Kent
Why we love Kent
From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals and towns that are on the map for cutting-edge food and art, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery. Just a short hop from London takes you to Margate – home to the Turner Contemporary gallery and Dreamland theme park.
Tuck into delicious oysters and other seafood in Whitstable or try bohemian Ramsgate for a weekend away. Relax among the candy-coloured beach huts of Broadstairs, or bring the past alive in the surrounds of Dover Castle, Leeds Castle or Canterbury Cathedral.
Alternatively, sample sparkling wines on vineyard tours or explore Kent’s Heritage Coast - voted one of the world’s top regions to visit in 2022 by Lonely Planet.
Things to do in Kent
Featured things to do
Explore Kent’s vineyards
Enjoy a tour and tasting in the lush surroundings of one of Kent’s wineries or vineyards, renowned for their still and sparkling wines.
Feel the love at Margate Pride Festival
Join in a celebration of love with this programme of summer events, including a festival in Dreamland, followed by a parade and an incredible town-wide after party.
Soak up some culture at Canterbury Festival
Dive into a two-week extravaganza of the arts. Expect an eclectic mix of opera, folk, jazz and classical, alongside circus, theatre, cabaret and visual arts.
Catch an exhibition at Turner Contemporary
This cutting-edge gallery on Margate beach was one of the driving forces behind the town’s vibrant regeneration. It hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions and workshops that embody the town's creative spirit.
Places to stay in Kent
Margate
Home to the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and the surreal Shell Grotto, this seaside town is packed with experiences and plenty of eateries to get your teeth into.
Canterbury
The walled city of Canterbury is more like a relaxed town - explore the 11th-century Canterbury cathedral, as well as its many bars and restaurants.
Sandwich
With its chalk cliffs and beautiful winding streets, the port of Sandwich features medieval gems and a riverboat service along the River Stour - great for taking in the Kent countryside.
Explore nearby
Getting to Kent
One of the easiest modes of transport is by rail. Kent has one of the densest rail networks of any county in Britain, including connections to Europe via the Eurotunnel. By air, the nearest airports to Kent are London Gatwick and London Heathrow, with the journey time from both hubs taking less than two hours by road or rail.
Getting around
A vast network of roads, trails, paths and train lines run from town-to-town across the county, leaving you with more time to experience Kent’s coast and countryside.
By bus
Buses serve routes across Kent. Check out Arriva and Stagecoach for the most frequently run services.
By train
Most train services in Kent are operated by Southeastern, with the exception of local trains which are operated by Southern. You can use National Rail Enquiries for tickets and route planners.
By bike
Kent is a cyclist’s paradise. From bike tours, such as the heritage-led Col’s Kent Bike Tours, to the newly-opened Cantii Way or a host of other trails, cycling is a great way to experience what Kent has to offer.
Want to know more?
Check out Visit Kent for top insider tips and travel inspiration