If you live in the UK, this summer make at least one visit to the countryside. Visit Kent. Full of history, natural beauty, fondly known as The Garden of England. Running from Sevenoaks down to the coast and the Kent Downs. A lush landscape made up of ancient woodland, farmland, wild flowers, rivers and rolling hills. Whether you’re in the mood for inhaling fresh sea air or a taking a forest walk, if you need a change in scenery, Kent is charming and close enough to the capital to get there and back in just one day.
Getting there
This country escape has three must-see sweet spots, Leeds Castle, Canterbury city and White Cliffs of Dover. Go as a group on a private hire coach from London with an itinerary of three stops all for under £50 pp. Alternatively, Southeastern operates a train from London Victoria to Kent hourly, tickets cost between £19 – £27, but I would highly recommend a day coach, as its so much more comfy!
Leeds Castle
If you like old grandeur, you’ll love the sight of this stunning 900 year old moated castle, set in beautiful parkland, 5 miles southeast of Maidstone , Kent. Built in the 11th century on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds, its lower walls still contain relics of the original castle’s stonework.
This ancient-bricked castle has 28 bedrooms in total, including eight luxurious state bedrooms, each uniquely furnished with period antiques and large original en-suite, art-deco marble bathrooms. Many of the rooms offer traditional four poster beds and breath-taking views across the moat and surrounding parkland.
The visit ticks all the day trip boxes for picnicking with family, friends or as a couple, with a boat ride option around the castle starting from £3.50 pp and free entry to the castle.
Next stop is Canterbury a great place to have lunch and explore the town. Canterbury is a cathedral city, just over 30 minutes from Leeds castle, and was once a pilgrimage site in the Middle ages. Visit the world famous Canterbury Cathedral, a monument that will bring you face to face with stunning architecture and Christian history that has attracted sightseers from all across the world. Founded in 597 A.D, today it is the headquarters of the Church of England. The Cathedral is very much a place of worship and has regular services on most days and special occasions. From spectacular Cathedral architecture, see the charming medieval streets walked by Churchill and Charles Dickens, and the sights depicted Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ all of which continue to make Canterbury world famous. There are countless walking routes you can take, some taking in the North Downs Way or historic pilgrimage routes throughout the city of Canterbury.
A 45 minute tour along the river Stour will bring you up to speed with the history of Canterbury. Then you can spend the rest of the afternoon shopping, the great British past time. The centre of town is home to most high street stores including Next, Zara and Fenwicks, and the cobbled stoned walkways will take you in different directions to vintage boutiques-come gift ships and homeware stores where you will certainly find a bargain or two. Browse vintage collectors shops as well and stock up on one of a kind finds you never knew you needed.
On a warm summers day there will be music, street dancers and a market too.
White Cliffs of Dover
Back on the coach, the last stop is Dover – a small town on the southeast coast of England just across the sea from France. The famous white cliffs are a geological beauty and the perfect end to a day trip.
Dover Castle, rises from the hilltops as the journey along the hilly woodland in search of the coast begins. There’s a bit of a trek before getting to St. Margaret’s Bay, then a clearing where the National Trust official footpaths to the cliffs start.
We stop for a picnic at the top of the hill and a well deserved rest to watch the ferries and shipping boats as they navigate the English Channel.
Many a song has been written about the White Cliffs that welcome visitors with a hearty English experience. It remains one of the most iconic and memorable parts of the British landscape. It’s hard to think of a more lovelier picturesque place in rural England, such a beautiful sight where the sky meets the edge of the land and the smell of sea air is incredible.
The Ladypreneur 