The heart of west Kent lies in Ashford. Previously a market town, this Kent town has seen a huge revival, with new houses perfect for families and internationally renowned businesses moving to the area in recent years. Not only does it mark the start of the domestic HS1 with Southeastern, connecting you to London in 38 minutes, you can while away time with its closeness to the Kent Downs AONB or perhaps the Designer Outlet, Curious Brewery, or take a short hop out of town to sample some of England's best wine - with award winning producers dotting the landscape which is now ideal to grow the country's finest.
Visit website >A historic cathedral city at its core and a buzzing hive of activity since Roman times, Canterbury has it all. From connections to the capital and many other vibrant Kent hotspots such as Margate and Rochester, to its universities and miles of shopping streets its worth a weekend visit, or even a stay quite a few years longer! When you're needing to escape, country paths wind out of the city with cycle ways meandering through the ancient woodland of Blean to the beaches at Herne Bay and Whitstable.
Visit website >Kent's port city and area, connecting the UK to mainland Europe, Dover's coastline has been at the forefront of the UK since Roman times, and this history is visible throughout the area. Towering proudly on top of those famous White Cliffs is Dover castle which overlooks the valley in which Dover sits, which in itself has recently received plenty of inward investment. From international supermarkets to friendly local B&Bs right through to a new sea cargo terminal, whatever you need from Dover it's there! Follow the coastline a little further and you'll reach picturesque villages such as St Margaret's Bay and the town of Deal which has its own castle, thriving high street and winding streets of historic properties.
Visit website >A centre of many industries past and present, today Faversham a historic market town with plenty of charm. Home to Shepherd Neame Brewery, the oldest in the country, the famous food hall of Macknade Fine Foods and surrounded by over 150 acres of farmland and orchards at Brogdale Collection, it's a real foodie haven. For those looking for easy evenings and weekend wanders, the likes of Oare Nature Reserve, Belmont House sit to the south and drop you right into Kentish life.
Visit website >Once Kent's second port city to Dover, the seaside town of Folkestone has a charm to it unlike any other town in the county, with the wider area along the Channel known as Kent's Heritage Coast, being voted one of Lonely Planet's best Regions in the World to visit for 2022. The vibrant Creative Quarter along the winding old high street is a haven for creatives, while the nearby Folkestone Harbour Arm is a must-visit for foodies, with its plethora of independent street food vendors, not to mention some impressive artwork. If you are looking to set up shop here, you'll be joining a raft of internationally recognised companies and it's not hard to see why when you consider its location - just 55 minutes to London and even closer to the continent.
Visit website >On the bank of the River Thames is the town of Gravesend. Blending riverside history and heritage with the modern day, it's a bustling multicultural centre that pays homage to historic connections to Charles Dickens and Pocahontas, through to its newly refurbished Chartered Borough Market, contrasting with the stunning Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. For those looking for adventure after work, the nearby Cyclopark is a one-of-a-kind venue to satisfy cycle enthusiasts of all types from BMX to mountain bike trails - be sure to unwind after in one of the independent restaurants that line its hundred-year-old streets.
Visit website >Within the district of Canterbury sits Herne Bay, which has been a favourite English seaside town since Victorian times. Recently, it's enjoyed a true revival with houses on the coast being renovated and new housing popping up to support the town's growth. There's plenty of options for enjoying traditional fish and chips right through to a high street with stacks of indie outlets. Oh, and did we mention the beautiful pier and its classic arcade games, huts and quaint theme park rides?!
Visit website >Broad open space. Green fields and nature reserves. Wild beaches with views out to the North Sea and Essex. The Isle of Sheppey is Kentish island life at its best. A short hop from the towns of Faversham, Sittingbourne and Rochester, and to the Kent Downs AONB, the island holds onto its industrial past with the port of Sheerness shipping in goods from across the globe while also looking forward with green space protected for generations to come at the Elmley Nature Reserve, not to mention some stunning Blue Flag beaches.
Visit website >The county town of Kent, Maidstone is centrally located within the county, making it the perfect place to have a base for that work-life balance! Connected by no less than three stations, the town offers space to not only individuals and families, but those looking to relocate their business too. Just north of Maidstone is Panattoni Park in nearby picturesque Aylesford, which has acres of space for logistics and a connection to the rest of the UK and continent. In the wider district, the surrounding villages, not to mention a lively festivals calendar, are a great excuse for visitors, as well as one of Kent's most classic sights, Leeds Castle being as picturesque as they come.
Visit website >In north Kent, the towns of Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Strood and Rainham make up Medway - the namesake of the mighty river that runs through it. Once the lifeblood of marine technology with The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the area is today full of creative hubs and four universities. With direct trains that take just 40 minutes to central London and connections with the south coast and beyond on the M2, it's certainly well connected - but why would you need to with characterful streets, an array of festivals, a castle and cathedral in Rochester, along with country parks and green spaces the size of 13 Hyde Parks.
Visit website >Famed for its sunsets painted by JMW Turner, the iconic east Kent town of Margate is the epitome of coastal living- just imagine working from home when the sun sets over the sandy bay on a winter's day! With grand Victorian townhouses and winding lanes of independent stores you're always going to find what you need in Margate. While visitors love this iconic Kent spot in summer, those in the know will tell you winter is a great time of year to uncover those hidden gems.
Visit website >Kent has a Royal town, but it also has a Royal harbour! Sitting at the eastern point of the county, Ramsgate is a wonderful blend of new and old. A bustling marina full of independent restaurants, shops and bars make for a lively destination but just moments away, peace can be found in a wander along the sandy coastline. Houses in the area are reminiscent of the Victorian beach heyday and plenty have far-reaching sea views. An exciting programme of investment is transforming the town by bringing heritage building back into use and high speed connections at nearby Thanet Parkway.
Visit website >Wonderful flatlands with open skies - you might think you're in the Netherlands, but you're in Romney Marsh! Being almost otherworldly, especially with Dungeness and its renowned homes and businesses, this area is unlike many others in Kent. Not only is it surrounded by sea on the south side, which makes for the ultimate fresh seafood and views, but can you imagine the jealousy of colleagues when working from home surrounded by fresh air and green pasture?
Visit website >One of Kent's original Cinque Ports, Sandwich has a wealth of history which goes beyond its previous Earl for which the lunchtime staple is named! Medieval buildings, listed buildings and heaps of quaint streets, the town is a relaxed gem of East Kent. With nearby beaches, world-renowned golf courses, a calendar packed full of local events and festivals and connections to busy towns, Sandwich has something for everyone. But if you stop here, you'll not be the only ones calling it home, as nearby Discovery Park sitting on the former site of Pfizer has rejuvenated the local business scene.
Visit website >In the heart of the west Kent countryside is Sevenoaks. Famed for its stately homes, gorgeous gardens, vineyards and rolling countryside this area of Kent is just over 30 minutes from central London by train, and excellent rail and road links to the wider county. Spend your evenings in some delectable restaurants and weekends at popular regal sights right on your doorstep such as Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Chartwell.
Visit website >The quaint market town of Tenterden that sits in the centre of west Kent near Ashford was once a port - but you wouldn't think it looking at this map! If you're looking for a country haven, you'll find it immediately here, with its tree-lined suburban streets, a nest of small shops and tasty country pubs, and even an historic steam railway if you've got a young family. Home to breweries which produce tasty locally inspired beers to vineyards which are now known across the world and served at the likes of Royal engagements, Tenterden offers you a real taste of Kent!
Visit website >A buzzing Middle Age town, Tonbridge is a haven for good living in the Kentish countryside. After a 40-minute train journey from the capital, the town is just the place to unwind with a buzzing high street and wonderful castle, or for the more adventurous there is an array of cycling and walking routes to the likes of Ightham Mote. Nearby West Malling is a local favourite with plenty of independent restaurants, cafés and of course tea-rooms, plus a not-to-be-missed monthly Farmers' Market to show off the county's incredible locally-grown produce to visiting friends and family!
Visit website >The name of this spa town in Kent is preceded by ‘Royal' and for good reason. Famed for its natural springs, Royal Tunbridge Wells has been a centre for good living in Kent for hundreds of years. Whether you need country life with a cosmopolitan twist or sumptuous food and award-winning Kentish wines, you have it all right here. When you need a break and some green space, the High Weald AONB is right on your doorstep, with picturesque rolling hills and villages just waiting to be discovered
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