Wide open landscapes, painted skies, nights under the stars, chalk-lined bays and cliff top castles; welcome back to Kent, the secret Garden of England.
From our miles of footpaths and cycle trails, to our legendary castles, local produce and welcoming country pubs, it’s time to step through the garden gate and discover Kent’s hidden gems for yourself. Whether you’re in search of blissful peace and a sense of wilderness, a chance to recapture those family memories, or a luxury break; whatever your adventure, with Kent's plethora of safe and spectacular places to visit this summer, there's no better place to unwind. So when you're ready, we're ready.
Get away from it all with our awe-inspiring open spaces (seriously, take a look at our video if you don’t believe us), hidden gems, villages and cottages away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab a taste of adventure and hike, bike and surf your way through the summer, all before tickling those taste buds with our ridiculously large range of local produce.
Discover legends and heroes on the trails of our famous faces, from top chefs, to kings, queens, authors, painters, and even a villain or two. Reap the rewards and treat yourself to the ultimate R&R retreat (come on, we all deserve that) with vineyard visits, luxury stays, afternoon tea and retail therapy.
Or why not truly reconnect with the family, away from Zoom calls, dining table desks and homeschooling? Pack up the kids and prepare for (locally produced) ice cream smiles and a lifetime of family memories.
As we prepare to stretch our legs and head out on our Kent adventures, we’re realizing just how lucky we are to have such magnificent landscapes and countryside right on our doorstep, reminding us to #RespectProtectEnjoy them more. Fancy joining us? Take a look at our guidelines for enjoying Kent, and getting the most out of your stay right here in your very own Secret Garden of England...
Our top suggestions for enjoying Kent safely...
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Find your family favourites
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Discover over 400 years of exciting maritime heritage at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Witness world-leading conservation in action all day, every day with a trip to this wild animal park...
Hever Castle & Gardens
Set in the beautiful Kent countryside, come and visit Anne Boleyn's childhood home at Hever Castle,...
Leeds Castle
Rising majestically from the moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is...
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve
Set over 600 acres, Port Lympne is home to the UK’s most authentic safari experience.
Penshurst Place & Gardens
The Sidney family home of Penshurst Place has been the place for poetic inspiration and lavish Royal...
Dover Castle
Step into the dazzling medieval royal palace in the Great Tower and then head underground to explore...
Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour
Visit the home of Kent's favourite ice cream. Solley’s has been producing delicious real dairy ice...
Leysdown Beach
'Seaside Award' beach beside a traditional small resort with shops, amusement arcades and treats.
Quex Park
Quex Park is an historic country estate of over 1,800 acres, with farmers market, activity centre,...
Wildwood Trust
Set in forty acres of ancient woodland, Wildwood, near Canterbury is a British wildlife park and...
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
With more than 50 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, has plenty going day and night
Samphire Hoe
Samphire Hoe is a stunning site at the bottom of Shakespeare Cliff between Folkestone and Dover
Herne Bay Pier
Herne Bay Pier is a typical English Victorian Seaside Style Pier attracting thousands of visitors a...
Tankerton Beach
The Blue Flag Awarded Tankerton Beach is a perfect choice for those looking for safe bathing and...
Betteshanger Park
The 250-acre park at Betteshanger has miles of traffic-free cycling, muddy mountain bike trails,...
Coastal Explorer Packs
Packs filled with equipment to help you discover heritage stories & natural coastal designations
Jeskyns Community Woodland
Created by the Forestry Commission this space comprises woodland, orchards, meadows and a lake which...
Shorne Woods Country Park
Extending across nearly 300 acres, Shorne Woods Country Park offers a wide range of natural habitats...
East Kent Railway
Step aboard one of the trains of the East Kent Railway to ride through beautiful rural countryside.
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
There’s nothing quite like a ride on The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - so it’s little wonder...
Folkestone Museum
Folkestone Museum in Kent takes you on a journey through the history of Folkestone, from its origins...
Ashford Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is situated in the heart of Kent, it is the best place to...
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Get away from it all
Penshurst Place & Gardens
The Sidney family home of Penshurst Place has been the place for poetic inspiration and lavish Royal...
Walmer Castle and Gardens
Walmer Castle is one of the most fascinating visitor attractions in the South East
Ightham Mote
Nestled at the bottom of a path sits a picture-perfect, 14th-century timber-framed manor house, on...
Mount Ephraim Gardens
Ten glorious acres of stunning Edwardian terraced gardens in the beautiful Kent countryside.
The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie
The Minnis Bar & Brasserie offers one of the finest dining experiences in Thanet.
Godinton House & Gardens
Wonderful carvings, furniture, porcelain and contrasting decoration reflect a fascinating history....
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
The best located accommodation in the City! Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a unique and contemporary...
Fallow Fields Camping
Sitting in a gentle valley in the North Kent Downs, just 2 miles from Sandwich
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
A complex mosaic of habitats of international importance for its bird population.
Goodnestone Park Gardens
Goodnestone Park Gardens is a peaceful and romantic garden with connections to Jane Austen.
Barnsole Vineyard
We grow our own grapes and process them into wine in our purpose built winery, located in the...
The Dog at Wingham
The Dog at Wingham is a restaurant with rooms in the picturesque village of Wingham nestled in the...
The Foundry Brew Pub home of Canterbury Brewers & Distillers
The Foundry is a unique craft brewery, distillery, restaurant and bar located at 77 Stour Street. ...
Broome Park Hotel
Broome Park is a grade one listed hotel with a mix of 19 mansion house rooms and 14 woodland lodges...
Love Lane Holiday Cottages
The luxury 3-bedroom holiday cottages are in a quiet street in Canterbury’s city centre
7 Longport
A luxury contemporary style B&B on the edge of Canterbury's historic city centre, the comfortable...
Ramsgate Royal Harbour
Take in the sights and sounds of a working harbour with a beautiful selection of sailing and...
Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Just a couple of miles outside the city, our campsite is sheltered and beautifully maintained. Just...
The Leather Bottle
The Leather Bottle is a pub known to many as Charles Dickens' Favourite Ale House in Cobham and...
Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara
A warm welcome is guaranteed and arrangements are in place to receive visitors for guided tours,...
Hole Park Gardens
Hole Park Gardens is renowned for it's spectacular display of bluebells and 16 acres of private...
Star and Eagle Hotel
A charming Hotel & Pub Restaurant dating back to the 14th century, nestled in the heart of the...
Knowle Grange Health Spa
A sensational day spa nestle in Tunbridge Wells, designed to help visitors relax and unwind...
The Knoxbridge Inn Glamping and Camping Site
A beautiful camping and glamping field nestled in the countryside.
Dungeness National Nature Reserve
Explore Dungeness - a wild desert landscape that is perfect for birdwatching and spotting all kinds...
Lower Leas Coastal Park
The Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone is home to the largest free adventure play area in the...
Radnor Park Folkestone
Radnor Park in Folkestone offers something for everyone, from beautiful flowerbeds and wild woodland...
Royal Military Canal
The Royal Military Canal is an important historical site and also a tranquil haven for wildlife.
Belmont House and Gardens
Beautiful Georgian house amid parkland, commands stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
The National Pinetum is home to a world leading collection of conifers and is a centre for...
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Discover legends and heroes
Leeds Castle
Rising majestically from the moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is...
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Discover over 400 years of exciting maritime heritage at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Hever Castle & Gardens
Set in the beautiful Kent countryside, come and visit Anne Boleyn's childhood home at Hever Castle,...
Battle of Britain Memorial
Maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capel-le-Ferne is dedicated to...
Canterbury Historic River Tours
This multi award winning guided Historic River Tour provides a truly entertaining experience which...
Royal Engineers Museum, Library & Archive
The Royal Engineers Museum showcases military history, exploring the life and work of those in the...
Chartwell
The Churchill family loved Chartwell. It was a home and a place that truly inspired Sir Winston.
Penshurst Place & Gardens
The Sidney family home of Penshurst Place has been the place for poetic inspiration and lavish Royal...
Dover Castle
Step into the dazzling medieval royal palace in the Great Tower and then head underground to explore...
Blue Town Heritage Centre
Enjoy the history, heritage and hospitality of Blue Town at this hidden gem of an attraction on...
Pines Garden
This 6 acre garden has many fine features including a cascade and adjoining lake, a specially...
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is a free Art Gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre in...
Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)
See the study where Darwin wrote 'On the Origin of Species', still as it was when he worked here,...
The Grange
Gothic Revival home designed and lived in by internationally famous architect Augustus Pugin.
St Augustine's & Pugin: Shrine & Visitor Centre
The personal church and burial place of architect Augustus Pugin and the Shrine of St Augustine of...
St Augustine's Cross
Celtic stone cross erected in 1884 to commemorate where St Augustine celebrated the first mass
Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar
Rocksalt offers the freshest fish from the boats in Folkestone harbour and locally-reared meat from...
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A taste of adventure
Macknade Faversham
South-East’s leading food hall, built on a 170 year history of food, farming and retailing.
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve
Set over 600 acres, Port Lympne is home to the UK’s most authentic safari experience.
Scotney Castle
Relax in the garden with a fairytale castle backdrop, with over 770 acres of woodland to explore
Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Just a couple of miles outside the city, our campsite is sheltered and beautifully maintained. Just...
Isle of Harty Trail on the Isle of Sheppey Kent
The Isle of Harty Trail on Sheppey is perfect for families for walking or cycling.
The Foundry Brew Pub home of Canterbury Brewers & Distillers
The Foundry is a unique craft brewery, distillery, restaurant and bar located at 77 Stour Street. ...
Canterbury Historic River Tours
This multi award winning guided Historic River Tour provides a truly entertaining experience which...
The Canterbury Ghost Tour
If you want History, Humour and Haunting, there is only one place to be- The Canterbury Ghost Tour!
Canoe Wild
Whether you are looking for some fresh air or family fun, Canoe Wild is a great day out for everyone...
Canterbury Punting Company
Escape the busy pavements and lay back into the cushions, meander down the river and see the City as...
Crab and Winkle Way
The path, which caters for riders of all abilities, takes its name from the pioneering railway line...
Viking Coastal Trail
Viking Coastal Trail, one of the most attractive cycle routes in Kent covering 32 miles around...
Penshurst Place & Gardens
The Sidney family home of Penshurst Place has been the place for poetic inspiration and lavish Royal...
Cyclopark
When the A2 dual carriageway was moved across a bit a few years back, it created space for Cyclopark...
Saxon Shore Way
This 160 miles (257km) route from the bustling port of Gravesend, in North Kent, to the popular...
Squerryes Wine Estate
Squerryes Winery only uses fruit grown and handpicked from their 36-acre vineyard, part of the 2,500...
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Reap the rewards
Port Lympne Mansion Hotel
This unique boutique hotel has eight lavishly decorated bedrooms, four intriguing reception rooms...
Macknade Faversham
South-East’s leading food hall, built on a 170 year history of food, farming and retailing.
Moet & Chandon Champagne Bar at The Hythe Imperial
By day, enjoy fresh coffee and muffins and those who like to lunch will find fresh and light dishes...
Gusbourne
Come and visit to explore the vineyards, meet the people behind Gusbourne and enjoy some of their...
Sissinghurst Castle
At Sissinghurst Castle you can take in the ruined architecture of the extensive original buildings,...
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort will be Kent’s next destination hotel and restaurant.
Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar
Rocksalt offers the freshest fish from the boats in Folkestone harbour and locally-reared meat from...
Hempstead House Hotel and Spa
Country House Hotel (3 AA Rosettes) relaxing spa, leisure, gym, fine dining & conference facilities.
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
With more than 50 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, has plenty going day and night
Barnsole Vineyard
We grow our own grapes and process them into wine in our purpose built winery, located in the...
The Lodge at Prince's
The Lodge at Prince's is an intimate venue nestled on the Bay of Sandwich, offering stunning views...
Prince's Golf Club
Prince’s offers all that is best in modern golf, with its 27 holes of championship Links golf, four...
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is an 18 hole Championship Links golf course in Kent
Waterfront Spa & Health Club
Waterfront Spa and Health Club is a beautifully designed spa and health club providing the perfect...
Chartham Vineyard
At Chartham Vineyard we have reached an exciting stage in combining our interests in wine and art.
Margate Harbour Arm
Come and visit Margate Harbour Arm and see the town from another angle. The Harbour Arm is a lovely...
The Old Lighthouse
The Old Lighthouse is an Historic Grade 11 building, opened in 1904. For 56 years, until its...
Simpsons Wine Estate
The Simpsons' vineyards occupy glorious positions on the sunny, sheltered slopes of the North Downs...
Meopham Valley Vineyard
Meopham Valley Vineyard is located in the North Downs of Kent, spanning approximately 25 acres and...
Margate Old Town
Niche, contemporary and vintage shops, independent galleries, restaurants and cafes waiting to be...
The Milk House
The Milk House also has four beautifully appointed rooms. Large and light, the rooms have been...
May Farm at The Small Holding
Enjoy at rural retreat in the heart of the High Weald of Kent, at May Farm. This beautiful,...
Larkins' Alehouse
Take a trip to Larkins' Alehouse; an independant, micropub situated in the charming historic market...
Waterloo House Tearooms & Antiques
A wonderful antique store, twinned with a quintessentially British tearoom, situated in the heart of...
Iron Pier Brewery & Taproom
Enjoy real ale and craft beer to drink in or take away, fresh from Iron Pier Brewery.
Terlingham Vineyard
A family-run vineyard producing wine from grapes exclusively grown on site. Vineyard walks and...
Rhino Lodge at Port Lympne
Rhino Lodge is the most idyllic place to relax in style and comfort at this peaceful retreat,...
Tiger Lodge at at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
The first of its kind in the UK, Tiger Lodge is one of the most forward-thinking and unusual places...
Ashford Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is situated in the heart of Kent, it is the best place to...
Travel safely
If you're travelling to or around Kent by public transport, be sure to check before you travel and familiarise yourself with the guidelines our transport partners have put in place to keep their customers and staff safe.
From the extra steps they are taking to keep their customers safe, to what you need to know before you travel, be sure to check Southeastern's latest guidelines and advice on travelling safely this summer.
Traveling with Arriva is easier than ever. Plan your journey, track your bus in real-time, buy, store and activate tickets all in on one handy app. Search Arriva UK Bus app in your app store which is free to download or visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/app. You can also plan your journey, buy tickets and check out the latest news and offers online at www.arrivabus.co.uk. All Arriva buses and workspaces are COVID-19 secure. To find out more please visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-safer-travel
Stay Safe When You Travel with Stagecoach
When you're visiting Kent's attractions, walking and cycling are encouraged but if you travel by bus, please follow the guidance set out in Stagecoach's video to make sure you travel safely on their services so you can travel with confidence.
