As we’re adventuring through all our favourite counties in our Great British Outdoors series, it was only a matter of time before we reached the sandy shores of beautiful Kent on the south coast. A serene destination that’s close enough to London to soak up its city style, yet boasts rural serenity all its own, Kent is a unique place for outdoor exploration. It’s a wonderful choice for a getaway with loved ones with many stunning places to stay across the region.
Maybe one of Kent’s bohemian cottages by the sea and picture-perfect, town-centre boltholes have caught your eye? While the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty splits the county in two, providing diverse landscapes to discover as you venture along footpaths and country lanes, the seaside resorts and characterful cities ensure your holiday is infused with excitement and adventure. Walking barefoot across sand and shingle beaches, digging up stories of our UK history, and sipping cider with views of undulating landscape; that’s what holidays in Kent are all about.
10 best places to stay
Activities in Kent
An escape filled with wonder
Children see the magic in everything and can spend the whole day racing from one exciting activity to the next, never seeming to tire. If you have kids with endless energy to burn, we have a guide offering up suggestions of free days out in Kent for fun-filled breaks. You might also like a stay in one of our cottages with a climbing frame or big garden where youngsters can race around to their heart’s content. If the little ones finally need a place to flop, curl up with them on sumptuous sofas for a film night or sink into freshly-ironed sheets in one of our family-friendly cottages in Kent.
Of course, not every day is guaranteed sunshine. If the weather decides to take a turn for the worst, it’s time to pull on those wellies and go hunting for muddy puddles or seek out adventures under cover. Become a pirate, go swimming or get creative with one of our things to do on a rainy day in Kent.
Get out and about with your favourite people uncovering the very best of this tranquil south coast destination – from the wide open beaches perfect for beach games and sea swims, to the rural hamlets and towns offering up things to do for all ages. Time spent together is, after all, time well spent.
Things to do in Kent
Food and drink in Kent
Country pubs, Michelin-star bistros and beach huts
Have your fill of food and drink while out and about during your break to Kent, with traditional pubs ingrained in history, stylish restaurants offering a contemporary vibe, and eclectic cafes perfect for a frothy coffee and sugary slice of cake to refuel as you explore the region.
If you’re considering staying by the sea, you’ll be delighted with the wealth of beach restaurants serving up freshly-caught fish and cabins where you can pick up an ice cream to enjoy during your seaside day out.
Hearty pub grub is never far with many country inns scattered throughout the villages and towns, and set in remote locations surrounded by nothing but pretty farmland views. Sip on a refreshing pint or treat yourself and your travel companions to a full Sunday roast while on holiday, you’ll be ready for a big dinner after days out full of activities.
For those travellers with a more refined palate, you may like to seek out one of the exquisite Michelin-star bistros that Kent boasts. Thackeray’s Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells is a favourite in Kent, an unpretentious eatery providing creative dishes for you to try.
Top restaurants and pubs in Kent
Where to stay in Kent
From seaside retreats to rural homestays
Whether you are planning an impromptu getaway from the city or looking forward to your summer holiday by the sea, countless wonderful destinations await throughout Kent.
On a trip to Kent, you might head to Dover to see the famed white chalk cliffs, wander the ancient streets of Rochester, or unwind in the peaceful village of Wittersham. Whitstable is always a top place for a getaway with breathtaking beaches backed by stylish boltholes so you can enjoy the fresh sea air and serene views over your morning breakfast.
We haven’t even begun to reveal the wide range of retreats you can uncover in our Kent portfolio. You’ll come across hot tub lodges ensuring a truly indulging break, dog-friendly accommodation welcoming the entire pack, and thatched cottages for that chocolate-box beauty only found in the rural reaches of the UK.
Begin planning an unforgettable holiday to the south of England by browsing through our collection of cottages all across Kent.
All Kent cottages
