The South Jap English county, famously described because the ‘Backyard of England,’ has scenic magnificence in abundance. From the enduring White Cliffs and easy-on-the-eye seaside enclaves, Kent’s shoreline is especially particular, however the inland countryside is spectacular, too! Listed below are my favorite spots I’d like to share with you…
1. Broadstairs
I extremely suggest beginning at this coastal city on the Isle of Thanet! It has a particular allure all of its personal and is crammed with good old style seaside enjoyable.
For starters, the lengthy, huge sandy seashore lined with fairly, vibrant seashore huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs is simply great.
I like how the city has a nostalgic really feel with a mixture of retro and extra trendy outlets, cafes, eating places, artwork galleries, a Victorian engineering museum, and enticing red-brick and flint-fronted buildings. The world can be unbelievable for scenic hikes as many cliff-top paths hyperlink stunning bays right here.
Broadstairs additionally has some vital literary connections, as this was Charles Dicken’s favorite vacation spot! On my go to I explored Dickens Home Museum (the previous and really charming residence of Mary Pearson Sturdy, who impressed the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield) and Bleak Home, a hanging constructing excessive on a cliff the place Dickens penned David Copperfield.
2. Canterbury
Situated in southeast England, I feel the cathedral metropolis of Canterbury is a shocking and it’s additionally extremely popular with everybody else too! It has an historic and vital historical past with vital literary connections, nevertheless it’s so nicely preserved that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
It was as soon as a preferred pilgrimage website, and its literary connections come from being the previous stomping floor of Chaucer, the well-known writer and poet who hailed from the Center Ages. Town impressed him a lot that he primarily based the world-famous “Canterbury Tales” right here.
It has historic partitions, initially constructed by the Romans, surrounding its medieval centre. Contained in the partitions are a community of cobbled streets, beautiful timber-framed homes, six museums, seven artwork galleries, six theatres, one fort, one abbey, 24 Canterbury Tales, and the beautiful cathedral!
When right here I like exploring all of the picturesque parks, gardens, fascinating outlets, quaint cafes, and positive eating places – I personally assume it’s a really positive metropolis vacation spot!
3. Whitstable
Assume extra of a classy foodie vacation spot on the ocean, full with Michelin-starred eating places, meals (largely shellfish) festivals, and craft beer lots.
I additionally love its artistic facet, with many artwork galleries, impartial reward outlets, and retro/classic shops. For my part, it’s an incredible choice for both a day journey or an extended break. Simply be sure you take a look at the great Fisherman’s Huts for distinctive seafront lodging!
Lovely coastal surroundings surrounds the city and I all the time like to discover as a lot as I can whereas right here!
4. Scotney Citadel
Situated to the southeast of the small village of Lamberhurst and owned by the Nationwide Belief, I’m all the time utterly bowled by this excellent treasure and I like the romantic vibe it has right here.
Constructed within the 14th century, I personally stunning turreted English nation home with formal gardens and a moat is as shut as you may get to a fairytale constructing!
Situated throughout the valley of the River Bewl, its environment are lush, too and contains many strolling trails over 770 acres of beautiful woodland.
On my journey I explored the within that are a elegant mix of Victorian and Georgian types, with component of Gothic Revival on a guided tour, walked across the floor that are a mixture of formal gardens, pure landscapes, and woodlands, after which loved a scrumptious meal within the quaint tea room!
5. Herne Bay
I’m all the time charmed by Herne Bay which is an easy-on-the-eye coastal city situated close to town of Canterbury. It’s a beautiful spot and is residence to over two miles of shoreline, a sand and shingle seashore, fairly multi-coloured seashore huts, seafront gardens, a pier, and even a bandstand – so gives loads of seaside enjoyable!
I additionally love the very kitsch Seaside Museum which is residence to a set of pictures from the city’s Victorian heyday and even an outdated Punch and Judy set.
I additionally make time to discover the various unbelievable impartial outlets and eating places, artwork galleries, and alternatives for beautiful coastal walks.
6. Kent Downs
An Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, Kent Downs is among the county’s most scenic websites. It stretches from the London/Surrey border to the well-known White Cliffs of Dover.
Its enchanting pure sights embody chalk ridges, dipping slopes, dry valleys, grassy landscapes lined with hedgerows, conventional orchards, and picturesque ponds. Additionally it is residence to many species of wildlife, birdlife, and uncommon vegetation.
It’s additionally residence to among the highest factors within the Southeast, and also you’ve in all probability guessed that this makes for an extremely scenic stroll. So, don these boots, seize your loved ones and canine, and get going!
7. Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive and the White Cliffs of Dover
For my part, The Scenic Cultural Coastal Drive is a must-do attraction! If you’re hoping for a soothing drive with jaw-dropping surroundings, this can be the place for you.
Take pleasure in a superb coastal journey by unbelievable sights just like the White Cliffs of Dover and Thanet’s beautiful chain of fifteen sandy seashores.
The White Cliffs of Dover are a well-known landmark now owned by the Nationwide Belief. They face France, and in the course of the World Wars, they turned an emblem of freedom and hope and had been typically sung about in now-legendary warfare songs!
This scenic drive takes you thru the county’s historic cities and cultural regeneration. On the similar time, you possibly can take within the superb East Coast view of the place.
There are a number of galleries and classic outlets throughout the space. Go to the Cinque Port of Sandwich, which lies 2 miles inland and is flanked by three well-known golf hyperlinks.
8. Aylesford
This can be a medium-sized village and civil parish on the River Medway, accessed by a picturesque 14th-century five-arched bridge.
It began initially as a small riverside settlement that originated as early again as Neolithic instances, and the outdated city is comprised of round 60 homes, a lot of which had been former outlets.
You possibly can go for a guided or unguided tour of Aylesford, and in my view, it’s a gorgeous village and one of many best within the SouthEast.
Many vital historic buildings exist to discover, together with the church, Aylesford Priory, Preston Corridor, and some fascinating impartial outlets.
9. Leeds Citadel
This beautiful stone fort inbuilt 857AD was as soon as referred to as the “loveliest fort on this planet” Whether or not you agree or not, it is a positive specimen of place and considered one of England’s most vital and greatest castles.
As soon as a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, and a royal palace (it was Henry VIII who lived together with his first spouse, Catherine of Aragon), it’s now open to the general public. It gives numerous issues, from lodging to workshops, excursions, talks, and occasions.
Its location can be beautiful. It isn’t too removed from the big city of Maidstone, set on two islands in an impressive lake.
There’s an choice to discover additional, and right here, you’ll additionally discover over 500 acres of lovely gardens and parkland simply ready to be explored.
10. One Tree Hill and Knole
Owned and guarded by the Nationwide Belief, it is a stunning slice of countryside and a must-see for nature lovers and walkers.
Situated in Kent’s Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, this website gives beautiful panoramic views of the unspoilt countryside, woodland, and open meadows.
The scenic space additionally supplies wildlife, flora, and fauna habitat, together with wild garlic, bluebells, and the uncommon level snail.
Close by can be situated in Sevenoaks (solely a 13-minute drive away) and owned by the Nationwide Belief Knole. Knole is a rustic home and former archbishop’s palace inside Knole Park, a 1,000-acre park situated instantly southeast of Sevenoaks in west Kent.
The home ranks among the many prime 5 of England’s largest homes and occupies a gorgeous four-acre space.
11. Ightham Mote
This medieval 14th-century moated manor home is close to Sevenoaks. It has an excellent architectural design, and the author John Newman described it as “essentially the most full small medieval manor home within the county.”
Get misplaced within the property and discover the attractive gardens, now owned by the Nationwide Belief and open to the general public.
Three fairly waymarked routes will take you across the Ightham Mote property alongside footpaths, woodland, and nation lanes. You may as well tour the Grade I-listed constructing and its great and fascinating historic interiors.
12. Hever Citadel
As soon as an vital historic landmark constructed within the thirteenth century, Hever Citadel is now a preferred vacationer attraction. It’s additionally well-known for being the seat of the Boleyn household of Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor fame.
Situated within the fairly village of Hever close to Edenbridge, it started life as a rustic home and now has mazes, picturesque gardens, and a beautiful lake.
You possibly can go for a guided or unguided tour of Hever Citadel to see all of the preserved structure from years passed by and likewise go to the well-maintained gardens. It additionally hosts a preferred annual jousting event each summer season.
13. Sissinghurst Citadel and Gardens
A romantic spot, this stunning historic constructing is situated in Sissinghurst village and is legendary for as soon as being the house to the well-known poet and author Vita Sackville-West.
Vita designed the gardens surrounding the fort within the Nineteen Thirties and hailed the entire place as a ‘ refuge devoted to magnificence’. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, an writer and diplomat, additionally lived together with her.
The Grade I-listed constructing is on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens and is owned by the Nationwide Belief, so you possibly can take your time exploring the attractive gardens and property.
14. Chapel Down Vineyard
The Chapel Down Vineyard in Tenterden is called the house to England’s main wine producer and England’s reply to Sauvignon Blanc.
Right here, you possibly can see the place the wine is grown and made, and take a tour of the winery property to soak up the beautiful landscapes and views.
Relying in your journey size, you could take interactive masterclasses on making and tasting wine. Be sure to additionally take outing to take a look at the winery on the award-winning Chapel Down property.
There’s additionally a preferred restaurant on-site and a restaurant promoting food and drinks.
15. Bewl Lake
This is among the well-known reservoirs within the valley of the River Bewl. It straddles the boundary between Kent and East Sussex in England, stretches about 2 miles south of the village of Lamberhurst, and is a beautiful magnificence spot to discover.
You possibly can go for an extended stroll and benefit from the stunning water views.
You may as well rent bikes to discover the tranquil surroundings. Rowboats may be employed right here for a beautiful afternoon.