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Kent Holiday Cottages
Kent holiday cottages and other self catering properties, such as chalets and apartments can be found through the rental companies listed below.
Their cottages are located throughout Kent, with many close to the coast. Discounts and deals are also widely available - visit the sites for more information.
Cottages 4 You - Around
120 Kent holiday cottages situated in places such as Bodney Marsh, Canterbury, Faversham and Elmstead. Many of their cottage properties are graded with at least 4 stars for standards and quality. Bookings are between £300 and £1300 for 7 day short breaks.
Holiday Rentals - Over
100 Kent cottages and holiday properties, situated all over the county. Locations include Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury and Ashford. In addition to cottages, they also provide chalets and lodges, many of which are close to the coast.
Cottages Direct - 20 cottages in Kent and other forms of self catering accommodation. Many of their holiday cottages are traditional, featuring thatched cottages as well as barn and stable conversions. Bookings start at £175 for week-long short breaks during low-season.
Hoseasons - About 15 Kent cottages from Hoseasons. Their range consists of traditional cottages for the most part, located in places like Bishopstone, Milstead and Sandwich. Rates are between £230 and £6300, depending on season and the size of the holiday property.
Kent
Kent is situated in South West England and is one of the Home counties. Known as 'The Garden of England', its varied landscape ranges from high chalk cliffs to gentle rolling downs. Kent also has one of the most distinctive coastlines in the UK, featuring shingle beaches and long expanses of golden sand.
Kent's shores are known as
The Gates of England and still bear the signs of ancient invaders, with a number of Roman shore-castles and Norman fortresses peppering the coastline. The county's heritage is also evident in a number of castles and keeps - Kent has more than any other region in Britain. The well-preserved Tonbridge Castle is one of the best examples and is over 900 years old.
Historical towns can be found scattered amongst the rolling hills and orchards of Kent, such as Maidstone, Sevenoaks and
Royal Tunbridge Wells. These towns are steeped in history and are very distinctive in character. Medway, historic capital of maritime Kent, has a Norman cathedral and castle as well as Victorian and Georgian architecture in abundance. The historical town of Canterbury is also noteworthy and features one of the UK's most famous cathedrals.
A number of trails and paths run through the picturesque landscape such as
The North Downs Way, an ancient track-way dating from pre-Roman times which meanders through a landscape of beech woods and chalk grasslands. It affords wonderful views of the rich pastures and cornfields of the Kent countryside. For further details of major Kent visitor attractions, see the section below.
Kent visitor attractions
We've include more information about some of the top visitor attractions in Kent, as well as details about good pubs and restaurants. Entry prices and opening hours are included with links to the relevant sites where possible.
Outdoor activities
Kent's coast is a popular destination for water-sports enthusiasts and there are a number of centres that specialise in activities, ranging from windsurfing to jet-skiing. Sea excursions are also run by companies such as
Bayblast, which take visitors out to seal colonies found just off the coast. For high-adrenalin fun, see Buckmore Park Karting which offers go-karting sessions on a mini grand prix circuit. Prices start at £12. The Go Ape tree-top adventure course is also hugely popular and is located at
Leeds Castle. It consists of tarzan swings and rope bridges and is suitable for children over 10 years of age.
Food and drink
The
Pepper Box Inn, Harrietsham is a 15th century pub which affords some impressive views of the surrounding countryside. It serves good pub food using local produce as well as a number of seasonal ales - it also includes a large garden which is suitable for families.
The Dove Inn, which is situated in Canterbury, is also worth visiting and is set amongst local orchards. The large garden area is suitable for families and the food is sourced from local suppliers - local ales are also served.
The
Crab and Winkle Seafood Restaurant is a top eatery and overlooks Whitstable Harbour. It holds three AA rosettes for its excellent food and features a menu that changes on a daily basis. A la carte courses are affordable and start at around £15 - children are welcome. Thackerays in
Royal Tunbridge Wells is also outstanding and is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the town. Modern French cuisine is served in an elegant setting, which features a Japanese terraced area. There's also a private dining area.
History and Culture
Canterbury Cathedral is a major historical attraction and is one of the most famous of its kind in the country. It is part of a
World Heritage Site and dates back to 596AD. Opening times are 9am to 5.30pm and there's an entry charge of £7.50. Guide books are available as well as tours of the cathedral, which run three times daily.
Tonbridge Castle is an excellent example of a
Mott and Bailey Castle and features a large gatehouse. Recent renovations have enabled more extensive tours of the castle which include interactive displays and life-size recreations - these are held between the hours of 10am and 3pm. Kent's marine heritage is celebrated through a number of museums, such as
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery. It exhibits a number of sea-related artefacts, including a Bronze Age Boat, which is the oldest seaworthy vessel in the World. Opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm and admission is £3.
