Kent, also known as the Garden of England, is a county in South East England. It is known for its green landscapes, historical towns, beautiful coastline, castles etc. As someone who lived in Kent for six years, I've been all over the county - I have visited many towns, nature parks, coastal towns, castles, hotels, shops, pubs and so much more. In this post I have included 15 best places to visit in Kent. Use this guide to plan a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip exploring the entire county.
Getting to Kent
Kent is located in South East England, right next to London, which makes it one of the easiest counties to reach from London. Which also makes Kent a great weekend getaway or a day trip location. So how do you get to Kent?
By train
Kent is connected by train from London St Pancras, Victoria, Charing Cross, and London Bridge. High-speed trains from St Pancras reach towns such as Canterbury, Ashford, and Margate.
By car
Kent is easily accessible via the M2 and M20 motorways. Having a car is ideal if you plan to explore coastal towns, castles, and countryside spots that are harder to reach by public transport.
By bus
Local buses connect most towns and villages, though services can be slower and less frequent in rural areas. But it certainly is doable.
Best Time to Visit Kent
The best time to visit Kent depends on what you want to see and do - green landscapes, Christmas markets, beach experiences, seafood, etc.
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Kent. This is the best time to visit parks and the countryside. The weather can be pleasantly warm, which is perfect for nature walks. Go to Knole Park and Dover in spring.Summer
Summer is the perfect time to visit coastal areas like Whitstable, Herne Bay, Botany Bay or Joss Bay. The temperatures are the highest, but this is also the busiest time to visit Kent.
Autumn
Autumn brings the prettiest colours. This is also a great time to visit parks like Knole Park. Autumn is also a great time to visit Kent's castles like Leeds Castle or Hever Castle.Winter
Winter is a great time to visit towns and enjoy traditional pubs. This is also the best time to visit Canterbury - the city is decorated for Christmas and has its own beautiful Christmas market.
Where to Stay in Kent
Kent offers accommodation in different budget categories that I have included below. You can find anything from budget hotels to castles you can stay at in Kent.
Budget accommodation (up to €80 per night)
- Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate
- The Ship Hotel in New Romney (close to Dungeness)
- Park Inn Palace in Dover
Mid-range accommodation (€80 to €150 per night)
Luxury accommodation (more than €150 per night)
- Port Lympne Mansion Hotel (read more about Port Lympne later in the post)
- Stone Court House in Maidstone
- Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf
- Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
1. Canterbury
Canterbury is one of the best known historical towns in Kent. It is known for its medieval streets, cozy cafes, cute shops and, of course, Canterbury Cathedral. This is the place to visit if you are a history enthusiast.
What to do in Canterbury
- Visit Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious buildings in England
- Walk along the medieval streets and explore the historic city walls
- Browse independent shops and boutiques along the High Street
- Enjoy cozy cafes and restaurants
Best time to visit Canterbury
- Spring and summer for pleasant weather and lively streets
- Winter for a more cozy feel and Christmas decorations
- Early morning or weekdays to explore the cathedral and old town without crowds
2. Dover
Dover has a bit of everything - a lovely city, white cliffs and its own castle. You can start off by going to the castle, then go for a walk in the nature to Dover Lighthouse where you can enjoy the views of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and Dover port. Finish your day with a meal at a local pub. Dover was one of my favourite places to visit when I lived in Kent, and I have been there many times.
Why visit Dover
- Walk along the famous White Cliffs of Dover and enjoy incredible sea views
- Explore Dover Castle - one of the most beautiful castles in Kent
- Walk all the way to Dover Lighthouse and enjoy the views of the iconic cliffs
Best time to visit Dover
- Spring and early summer for the best weather and views
- Early morning and weekdays for visiting Dover Castle
- Clear and sunny days for walks and the best views. On super clear days you might even see France across the Channel
3. Knole Park
Knole Park is one of the best nature spots in Kent. Located near Sevenoaks, it is the perfect place for a Sunday walk. Knole Park is known for its 600-year-old estate its deer population. This is one of those places I've been to multiple times and would visit again. If you go early on a sunny day, you might be able to capture light peaking through the trees with deer in the foreground. There's lots of photo opportunities at Knole Park!
Why visit Knole Park
- Wander through the vast area of Knole Park and observe its free-roaming deer
- Explore the majestic Knole House and learn more about the local history
Best time to visit Knole Park
- Autumn is amazing for gold colours and misty mornings
- Spring and summer for lovely weather and green landscapes
- Early morning for a more quiet experience
4. Botany Bay
Botany Bay is know for its chalk cliff formations on a quiet beach. It is located between Broadstairs and Margate, and is a less crowded beach than the nearby popular beaches.
See what equipment I use to take my photos.
Leeds Castle is one of the best known castles in Kent, which is located near Maidstone. Leeds Castle offers a lot of history as well as beautiful gardens with blossoming flowers surrounding it. It is certainly one of the most beautiful castles in England.
The Isle of Sheppey is a more quiet escape with small coastal towns and lovely landscapes. It is also a great place for bird watchers.
Port Lympne is a stunning park that is one of the best places to visit in Kent for animal lovers. You can go on a safari there and go see 800 animals. You can also stay at a hotel there!
Rochester is one of those towns you can wander and enjoy the independent shops and history. Rochester is know for its castle - Rochester castle. It is a very charming town and one of my favourites to visit in Kent.
Hever Castle is a very romantic and historic castle that is best know as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. If you love history and everything medieval, this is the perfect place for you to visit in Kent.
Herne Bay is a beautiful coastal town in Kent, England. It has a pier, promenade with shops and cafes and amazing sunsets.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a wildlife park that is another must-see place for animal lovers. Howletts Park is a wildlife santuary and you can see 390 animals there - elephants, tigers, leopards, gorillas, monkeys and many other animals. It is located close to Canterbury, so you can visit the city afterwards for a lovely dinner.
Dungeness is a charming destination on the Kent coast. It is a headland that is known for its shingle beach and unique lighthouse. Dungeness is a great place for photography.
Whitstable is one of my favourites coastal towns to visit in Kent. It is know for is charming town, harbour and incredible seafood. You can also enjoy views of the colourful beach huts while walking along the coast.
Reculver is a historic coastal village known for the ruins of St Mary's Church. It was founded in he 7th century, and, while a lot of it is just ruins, the twin towers have preserved rather well.
I also have more photos and places in Kent to see on my Instagram account. Have you been to Kent? What places did you enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments!
See what equipment I use to take my photos.
Why visit Botany Bay
- Enjoy a peaceful beach experience
- Admire the chalk cliffs and the unique rock formations
Best time to visit Botany Bay
- Low tide for beach walks
- Warm weather for a more pleasant experience. Otherwise layer up
- Late spring to early autumn for warmer weather and calmer sea conditions
5. Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of the best known castles in Kent, which is located near Maidstone. Leeds Castle offers a lot of history as well as beautiful gardens with blossoming flowers surrounding it. It is certainly one of the most beautiful castles in England.
Why visit Leeds Castle
- Explore the castle and learn more about its history
- Stroll through the gardens
- Take photos of the beauty you see there
- Stay over at the castle for a truly unique opportunity
Best time to visit Leeds Castle
- Spring and summer for gardens in full bloom
- Autumn for colourful scenery and fewer visitors
- Weekdays for a calmer experience, especially during peak season
6. Isle of Sheppey
The Isle of Sheppey is a more quiet escape with small coastal towns and lovely landscapes. It is also a great place for bird watchers.
Why visit the Isle of Sheppey
- Explore some smaller charming coastal towns like Minster-on-Sea or Leysdown-on-Sea
- Enjoy a less touristy part of Kent
- Visit the island's wetlands that are great for bird watching
Best time to visit the Isle of Sheppey
- Spring and summer for coastal walks and wildlife spotting
- Autumn for more dramatic skies and quiet beaches
- Weekdays for a calmer experience, especially outside school holidays
7. Port Lympne
Port Lympne is a stunning park that is one of the best places to visit in Kent for animal lovers. You can go on a safari there and go see 800 animals. You can also stay at a hotel there!
Why visit Port Lympne
- Quite possibly the best place to visit in Kent for animal lovers
- See rare and endangered animals in large, open habitats
- Port Lympne is a perfect place for a family visit
- Enjoy a unique safari experience in Kent
Best time to visit Port Lympne
- Spring and summer for longer days and better visibility around the park
- Weekdays for a more relaxed visit, without the weekend crowds
- Outside school holidays if you'd like to avoid a lot of families and schoolchildren
8. Rochester
Rochester is one of those towns you can wander and enjoy the independent shops and history. Rochester is know for its castle - Rochester castle. It is a very charming town and one of my favourites to visit in Kent.
Why visit Rochester
- Explore Rochester Castle
- Enjoy views over the River Medway
- Visit Rochester Cathedral
- Walk along the historic High Street lined with independent shops and cafes
Best time to visit Rochester
- Spring and summer for riverside walks and outdoor exploring
- Autumn for a quieter atmosphere, seasonal events and exploring the charming streets
- Weekdays for smaller crowds, especially around the castle and cathedral
9. Hever Castle
Why visit Hever Castle
- You get to learn a lot about the history of this place
- Explore the castle and take some beautiful photos
Best time to visit Hever Castle
- Spring and summer for blooming gardens and outdoor walks
- Autumn for rich colours and a calmer atmosphere
- Weekdays for a quieter visit, especially outside school holidays
10. Herne Bay
Herne Bay is a beautiful coastal town in Kent, England. It has a pier, promenade with shops and cafes and amazing sunsets.
Why visit Herne Bay
- Stay in Herne Bay for sunset. Herne Bay has some of the best sunsets I've seen in Kent
- Take a relaxing walk along the promenade
- Visit the Herne Bay pier
- Enjoy the local cafes and restaurants, and have some seafood
Best time to visit Herne Bay
- Evenings for sunsets and golden hour light
- All year round is great, but summer brings more pleasant weather, which is better for walks
- Summer evenings for sunset views
- Weekdays for a quieter experience
11. Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a wildlife park that is another must-see place for animal lovers. Howletts Park is a wildlife santuary and you can see 390 animals there - elephants, tigers, leopards, gorillas, monkeys and many other animals. It is located close to Canterbury, so you can visit the city afterwards for a lovely dinner.
Why visit Howletts Wild Animal Park
- You can visit Howletts Park with your entire family
- It is the perfect place to visit for an animal lover
- See endangered animals such as gorillas, tigers and elephants
- Howletts Park is a breeding centre for endangered and rare animals
Best time to visit Howletts Wild Animal Park
- Spring and early autumn for nicer weather
- Cooler months for fewer visitors
- Sunny days for a more pleasant visit
12. Dungeness
Dungeness is a charming destination on the Kent coast. It is a headland that is known for its shingle beach and unique lighthouse. Dungeness is a great place for photography.
Why visit Dungeness
- Explore the vast shingle beach
- Visit the historic Dungeness Lighthouse
- You can try to spot rare wildlife and bird species. Dungeness has over 600 different types of plants
- Enjoy a less busy coastal experience
Best time to visit Dungeness
- Spring and summer for warmer weather
- Autumn and winter for more dramatic skies and photos
13. Whitstable
Whitstable is one of my favourites coastal towns to visit in Kent. It is know for is charming town, harbour and incredible seafood. You can also enjoy views of the colourful beach huts while walking along the coast.
Why visit Whitstable
- Try the local seafood. The oysters are known to be amazing here!
- Take some photos of the colourful beach huts
- Explore independent shops, galleries and cafes
Best time to visit Whitstable
- Late spring to early autumn for warm weather and beach walks
- Summer mornings for golder hour and sunrise
- Summer for a more lively atmosphere
14. Reculver
Why visit Reculver
- Visit Reculver ruins during sunset or golden hour for incredible colours in the photos
- Make sure you explore the entire area, not just the main towers
- Try to spot the local wildlife while you're there
Best time to visit Reculver
- Spring and summer for milder weather
- Autumn for dramatic skies and quieter paths
- Sunrise or sunset for more impressive colours of the sky
15. Joss Bay
Joss Bay is a lovely sandy beach near Broadstairs that is known as the best surfing place in Kent. It is surrounded by white chalk cliffs. If you want to see my pictures from Joss Bay, you’ll have to go to my Instagram and scroll waaay down to my very first posts. I took them back when filters and frames were among those super cool things we all used.Why visit Joss Bay
- Go surfing in Joss Bay
- Have a relaxed day at the beach
- Take a walk along the shoreline and the surrounding cliffs
- Go for a meal at a neaby pub
Best time to visit Joss Bay
- Late spring to early autumn for warmer weather and beach activities
- Summer is best for surfing
- Early mornings or weekdays for a quieter visit
I also have more photos and places in Kent to see on my Instagram account. Have you been to Kent? What places did you enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments!
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