We might be a little biased but we think that Kent is one of the best counties that England has to offer. As well as having the best pubs around, here are just a few reasons why you should visit Kent next.
1. The oldest county in England
1. The oldest county in England
With a 1,500 year old history and as the home of over 17,000 listed buildings, Kent is brimming with heritage, history and hidden gems. As one of the first territories conquered by the Anglo-Saxons and home to Canterbury Cathedral, there’s plenty to explore and centuries upon centuries of history to uncover.
Kent has also played a monumental role in English history. From the peace talks of Leeds Castle in 1978 and 2004, to the Battle of Britain during World War II.
2. Castles, coasts and countryside
2. Castles, coasts and countryside
Stumble through endless fields of green, hike breath-taking coastlines or take a wander through towns steeped in history. Kent is as varied as it is vast. Whether you’re looking for your history fix or a breath of crisp, sea air, Kent is the county that has it all.
With twenty-six castles to explore and four out of five the ancient Cinque Ports dotted around Kent’s coastline; you’ll find rich history at every turn. Twenty-eight per-cent of Kent is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, made up of the North Downs and the High Weald. When you visit Kent, why not stop off at The Dirty Habit as you amble along The Pilgrim’s Way or earn your pint pit-stop at The Vineyard, situated in the heart of the Weald.
3. Local produce
3. Local produce
An abundance of fruit-growing, hop gardens and vineyards has led Kent to coin the nickname ‘The Garden of England’. It’s not just produce from the earth that Kent is famed for. With a growing list of local breweries, businesses and eateries both providing and supplying local produce, Kent is local produce at its best.
Local will always be our first choice when it comes to the ingredients that go into our dishes and the drinks stocked behind our bars. From Chapel Down, the UK’s biggest supplier of English wine, to local fruit and veg supplier David Catt & Sons, we love working with local suppliers.
4. A stone's throw from London
4. A stone's throw from London
With a fantastic high speed trainline to London, Kent is the ultimate weekend hideaway. Visit Kent and arrive in towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Folkestone and Maidstone in under an hour from London.
Our boutique bedrooms at The Potting Shed, The Farm House and The Vineyard are the perfect places to relax, re-charge and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated near to many of Kent’s hidden gems and set in the grounds of our pubs, stay the night and experience a county like you never have before.
5. Festivals and events
5. Festivals and events
Whilst the landscape of this summer might look a little different to the usual array of festivals and events, there’s still plenty of exciting places to explore and things to see. Whether you’re looking for fun with friends or the perfect way to entertain the family, Kent has something for everyone. Head over to Visit Kent to find out more about what’s going on this summer.
