White cliffs, wildlife-filled marshlands, and pebble-and-sand beaches fringe England’s south-eastern county.
If Kent is the “Garden of England”, its coastline is the most magnificent of garden walls. Choose between the rugged south shores, where startling white sea cliffs look out across the English Channel, or the Blue Flag beaches of the North Sea coast, all within day-trip distance of London. Outdoor adventures await at every corner—enjoy coastal hikes and bike rides, spot wildlife on wetland walks, or play a game at one of the cliff-top golf courses. May through October offers the most pleasant weather for seaside camping and water sports, but it’s possible to explore year-round in a campervan or caravan.
Kent’s 10 Blue Flag beaches all lie along the north shore. The south-eastern resorts of Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs draw beachgoers and surfers throughout the summer months, but if you can brave the cold, you’ll catch the biggest swells in winter. Further west, the pebble beaches and colorful beach huts paint a pretty picture at Herne Bay and Whitstable, while the Isle of Sheppey has a wide choice of beachside camping and caravan parks.
South of Ramsgate, white chalk cliffs, rocky coves, and shingle beaches stretch along the shores of the English Channel. The headline act is the White Cliffs of Dover, home to one of England’s most rewarding coastal hikes. Further south, Folkestone is a favorite for summer campers and caravanners, while the Romney marshes are popular with walkers and bird-watchers.
North of Dover, the rolling green hills of the Kent Downs—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—provide a lush backdrop for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Stay at a farmland campsite, visit the cathedral city of Canterbury, or play a game of golf with views across the countryside.
With easy access from London, west Kent provides plenty of options for city campers or glampers looking for a rural escape. Spend a night in a tipi or bell tent, enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, then take a ride on the scenic Spa Valley railway. For hikers, the High Weald AONB has trails ranging from short walks to epic hikes.