Discover the Beauty of Kent: Where to Stay in the Garden of England

With its dazzling coastline, bucolic countryside and bustling towns and cities, Kent is one of those destinations that has it all. Whether you want to stay in a coastal town, find solitude in a quaint village or be at the heart of the action in the city, choosing where to stay can be difficult. Luckily, our travel experts at Plum Guide know Kent inside out and are here to help you plan the perfect trip. We’ve put together this guide to where to stay in Kent, so all that’s left to do is pack your bags and head out to enjoy your time in one of England’s most enchanting corners.

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With its medieval architecture and literary heritage, Canterbury is the jewel in Kent’s crown. It’s famous for its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, and no visit to the city would be complete without seeing one of the oldest Christian structures in England. The stunning cathedral features Romanesque, Gothic and Perpendicular styles, and is home to fine artwork, including the famous stained glass windows. Those who are more interested in the Romans should swing by the Canterbury Roman Museum. Built on the remains of a former Roman townhouse, get up close and personal with the original mosaics as well as other artefacts that were used in everyday life.

In town, wander through the picturesque cobbled streets past timber-framed houses. There are plenty of green spaces to relax in, including Westgate Parks, a formation of four different landscape areas made up of woodland, meadows, gardens and riverside. For a unique way to see the city, we highly recommend taking a leisurely boat tour down the River Stour, where you’ll glide past landmarks like the Dominican Priory and Greyfriars Chapel. Evenings call for a trip to the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury’s leading performing arts venue. With a wide programme of concerts, dramas, musicals, contemporary dance shows, ballets, operas and comedy shows, it won’t be difficult to find something you enjoy.

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Those wondering where to stay in Kent for a little seaside getaway should head to Margate. Holidaymakers have been coming here since the 1700s, with Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches and amusements. Fast forward to the present day, and Margate is seeing a resurgence, with independent shops and a thriving art scene taking over the town. There are numerous galleries and creative spaces dotted around town, the most well-known being the Turner Contemporary. This modern art gallery opened in 2011 and has fast become one of the UK’s top art institutions. Perched on the seafront, the rather striking building was built on the site of a boarding house in which J. M. W. Turner once lived. It features ever-changing exhibitions from local and international artists, focusing on art from 1750 to the present day.

Further along the seafront, you’ll find all the classic fittings of a traditional seaside resort, from a theme park to arcades and theatres. Margate Main Sands is a Blue Flag beach, with a long stretch of golden sand ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle-building and ball games – there are also cafes, attractions and children’s rides just behind the beach. Take a stroll into the Old Town, where grand Georgian and Victorian buildings have been converted into independent shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes. Be sure to pop into Old Kent Market, an indoor market housed within an old cinema building from 1911. Browse the collection of stalls which stock everything from food and crafts to vinyl and cocktails.

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Another seaside town worth staying in is Whitstable. With its traditional charm, picturesque shingle beach and colourful houses, you’ll have a hard time putting down your camera. Spend your time down at the lively harbour with its bobbing boats and unique shops and eateries. From here, catch a sightseeing boat tour of the coast to explore the famous Red Sands Sea Forts or go seal watching. If you prefer to stay on dry land, why not delve into Whitstable’s artsy side with a mooch around its galleries? The Fishslab Gallery used to be a fishmongers and now supports emerging makers, while the Chappell Contemporary showcases limited-edition prints.

If you’re looking for a place to take a breather and soak up the views, the Tankerton Slopes is a grassy spot overlooking Tankerton Beach, a pleasant stretch of sand lined by colourful huts. As well as its stunning coastline, Whitstable is popular for its fresh seafood and is best known for its exquisite Whitstable oyster, which has been harvested here since Roman times. Enjoy these oysters and other seafood delicacies from the many pubs and restaurants, or pick some up from the fish market at the harbour. Visit in the summer, and you’ll even catch the Oyster Festival, a fun-packed weekend of food, drink and entertainment.

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Often shortened to Tunbridge Wells, this elegant spa town offers a wonderful mix of town and country. It boasts a flourishing cultural scene, with a large variety of theatres, music venues and art galleries. Head to the Trinity Theatre for plays, comedy shows and musicals, while the Assembly Hall Theatre hosts touring productions and larger acts. Tunbridge Wells is a shopper’s paradise, where you’ll want to spend hours on end browsing through the independent shops in The Pantiles, a historic shopping district with a collonaded walkway. A regular farmers’ market is hosted here, as well as a jam-packed calendar of live music and cultural events.

Situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’re in a great location to walk, cycle, or horse ride through the rolling hills, ancient woodland and open heath. At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, walk amongst one of the world’s best collections of conifers or soar through the tree-tops on the Go-Ape high ropes adventure trail. The nearby Bewl Water offers a fun family day out filled with fishing, water sports and cycling. One of the most exciting ways to admire the scenery is from a ride on the steam train at Spa Valley Railway – you can even get off and explore at each stop along the way.

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Looking for somewhere to stay in Kent to relax and slow down? Tenterden is a lovely market town perched on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, it blends rural charm with fascinating history, splendid architecture and fantastic shopping. Tenterden has a timeless feel with its tree-lined streets featuring a blend of Georgian buildings, tall Victorian houses and tiny cottages. Many of the town’s buildings date back even further to the medieval period, one of the best examples being the impressive St. Mildred’s Church. Follow your feet to the High Street, where you’ll come across an excellent selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

With the town overlooking the valley of the River Rother, you don’t have to go too far for spectacular views of the countryside. The Kent and East Sussex Railway passes through Tenterden, so be sure to hop aboard a vintage steam train to soak up more of the views. If you want to fit in a workout, there are plenty of opportunities to go walking or cycling, with many routes leading from the town itself. Lacking motivation? What if we told you that you can enjoy a glass of wine at the end of your walk? Yes, that’s right – thanks to the milder nature of the landscape around the High Weald, there are a couple of nearby vineyards, such as Chapel Down, where you can sit back with a well-deserved glass of red.

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Arguably one of the prettiest towns in Kent, Deal is kind of a big deal (sorry). Quieter than Whitstable and less edgy than Margate, it’s a quintessentially English seaside resort with a unique charm of its own. Down on the seafront, its long pebble beach looks like a scene from a painting. Backed by traditional beach huts and a pier, the beach is popular with swimmers, surfers and kitesurfers. Those who don’t fancy the thought of a chilling dip can instead take a walk along the beach and pop into one of the restaurants for some delicious fresh seafood with a side of views.

The town is well-suited to culture vultures who can get their fix in the array of music venues, art galleries and the Astor Theatre. For some local history, the Deal Maritime and Local History Museum has a range of fascinating exhibits on fishing, smuggling and naval warfare. While you’re here, make the most of your surroundings by taking one of the many coastal and countryside walks which lead from the town. Those travelling with the family won’t want to miss a day out at the Walmer Castle and Gardens, just a quick drive from Deal.

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