The South Jap English county, famously described because the ‘Backyard 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 fairly spectacular, too! Listed here are my favorite spots…
1. Broadstairs
I extremely advocate beginning at this coastal city on the Isle of Thanet! It has a particular allure all of its personal and is full of good old style seaside enjoyable.
For starters, the lengthy, broad sandy seashore lined with fairly, vibrant seashore huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is simply fantastic.
The city has a nostalgic really feel with a mixture of retro and extra trendy outlets, cafes, eating places, artwork galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and engaging red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The realm can be improbable for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths hyperlink stunning bays right here.
Broadstairs additionally has some necessary literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favorite vacation spot.
Be sure to go to the Dickens Home Museum (the previous and really charming dwelling of Mary Pearson Robust, who impressed the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak Home, a hanging constructing excessive on a cliff the place Dickens penned David Copperfield.
2. Canterbury
Situated in southeast England, the cathedral metropolis of Canterbury is a shocking and highly regarded spot! It has an historic and necessary historical past with important literary connections, however it’s so nicely preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
It was as soon as a preferred pilgrimage web site, and its literary connections come from being the previous stomping floor of Chaucer, the well-known creator and poet who hailed from the Center Ages. The town 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. Contained in the partitions are a community of cobbled streets, beautiful timber-framed homes, six museums, seven artwork galleries, six theatres, one citadel, one abbey, 24 Canterbury Tales, and the beautiful cathedral!
Add to those picturesque parks, gardens, and loads of attention-grabbing outlets, cafes, and eating places, and you’ve got a nice metropolis vacation spot!
3. Whitstable
That is an prosperous coastal city positioned on the north coast of Kent in southeast England, not too removed from Canterbury. It has a seashore (shingle) lined with vibrant seashore huts, a harbour, and pastel-painted shopfronts, however that is no cheesy English seaside resort!
Assume extra of a classy foodie vacation spot on the ocean, full with Michelin-starred eating places, meals (principally shellfish) festivals, and craft beer lots.
It has a inventive aspect, with many artwork galleries, unbiased present outlets, and retro/classic shops. For my part, it’s an amazing possibility for both a day journey or an extended break. Simply be sure to take a look at the fantastic Fisherman’s Huts for distinctive seafront lodging!
Stunning coastal surroundings surrounds the city, so I counsel exploring it additional.
4. Scotney Fort
Situated to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst, one can find this excellent treasure, which the Nationwide Belief now owns.
Constructed within the 14th century, this stunning turreted English nation home with formal gardens and a moat is as arguably shut as you may get to a fairytale constructing.
Situated throughout the valley of the River Bewl, its environment are fairly lush, too and consists of many strolling trails over 770 acres of beautiful woodland.
Discover the within, uncover all of the constructing’s secrets and techniques on tour, stroll across the grounds, get pleasure from a scrumptious meal within the tea room or picnic within the designated space.
5. Kent Downs
An Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, 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 is usually dwelling to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and uncommon flowers.
It’s additionally dwelling to among the highest factors within the Southeast, and also you’ve in all probability guessed that this makes for an extremely scenic stroll. So, don these boots, seize your loved ones and canine, and get going!
6. Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive and the White Cliffs of Dover
For my part, The Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive is a must-do attraction! In case you are hoping for a soothing drive with jaw-dropping surroundings, this can be the place for you.
Take pleasure in 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 Nationwide Belief. They face France, and in the course of the World Wars, they turned a logo of freedom and hope and have been typically sung about in now-legendary warfare songs!
This scenic drive takes you thru the county’s historic cities and cultural regeneration. On the similar time, you possibly can take within the superb East Coast view of the place.
There are a number of galleries and classic outlets throughout the space. Go to the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three well-known golf hyperlinks.
7. 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 “probably the most full small medieval manor home within the county.”
Get misplaced within the property and discover the attractive gardens, now owned by the Nationwide Belief 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 can too tour the Grade I-listed constructing and its fantastic and attention-grabbing historic interiors.
8. Aylesford
It 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, lots of which have been former outlets.
You may go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and in my view, it’s a fantastic village and one of many most interesting within the SouthEast.
Many important historic buildings exist to discover, together with the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Corridor, and some attention-grabbing unbiased outlets.
9. Leeds Fort
This beautiful stone citadel inbuilt 857AD was as soon as known as the “loveliest citadel on this planet” Whether or not you agree or not, it is a nice specimen of place and one in all England’s most necessary and greatest castles.
As soon as a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, and a royal palace (it was Henry VIII who lived together with his first spouse, Catherine of Aragon), it’s now open to the general public. It gives varied issues, from lodging to workshops, excursions, talks, and occasions.
Its location can be beautiful. It’s not too removed from the massive city of Maidstone, set on two islands in an impressive lake.
There’s 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 Nationwide Belief, it is a stunning slice of countryside and a must-see for nature lovers and walkers.
Situated in Kent’s Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, this web site gives beautiful panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.
The scenic space additionally gives wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, together with wild garlic, bluebells, and the uncommon level snail.
Close by can be positioned in Sevenoaks (solely a 13-minute drive away) and owned by the Nationwide Belief Knole. Knole is a rustic home and former archbishop’s palace inside Knole Park, a 1,000-acre park positioned instantly southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.
The home ranks among the many high 5 of England’s largest homes and occupies a fantastic four-acre space.
11. Hever Fort
As soon as an necessary historic landmark constructed within the thirteenth century, Hever Fort is now a preferred vacationer attraction. It’s additionally well-known for being the seat of the Boleyn household of Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor fame.
Situated 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 may go for a guided or unguided tour of Hever Fort to see all of the preserved structure from years passed by and in addition go to the well-maintained gardens. It additionally hosts a preferred annual jousting event each summer season.
12. Herne Bay
Herne Bay is a captivating coastal city positioned close to town of Canterbury. It’s a stunning spot and is dwelling to over two miles of shoreline, a sand and shingle seashore, fairly multi-coloured seashore huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so anticipate loads of seaside enjoyable!
Don’t go away with out seeing the very kitsch Seaside Museum, dwelling to a group of pictures from the city’s Victorian heyday and even an previous Punch and Judy set.
There are additionally many improbable unbiased outlets and eating places, artwork galleries, and alternatives for beautiful coastal walks.
13. Sissinghurst Fort and Gardens
A romantic spot, this stunning historic constructing is positioned in Sissinghurst village and is known 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 Thirties and hailed the entire place as a ‘ refuge devoted to magnificence’. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, an creator and diplomat, additionally lived together with her.
The Grade I-listed constructing is on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens and is owned by the Nationwide Belief, so you possibly can take your time exploring the attractive gardens and property.
14. Chapel Down Vineyard
The Chapel Down Vineyard in Tenterden is named the house to England’s main wine producer and England’s reply to Sauvignon Blanc.
Right here, you possibly can 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.
Relying in your journey size, you might take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Be sure to additionally take trip to take a look at the winery on the award-winning Chapel Down property.
There’s additionally a preferred restaurant on-site and a restaurant promoting food 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 may go for an extended stroll and benefit from the stunning water views.
You can too rent bikes to discover the tranquil surroundings. Rowboats will be employed right here for a stunning afternoon.