Kent

Kent isn’t known as the ‘Garden of England’ for nothing!  But you’d be mistaken for thinking those delicious Kentish apples, pears and cherries were all this eclectic county had to offer.

Not only are there some fabulously unusual places to stay in Kent, but there’s also a wealth of attractions that include gorgeous beaches (some of which have been voted the best in Europe by Lonely Planet), grand castles and historic culture to enjoy – all less than an hour by train from London and with super-fast links to Europe.

There are more than 4,000 walking and cycling trails in Kent – a true outdoor lover’s delight!  The North Downs Way, Greensand Way and Pilgrims Way are wonderful places to begin your exploration, dotted with leafy forests including Kings Wood at Challock, Henry VIII’s old hunting ground.

Faversham, a town recorded in the Domesday book, offers an exciting array of independent shops and markets, while exquisite Canterbury makes for the ideal medieval-cum-bohemian city break, just 10 minutes from the beach at Herne Bay.

Culture-vultures are in for a treat with a visit to Margate, with its traditional seaside fun and the acclaimed Turner Contemporary Gallery, while Royal Tunbridge Wells is a classic example of Kentish town and country combined, ideal for a more traditional getaway.  Nearby Bewl Water is wonderful for a family day out, too, with plenty of water-based activity to indulge in.

Oh, and not forgetting “England’s most charismatic chunks of chalk” – the white cliffs of Dover!  And so it goes that the very best tip for anyone visiting Kent is this: bring your camera.