Natural East Kent

Since the earliest times, East Kent has been special. Guarding England's shortest sea crossing to the Continent, it has been the historic gateway. Natural East Kent initiative aims to help everyone fully participate in the region's heritage in a sustainable, enriching way. Come and discover the many attractions of East Kent - ‘unspoilt for choice', and full of surprises, too.

Cut carbon emissions and hassle

Leave the car behind: it's easy to come to East Kent by coach or rail. Regular Southeastern trains services run to all major towns and the local bus network helps you travel around smoothly once you're here. Alternatively you can hire a bike and cycle around the Beautiful East Kent Countryside.

Explore Canterbury and its countryside

Canterbury Cathedral is a must-see to connect right back to AD 597,  treading in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who flocked to the city. Combine your Cathedral visit together with a tour of St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, which make up Canterbury's World Heritage Site.

Blean Woods is right on the doorstep to the north and west of Canterbury and one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, and a haven for birds, butterflies and plant life.

Go green, feel great

Walking, cycling and horse riding routes are the perfect green way of exploring at the pace of our ancestors and retracing their stories. Join the long-distance North Downs Way, following the historic Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury like medieval travellers. Pedal the family-friendly 7.5-mile Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable. Or Spin around the Isle of Thanet peninsula on the 27-mile Viking Coastal Trail
 

A river runs through it

The Kentish Stour Countryside Project has helpfully produced a series of ‘Bike Trails by Rail' leaflets and ‘Train Rides to Ramble' booklets, enabling you to combine a train trip with circular explorations of the lovely Stour Valley. Alternatively, get that floating feeling on the River Great Stour: boat trips from the Grove Ferry inn at Upstreet cruise the tidal section of the river.

Get the keys to the castle

Begin your journey into the past at Richborough Roman Fort and Reculver Towers. Impressive ruins of a township mark the point from which legionaries launched their successful invasion of Britain in AD 43

South along the coast, Deal and Walmer Castles, more links in Henry's chain of defence, remain as impressive as ever. While Dover Castle has over 2,000 years of maritime history from the Roman era right up to the 20th century with the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep within the White Cliffs!

Discover bastions of birds and wildlife

Head for the 26-mile Thanet coastline around the resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. It represents 20% of the UK's and 12% of Europe's coastal chalk, and together with Pegwell Bay it's internationally important for wintering birds and marine life.

Further south, to the White Cliffs Country around Dover and Folkestone you will find Samphire Hoe country park created out of the spoil from the construction of the Channel Tunnel. wend your way along a 2-mile nature trail accessible to all.

Savour scrumptious food and stay - longer

East Kent is a larder brimming with goodies from farm, orchard, vineyard and sea. Set your tastebuds dancing with Romney Lamb or fresh Dover Sole or Whitstable Oysters. Sample them in season (April to September) or visit the town's annual summer oyster festival.

Raise a toast to good living in any number of village pubs. Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer, has hostelries throughout the region serving thirst-quenching Kentish ales. Why not go behind the scenes at an orchard or vineyard with a tour and tasting at Elham Valley Vineyard.

Stay the night at one of Kent's Green B&B's, that are part of the Green Business Tourism Scheme. Rated for their environmental and social best practice, including energy conservation and keeping down waste.