Sustainable Tourism in Kent. Good for the environment, good for you

In order to protect and enhance this alluring environment, Kent promotes sustainable tourism. So, leave your car behind and come by train, get around by bus or cycle, tuck into wholesome, locally grown organic fare. It's easy - and you'll enjoy such a rewarding break.

Be car-free and carefree

We are all aware of climate change and the need to cut carbon emissions. So come and see Kent without the car - you notice things in a refreshingly different light when you're not stuck behind the wheel. 

Getting to the county is easy by coach or train. Sit back and relax on a National Express coach, or take one of the many regular train services which run to all major towns in the county. South Eastern Trains offers ideas for outings by rail from London to Kent, including itineraries and special offers such as All-in-One tickets to Canterbury, The Hop Farm or Leeds Castle. Find out more on travelling to and around Kent on our maps and travel pages.

And don't forget to explore Kent's green networks by foot, bike or horse.

Conservation

Today more than ever we all want to escape the pressures of the rat race, and countryside and coastal Kent offers the perfect oasis. Of course, ‘wellbeing tourism' puts pressures on this landscape but there are many measures in place to strike a balance, to encourage recreation consistent with conservation.

It's why you'll find - and can absorb the safeguarded splendour of - two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covering approximately one third of the county, the Kent Downs and (part of the) High Weald. There are over 500 sites of interest for nature conservation, accounting for around nine per cent of the landscape. In fact Kent has more conservation areas than any other county in England. And you're welcome to relax and re-charge your batteries.

The Kent Downs stretch from the White Cliffs at Dover to the London and Surrey borders. It's a magnificently diverse landscape, of dramatic chalk escarpments, secluded valleys, ancient woodlands, distinctive villages and wonderful wildlife.  Sustainable initiatives protect the natural landscape and work with communities while also providing fulfilling and fun visitor experiences.

Wildlife

Kent Wildlife Trust, is a leader in conservation, managing 60 nature reserves that protect native plants and animals in woodland, wetland, grassland and coastal sites. Access to them is free and they're living, working, flourishing places: you can join in events and wildlife study days, and at the Trust's 17th-century Tyland Barn, Sandling (easily reached by bus and bike as well as car), educational features include a large exhibition on wildlife and conservation with hands-on displays for children, plus a demonstration nature park where you can learn about composting, ‘green picnics' and other inspirational themes of the moment and the future.

RSPB nature reserves are great places to see birds and other wildlife in some of the most beautiful parts of the county including Dungeness, Cliffe and Elmley Marshes

Local Produce

Kent's deep-rooted tradition as the Garden of England means you can expect truly delicious, fresh local fare wherever you go. Find out more about Kent's delicious local produce, farmers' markets and vineyards on our food and drink pages.

  

  

Green Accredited Accommodation

Help to reduce the impact on the environment by staying at accommodation accredited by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Click here to find out more and to browse Green Accredited Accommodation in Kent.