Location guide: Kent

With more than 350 miles of beaches, cliffs and coves, Kent, like Essex, has one of the longest coastlines to explore of any county in Britain. Kent has some of the UK’s best beaches, with stunning white cliffs and golden sands. Whether you want full-on facilities, rock pools to discover, or a more secluded beach for a peaceful stroll, Kent certainly delivers.

Kent can also boast more castles than any other county in England; due to its proximity to France, many of the big defensive castles were built on Kent’s shores. So, if you love exploring historical fortresses, then this county is the place to be.

Inland, you find the beautiful Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering many walks, plus country houses, gardens, museums and galleries. Wildlife lovers also have a choice of nature reserves and animal sanctuaries, too.

#1 Whitstable

This town by the sea is noted for its oysters and is a charming town with a rich maritime history and a long, shingle beach that even has a pub on it!

#2 Margate

A traditional seaside town with an amusement park that is home to the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster, this is a town for seaside fun and entertainment.

#3 Broadstairs

A wander around Broadstairs along the clifftops uncovers seven sandy beaches and bays, some busy with watersports, others more secluded. The town is full of quirky lanes, tiny flint houses and fishermen’s cottages.

#4 Leeds Castle

Perfect for a family day out, you can enjoy a maze, grotto, falconry displays and punting on the moat at this magnificent castle.

#5 Canterbury

For a day in a city, head to beautiful Canterbury with its ancient walls, cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. There’s also the historic cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey to explore.

#6 Tunbridge Wells

This charming town is famous for its natural spring and for The Pantiles, a beautiful open-air promenade surrounded by the original Georgian shop buildings, housing many independently owned boutiques.

#7 Hever Castle

Built in the thirteenth century, Hever Castle had a very famous childhood resident: Anne Boleyn. The gardens have won several awards. The castle is noted for its double moat.

#8 Samphire Hoe

An entirely man-made nature reserve, created from the chalk marl that was excavated for the Channel Tunnel, Samphire Hoe is a haven for wildlife and 200 types of plant.

#9 Port Lympne

With more than 700 rare and endangered animals, you can let Port Lympne ‘transport’ you to Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely over 600 acres.

#10 Dover Castle

Having protected Kent’s shores for centuries, the mighty Dover Castle is the crowning glory of the White Cliffs. Visitors can venture deep underground into the castle’s secret wartime tunnels, then climb the Great Tower and explore the medieval interiors.