Kent is brimming with stunning countryside and gardens everywhere you turn, this is where the name ‘The Garden of England’ stems from. The Wealden area to the West of Kent is renowned for it’s rolling hills and tranquil scenes of English countryside. To the North there are the towns of Chatham with its historic dockyard and Rochester with its ancient cathedral.
The river Medway flows past the medieval priory at Ayelsford into Maidstone, Further West is Sevenoaks set within the grandeur of Knole House. On the southerly border is the quaint Royal Tunbridge Wells, renowned for it’s shopping and spa’s.
The Weald of Kent boasts a rich history of stately country homes, castles and gardens famed worldwide. It was also once home to Charles Dickens where you may recognise many familiar sights featured in his stories. The picturesque Hever Castle is history preserved with it’s fairytale moated fortress and award-winning gardens, once home to Anne Boleyn. Other historical sights worth visiting in this area include the gardens and castle at Sissinghurst as well as Scotney.
Music festivals and events are a regular fixture at the Hop Farm between Paddock Wood and Tonbridge, which also has a whole range of activities for all ages. Bedgebury Pinetum is a fantastic day out and a chance to get up close with nature, for those into their fir trees it boasts the most complete collection of the conifer species in the world!
Close to the forests at Bedgebury is Bewl Water which is the largest lake/reservoir in South East England, they have a variety of activities from fishing, sailing or kayaking to cycling or walking, experience beautiful sights in a peaceful setting. Some of the best boutique shopping can be found in Royal Tunbridge Wells whether it be the quaint Pantiles or the big brands of the Westfield shopping mall. Blue Water Shopping centre is also located to the far North West part of the county offering a huge range of designer labels and facilities.
Eating out in West Kent you are treated with a good choice of fine dining – the Michelin starred Apicius in Cranbrook sources the top local ingredients to create well-balanced dishes and La Zia Maria in Goudhurst is a fantastic Italian. Also close by are the Biddenden Vineyards and Chapel Down Winery which offer tastings and tours throughout the year as well as The West House (another Michelin star holder) which serves a well crafted menu of contemporary dishes.
Traveling to and from the West of Kent couldn’t be much faster for going to London with direct train services running from most major stations and just 15 minutes with the new High Speed trains running from Ebbsfleet International which also has Eurostar services to the continent. Driving is also very quick and easy to reach all of the destinations in London as well as the rest of Kent giving you easy access to or from Europe via boat or Eurotunnel in the car. Main airports such as London Gatwick and London Heathrow are also very easy to reach with either public transport or you own vehicle. Whether you are just stopping en-route or having your family holiday – Kent is a great and rich place to explore England!