and extra fashionable retailers, cafes, eating places, artwork galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and enticing red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The space can also be improbable for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths hyperlink stunning bays right here.
Broadstairs additionally has some essential literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favorite vacation spot! On my go to I explored Dickens House Museum (the previous and really charming house of Mary Pearson Strong, who impressed the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak House, a hanging constructing excessive on a cliff the place Dickens penned David Copperfield.
2. Canterbury
Located in southeast England, I feel the cathedral metropolis of Canterbury is a surprising and it’s additionally highly regarded with everybody else too! It has an historic and essential historical past with important literary connections, however it’s so properly preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was as soon as a well-liked pilgrimage web site, and its literary connections come from being the previous stomping floor of Chaucer, the well-known writer and poet who hailed from the Middle Ages. The metropolis impressed him a lot that he based mostly the world-famous “Canterbury Tales” right here.
It has historic partitions, initially constructed by the Romans, surrounding its medieval centre. Inside the partitions are a community of cobbled streets, attractive timber-framed homes, six museums, seven artwork galleries, six theatres, one citadel, one abbey, 24 Canterbury Tales, and the attractive cathedral!
When right here I really like exploring all of the picturesque parks, gardens, attention-grabbing retailers, quaint cafes, and advantageous eating places – I personally suppose it’s a really advantageous metropolis vacation spot!
3. Whitstable
This is an prosperous coastal city situated on the north coast of Kent in southeast England, not too removed from Canterbury. It has a seaside (shingle) lined with vibrant seaside huts, a harbour, and pastel-painted shopfronts, however that is no cheesy English seaside resort!
Think extra of a classy foodie vacation spot on the ocean, full with Michelin-starred eating places, meals (principally shellfish) festivals, and craft beer a lot.
I additionally love its inventive aspect, with many artwork galleries, impartial reward retailers, and retro/classic shops. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic possibility for both a day journey or an extended break. Just ensure you take a look at the great Fisherman’s Huts for distinctive seafront lodging!
Beautiful coastal surroundings surrounds the city and I at all times like to discover as a lot as I can whereas right here!
4. Scotney Castle
Located to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst and owned by the National Trust, I’m at all times utterly bowled by this excellent treasure and I really like the romantic vibe it has right here.
Built within the 14th century, I personally stunning turreted English nation home with formal gardens and a moat is as shut as you will get to a fairytale constructing!
Located inside the valley of the River Bewl, its environment are lush, too and contains many strolling trails over 770 acres of attractive woodland.
On my journey I explored the within that are a elegant mix of Victorian and Georgian kinds, with ingredient of Gothic Revival on a guided tour, walked across the floor that are a mixture of formal gardens, pure landscapes, and woodlands, after which loved a scrumptious meal within the quaint tea room!
5. Herne Bay
I’m at all times charmed by Herne Bay which is an easy-on-the-eye coastal city situated close to the town of Canterbury. It’s a stunning spot and is house to over two miles of shoreline, a sand and shingle seaside, fairly multi-coloured seaside huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so gives loads of seaside enjoyable!
I additionally love the very kitsch Seaside Museum which is house to a set of pictures from the city’s Victorian heyday and even an previous Punch and Judy set.
I additionally make time to discover the numerous improbable impartial retailers and eating places, artwork galleries, and alternatives for beautiful coastal walks.
6. Kent Downs
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent Downs is among the county’s most scenic websites. It stretches from the London/Surrey border to the well-known White Cliffs of Dover.
Its enchanting pure sights embrace chalk ridges, dipping slopes, dry valleys, grassy landscapes lined with hedgerows, conventional orchards, and picturesque ponds. It can also be house to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and uncommon vegetation.
It’s additionally house to a few of the highest factors within the Southeast, and also you’ve most likely guessed that this makes for an extremely scenic stroll. So, don these boots, seize your loved ones and canine, and get going!
7. Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive and the White Cliffs of Dover
In my opinion, The Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive is a must-do attraction! If you’re hoping for a soothing drive with jaw-dropping surroundings, this can be the place for you.
Enjoy a superb coastal journey by means of unbelievable sights just like the White Cliffs of Dover and Thanet’s beautiful chain of fifteen sandy seashores.
The White Cliffs of Dover are a well-known landmark now owned by the National Trust. They face France, and through the World Wars, they grew to become an emblem of freedom and hope and had been usually sung about in now-legendary battle songs!
This scenic drive takes you thru the county’s historic cities and cultural regeneration. At the identical time, you’ll be able to take within the wonderful East Coast view of the place.
There are a number of galleries and classic retailers inside the space. Visit the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three well-known golf hyperlinks.
8. Aylesford
This is a medium-sized village and civil parish on the River Medway, accessed by a picturesque 14th-century five-arched bridge.
It began initially as a small riverside settlement that originated as early again as Neolithic occasions, and the previous city is comprised of round 60 homes, a lot of which had been former retailers.
You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and in my view, it’s an exquisite village and one of many most interesting within the SouthEast.
Many important historic buildings exist to discover, together with the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Hall, and some attention-grabbing impartial retailers.
9. Leeds Castle
This beautiful stone citadel in-built 857AD was as soon as known as the “loveliest castle in the world” Whether you agree or not, this can be a advantageous specimen of place and considered one of England’s most essential and finest castles.
Once a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, and a royal palace (it was Henry VIII who lived along with his first spouse, Catherine of Aragon), it’s now open to the general public. It gives numerous issues, from lodging to workshops, excursions, talks, and occasions.
Its location can also be beautiful. It is just not too removed from the massive city of Maidstone, set on two islands in an impressive lake.
There is an choice to discover additional, and right here, you’ll additionally discover over 500 acres of lovely gardens and parkland simply ready to be explored.
10. One Tree Hill and Knole
Owned and guarded by the National Trust, this can be a stunning slice of countryside and a must-see for nature lovers and walkers.
Located in Kent’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this web site gives beautiful panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.
The scenic space additionally offers wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, together with wild garlic, bluebells, and the uncommon level snail.
Nearby can also be situated in Sevenoaks (solely a 13-minute drive away) and owned by the National Trust Knole. Knole is a rustic home and former archbishop’s palace inside Knole Park, a 1,000-acre park situated instantly southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.
The home ranks among the many high 5 of England’s largest homes and occupies an exquisite four-acre space.
11. Ightham Mote
This medieval 14th-century moated manor home is close to Sevenoaks. It has an excellent architectural design, and the author John Newman described it as “the most complete small medieval manor house in the county.”
Get misplaced within the property and discover the gorgeous gardens, now owned by the National Trust and open to the general public.
Three fairly waymarked routes will take you across the Ightham Mote property alongside footpaths, woodland, and nation lanes. You also can tour the Grade I-listed constructing and its great and attention-grabbing historic interiors.
12. Hever Castle
Once an essential historic landmark constructed within the thirteenth century, Hever Castle is now a well-liked vacationer attraction. It’s additionally well-known for being the seat of the Boleyn household of Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor fame.
Located within the fairly village of Hever close to Edenbridge, it started life as a rustic home and now has mazes, picturesque gardens, and a stunning lake.
You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Hever Castle to see all of the preserved structure from years passed by and likewise go to the well-maintained gardens. It additionally hosts a well-liked annual jousting match each summer season.
13. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
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A romantic spot, this stunning historic constructing is situated in Sissinghurst village and is legendary for as soon as being the house to the well-known poet and author Vita Sackville-West.
Vita designed the gardens surrounding the citadel within the Nineteen Thirties and hailed the entire place as a ‘ refuge dedicated to beauty’. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, an writer and diplomat, additionally lived along with her.
The Grade I-listed constructing is on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens and is owned by the National Trust, so you’ll be able to take your time exploring the gorgeous gardens and property.
14. Chapel Down Winery
The Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden is named the house to England’s main wine producer and England’s reply to Sauvignon Blanc.
Here, you’ll be able to see the place the wine is grown and made, and take a tour of the winery property to soak up the beautiful landscapes and views.
Depending in your journey size, it’s possible you’ll take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Make certain you additionally take trip to take a look at the winery on the award-winning Chapel Down property.
There can also be a well-liked restaurant on-site and a restaurant promoting foods and drinks.
15. Bewl Lake
This is among the well-known reservoirs within the valley of the River Bewl. It straddles the boundary between Kent and East Sussex in England, stretches about 2 miles south of the village of Lamberhurst, and is a stunning magnificence spot to discover.
You can go for a protracted stroll and benefit from the stunning water views.
You also can rent bikes to discover the tranquil surroundings. Rowboats might be employed right here for a stunning afternoon.