The South Eastern English county, famously described as the ‘Garden of England,’ has scenic beauty in abundance. From the iconic White Cliffs and easy-on-the-eye seaside enclaves, Kent’s coastline is particularly special, but the inland countryside is spectacular, too! Here are my favourite spots I’d love to share with you…
1. Broadstairs
I highly recommend starting at this coastal town on the Isle of Thanet! It has a distinctive charm all of its own and is filled with good old-fashioned seaside fun.
For starters, the long, wide sandy beach lined with pretty, colourful beach huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is just wonderful.
I love how the town has a nostalgic feel with a mix of retro and more stylish shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and attractive red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The area is also fantastic for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths link beautiful bays here.
Broadstairs also has some important literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favourite holiday spot! On my visit I explored Dickens House Museum (the former and very charming home of Mary Pearson Strong, who inspired the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak House, a striking building high on a cliff where Dickens penned David Copperfield.
2. Canterbury
Located in southeast England, I think the cathedral city of Canterbury is a stunning and it’s also very popular with everyone else too! It has an ancient and important history with significant literary connections, but it’s so well preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was once a popular pilgrimage site, and its literary connections come from being the former stomping ground of Chaucer, the famous author and poet who hailed from the Middle Ages. The city inspired him so much that he based the world-famous “Canterbury Tales” here.
It has ancient walls, initially built by the Romans, surrounding its medieval centre. Inside the walls are a network of cobbled streets, gorgeous timber-framed houses, six museums, seven art galleries, six theatres, one castle, one abbey, 24 Canterbury Tales, and the gorgeous cathedral!
When here I love exploring all the picturesque parks, gardens, interesting shops, quaint cafes, and fine restaurants – I personally think it’s a very fine city destination!
3. Whitstable
Think more of a trendy foodie destination on the sea, complete with Michelin-starred restaurants, food (mostly shellfish) festivals, and craft beer plenty.
I also love its creative side, with many art galleries, independent gift shops, and retro/vintage stores. In my opinion, it’s a great option for either a day trip or a longer break. Just make sure you check out the wonderful Fisherman’s Huts for unique seafront accommodation!
Beautiful coastal scenery surrounds the town and I always love to explore as much as I can while here!
4. Scotney Castle
Located to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst and owned by the National Trust, I’m always completely bowled by this wonderful treasure and I love the romantic vibe it has here.
Built in the 14th century, I personally beautiful turreted English country house with formal gardens and a moat is as close as you can get to a fairytale building!
Located within the valley of the River Bewl, its surroundings are lush, too and includes many walking trails over 770 acres of gorgeous woodland.
On my trip I explored the inside which are a elegant blend of Victorian and Georgian styles, with element of Gothic Revival on a guided tour, walked around the ground which are a mix of formal gardens, natural landscapes, and woodlands, and then enjoyed a delicious meal in the quaint tea room!
5. Herne Bay
I’m always charmed by Herne Bay which is an easy-on-the-eye coastal town located near the city of Canterbury. It’s a lovely spot and is home to over two miles of coastline, a sand and shingle beach, pretty multi-coloured beach huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so offers plenty of seaside fun!
I also love the very kitsch Seaside Museum which is home to a collection of photographs from the town’s Victorian heyday and even an old Punch and Judy set.
I also make time to explore the many fantastic independent shops and restaurants, art galleries, and opportunities for gorgeous coastal walks.
6. Kent Downs
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent Downs is one of the county’s most scenic sites. It stretches from the London/Surrey border to the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Its enchanting natural sights include chalk ridges, dipping slopes, dry valleys, grassy landscapes lined with hedgerows, traditional orchards, and picturesque ponds. It is also home to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and rare plant life.
It’s also home to some of the highest points in the Southeast, and you’ve probably guessed that this makes for an incredibly scenic walk. So, don those boots, grab your family and dog, 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 are hoping for a relaxing drive with jaw-dropping scenery, this may be the place for you.
Enjoy an excellent coastal journey through incredible sights like the White Cliffs of Dover and Thanet’s stunning chain of fifteen sandy beaches.
The White Cliffs of Dover are a famous landmark now owned by the National Trust. They face France, and during the World Wars, they became a symbol of freedom and hope and were often sung about in now-legendary war songs!
This scenic drive takes you through the county’s historic towns and cultural regeneration. At the same time, you can take in the glorious East Coast view of the place.
There are several galleries and vintage shops within the area. Visit the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three famous golf links.
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 started initially as a small riverside settlement that originated as early back as Neolithic times, and the old town is comprised of around 60 houses, many of which were former shops.
You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and in my opinion, it’s a beautiful village and one of the finest in the SouthEast.
Many significant historic buildings exist to explore, including the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Hall, and a few interesting independent shops.
9. Leeds Castle
This stunning stone castle built in 857AD was once called the “loveliest castle in the world” Whether you agree or not, this is a fine specimen of place and one of England’s most important and best castles.
Once a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, and a royal palace (it was Henry VIII who lived with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon), it’s now open to the public. It offers various things, from accommodation to workshops, tours, talks, and events.
Its location is also stunning. It is not too far from the large town of Maidstone, set on two islands in a magnificent lake.
There is an option to explore further, and here, you’ll also find over 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland just waiting to be explored.
10. One Tree Hill and Knole
Owned and protected by the National Trust, this is a beautiful slice of countryside and a must-see for nature lovers and walkers.
Located in Kent’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this site offers stunning panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.
The scenic area also provides wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, including wild garlic, bluebells, and the rare point snail.
Nearby is also located in Sevenoaks (only a 13-minute drive away) and owned by the National Trust Knole. Knole is a country house and former archbishop’s palace within Knole Park, a 1,000-acre park located immediately southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.
The house ranks among the top five of England’s largest houses and occupies a beautiful four-acre area.
11. Ightham Mote
This medieval 14th-century moated manor house is near Sevenoaks. It has an outstanding architectural design, and the writer John Newman described it as “the most complete small medieval manor house in the county.”
Get lost in the estate and explore the beautiful gardens, now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.
Three pretty waymarked routes will take you around the Ightham Mote estate along footpaths, woodland, and country lanes. You can also tour the Grade I-listed building and its wonderful and interesting historic interiors.
12. Hever Castle
Once an important historic landmark built in the 13th century, Hever Castle is now a popular tourist attraction. It’s also famous for being the seat of the Boleyn family of Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor fame.
Located in the pretty village of Hever near Edenbridge, it began life as a country house and now has mazes, picturesque gardens, and a lovely lake.
You can go for a guided or unguided tour of Hever Castle to see all the preserved architecture from years gone by and also visit the well-maintained gardens. It also hosts a popular annual jousting tournament every summer.
13. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
A romantic spot, this beautiful historic building is located in Sissinghurst village and is famous for once being the home to the famous poet and writer Vita Sackville-West.
Vita designed the gardens surrounding the castle in the 1930s and hailed the whole place as a ‘ refuge dedicated to beauty’. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, an author and diplomat, also lived with her.
The Grade I-listed building is on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens and is owned by the National Trust, so you can take your time exploring the beautiful gardens and estate.
14. Chapel Down Winery
The Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden is known as the home to England’s leading wine producer and England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.
Here, you can see where the wine is grown and made, and take a tour of the vineyard estate to take in the stunning landscapes and views.
Depending on your trip length, you may take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Make sure you also take time out to check out the vineyard on the award-winning Chapel Down estate.
There is also a popular restaurant on-site and a restaurant selling food and drink.
15. Bewl Lake
This is one of the well-known reservoirs in 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 lovely beauty spot to explore.
You can go for a long walk and enjoy the beautiful water views.
You can also hire bikes to explore the tranquil scenery. Rowboats can be hired here for a lovely afternoon.
