The Coast's Countryside

Since the earliest times, East Kent has been special. Guarding England's shortest sea crossing to the Continent, it has been the historic gateway.  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 the coast's countryside

On the doorstep of Whitstable and not far from the historic city of Canterbury, Blean Woods is one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, and a haven for birds, butterflies and plant life.

As you wend your way along country roads and dry downland hills from Canterbury to Dover and Folkestone there are many hidden treasure to discover. Take a rural break in Chilham, Elham or St Margaret's or simply stop over in one of the many quaint villages such as - Ickham, Wingham, Chillenden, Barfristone, Alkham - so many but all with a different characters and a great local country pub to sample!

The iconic White Cliffs are a must. Part of the heritage coast there are plenty of ways for you to get to know this famous landmark - don't miss the visitor centre but there are also nature trails, countryside walks and special events.

In stark contrast is the wet and flat landscape of Romney Marsh whose spectacular and mysterious setting evoke a quality of times gone by from invaders to smugglers.

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 or discover the ancient fortifications along the Kent Coast on the long distance Saxon Shore Way.  Discover the beautiful and varied landscape of East Kent with Explore Kent's top ten fantastic circular walks or if you fancy a guided walking holiday then Walkawhile can cater for your needs.

Pedal the family-friendly 7.5-mile Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable. Spin around the Isle of Thanet peninsula on the 27-mile Viking Coastal Trail or try the cycle track at Fowlmead Country Park. Check out our three new cycle short breaks Cathedral to Coast, Coast, Castles and Clifftops, or Seascapes and Skies.
 

A river runs through it

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 which can be spotted from the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory.

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.

Head further south to the award winning eco-built straw-bale constructed Romney Marsh Visitor Centre is an excellent introduction to dramatic landscape of the marshes and its wildlife - listen out for the laughing frog!

For an exhilarating close up of native seals try the Seahorizon boat trips out of Ramsgate's Royal Harbour and if you really fancy a walk on the wild side don't miss the gorillas at Howletts Animal Park or the safari experience at Port Lympne Animal Park.

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.

Food Trails take you on a culinary journey through the history of hops, apples, cherries and seafood with details on where you can taste them for yourself. For a taste of the modern garden of England look out for salad grown in the largest greenhouses in Europe Thanet Earth. With over 11 Farmers Markets in East Kent you are never far away from finding local produce for that perfect countryside picnic.

Where to stay

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.