Autumn breaks in Kent

Discover some heritage

Kent’s coast has seen its fair share of defences and without them the history of county could be vastly different. If you’ve yet to take a trip to this White Cliffs area of Kent, then ticking off three of our most beautiful castles is a weekday or weekend trip for the books, especially with the autumnal views in each of their settings. Proudly atop the cliffs over the English Channel is Dover Castle with its rich history from Roman conquests to WWII. Brand new this year, you can save 20% off when visiting car-free, so discover how you can make your next day out in Kent unforgettable. 

Sitting a little further around the coast is Deal Castle with its Tudor rose shape that was built for Henry VIII. But it doesn’t just have been to history, as while Walmer Castle has its own varied history and brushes with plenty of royalty, it is known locally for having one of the most beautiful gardens and the autumn is not exception!  

Medway

Autumn is the time to soak up the last of the sunshine, get outside and make the most of it, which is easy to do in Medway. St Andrews Lake in Halling has the bluest water and is a perfect spot for an open water swim or water sports! While Green Tourism Members, Kits Coty Glamping's bell tents and shepherd's huts offer a seriously luxe way to reconnect with nature in a sustainable way. For a more technologically advanced visit, Electric Medway Festival's workshops and events will range from virtual reality and electronic music to AI. 

Bridgewood Manor

If you're heading to Medway, Bridgewood Manor is a great reason to extend your stay. With a relaxing spa, indoor pool, fireside afternoon tea, and seasonal a la carte dining, it's the perfect spot to get that cosy autumnal feeling. 

Eating autumnal in Thanet

Feasting on locally grown and produced food is vitally important and as we’ve mentioned, the autumn is pretty special, and that applies to the seasons fare too. At the beginning of autumn is the Broadstairs Food Festival which runs 29th Sept - 1st Oct and showcases many local producers and their products – from cheese to internationally inspired cuisine. If you’d rather go out and find your own goods, then consider a foraging course with Doctor Forager which involves identifying and collecting natures harvest right on our doorstep. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for future dates through September and into October!

The Wine Garden of England

Vineyards in autumn? Now that’s a sight worth seeing. Tour some of our favourite vineyards and you’ll see a spectacle of autumn colour, harvesting and vines laden with grapes. If you don’t know where to start (Kent has quite a few vineyards), The Wine Garden of England website is the perfect guide, but we love Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Hush Heath, Biddenden and Simpsons, for their award-winning wines, magnificent views, tours and tastings.

Corkk

For even more fruity flavours, why not wind down for the afternoon with a tasting of some of the country's finest produce at Corkk? In the centre of Canterbury, you'll find a collection of award-winning wines, carefully picked by one of only 400 Masters of Wine in the world (so trust us, you're in good hands!). Neighbouring Canterbury Cathedral, you can wander your way through the picturesque, cobbled streets of the city before settling down in their chic yet comfortable tasting room, experiencing all that the wine of England has to offer. 

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

The Romney Marsh is famous locally for being the home to hundreds of sheep, with the fluffy animals being spotted across the south east of Kent. If you’re looking for a stay to truly connect with the local area, then consider the Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts whose accommodation provide peaceful surroundings in rural space close to the coast. Take time to venture into the local area,  before warming up around the fire pit under the night sky.

Margate Suites

Our beloved coast has a historic jewel in its crown in the shape of Margate. With a rejuvenated cultural scene, the town on the far north of Kent makes for a picturesque escape and if you’re looking for not only somewhere to eat, but stay too then consider the Margate Suites which are right on the seaside towns' main sandy beach. Each apartment is uniquely designed and curated by local artists and creatives – discover their lineup here – just look at that blue!

A golf break

After watching the sun-baked Open Championship final at our very own Royal St George’s last summer, we know we won’t be the only ones who have added it to their to-play list, and heading to the Kent coast this autumn. Set on the Sandwich coast, adjacent to Royal St George’s, the Championship links course of Prince’s is one of our favourites, and judging by its placement in the Today’s Golfer Top 100 following extensive renovations, we’re guessing we’re not alone. After 27 holes of unique links golf, the Lodge at Prince’s is a welcome retreat with sea views and within easy reach of London by train with Southeastern.

Autumn colour

Remember when we mentioned that scarlet Boston Ivy creeping across the front of a castle? Yes, Hever Castle has long been one of the faces of autumn in Kent and, after a visit to the grounds in October, you’ll soon see why. Don those wellies, crunch those leaves, and discover trees adorned in gold, glorious displays of red, and a castle that can only be described as at its romantic best, right at the heart of the grounds. And speaking of romantic, take one peek at the luxury rooms in The Anne Boleyn Wing and we know you’ll swoon. Here you’ll be guaranteed countryside views, a delicious breakfast and rooms fit for royalty.

An outdoor gallery

Oh, you didn’t think we’d stop there with our autumnal castle boasting, did you? Head to Leeds Castle this autumn and you’ll have the chance to wander the famous gardens transformed into a golden paradise. For the ultimate experience, spot the Sublime Sculptures throughout those colourful gardens, before turning in for the night in the Maiden’s Tower bed and breakfast within the castle walls. 

Out in nature

Ask anyone in the know about their favourite autumn locations in Kent and we guarantee Bedgebury will be up there. And it’s not just because this stunning spot is home to a world-leading collection of conifers. At Bedgebury the 350 acres of lakes, conifer and broadleaved woodland, and trails provide awe-inspiring colours come autumn. 

Elmley Nature Reserve

Where else could you think of to appreciate the autumn and its bounty of colours than being outdoors? Nowhere! So, visiting Elmley Nature Reserve, the only national nature reserve in the country where you can stay overnight, is the place to head for an autumnal break. It is somewhere to really connect with nature and slow down, and staying overnight is equally as easy with a selection array of accommodation from Farmhouse bedrooms to shepherd's huts and cabins. If you’re only able to make a day of it, make sure you visit to recharge and boost your serotonin with some golden hues and wildlife, watch out for migrating birds such as Whimbrel and Green Sandpiper pass through en route to Africa and listen out for barn owls who breed late in Elmley’s boxes.

A tranquil paradise

A true hidden gem, Godinton House and Gardens is another tranquil place to retreat and experience nature. Twelve acres of gardens, ancient parkland, stately oaks, chestnuts, and manicured lawns and borders, autumn at Godinton offers peace, quiet and a riot of colour. While in the nearby town of Ashford, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample seasonal food and drink, with street food at Coachworks.

Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place boasts Grade I listed formal gardens circling a 14^th century manor. The gardens alone are worth visiting for, but the estate walks through the expansive parkland are another favourite (just look at our Instagram, it appears quite often!). Round off your wanders with a hot chocolate and cake in the Porcupine Pantry and you’ve got the perfect Penshurst Place visit. 

Great Comp Garden

Sevenoaks offers some real hidden gems, so if you haven’t had the chance to visit Great Comp Garden, you’ll be in for a treat come autumn. Seven acres of rare plants can be found here, with ornamental grasses, a myriad of colour and beautiful borders found in the garden, and the welcome of tea and cake in the Old Dairy tearooms.

From garden to fork

Belmont House just outside of Faversham has a kitchen garden that epitomises our title as the Garden of England. With fruit trees laden in autumn colour, beds of vegetables and even a nuttery, its spoils are both beautiful and delicious. With 3000 acres to explore, the farmland and woodland grounds of the estate are more than enough to keep you busy, but the elegant 18^th century house is a must-see while you’re here. Just a short drive away, the original site of Macknade is the culmination of all that lovely Kent produce, offering up fresh fruit, cheeses, veg, cakes and more, in the South East’s leading food hall. Tuck in to everything from tacos to pizzas at the Macknade Food Village, or head into Faversham and dine and stay at Shepherd Neame’s The Sun Inn and enjoy a fireside drink of their freshly brewed ales.

Frasers of Egerton

With sustainability at its core, an overnight stay at Frasers should make its way onto any Kentish bucket list. Using 55% renewable energy, harvesting rainwater, operating a "Fork to Field" system, and much much more, you can sleep well knowing your break is doing its bit for the planet. Whether you choose to stay the night in their Oast House, the Pond Cottage, or even Stags Barn, your needs will be met and exceeded as you settle in for the evening and relax in their comfortable and luxurious surroundings. 

Boys Hall

Another spot that will tick the box for great food and drink and splendid overnight accommodation is Boys Hall. A stunning refurbished 17th century house, this is one of the cosiest spots in the area where you can settle down and enjoy the stunning natural landscape of Kent, all while being just down the road from the vibrant Ashford. Tuck in to a delicious, seasonal, and locally sourced meal, before heading back to your very own luxurious room for a great night's sleep. 

Bloom Stays

Weekenders, gather your friends for a stay at the luxurious Bloom Stays’ Hockley House in beautiful Alkham. Sleeping 12 in the wing of a manor house, this is the ultimate country living experience. For smaller groups, former Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, West Cottage in Dungeness, sits at the foot of the Roundhouse and provides those vast views Dungeness is so famed for. While Raspberry Cottage in Ripple, near Deal (how cute is that name, by the way?) is a stunning thatched cottage with quirky decor made fo Instagram. 

Hythe Imperial Hotel

While the autumnal warm weather might not stay around forever, we certainly don't think that being by the seaside is for summer only! Being situated right on the coastline in the south of Kent, the grand Hythe Imperial Hotel is steps from the beach and moments from the sleepy town of Hythe, meaning you've got the choice to switch off totally and escape it all. Plus, throw in a spa and wellness area, including a pool no less, and you've got a swimmingly good winter break. But we're not done yet, as through the winter of 23/24, you can get a room at a reduced rate with their Sea, Sparkle and Stay offer which also includes a bottle of sparkling wine, a discounted dinner rate, breakfast for two - and free use of the aforementioned leisure facilities! 

Keepers Cottages

You, seven friends and beach-side views, Victory Cottage in Kingsdown is literally located right on the beach and just next door to ever-popular pub the Zetland Arms. Wander into Deal for boutique shopping and local produce, or relax and enjoy the sea views. For a truly luxe experience, Reed Loft in Kingston has it’s very own indoor heated swimming pool (yep), so you and your friends can enjoy walks through the countryside, before taking a dip.

Bobbing along

With the temperatures still holding out in the mild to even warm climes, breathe in the autumnal scenes along the River Stour with a trip on a canoe, kayak or paddleboard with Canoe Wild. This is a great day our for all ages and abilities, with the inclusion of a lift service (for trips only), equipment and a safety briefing including paddle techniques. For the true romantics, we recommend their Wildlife Sunset Tours, experiencing the river by nightfall and potentially seeing the resident River Stour beavers along the way. 

Port Lympne

Award-winning accommodation in the heart of Port Lympne Reserve - honestly, with views of giraffes, tigers and lions wandering the hundreds of acres of parkland - who really needs to set foot on a plane this autumn? From panoramic bubble pods, to luxurious lodges, these breaks are simply unforgettable. Hungry? Be sure to check out Garden Room Restaurant with its exceptional seasonal menu. Psst... for last minute availability and special packages, be sure to take a look at those midweek stays. 

National Trust

This autumn enjoy watching Little Women in the grand setting of Knole's Green Court on Friday 8 September. Enjoy a drink and snacks from the pop-up standing, before settling down as the sun sets and the film starts at 7.30pm. Did you know you can actually stay at a National Trust property? Neither did we. Live those glossy magazine dreams with a stay at Priest's House on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle gardens (honestly, just think of that autumn colour!). Or book in for a break at Scotney Lodge, which rests on the edge of gorgeous parkland at Scotney Castle. With its very own private garden, and Scotney's fairy-tale old castle to discover in the main grounds, this place has some spectacular autumn views. 

Dreamland

Vintage rides, great Instagram snaps, roller skating, and more live music events than we could ever hope to list. Yes, a visit to Dreamland has got to be on the cards this autumn. Whether you fancy taking a spin on the Big Wheel, screaming your way along the Rock 'n' Roller, or bagging yourself tickets to see anything from The Streets to Two Door Cinema Club, Dreamland is the place to go. 

Travel with Southeastern

Visiting the Garden of England couldn’t be easier by train – just sit back, relax and enjoy the Kent countryside as you travel. Just a short hop on the train and you can explore the beautiful Kent countryside, historic buildings and stunning coastal views – not forgetting plenty of pit-stops for an ice cream! Plus, with Southeastern's list of favourite spots for a relaxing stroll that are all just a hop away on the train, we recommend lacing up your walking boots and discovering Kent's autumnal countryside, from coast to rural locations for a real local escape.