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 spectacular, too! Listed below are my favorite spots I’d like to share with you…
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 school seaside enjoyable.
For starters, the lengthy, broad sandy seaside lined with fairly, vibrant seaside huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is simply fantastic.
I really like how the city has a nostalgic really feel with a mixture of retro and extra trendy retailers, cafes, eating places, artwork galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and engaging red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The world can also be incredible for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths hyperlink stunning bays right here.
Broadstairs additionally has some essential literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favorite vacation spot! On my go to I explored Dickens Home Museum (the previous and really charming residence of Mary Pearson Sturdy, who impressed the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak Home, a placing constructing excessive on a cliff the place Dickens penned David Copperfield.
2. Canterbury
Situated in southeast England, I feel the cathedral metropolis of Canterbury is a surprising and it’s additionally extremely popular with everybody else too! It has an historical and essential historical past with important literary connections, but it surely’s so properly preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
It was as soon as a well-liked 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 primarily based the world-famous “Canterbury Tales” right here.
It has historical 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!
When right here I really like exploring all of the picturesque parks, gardens, fascinating retailers, quaint cafes, and high-quality eating places – I personally assume it’s a really high-quality metropolis vacation spot!
3. Whitstable
Suppose extra of a stylish foodie vacation spot on the ocean, full with Michelin-starred eating places, meals (largely shellfish) festivals, and craft beer a lot.
I additionally love its artistic facet, with many artwork galleries, impartial reward retailers, and retro/classic shops. For my part, it’s an important possibility for both a day journey or an extended break. Simply be sure you try the fantastic Fisherman’s Huts for distinctive seafront lodging!
Stunning coastal surroundings surrounds the city and I at all times like to discover as a lot as I can whereas right here!
4. Scotney Fortress
Situated to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst and owned by the Nationwide Belief, I’m at all times fully bowled by this excellent treasure and I really like the romantic vibe it has right here.
Constructed within the 14th century, I personally stunning turreted English nation home with formal gardens and a moat is as shut as you may get to a fairytale constructing!
Situated inside the valley of the River Bewl, its environment are lush, too and contains many strolling trails over 770 acres of beautiful woodland.
On my journey I explored the within that are a elegant mix of Victorian and Georgian types, with factor of Gothic Revival on a guided tour, walked across the floor that are a mixture of formal gardens, pure landscapes, and woodlands, after which loved a scrumptious meal within the quaint tea room!
5. Herne Bay
I’m at all times charmed by Herne Bay which is an easy-on-the-eye coastal city situated close to town of Canterbury. It’s a stunning spot and is residence to over two miles of shoreline, a sand and shingle seaside, fairly multi-coloured seaside huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so gives loads of seaside enjoyable!
I additionally love the very kitsch Seaside Museum which is residence to a group of pictures from the city’s Victorian heyday and even an outdated Punch and Judy set.
I additionally make time to discover the various incredible impartial retailers and eating places, artwork galleries, and alternatives for beautiful coastal walks.
6. 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. Additionally it is residence to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and uncommon flora.
It’s additionally residence to a few of the highest factors within the Southeast, and also you’ve most likely guessed that this makes for an extremely scenic stroll. So, don these boots, seize your loved ones and canine, and get going!
7. Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive and the White Cliffs of Dover
For my part, The Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive is a must-do attraction! If you’re hoping for a calming drive with jaw-dropping surroundings, this can be the place for you.
Take pleasure in a wonderful coastal journey via unimaginable sights just like the White Cliffs of Dover and Thanet’s gorgeous 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 grew to become an emblem of freedom and hope and have been typically sung about in now-legendary struggle 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 wonderful East Coast view of the place.
There are a number of galleries and classic retailers inside the space. Go to the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three well-known golf hyperlinks.
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 outdated city is comprised of round 60 homes, lots of which have been former retailers.
You may go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and for my part, it’s a lovely village and one of many best within the SouthEast.
Many important historic buildings exist to discover, together with the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Corridor, and some fascinating impartial retailers.
9. Leeds Fortress
This gorgeous stone citadel in-built 857AD was as soon as referred to as the “loveliest citadel on the earth” Whether or not you agree or not, this can be a high-quality specimen of place and one among England’s most essential 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 also be gorgeous. It’s not too removed from the big city of Maidstone, set on two islands in an impressive lake.
There may be 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, this can be 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 gorgeous panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.
The scenic space additionally supplies wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, together with wild garlic, bluebells, and the uncommon level snail.
Close by can also be situated 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 situated instantly southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.
The home ranks among the many prime 5 of England’s largest homes and occupies a lovely four-acre space.
11. Ightham Mote
This medieval 14th-century moated manor home is close to Sevenoaks. It has an impressive architectural design, and the author John Newman described it as “essentially 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 may as well tour the Grade I-listed constructing and its fantastic and fascinating historic interiors.
12. Hever Fortress
As soon as an essential historic landmark constructed within the thirteenth century, Hever Fortress is now a well-liked 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 Fortress to see all of the preserved structure from years passed by and in addition go to the well-maintained gardens. It additionally hosts a well-liked annual jousting event each summer time.
13. Sissinghurst Fortress and Gardens
A romantic spot, this stunning historic constructing is situated 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 gorgeous landscapes and views.
Relying in your journey size, you could take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Ensure you additionally take trip to take a look at the winery on the award-winning Chapel Down property.
There may be additionally a well-liked 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 a protracted stroll and benefit from the stunning water views.
You may as well rent bikes to discover the tranquil surroundings. Rowboats will be employed right here for a stunning afternoon.