Kent is a land of contrasts: along around 350 miles of coastline, sandy and shingle beaches meet chalk downland and marshes. The Kent Downs National Landscape stretches from the border with Surrey to the cliffs of Dover. Its chalk ridge, with its nutrient-poor chalk grasslands, scrub communities and broadleaf woodlands, is important for wildlife. Hop gardens, Oast Houses, orchards and farms are also part of the landscape you can discover here.
Exploring on foot and by bike
Several long-distance and regional routes offer different perspectives on Kent. The King Charles III England Coast Path winds through rolling hills and along chalk cliffs, including the White Cliffs of Dover. Around 105 kilometres of the route in Kent have no livestock gates. Local sections can change seasonally; check the path conditions before setting out.
The North Downs Way is a 153-mile long-distance trail from Farnham to Dover. A southern route passes through the Kent Downs towards Folkestone before the routes meet again in Dover. The Crab and Winkle Way is shorter: this 7.6-mile route between Canterbury and Whitstable combines wide-open views with ancient woodland and is well suited to cycling. Surfaces and conditions may vary. Together, a long-distance walking trail and a specific cycling route offer different ways to experience the landscape and cover the distance.
Stories in cathedrals, castles and dockyards
In Canterbury, St Augustine founded the cathedral in 597 AD. It is an important pilgrimage destination and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rochester Castle tells a different story: its Norman keep was built around 1127 and still stands 113 feet high. The castle withstood a long siege by King John in 1215 and is considered one of the most significant examples of Norman architecture in England.
Dover Castle also brings architecture and history together. During the Second World War, tunnels beneath the castle housed the command centre for naval operations in the English Channel. The evacuation of Dunkirk was directed from there in May and June 1940. The castle’s attractions let visitors relive defining moments in its 2,000-year history.
A visit to Historic Dockyard Chatham includes three historic ships and interactive museum galleries. On the Ropewalk, you can watch master ropemakers using centuries-old techniques and explore the Ropery Gallery. The site comprises more than 100 buildings and structures, including 47 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Rather than focusing on a single castle, the emphasis here is on an extensive maritime heritage and hands-on craftsmanship.
Gardens, wildlife and local traditions
Leeds Castle combines gardens and 500 acres of parkland with self-guided walks and opportunities for wildlife watching. Its maze is made up of 2,400 yew trees; from the centre, its layout partly resembles a crown. The visitor experience also includes free-flying bird of prey displays featuring hawks, falcons and owls; display times may vary. National Cycle Routes 17 and 177 provide cycling access to the castle; check conditions before setting out.
Hever Castle offers another perspective: the double-moated castle dates from the 14th century and was once Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Its visitor gardens are set within a 125-acre estate. At Dungeness, the RSPB reserve has a flat, circular Discovery Trail suitable for a nature walk with a pushchair. You can watch ducks and geese at the ponds; check reserve conditions before your visit.
Bus routes 511, 511A and 511B run from Ashford via Lydd to the visitor centre. They stop at the entrance on request; from there, it is a one-mile walk to the visitor centre. The routes do not run on Sundays. As bus services can change, check the timetable before travelling.
Whitstable’s oyster tradition dates back to Roman times: the oyster beds have supplied the town with oysters ever since. The Whitstable Oyster Festival celebrates this tradition each July with music and oysters. Check the event dates and programme for the year you wish to attend. Local food culture and an annual festival thus add a distinctive seasonal note to Kent’s landscapes and historical experiences.
Discover more destinations: Barham, Queenborough, Yalding, Ashford, Bethersden, Birchington, Charing, Elmsted, Goudhurst, Hythe, Lamberhurst, Lenham, Littlestone-On-Sea, Maidstone, Otham, Sandwich, Staplehurst, Tenterden, Warehorne, Whitstable, Woodnesborough, Deal, New Romney, Sittingbourne, Sevenoaks, Broadstairs, Smarden, Cranbrook, Woodchurch, Lydd-On-Sea, Hawkinge, Benenden, Newenden, Egerton, Romney Marsh, Broad Oak Brede, Biddenden, Camber, Wittersham, Wye, Wrotham, Wingham, Willesborough, Westerham, Tonbridge, Saint Margaretʼs At Cliffe, Tunbridge Wells, Ramsgate, Pluckley, Littlebourne, Ivychurch, Headcorn, Harrietsham, Hadlow, Gravesend, Folkestone, Edenbridge, Dover, Dartford, Boughton Aulph, Bapchild, Alkham, Frittenden, Sandhurst, Elham, Chilham, Paddock Wood, Sturry, Speldhurst, Five Oak Green, Worth, Chevening, Ringwould, Hunton, Stone, Dymchurch, Womenswold, Minster, Hawkhurst, Brenchley, Bilsington, Ulcombe, West Farleigh, Brookland, Wootton, Lower Halstow, Southborough, Halstead, Waltham, Ash, Whitfield, Marden, Mersham, Lympne, Hoath, Smeeth, West Peckham, Rolvenden, Sheerness, Aylesford, Sevenoaks Weald, Greatstone, Kingsdown, Staple, Stelling Minnis, High Halden, Horsmonden, Tudeley, Sissinghurst, Hartley, Westgate-On-Sea, Herne Bay, Broad Street, New Ash Green, Waldershare, Crockenhill, Kingsnorth, Bearsted, Chestfield, Lyminge, Kings Hill, Snodland, Newington, Cliffs End, Upchurch, West Kingsdown, Langley, Swanley, Farningham, Eynsford, Hempstead, Bredgar, Shadoxhurst, Saint Michaels, Aldington, Bridge, Chartham, Doddington, Eastry, Seasalter, Shepherdswell, Walmer, Swingfield, West Malling, Petham, Sutton Valence, Hamstreet, Kennington, Aylesham, Longfield, Eythorne, Lydd, Sandgate, Throwley Forstal, Plaxtol, Shoreham, Northfleet, Penshurst, Wateringbury, Teynham, Ide Hill, Greenhithe, East Brabourne, Vigo Village, Romney Marsh, Matfield, Blean, Coldred, Tilmanstone, Leaveland, East Farleigh, Boughton Monchelsea, Stone in Oxney, Linton, Newchurch, Coxheath, Wickhambreaux, Nonington
For the wider travel overview: South East England.
