Kent, But Not as You Know It…

With one of the warmest, driest climates found anywhere in the UK and hundreds of miles of coastline, some captivating corners of Kent could easily be mistaken for somewhere in the Mediterranean on a summer’s day. Botany Bay is one of those places, with its chalky white sea stacks and arches, verdant greenery and glorious golden sand. With the bright blue sea and dramatic cliffs, it can be compared to the Ionian Islands in Greece – but without the three-hour flight time! Best visited on a sunny, calm day either side of the crowds – think dawn walks and sunset swims. 

Where to stay nearby: Botany Bay sits between the bustling resort towns of Margate and Broadstairs on the Thanet coastline. Margate is walkable in 50 minutes along the esplanade, while Broadstairs can also be reached on foot through the North Foreland Golf Club.

If you want the elevated beach cottages, fresh seafood and starry night skies of Cape Cod, the stretch of coastline between Dover and Deal is very likely to steal your heart. Think weathered wood-clad houses with hydrangeas in the garden, sandy pathways to the beach and dramatic cliffs resting above pastel-coloured waters. You’ll also be able to dine on some of the freshest seafood in the UK, with Kent known for its oysters and Dover sole – your very own local alternative to clam chowder and lobster rolls (although you can definitely find those too)   

Where to stay nearby: St Margaret’s Bay has the feel of an exclusive enclave with right-on-the-sand beach houses and clifftop pads, while Kingsdown and Walmer are equally charming with historic beachfront homes.    

With hidden caves, plenty of greenery and a cool, cultural, salt-soaked vibe, Kingsgate Bay mirrors the Basque Country in both scenery and style – particularly Biarritz. Both headlands are topped with a castle, and both areas are known for their ties to maritime trade. While things are slightly more spread out in this area of Kent than they are in Biarritz, you can still get your fix of culture, art and gastronomy in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate nearby. For even more French flair, make sure to sample Kentish wines at a local vineyard – the nearest is Barnsole, but there are many more slightly further into the county.    

Where to stay nearby: Broadstairs is your best option for accommodation near Kingsgate Bay, but both Margate and Ramsgate are close by, too.

Perfect for ‘leaf peeping’ tours during Autumn that feel like you’ve been transported to North America or Canada, Bedgebury Pinetum near Cranbrook is a large forest with a world‑leading pinetum (collection of conifers) featuring over 12,000 specimens, creating dense evergreen avenues. Established in 1925, the site is also home to several lakes and historical points of interest, giving it a real ‘summer camp’ vibe akin to adventure novels and childhood blockbusters. The mix of tall pines, firs and unusual conifers, plus woodland trails and treetop walks, gives it a much more mountain forest atmosphere than typical Kent countryside.

Where to stay nearby: The Ashford area is our go-to for the rolling countryside that surrounds the pinetum, and is approximately 50 minutes away by car. 

You may think comparing the south coast of England to Australia is too bold a move, but hear us out on the parallels first. While they might not exist in a subtropical climate, Walpole’s Grade II-Listed tidal pool coupled with Margate’s thriving cultural scene could be enough to make a Sydneysider feel right at home. Interestingly, Walpole tidal pool is fed by natural springs that rise up from the chalky beach floor, meaning you’ll be swimming in freshwater during your bathe here. It can get rough at high tide, but on a calm and mild day, it brings lagoon vibes and is surrounded by soft golden sand. After a swim or a soak, you can walk along the promenade and into Margate centre to seek out Sydney’s cafe culture and foodie scene: Giant Coffee, Rise & Bun, SARGASSO, Angela’s and The Wellington are where you’ll find it! 

Where to stay nearby: Roll out of bed and straight into the waters of the tidal pool (well, almost) by staying in Margate itself.

Yes, you can replicate the rich headiness and joie de vivre of Provence in summertime without leaving the UK. For wine-soaked afternoons strolling through fields of lavender, Kent has Castle Farm in Shoreham, coupled with the award-winning Chapel Down Vineyard and Domaine Evremond, another (French-owned!) vineyard option where you can sample both still and sparkling varietals in beautiful surroundings. Both vineyards are about an hour away from the lavender fields, but if you choose Chapel Down you’ll meander along the edge of the High Weald National Landscape en route. 

Where to stay nearby: Folkestone is a great base if you want to enjoy the coast and some hustle and bustle, while Ashford occupies a more central position in the rolling countryside. 

Although it’s right on the border of East Sussex, Dungeness is an unmissable Kent destination that divides opinion every single time – is it a bleak, end-of-the-earth wasteland, or is it an old-time adventure playground come to life? We have to insist there’s nowhere quite like it – the vast pebble plains, remnants of narrow-gauge tracks and sun and salt-bleached wooden shacks create a desert-like feel worthy of any western. With sparse vegetation, this arid shingle peninsula is known for its big skies, smuggling legends and amazing photography opportunities. If atmospheric, cinematic destinations are your thing, make sure to visit the Romney Marsh area close by, where the flat plains streaked by swampy inlets and numerous historic churches create an eerie yet idyllic appeal.      

Where to stay nearby: Both Hythe and Folkestone are just a short distance further up the coast from Dungeness – reachable within 30 minutes.