Kent

The very best places to stay in Kent

Affectionately known as the Garden of England, Kent is steeped in history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. From sprawling vineyards and medieval architecture to cool towns, dramatic cliffs and secret beaches, the diverse landscape is ideal for both minibreaks and full holidays, and just a short hop from London.

The coast is the biggest draw: take a clifftop hike along the iconic white cliffs of Dover, and explore the pretty coastal towns one by one. Broadstairs is quaintly charming; Whitstable is a hotspot for foodies; Margate – home to the Turner Contemporary gallery – draws an modish crowd. Ramsgate has a lovely harbour, lined with artisanal bakeries and boutique shops while peaceful Deal is all indie cafes and pretty hand-painted fishing boats.

Base yourself in Kent’s best places to stay, from cute family cottages to dog-friendly houses and romantic boltholes. We’ve even found a pair of old lighthouse keeper’s cottages, on the starkly beautiful Dungeness; Britain’s only desert.

Kip tips:

• Architecture. It’s all about the medieval. Our top picks are Sissinghurst Castle with its incredible gardens designed by Vita Sackville-West; Canterbury Cathedral, an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and a place of pilgrimage and Chaucer tales; and Faversham’s charming cobbled streets.
• Must do: spend an afternoon on Botany Bay, a real in-the-know spot, with quiet sands backed by towering white cliffs.
• With kids: Port Lympne Reserve is an extraordinary wildlife experience, with everything from rhinos to gorillas.
• Foodie treat: freshly plucked oysters from one of the shacks lining Whitstable’s shorelines.
• Best activity: wine tasting at some of the country’s best vineyards. Chapel Down and Biddenden are the big names but we prefer the organic sparkling wine from Herbert Hall, made by hand using traditional methods.
• Secret Kip tip: Take a picnic to Lydden Hill Nature Reserve — home to rare wildlife and stunning wildflowers – and walk all the way through it to the cliffs. Here you’ll find Lydden Spout; a super peaceful spot with incredible sea views.
  
  Why book a Kent holiday with Kip Hideaways?

  We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special.

  Our Kent hideaways include beachside houses, family-friendly cottages, a super-cool modern bungalow with a sauna, and dog-friendly homes.