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Finding a way

EXPERT COACH HIRE throughout the UK and Europe

We’ll always find a way to make your journey with us safe, convenient, and affordable. Our large fleet contains modern, fuel-efficient vehicles in a number of sizes, giving us the resources and capability to successfully take on many different jobs. Whether you need us to deliver your tour, arrange transportation for thousands of passengers at a time, or just provide a lift to the airport – we’re always happy to help.

The right thing for our customers

Ever since Abbey Travel was established in 1998, we’ve challenged ourselves to do everything that we can to help our customers. Our experienced team is on hand to make travelling with us as convenient as possible, providing you with all the support that your journey requires.

We’re clear on the benefits of coach travel as a safe, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective method of transportation and we’ve embraced these aspects of the industry – refusing to compromise on safety and taking steps to further reduce the environmental impact of our journeys . Wherever you happen to be heading, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you finish your journey eager to book in the next one.

Travel with us

As a large, well-established coach company, we offer a wide range of different travel services that reflect the depth of our experience in the travel industry.

PEACE OF MIND WHEN YOU TRAVEL

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What sets abbey travel apart.

We always find a way

We will never let our passengers down. We have the experience, skills, and resources to make sure that your journey runs smoothly and you get to your destination.

We invest in technology

We’ve embraced technology within our fleet and office, transforming our processes to ensure that we can monitor all our vehicles and journeys in close detail.

We draw on our experience

After more than 20 years in the travel industry, we know exactly how to tailor your journey to your requirements and how to provide all the support that you need along the way.

We keep things organised

From carefully preparing your route, through to coordinating the movement of thousands of passengers at a time, our skilled team will ensure that your journey with us proceeds exactly as planned.

We will pick up the phone

We offer a quick and effective response to any enquiries so that you aren’t kept waiting for an answer. In fact, if you contact us during our office hours, we’ll make sure that you receive a response within an hour.

We can handle varied jobs

No matter what journey you have in mind, we’re confident that we’ll be up to the challenge. Our large and varied fleet can cope with a wide range of different jobs – all you need to do is ask.

Have any questions?

Take a look at our FAQs to find our answers to the questions that our customers often ask us.

Hear from our customers

Read the reviews that our previous customers have left for us and see what it’s like to travel with us.

See what we’ve been up to

Explore our gallery to see where our drivers have been and to find out what they’ve been up to.

Contact Abbey Travel

Call us on 020 8312 9514 or email [email protected] and we’ll find the right coach for you and your group. We’re always happy to discuss our services and to answer any questions.

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Abbey Travel: Where there’s a will there’s a way

A can-do attitude is a mindset Kent-based Abbey Travel has always prided itself on – and it is one that has served the operator well as it navigates through the pandemic  

A can-do attitude is one of the most powerful assets for any business as it faces struggles and overcomes obstacles. It is a mindset that has proved essential over the last 18 months or so as businesses navigate through the coronavirus crisis. And it is one Kent-based coach operator Abbey Travel has always prided itself on.  

Whether it is pulling out all the stops to help a customer or changing tack through times of adversity, there is no denying that a can-do approach has contributed to the firm’s success.    

Abbey Travel is run by brothers Michael and Ken Crawley, who established the firm in 1998. Previously market traders, the pair set up a limousine hire company before investing in a 16- and 24-seater minibus to meet growing demand.    

Michael and Ken expanded the business gradually over the years and now operate a 27-strong fleet ranging from 16-seater minibuses to full-size coaches and double-decker buses.    

Growing the fleet to accommodate customer demand is one tactic the firm has always stuck by, says Abbey Travel’s Transport Manager Steve Woodall.  

“If we’ve got ongoing work, we’ll go and get the vehicles to make sure we can run it rather than only taking on work that suits the vehicles we have.     

“Michael’s ethos is never turning down a job unless it’s physically impossible to do it. He has a can-do attitude. It’s always ‘we can do that’ and ‘we will find a way of doing it’.   

“For instance, one of our customers is a large church group. As they grew, it became apparent we needed larger vehicles to accommodate them. So, we bought a fleet of ex-Transport for London buses to cover the contract rather than saying we can’t do it.”    

However, Abbey Travel has also downsized its fleet over the last couple of years as part of its fleet renewal strategy. Due to the firm’s south-east London location and operating in and around the capital, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) heavily impacts its operations.    

Says Steve: “As the ULEZ has expanded and standards have changed to Euro 6, the cost of converting older vehicles isn’t worth it.     

“So, our hands were forced to upgrade the vehicles. We decided to sell a lot of the older ones and buy new vehicles that fit in with the current criteria.”   

The entire fleet is now Euro 6 compliant, with the recent delivery of a 71 plate ADL Enviro400 double-deck bus. Equipped with 86 seats, the interior is built to coach specification.     

Investment in technology  

Another significant investment for Abbey Travel is its technology deployment to improve business efficiencies and provide the best service possible.    

This includes a telematics system from Samsara that provides the operator with cameras, immediate harsh event alerts and reports on fuel usage, drivers’ hours and overall performance. There is also a ‘helicopter’ view that tracks all its vehicles in real-time.   

“If we can see there’s traffic ahead or another potential issue for a delay, we can get hold of the driver and hopefully divert them before they hit the traffic,” says Steve.   

Complementing this technology is Abbey Travel’s in-house driver training and behaviour scheme. The initiative helps to ensure drivers are driving as safely and efficiently as possible and rewards them for good performance.    

“Monitoring driver performance and delivering training is all about putting on the best service and making sure it’s done to the best of our ability,” adds Steve.   

Fleet replacement, technology, and driver training and policies also help Abbey Travel’s commitment to operate “as environmentally friendly as possible”.   

“We have a software parameter that stops drivers idling excessively. So rather than sitting on the roadside running for ages, they shut down after about five minutes.    

“We’ve also moved to Coach Manager, so we have paperless job sheets and we do as much as we can electronically. The lighting in the building has been changed to LED too. It’s about trying to make a difference wherever you can, as much as you can.”   

Changing business model  

Pre-COVID, Abbey Travel’s work was predominantly tour work and private hires, such as airport transfers. As this ground to a halt, the operator knew its business model had to change. Therefore, it started to run home-to-school work, which it had not operated before, when the opportunity presented itself.    

“These aren’t routes supplied by schools,” explains Steve. “We were approached by a few parents just before the first lockdown last year. They asked us how much it would cost to run a coach to pick their children up from local areas and take them to a certain grammar school.    

“We gave them a price, and it works out cheaper than the students having to get a train or other options.”   

The firm started the service in September last year and now runs six routes from London to grammar schools in Kent, with new routes starting in January. They are all organised and paid for directly by students’ parents.    

“It has really taken off. We were running a couple of smaller vehicles when we first started, but we now run seven vehicles. One school has two full-size coaches and 106 students use it.    

“It has massively kept us going. With the work we used to do, if we hadn’t had changed our business model, the business might not have survived.”   

Home-to-school safety  

Steve says the biggest attraction of the home-to-school transport for parents is safety. Not only because of COVID-19 but because parents can track their child’s vehicle and where they get on and off.    

“All our vehicles are fitted with card readers and cameras. When a child joins a service, they’re issued with an ID card. They tap onto the coach, and the system will take a snapshot of them and log their GPS location, date and time.   

“The same happens when they get off the vehicle, so we have a full record of where a child has boarded and got off.”   

The next stage of this safety feature is to alert parents by text message each time their child taps on and off a coach. This is something the firm hopes to roll out in the new year.    

Steve adds: “The parents warm to the fact that they know where their child is. They want a private coach so they know there isn’t anyone on the vehicle that shouldn’t be, which you can’t guarantee with public transport.”   

Each home-to-school vehicle has a chaperone on board to assist the driver, which the operator provides. This offers further protection for the students and drivers. It also means the parents have a point of contact if their child is late or absent that day.    

All hands on deck  

For Abbey Travel, a varied selection of work has eventually kept the wheels turning throughout the pandemic. Along with the new home-to-school transport, it operates an NHS shuttle service and does some filming location work for a production company.   

While airport work is starting to pick up, tours are still slow to return, says Steve.    

“We’re going to finish this year with a quieter period than usual in terms of coach tours. Then we’re hoping things will improve massively for next year.   

“The feeling is that people are starting to travel again. And as soon as more people start travelling back into the UK, our tour work will hopefully pick up and we’ll carry on. But we won’t stop doing the home-to-school transport. When there’s the work, we’ll go out and get more vehicles to accommodate it if we have to.    

“During the pandemic, it was all hands on deck to make sure the company survived so that everyone had jobs to come back to. The plan is to keep building on that to ensure its continued survival.”  

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Visiting historical fortresses and castles of Kent

Hever Castle was the home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII who was beheaded. Getty

The pastoral garden county of Kent houses an extraordinary collection of historic fortresses, from Canterbury Cathedral to Battle Abbey and Dover Castle there's something for every Anglophile.

Balustrades and portcullises , sally ports, keeps, and moats: our images of English castles conjure up medieval knights in full armor. In fact, the castle had life for centuries before and after such a scene. From a staging ground for Roman legions to an intelligence bunker in World War II, the castles of Kent have been a dominating institution of social and military history .

• Five Victorian buildings in London you need to visit

It should come as no surprise that the pastoral garden county of Kent houses such an extraordinary collection of historic fortresses. After all, along with the narrowest point of the English Channel, Kent is the gateway to Europe and the front line of defense. Let’s go exploring two millennia of castle life and building. Here is a great easy road trip with a theme. Along the way, there are rural lanes, coast houses, assorted colorful country pubs and scenic vistas galore .

Leeds Castle & Hever Castle

Heading to Kent from London or the airports, steer via the M25 east to the M20. A grand place to begin our castle exploration is beautiful Leeds Castle, one of the most historic and picturesque castles in England. Say farewell to the motorway at junction 8 and follow the signs. Set in a majestic moat surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds was built in the early 1100s and looks much the same. In royal hands for centuries, Henry VIII refurbished the castle as a home for his first queen, Catherine of Aragon . Later, the castle belonged to the Culpepper/Fairfax family, from whence sprung First Families of Virginia.

Leeds Castle (Image: Leeds Castle)

After your visit, turn west a few miles on the A26 through Tonbridge to Edenbridge, for a visit to homey Hever Castle. The moated Tudor castle was where Henry VIII courted second wife Ann Boleyn. Acclaimed for its topiary and Italianate gardens, Hever was sympathetically restored by William Waldorf Astor early last century and has a great exhibit on the Boleyns and the Tudor court .

The Georgian spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells makes a nice overnight destination. You might catch Tonbridge Castle on the way, but do save time to walk the 18th-century Pantiles at Tunbridge Wells, where the famous Beau Nash served as master of ceremonies to the social elite of the day.

Bodiam Castle, Battle Abbey and the South Coast

Take a leisurely start to the morning, and join the A21 south roughly 20 miles drive to Bodiam Castle. Built-in 1385, Bodiam was the last great moated castle completed in England - before gunpowder and cannon made castles obsolete as a military sanctuary. Today flawlessly maintained by the National Trust, Bodiam is a picture-perfect ruins often used as a film set.

A few miles south in Battle, Battle Abbey is not a castle but looks like one. On the field of the Battle of Hastings , where William of Normandy became the Conqueror in 1066, William had the abbey built-in thanks to God for his victory. The abbey church altar marks the spot where King Harold died. It’s a great visit and a pretty village.

Hastings itself lies half a dozen miles south on the coast. The crumbling remains of Norman Hastings Castle sit on the cliff top towering over the faded seaside resort town below. Or first, detour west about 10 miles to Pevensey Castle. In the care of English Heritage, and always open, its curtain walls were built by the Romans in the third century (and still stand). The Normans reoccupied it in 1066 and added a keep and bailey. Though long a ruin, the castle was refortified and garrisoned during World War II. Hastings has a full range of accommodation, or perhaps follow the A259 east to pretty Rye for your overnight.

Chilham Castle an Canterbury Cathedral 

This morning’s drive crosses archetypal Garden of England landscapes, through Darling Buds of May countryside. From Hastings or Rye, make for the A28 northeast. The pretty market town of Tenterden makes a lovely morning stop for coffee - or for a ride on the old steam Kent & East Sussex Railway. The A28 leads to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. North of Ashford, you might stop in tidy Chilham village for a visit to Chilham Castle. Though of medieval origins, the castle was refurbished in 2002 as a private residence. It is open on a limited basis to the public. Even if the castle gates are locked, the flower-bedecked village square makes a picture-worthy setting for lunch or tea.

Canterbury Castle (Image: Canterbury Cathedral)

Do continue on to arrive in Canterbury with an afternoon to explore this magnificent, visitor-friendly city. The centerpiece, of course, is medieval Canterbury Cathedral, mother church of the worldwide Anglican communion. The ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, Greyfriars, an old-world pedestrianized shopping and dining precinct, and an assortment of Chaucer and Dickens attractions also bring visitors from around the world. Canterbury has a full range of visitor lodgings and makes a great place to base a two-night stay.

Dover Straits, Castle and White Cliffs

If time permits do add in a short ride to the port of Dover - and imposing Dover Castle. Guardian of the Straits, Dover Castle is the second largest in Britain (after Windsor). Its medieval strength and purpose are profiled by the building of King Henry II. The historic castle, however, is as fascinating for “Hellfire Corner,” where the evacuation of Dunkirk was directed and a World War II field hospital was carved into the castle’s famous limestone cliffs .

• Exploring Dorchester and Thomas Hardy country

You might return this afternoon to continue exploring or shopping in Canterbury, or drive north along the white-cliff coast to Walmer Castle, built by Henry VIII and official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Deal Castle, a coastal fort originally built by Henry III is just up the road. It’s an easy return to Canterbury on the A257.

Back to the River Medway and Rochester Castle 

Turning back toward London, the M2 bears the brunt of the traffic and the lorries. Running roughly parallel, the A2 is more fun, following the route of Chaucer’s 14th-century pilgrims. The Norman fortress of Rochester Castle makes a dramatic finale to our theme, overlooking the River Medway. The imposing castle, across the green from Rochester Cathedral has the tallest, most complete medieval keep in England. If you’ve more days to travel, perhaps turn north on the M25 across Deptford Crossing to East Anglia and Constable Country or Norwich.

* Originally published in Apr 2016.

Related: Kent

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Kent Travel Guide: From Coasts to Castles

Fascinating World Heritage sites and show-stopping seaside towns are just a couple of reasons to holiday in Kent. And when you visit this stunning southeast county, you’ll see it’s a fantastic place to spend a well-earned break. Dubbed the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is renowned for its hop-growing history and glorious vineyards which have become highly regarded for their sparkling wines – so don’t leave without sampling a tipple or two. Whether you’re after family fun in Margate or you’d like to relax in one of our stunning beach retreats , you’ll find some brilliant days out in Kent.

When to visit

With so many historical and cultural attractions, Kent is a year-round destination, with plenty to see and do whatever the time of year. The coldest weather in Kent typically falls between December and February (average daytime temperatures of 7-8 degrees) and the hottest weather falls in July and August when average daytime temperatures fall between 18 and 22 degrees. Spring and Autumn are great times to visit Kent to avoid the crowds and enjoy the bright colours of its historical gardens. As with the rest of the UK, the weather is never predictable, so always pack your waterproof and wellies!

How to get there

Kent is very accessible by car from the UK and it’s well connected to London and the south via the M25, M2, M20 and M26. You’ll find many car hire options across the county and there are excellent rail links, with key stations in many cities and towns including Canterbury, Ashurst, Cowden, Hayes, Shoreham and Gillingham. A direct train service runs from London to Kent in less than 40 minutes. From mainland Europe, you can take the Eurostar direct to Ashford International Station or a ferry to Dover. Both domestic and international airlines fly into London Gatwick and Heathrow, the closest airports to Kent.

Why visit Kent?

Broadstairs

Kent’s rugged coastline plays home to some of the country’s best-known beaches. Margate is a fantastic place to take your bucket and spade and a visit to Viking Bay in Broadstairs is one of the best things to do with kids in Kent.  

Countryside

Kent has a history of hop growing, dating back to the 1800s and it’s home to rolling vineyards, orchards and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): the High Weald (which also covers parts of Sussex and Surrey) and The Kent Downs.

Food and Drink

Seafood lovers will revel in the oyster bars that fringe Whitstable’s seafront while those who enjoy a tipple can explore Kent’s local beer and wine. Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer while dozens of vineyards here produce high-quality English sparkling wine.

History and culture

The famous Cathedral city of Canterbury – one of the England’s five ‘Magna Carta Towns’ – and Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, are top historical attractions in Kent. Don’t miss the Creative Quarter of Folkestone and the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate, just some of Kent’s top cultural sights.

Hidden Gems

Dover castle

Curious Brewery

Check out Chapel Down’s Curious brewery in Ashford where you can try some great local craft beers and English cider and take a tour of this ‘Cathedral of Brewing’.

Escape Room experience at Dover Castle

Rise to a heart-pumping challenge and crack the security codes of a secret wartime tunnel. The Escape Room Experience , held in Dover Castle’s bunker, plunges you into a thrilling Cold War re-enactment and is a novel thing to do with your friends.

Folkestone Creative Quarter

With 90 restored buildings, artists galleries and warehouses doubling up as performance spaces, the Creative Quarter has become a hive of activity in Folkestone. See a theatre production at the Folkestone Quarterhouse and peruse the artisan shops on the Old High Street.

Where to visit

White cliffs of Dover

White Cliffs of Dover

Everyone’s heard of the White Cliffs of Dover, home to Britain’s iconic port and a fascinating military history. Today, it’s a beautiful place to discover wildlife, see the UK’s oldest surviving lighthouse and take scenic cliff walks overlooking the English Channel.

Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canterbury

Nicknamed ‘England in Stone,’ Canterbury Cathedral is a treasure trove of English history and it’s a great starting point for exploring Canterbury. It forms part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside St Martin’s Church (the oldest church in England) and St Augustine’s Abbey, which played a key part in Britain’s religious history.

Find more historic places to visit in Kent on our blog.

Owing to its diverse topography of chalk streams, rivers and marshes, and thick ancient woodland, the Kent Downs is a recognised AONB. Its historical ruins and remains – from Neolithic megalithic monuments to Iron Age hill-forts – are some of the most visited Kent attractions. Highlights also include the Tudor houses of Chilham, the scenic Perry Woods and the Samphire Hoe nature reserve.

How about that then? Whether you’re looking for a few great days out in Kent or a long staycation, check out our holiday homes in Kent . If you need a hand choosing which one is perfect for you, contact our friendly concierge team who are always happy to help!

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15 Reasons to Visit Kent – The Garden of England

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Kent

Here are 15 reasons to visit Kent – an English county that is traditionally known as The Garden of England.

Sandwiched between london and the english channel, kent is in the south east of england and it’s connected to europe via the famous eurotunnel..

This is the 50.46 km long underwater railway line between England and France.

Given its geographical proximity to the continent, it’s not surprising then that the ancient Romans started their invasion of the island of Britain – then populated by the Celtic Britons – from the beaches of Kent.

It must be said that they didn’t have a tunnel then to facilitate the crossing so the Romans arrived by boat. When the White Cliffs of Dover loomed in front of them, they must have grasped why Britain at the time was known as Albion – The White Land.

Thanks to the Romans, nowadays Kent is dotted with must-see Roman ruins, including one of the world’s few surviving Roman lighthouses. This is a 1st-century AD stone tower that today stands on the grounds of the mighty Dover Castle .

Alongside Roman ruins, Kent in England is also rich in medieval fortifications, splendid manor houses, lavish palaces, and gorgeous landscaped gardens. Each of these must-see landmarks is a reference to the rich history of this English county where throughout the centuries Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and Tudors lived, ruled, fought, hunted, and in general, enjoyed life.

History is not all that you can delve into here, though. Kent is also rich in terms of culture, literary heritage, religious sights, naval landmarks, and even good food and excellent ales, liquors, and wines. After all, here you can eat some of the best oysters in the world and visit England’s oldest brewery!

Considering it all, Kent is a great destination to explore in the UK. Easy and quick to reach from London, its many historic towns and picturesque villages make for memorable days out. Or you may decide to spend a long weekend or a whole week here in order to learn more about this beautiful corner of England.

I, myself, moved to Kent after 12 years in London. All in all, I have been living here now for three and a half years (split by six years in Italy). I appreciate Kent and everything it offers on many levels.

So, I thought, you may be interested to learn more about it and what makes it a must-see destination in the UK and Europe.

Have a look!

15 reasons to visit kent – the garden of england.

1. Kent’s Roman Heritage

Ancient Rome had a large appetite for the natural resources of the island of Britain. Copper, gold, lead, silver, tin, and salt were in great abundance here. The Romans made three attempts to invade Britain and succeeded in 43AD. This is when four Roman legions landed at three places that nowadays are part of the English county of Kent – Richborough, Lympne, and Dover.

Even before then, Roman merchants traded with the Celtic tribes that populated Britain. Roman customs and goods were known in the South of England and their influence only intensified in the decades and centuries after the invasion.

Nowadays, Roman ruins pepper the lands of Kent telling exciting stories of the past. Visiting them on a day out is a great thing to do here. I particularly like these three ancient Roman sites in Kent, although there are several others to explore with your family and friends or on your own:

• Lullingstone Roman Villa – these are the remains of a once-large Roman villa. First built in the 1st century AD, it flourished until about the 4th or 5th centuries AD when it was destroyed by fire. A beautiful floor mosaic survives in the villa’s dining hall. The whole site is thoughtfully preserved and makes for a great visit. The villa is next door to the Kentish medieval village of Eynsford. Here you can also see one of the most complete Norman castles in England, cross a cute little stone bridge over a river ford, explore the very picturesque high street, and head for walks in the surrounding countryside.
• Reculver Towers and Roman Fort (pictured above) – a large Roman fort once stood here providing protection against Saxon attacks. Nowadays, coastal erosion has destroyed a large part of the remains of the past. An Anglo-Saxon monastery then flourished here. Two tall towers were added to the church in the 12th century and survive to this day. They are a stunning landmark to see on long coastal walks in the area. The adjacent beach is also a great spot for beachcombing. When the sea recedes, it leaves behind a mixture of beautiful and whimsical shells and stones. Many dedicated beachcombers have found fossils here, too. Just wrap up warm as in autumn and winter the beach can get incredibly windy and cold.
• Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre – these are the impressive ruins of a Roman Saxon fort that was erected right after the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD. A Roman town grew around it and served as the main point of access into Roman Britain. What I find most of interest about this place is that it’s the starting point of Watling Street. This is a road that has been used since ancient times, was then paved by the Romans, and it’s 444 km long. It still exists nowadays and portions of it have been incorporated into England’s road system.

2. Kent’s Castles, Forts, and Moated Manor Houses

About 30 castles dot the lands of Kent. They offer a wonderful insight into England’s past and are a great destination on a day when you have a few hours to spare.

Some like Leeds Castle and Hever Castle are surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, have many amenities from a cafe to a playground, and offer a rich programme of events all throughout the year. You can easily spend a whole day on their grounds letting the kids have a run around while delving into the stories of the past.

Other historic fortified structures in Kent are right in the heart of some of the Kentish towns. Rochester Castle – pictured above – is a great example. Surrounded by a (now dry) moat and sturdy defensive walls, it stands guard over the picturesque town of Rochester. The castle was originally erected in 1080 and its mighty keep was added at the start of the 12th century.

You will see it right opposite the impressive Rochester Cathedral and can visit it before heading to the town’s quirky high street with its cute shops and cafes. Plus, from the top of Rochester Castle’s keep, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Kent and the River Medway.

As luck would have it, I often walk past Rochester Castle. I’ve seen it hundreds of times and have visited it on dozens of different occasions. Yet, the view of its keep and its walls never fails to make me stop in my tracks and just stand there for a moment in time taking it all in. It’s truly impressive!

Medieval castles are not all you will find in Kent, England. There are also moated manor houses here. These are large historic residential buildings surrounded by moats. Not a castle, not a palace, they are very particular and beautiful. Ightham Mote and Groombridge Place are a case in point.

The former dates back to the 14th century and has a wonderful half-timbered structure and gardens that stretch over 14 acres. If you have ever had this dream to see a quintessential movie-set perfect English house – quirky and cinematic – this is it.

The latter is a 17th-century moated manor house with 200 acres of farmland, sculpted formal gardens, a secret garden, and a giant chessboard. Very atmospheric, it makes for a great day out.

Finally, in Kent, you can also visit a couple of Tudor artillery forts. They are shaped like a rose made of semi-circular petals overlapping around a cylindrical central building. These forts are a great place to learn more about Henry VIII who built them and the many historic figures who lived and worked in them. Walmer Castle and Deal Castle are a short distance from one another and can be seen on the same day.

Walmer Castle has beautiful gardens, one of which was landscaped as a present for Elizabeth The Queen Mother for her 95th birthday.

The Duke of Wellington (the victor against Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo) was another famous resident of Walmer Castle. He actually died here and as part of your visit, you can see his funerary mask and his famous boots.

3. Kent’s Beautiful Gardens and Parks

Kent is officially known as The Garden of England. A moniker that this English county was given on account of the many orchards and hop gardens that historically were cultivated here.

Fruit growing is a tradition that is still strong in Kent. Travel by train or road from one Kentish town to another and you will pass by endless apple orchards, cherry trees, and long greenhouses where strawberries and raspberries get juicier and redder.

In fact, each summer the Kentish Hugh Lowe Farms supply up to 33 tonnes of strawberries to the world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament.

It is also in Kent that you will find Britain’s leading glasshouse complex – Thanet Earth – producing fresh vegetables served on British tables up and down the country.

Above all though, Kent is rich in elegant gardens and expansive parks where spending a few hours or even a whole day walking around, looking at flowers in bloom, and enjoying the close contact with landscaped nature is always a delight.

Here are three of my favourite gardens to visit in Kent. There are dozens more to discover by yourself. Part of historic properties or developed over the decades as a standalone sight, they are great to visit in spring, summer, and autumn. Bear in mind that some of Kent’s gardens do remain closed over the cold months.

• Knole Park – this is a huge park next to the town of Sevenoaks in Kent. About 384 hectares in size, it’s adjacent to the majestic Knole House . It’s great for walks in any season. Just don’t forget the wellies on a rainy day, as it gets quite muddy. I love this park as there is a herd of deer living here. So, as you walk through the forest, suddenly, the deer and their little ones cross the path in front of you and it’s a beautiful experience to have.
• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens – these are beautiful historic gardens that were set up in 1840 and since then have been run by the same family. There are different spaces and corners to explore here – from a fragrant Rose Walk and fun Rock Garden to woodpaths and a Walled Garden. So lovely to visit!
• Walmer Castle Gardens (pictured above) – I already referenced Walmer Castle above but its beautiful gardens deserve a special mention. They are split between a woodland park, a formal part, and a vegetable garden. I particularly like the castle’s moat which has been turned into a lush garden space. Carpeted with soft grass, there are many blooming shrubs planted here adding to the castle’s charm. The vegetable garden is gorgeous. In any season, dozens of vegetables are cultivated here. There is also a small fruit orchard. You can buy fresh produce from the garden cart or eat it deliciously coooked in the on-site cafe.

If gardens are your thing, let me also suggest a very interesting and unique place to visit here in Kent, England. Brogdale Collections is a huge orchard that houses UK’s National Fruit Collection. In other words, here you will find every type of fruit tree that grows in the United Kingdom. There are dozens and hundreds of varieties of apples, cherries, and pears.

In spring when the orchard is in bloom it’s a delight to visit and picnic in the shadow of the blossoming trees.

4. Kent’s Historic Towns and Villages

Kent is blessed with some of the cutest historic towns and villages to explore within an hour – hour and a half away from London.

With quirky houses showcasing the best of English architecture throughout the centuries – from half-timbered facades and wooden cladding to Georgian buildings – they are delightful to explore on a day trip or during longer stays in the county.

From Canterbury to Tenterden and from Aylesford to Tonbridge, there are many great destinations in Kent if you like whimsical buildings, cobbled lanes, and cinematic historic centres.

Here are three of my favourite towns and villages in Kent that are worth a day trip or a longer exploration:

• Rochester – with a beautiful high street headlined by one of England’s oldest castles and England’s second-oldest cathedral, this beautiful town in Kent is a delight to explore. Known for its Dickensian heritage, Rochester offers so much more: Norman history, quirky buildings, cute cafes, and independent fashion and jewellery boutiques. The local community is also very active and art and music festivals and events take place here throughout the year.
• Whitstable – this is a gorgeous seaside town famous for its fresh seafood and working harbour. The local oysters are particularly prized. Enjoy them in Wheelers Oyster Bar – a local institution that has been in business since 1856. The harbour is great for walks along the seaside, to watch boats returning from the sea laden with the catch of the day, and for visits to the fish market where there is an incredible abundance of fresh seafood.
• Chilham (pictured above) – a very pretty little village with gorgeous historic houses, medieval square, and a privately owned castle . On account of Chilham’s architecture and quaint character, the village has been featured in many English films and TV programmes, most notably in the BBC adaptation of ‘Emma’ – one of the best-known books by Jane Austen. You can drive to Chilham, spend a bit of time here simply walking around and taking in the historic facades before stopping for a nice meal in a local pub. Or you can walk from Canterburry all the way to Chilham following the ancient path of the Pilgrims’ Way that, it’s supposed, has been in use since the Stone Age.

5. Kent’s Great Beaches

You know, people don’t really think of England as a beach destination. Yet, Kent is a place generously gifted with many beaches that are a great place to head to in any season:

• for a spot of sunbathing and a refreshing swim during one of England’s heatwaves; and
• for long beach walks in any other weather.

Covered with golden sands or shingles, Kent’s beaches are wide, long, and often flanked by steep white cliffs or other unique landforms.

Here are three Kentish beaches I particularly like and recommend:

• Bottany Bay (pictured above) – a short drive away from the town of Broadstairs in Kent, this is a sprawling sandy beach with a backdrop of steep white cliffs. Its dramatic chalk stacks are particularly famous. People come from near and far to photograph them.
• Margate Main Sands – this is an impressive urban beach with a wide and long sandy strip that unfurls around the central street of the Kentish town of Margate. With a large tidal pool at one end and with one of England’s most famous art galleries – the Turner Contemporary – at the other, this is a great place to enjoy a sunny day of the Great British summer.
• Kingsgate Bay – this is a secluded sandy cove. A particular highlight is the arch at the end of the tall chalk cliffs that flank the beach. A set of steep steps leads from the nearby road down to the water. Kingsgate Bay is also right next door to Joss Bay – a very popular beach in Kent on account of its long sandy strip and excellent conditions for surfing.

Bear in mind that Kent’s beaches are tidal. At low tide, some of the beaches may double in size or be peppered with rock pools which are great to explore. At high tide, however, some beaches here may be almost completely covered by water or the water may cut off access to particular coves. Please, be mindful of this when you visit.

If you are into long beach walks, pencil in a day to walk from the town of Whistable to the town of Herne Bay in Kent following the outline of the long beach between them. It’s a great experience! Very easy to do, too as the path is wide and flat. It also offers sweeping sea views, gaggles of photogenic beach huts, and you can stop for a drink, an ice cream or a nice lunch in Herne Bay before heading back to Whistable by train or on foot.

Kent’s beaches are also great for beachcombing. Several of them are rich in fossils and even in historic finds. There is something so calming and pleasant in slowly walking down a beach trying to spot a little treasure among the piles of shells and pebbles.

Two of the most curious items found on the beaches of Kent are a 1,000-year-old slipper and an elephant tusk that weighed more than 75 kg. The best thing I have personally found was a piece of tile with a blue and white pattern. It’s quite pretty, really. I now keep it by my potted plants.

6. Kent’s Proximity to London

One of the best things about the English county of Kent is how close it is to London. Trains for Kent’s main towns leave from many of London’s major railway stations. Most importantly: London St. Pancras International, London Victoria, London Bridge, and Stratford International.

England’s only high-speed railway line connects London St. Pancras International and Stratford International to many of Kent’s main towns – Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Dover, Whitstable, and Folkestone. The Javelin trains travel at speeds of up to 140 mph. As such, it takes only 37 minutes to reach Rochester from St. Pancras International and 54 minutes to travel all the way to Canterbury.

If you opt for the regular trains (which are also much cheaper), then the usual shortest travelling times from London Victoria station to some of the most interesting towns in Kent are as follows:

• London Victoria to Rochester (pictured above) – 40 mins;
• London Victoria to Whitstable – 1 h 20 mins;
• London Victoria to Canterbury – 1 h 28 mins;
• London Victoria to Margate – 1 h 43 mins.

This makes Kent easy to escape to on weekends and the perfect destination for spontaneous days out or even a staycation.

I regularly travel by train from the town of Chatham in Kent to London Victoria. With a travelling time of about 45 minutes one way, I used to have longer commutes when I lived in London.

So, if you are desperately in need of an easy day out, Rochester in Kent is a great contender. Starting from London Victoria train station, you can be walking down a high street lined with quirky buildings, cute coffee shops, and England’s second-oldest cathedral in 40 minutes! It’s one of the quickest ways to get out of London and explore a truly beautiful and historic English town.

7. Kent’s Amazing Shopping

Kent is a great place to visit in England if you like shopping. Many of the historic towns here have high streets flanked by independent shops offering a great selection of stylish fashion, jewels, and homewares.

Excellent antique and vintage shops abound, too. There is nothing like spending time browsing through their wares and uncovering a real treasure of an item that is decades or even centuries old.

At the same time, branches of high-street chains are not amiss in Kent either. This English county is dotted with large shopping centres where you can shop the latest lines of perennial favourites like Next, M&S, HobbyCraft, and Primark among many others.

Bluewater Shopping Centre is particularly popular, too. When it opened in 1999, it was the largest shopping mall in Europe and the second-largest in the world. Today, it has 300 shops and 50 bars and restaurants.

Finally, if you are after high-fashion brands at discounted prices, then head to Ashford Designer Outlet in Kent.

8. Kent’s Festivals and Events

Kent has a rich programme of events that makes this English county a great place to visit any time of the year.

From local events organised by individual landmarks (for example, Hever Castle and Chatham Historic Dockyard ) to town-wide festivals (for example, Rochester Dickensian Christmas), there is always somewhere fun and exciting to head to here.

Particularly popular are Kent’s events tied to major holidays like Christmas markets (don’t miss the ones in Rochester, Canterbury, and Tonbridge) and Easter egg hunts (check out the ones in Chartwell and Scotney Castle , for example). But there are also many standalone festivals here like Ramsgate Festival of Sound and Broadstairs Folk Week .

Food celebrations are also aplenty with Whitstable Oyster Festival being one of the most well-known.

I love spending time at a good festival or a fun event. The pictured above medieval reenactment in Dover Castle a few months ago was a great highlight. There were knights, ladies, musicians, and even a fire-eating juggler.

So, get your friends together or the kids out of the house and spend a fun day or a few fun hours at one of Kent’s events. Aimed at different ages and covering a wide array of interests, they offer something for everyone no matter the weather and the season.

9. Kent’s Dickensian Heritage

The famous British writer Charles Dickens had deep connections to Kent. He spent most of his life living in and around the Kentish towns of Chatham, Rochester, Broadstairs, and Gravesend. He found inspiration in their residents and buildings to create some of the most memorable literary characters and landmarks.

So, come to Kent in England to see the houses where Dickens lived, the streets and buildings that he described in his novels, and the places he would visit as part of his long daily walks.

To start you off on this Dickensian adventure, here are three of the best Dickens destinations in Kent, UK to explore:

Rochester – this gorgeous historic town looks plucked from a Dickensian novel. In fact, the opposite is true. The great writer used many of the local buildings as prototypes for the houses of his most iconic characters. For example, Restoration House (pictured above) in Rochester served as inspiration for Miss Havisham’s decaying mansion Satis House in Great Expectations .

Even better, just off Rochester High Street, you can see the actual Swiss chalet in which Dickens wrote several of his famous novels.

The town is proud of its Dickensian heritage. Walk down the street here and you will notice that many of the local businesses have names inspired by Dickens’ life and works. From Tiny Tim’s Tearooms to the Deaf Cat – a cafe named after the great writer’s cat which was indeed deaf – the connection to Dickens and his literary work here is strong.

Every year, Rochester also holds two town-wide Dickens festivals. In June there is the Medway Dickens Festival and in December, there is the Dickensian Christmas Festival . This is when you can see the writer’s most iconic characters parading down Rochester High Street alongside many events taking place in town.

Broadstairs – this is another must-see destination in Kent, England, if you are interested in walking in Charles Dickens’ steps. Broadstairs is a beautiful seaside town and the writer used to holiday here in a clifftop house with sweeping sea views. He wrote two of his most famous novels – David Copperfield and Bleak House – here.

Nowadays, Broadstairs has a small Dickens Museum housed in the cottage that inspired the description of the home of Betsy Trotwood in ‘David Copperfield’.

Unfortunately, the clifftop house where the writer used to stay during his time in Broadstairs and which nowadays is known as Bleak House after the novel is no longer open for visits. You could visit it before and sit in the writer’s study looking out to the sea. It was a great experience!

Higham – this is the small village in Kent where Charles Dickens spent the last 15 years of his life. He bought a house here – Gad’s Hill – that he had admired for years and finally was able to afford. He wrote his last two novels – Great Expectations being one of them – here.

Nowadays Gad’s Hill is a school but under normal circumstances, it can be visited as part of a guided tour on selected days of the year.

10. Kent’s Good Honest Food (and Beer, Liquors, and Wines)

Kent is a must-see English county if you have an interest in good food and drink. From Whitstable oysters to Britain’s oldest brewer , there are great foodie destinations here to explore.

Here are three of my favourite ones:

• The Old Kent Market (pictured above) in Margate – housed in a former cinema, this is a collection of great food stalls and small eateries. Very quirky, here you can sample both traditional English foods and bakes as well as international fare.
• Macknade – a delightful food hall with branches in three Kentish towns – Faversham, Tunbridge Wells, and Ashford. Here you will find an amazing selection of foods from all over Kent, Europe, and the world. When I am in need of an Italian fix, I head to Macknade in Faversham as they stock many of the delicious foods I fell in culinary love with during my six years in Italy . Provolone or panettone , I know I can find it here.
• Tea Room at The Friars in Aylesford – a spacious tea room serving traditional cakes, bakes, and light lunches in the Carmelite Priory of Aylesford. It is a beautiful place to visit with spacious gardens and the river Medway flowing past.

One curious thing about Kent in England in terms of food history is that here you can visit the town of Sandwich. The nowadays ubiquitous sandwich is named after the town’s 4th Earl – Lord John Montague. He ordered for a piece of meat placed between two pieces of bread to be served to him so that he could eat whilst still playing a game of cards. His friends, upon seeing this, asked for the ‘same as Sandwich’ thus giving rise to what nowadays is one of the most popular types of food in the world.

And here are a couple of typical Kent desserts to sweeten your visit to this English county:

• Gypsy Tart – a beloved local delicacy that has been around for a very long time. A pie crust is filled with a mixture of evaporated (or condensed) milk and muscovado sugar. It’s incredibly sweet but it’s a must-try if this is your first visit to Kent.
• Canterbury Tart – a local dessert making use of the plentiful supply of appes in Kent. The first recorded recipe of this local staple dates back to 1381 and it was written down by Geoffrey Chaucer – most famous as the author of The Canterbury Tales .

Kent is also very famous for its ales, beers, liquors, and wines. Here you can tour the facilities of Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewer – that has operated in the Kentish town of Faversham since at least 1698. Biddenden Vineyards produce award-winning wines and their vineyards can be visited from April to September. The Copper Rivet Distillery make distinctive English gin, whisky, and vodka and you can tour it to experience the entire distillation process from grain to glass.

11. Kent’s Unique Oast Houses

Everywhere you go in Kent, you will drive past the traditional for this English county oast houses.

They make quite an impression with their cylindrical turrets attached to the main body of the building. Conical roofs crowned by weathervanes complement their unique architecture.

The design of the Kentish oast house was developed throughout the centuries to make it easy to dry the hops abundantly grown here. Hops have been cultivated and then brewed in ales and beers in Kent for a very long time. The first hop garden in England was established near Canterbury in 1520. Since then over half of the hops produced in the country have come from Kent.

The cylindrical turrets attached to a Kentish oast house are actually kilns in which the freshly-picked hops are spread out to dry them with hot air. The conical roofs are open on top and are protected by a special device. Called a cowl it regulates the flow of air and keeps the rain out.

Nowadays, many of the oast houses in the county have been converted into luxury accommodation. It’s quite the status symbol to own one.

If you want to see an oast house up close and to go inside it, too, then head straight to Kent Life . This is an open-air museum where you can learn about rural life in Kent throughout the centuries. A hop garden and a large oast house are at the heart of the attraction. You can read more about them and everything else you can see and do here in my blog post about Kent Life at this link:

• Kent Life – A Great Day Out in Kent, UK

12. Kent’s Amazing Landmarks and Quirky Sights

There are many truly unique places to visit in Kent. From a seal colony near the town of Sandwich to abandoned war forts just off the coast of the towns of Whitstable, Herne Bay, and Margate, here you can discover and enjoy many amazing landmarks and sights that appeal to your sense of the unusual.

Here are a few to see for yourself:

• Military Forts: Red Sands Sea Forts , Fort Amherst , Cliffe Fort
• Historic Buildings: Temple Manor , Eastgate House , Restoration House , Tudor House
• Museums: Royal Engineers Museum , Carriage Museum , The Guildhall Museum , The Dog Collar Museum
• Sports: Tubing, tobogganing, ski, and snowboard , Ziplining
• Sights: Shell Grotto , Margate Caves

When life gets a little bit too serious sometimes, it’s nice to know that you have a long list of quirky places to head to for an hour or a full day to take your mind off things and to gain a new perspective. Life is colourful and unusual and with Kent’s curious and interesting sights and landmarks, it’s easy to keep experiencing new things time and time again.

Of the sights and attractions I mentioned above, I particularly loved visiting the Shell Grotto and the Caves in Margate. Both are underground, have a curious history, and make for such an unusual thing to do even on a rainy and grey day.

I also love the tobogganing and tubing centre in the town of Chatham in Kent. UK’s longest tobogganing track is here and while I was very apprehensive before my first ride, it turned out to be a lot of fun.

13. Kent’s Naval History

With its strategic position on the shores of the English Channel and being England’s closest point to Europe, throughout the centuries Kent has played an important role in safeguarding the Kingdom and developing its naval powers.

Put a day aside to explore Kent’s naval heritage and you will be surprised by how many famous British historic figures have a deep connection to this corner of England. From Sir Francis Drake – an English explorer and accomplished seafarer among other things – who started his naval apprenticeship in Kent to Admiral Horatio Nelson who arrived in Chatham – then a major naval port and dockyard – as a 12-year old boy in 1771 to begin his naval career.

Here are some of the best places to get close to Kent’s naval history:

• Roman Pharos at Dover Castle – this eight-sided lighthouse was one of two built by the Romans who had just established Dubris (nowadays the Kentish town of Dover) as a major naval base.
• The Historic Dockyard (pictured above) in Chatham – explore over 400 years of naval history in Britain’s most complete and best preserved dockyard of the Age of Sail. A truly wonderful place where you can easily spend a whole day and still have several areas left to explore. I particularly love the Victorian Ropery (which once was Europe’s longest brick building) and the submarine (don’t miss a chance to get on board). Chatham’s Historic Dockyard is also often used as a filming location. You may recognise it from such movie and TV hits as The Mummy , Children of Men , Bridgerton, and Call the Midwife .
• Chatham Naval Memorial – an imposing hilltop monument. It was unveiled in 1924 in remembrance of those members of the Royal Navy who had perished during the First World War and had no known grave.

14. Kent’s Religious Heritage

Kent has a fascinating religious history which is interesting to learn about even if you are not religious.

The Cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent is England’s religious capital and has a large number of Christian landmarks tracing the arrival and presence of Christianity in the country.

Today, Canterbury has three UNESCO World Heritage sites – all of them with a rich Christian history. All three are a must-see place in England and visiting them makes for a very interesting day out in Kent. Here they are:

• Canterbury Cathedral – this is the mother-church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s a truly fascinating place to visit on account of its millennial history and a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
• Church of St. Martin – a small church on the outskirts of Canterbury. This is the oldest still in use church in the English-speaking world. Originally, it was the private chapel of the Christian Queen Bertha of Kent back in the 6th century.
• St. Augustine’s Abbey – a ruined abbey on the edge of Canterbury. It was founded by St. Augustine of Canterbury in 598 and it flourished until the dissolution of the monasteries in England in 1538. Augustine was sent from Rome to Kent by Pope Gregory I with the mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. He founded the abbey, converted Ethelbert – the King of Kent – and build the first Canterbury Cathedral. Thus Kent was the first Christian Kingdom in the British Isles.

In addition to these three major religious landmarks, Kent has many more churches and places of worship to see and explore here. From England’s second-oldest Cathedral in Rochester , the ruined Bayam Old Abbey , and the Carmelite Priory The Friars in Aylesford to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara – one of the largest Sikh temples outside India – there is lots to see and explore here in terms of religion, history, and culture.

15. Kent’s Kids Attractions

Finally, Kent is a great destination for families. From spending time in the bosom of nature to having fun at award-winning attractions, there are many options here to keep kids of any age entertained over a day, a weekend, a half-term holiday, and even a longer period.

Here are a few must-see kid-friendly places in Kent:

• Parkland and Woodlands: Cobtree Manor Park , Mote Park , Ashenbank Wood
• Attractions: Diggerland , Kent Life , Bewl Water Aqua Park , Dreamland Margate , Quex Park , Kent and East Sussex Railway , Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
• Wildlife Parks: Wingham Wildlife Park , Wildwood Trust , Rare Breeds Centre
• Animal Sanctuaries: Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats , The Retreat Animal Rescue , Friend Farm Animal Sanctuary , Second Chance Animal Rescue

Plus, many museums and attractions here have sightseeing itineraries and trails developed specifically with kids in mind. Information is presented in a fun and accessible way so that children develop an interest in a topic that otherwise may be a bit too serious and dry.

It is a lot of fun to explore Kent with kids in tow. There is never a shortage of exciting places to visit in this English county. From the Shell Grotto in Margate to the orchards of Brogdale Collections , there is always something curious and unusual here to explore and enjoy.

As a family, we particularly like Buttercups Sanctuary. It takes in and looks after mistreated and abandoned goats. It’s a lovely place to visit. Kids and adults can spend time getting close to the goats, providing them with pets and scratches, and even feeding them tasty treats.

In Conclusion

Known as the Garden of England, Kent is an English county sandwiched between London and the English Channel.

Dotted with cute towns and with deep layers of history, Kent is a great place to head to on a day trip or for a longer exploration. Easy to reach from London within less than an hour, this is a corner of England that has lots to offer in terms of history, culture, good food, and fun events. Come once and you will want to return time and time again.

So, in this blog post today, I summarised in text and photos the main 15 reasons to visit Kent in England, UK. From its Dickensian heritage and naval history to its centuries-old traditions of ale-making and oyster-catching, Kent is always a delight to explore.

I hope that all the information outlined here as well as all the first-hand tried and tested tips I shared will give you lots of ideas for days out in Kent.

Enjoy your time in the garden of england.

Now get ready quick for your trip to Kent in England!

• Consult these guidebooks .
• Book plane tickets to England .
• Book train tickets in England .
• Rent a car in England .
• Research accommodation in Kent .
• Pick local tours and activities .

More Helpful England Links for You

Travel in England:  Best Towns in England London:  South Kensington Museums Cambridgeshire:  Cambridge Cheshire:   Chester Isle of Wight:   Alum Bay ,  Carisbrooke Castle ,  Osborne House ,  Pepperpot ,  Round the Island Race ,  St. Catherine’s Lighthouse Hertfordshire:   St. Albans Cathedral Kent:   Kent Life Northumberland:   Lindisfarne English Lifestyle:   Differences Between the English and the Italians ,  Memorial Benches ,  Allotments ,  Charity Shops ,  Beachtime English Food:  Fish and Chips

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Brian Neale

Tuesday 25th of January 2022

I Lived in Kent for almost 15 years in Hayes a village not far from Bromley visited Canterbury several time also Maidstone several times and Dover visited the Castle. And Seven Oaks I Liked Kent a lot. lovey villages in Kent. Elam is one with a lovely old church. We visited Kent for a day came by car ferry from Ostend to Dover as now I live in Belgium visited other villages to as we caught the First car ferry of the day from Ostend very early it was too and caught a late evening car ferry back to Ostend. We were tired afterwards but it was worth it. We had a meal in the Jackdaw inn not far from Canterbury a well known inn as it was not far from a Battle of Britain R.A F fighter station frequented by the pilots while on leave.

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. Kent is a great place to visit on a day trip and yes, it's so easy to get to from Europe. We used to drive to France and even Belgium for a day or a short holiday all the time. The Eurotunnel and the ferries make it so easy! Have a lovely day!

Best wishes,

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WELCOME TO SPONSORS ABBEY TRAVEL

Gold level package for expert coach hire company.

East London Rugby Football Club is delighted to welcome expert coach hire company Abbey Travel as a Gold level sponsor for the 2022/23 season.

Abbey Travel were set up in 1998. Based in Erith, Kent, they are a large, well-established and experienced coach company that offers a wide range of different travel services including airport transfers, school trips, corporate and private hire, coach tours and sports travel. They have a variety of vehicles in their fleet from 16-seat minibuses to 61-seat coaches as well as double decker buses.

Club chair Simon Crick said: “We are delighted to have Abbey Travel with us as a Gold level sponsor in our Platinum Jubilee season and we thank them for their generosity. They have been our coach transport provider for a number of years and I am pleased that we can continue our excellent working relationship

“To keep the club afloat we rely solely on the subscription fees our members pay to play the sport they love, a combination of fundraising activities, sponsorship and donations, and increasingly our volunteers spending money out of their own pockets. We are indebted to dedicated sponsors like Abbey Travel who make a huge difference in enabling us to offer grassroots community rugby.”

The Gold level sponsorship includes your company name and logo on the club’s playing shirts, website and social media platforms, social membership of East London RFC including drinks, access to England international tickets, and a club tie and pin badge.

The club has a range of donation or sponsorship options available and any support will be appreciated and not go unnoticed. Mr Crick added: “We are an ambitious community club and would love to have you with us. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.”

For more details about sponsoring East London RFC visit the information section at www.eastlondonrfc.com and download the sponsorship packages brochure from the documents folder. For information about Abbey Travel visit www.abbeytravel.com

Abbeys and Monasteries in Kent

This page Aylesford Priory (The Friars) - St Augustine's Abbey

• Map of Abbeys and Monasteries in Kent
• Map of ALL Abbeys and Monasteries in England
• Map of all attractions in Kent

Medieval monasteries are among the most evocative historic sites to visit in Britain. Here are some of the best known sites in Kent.

Aylesford Priory is the first Carmelite house in Britain, founded in 1242, Dissolved by Henry VIII and turned into a mansion, the Carmelite order repurchased the property in 1949 and restored the medieval core. Now a retreat and pilgrimage centre, based around the Great Courtyard, one of the most beautiful and complete medieval courts in England. Aylesford, Kent, England, ME20 7BX

Established in the 12th century by the Archbishop of Canterbury as a place of hospitality to pilgrims, Eastbridge Hospital has operated as an almshouse for the last 400 years, a role it continues to fill today. View the Gothic undercroft, Pilgrims Chapel, and see the Refectory with its 13th-century wall paintings. 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2BD

Lesnes Abbey is a 12th-century monastery founded because of a guilty conscience. The ruins of this medieval Augustinian abbey stand near the south bank of the River Thames, near a popular nature reserve on the eastern fringes of suburban London. Abbey Road, Belvedere, Kent, England, DA17 5DL

Minster Abbey is a delightful modern nunnery incorporating a Norman monastery, on the site of a still older 7th-century monastery sacked by the Danes. Parts of the Norman monastic buildings are still in use, with medieval and later additions. Regular visitor tours. Church Street, Minster-in-Thanet, Kent, England, CT12 4BX

In this case the abbey isn't just dedicated to St. Augustine, it was actually founded by him, in AD 598, to house the monks he brought with him to convert the Britons to Christianity. Longport, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 1PF

Kent Travel Guide

Attractions.

• All attractions
• Attractions map
• Countryside
• Historic Churches
• Family attractions
• Historic Buildings
• Historic Houses
• Prehistoric sites
• Roman Sites
• Towns & Villages
• Tunbridge Wells
• Dover Castle
• Hever Castle
• Leeds Castle
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Rochester Cathedral

Accommodation

• Self Catering

Stunning UK prints for sale by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of Britain Express, the UK Travel and Heritage Guide.

Visit Abbey Gate, Kent Places

Welcome to visit abbey gate, kent places the walkfo guide to things to do & explore in abbey gate, kent.

Abbey Gate, Kent Places Overview: History, Culture & Facts about Abbey Gate, Kent

Visit abbey gate, kent – walkfo’s stats for the places to visit.

With 74 audio plaques & Abbey Gate, Kent places for you to explore in the Abbey Gate, Kent area, Walkfo is the world’s largest heritage & history digital plaque provider. The AI continually learns & refines facts about the best Abbey Gate, Kent places to visit from travel & tourism authorities (like Wikipedia), converting history into an interactive audio experience.

Why visit Abbey Gate, Kent with Walkfo Travel Guide App?

“Curated content for millions of locations across the UK, with 74 audio facts unique to Abbey Gate, Kent places in an interactive Abbey Gate, Kent map you can explore.”

Walkfo: Visit Abbey Gate, Kent Places Map 74 tourist, history, culture & geography spots

Best abbey gate, kent places to visit.

Abbey Gate, Kent has places to explore by foot, bike or bus. Below are a selection of the varied Abbey Gate, Kent’s destinations you can visit with additional content available at the Walkfo Abbey Gate, Kent’s information audio spots:

Visit Abbey Gate, Kent plaques

Experience Abbey Gate, Kent audio walks & tours

Walkfo guides for things to do / places to visit in Abbey Gate, Kent allows exploration as you would do an art gallery or museum. Walk close to one of Abbey Gate, Kent’s 74 historic places & our digital tour guide will create an audio story for that spot. With headphone connected, you can explore Abbey Gate, Kent freely by foot, bike or bus – with your own personal tour guide in your pocket.

Walkfo is free to download & use (for a limited time period), so if you are looking to explore Abbey Gate, Kent , go to your App Store to search for “Walkfo” or follow a links below and install on your mobile phone. Walkfo is designed for use with headphones or AirPods, so you can walk & explore whilst learning about the things around you without digital distraction.

  Walkfo Abbey Gate, Kent on Apple App Store      Walkfo Abbey Gate, Kent on Google Play Store

Looking for accommodation in Abbey Gate, Kent?

Our Abbey Gate, Kent accommodation map shows places to stay & prices for when you visit Abbey Gate, Kent .

Things to do & visit in Abbey Gate, Kent / surrounding areas

●   Grove Green ●   The Maidstone Studios ●   Vinters Valley Park ●   Mote Park (cricket ground) ●   River Len LNR ●   KIMS Hospital ●   Loose Stream ●   Maidstone ●   Battle of Maidstone ●   The Mall Maidstone ●   All Saints Church, Maidstone ●   Tithe Barn, Maidstone ●   The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum ●   Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone ●   Maidstone Town Hall ●   Hazlitt Theatre ●   Borough of Maidstone ●   Fremlin Walk ●   Maidstone Museum ●   Maidstone line ●   Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Cenotaph ●   Centre for Kentish Studies ●   County Hall, Maidstone ●   HM Prison Maidstone ●   Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club ●   Kent History and Library Centre ●   Maidstone United F.C. ●   Gallagher Stadium ●   Kent Institute of Art & Design ●   Ringlestone (suburb)

Show all our Abbey Gate, Kent things-to-do / visit

●   Invicta Park Barracks ●   Wouldham to Detling Escarpment ●   Westfield Wood ●   Kit’s Coty House ●   Lower Bell ●   Smythe’s Megalith ●   White Horse Stone ●   Boxley Warren ●   Little Kit’s Coty House ●   Coffin Stone ●   National Cycle Route 17 ●   Tyland Barn ●   Eccles, Kent ●   Allington Castle ●   Medway Valley Walk ●   Allington, Kent ●   Abbey Gate, Kent ●   Allington Quarry ●   Sandling, Maidstone ●   Kent Life ●   Boxley Abbey ●   Allington Quarry Waste Management Facility ●   Maidstone Hospital ●   Boxley ●   St Mary’s and All Saints Church, Boxley ●   Oakwood Hospital ●   Ditton, Kent ●   Greenways F.C. ●   K Sports F.C. ●   Ditton Quarry ●   Barming ●   East Malling and Larkfield ●   Eccles Roman Villa ●   Preston Hall, Aylesford ●   Aylesford ●   Aylesford Priory ●   Forstal ●   Aylesford Pit ●   Penenden Heath ●   Medway Megaliths ●   Battle of Aylesford ●   East Malling and Larkfield

Getting to / around Abbey Gate, Kent – transport link, station & street map

Getting around in Abbey Gate, Kent using public transportation may include road, street, train, underground, bus or tram transport options. Walkfo has identified the following Abbey Gate, Kent places with historic / cultural / factual content when you visit:

[transportsummary]

Local Abbey Gate, Kent historians & Abbey Gate, Kent tour guides

* Walkfo Creator is free to use for a limited number of audio spots within a map with a license fee applicable when more than 20 audio spots within location walk are created. v1.1336

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Anger as Abbey Developments Ltd wants to remove all affordable housing from development in Cross Road, Deal

A developer’s bid to axe all affordable housing from a new estate has been branded "disgraceful" by angry neighbours.

Abbey Developments Ltd is building 100 homes on the edge of Deal after plans were approved in 2022.

The company was due to make 30% of properties affordable - but now wants to remove that requirement following a "viability assessment" carried out by French bank BNP Paribas.

The move has sparked fury among residents who say the site off Cross Road provides a "green edge" to the town.

Lynn French, who lives a few hundred yards away in Station Road, says she thinks the move is "appalling".

"It was granted permission on the basis they were going to provide affordable housing," she said.

“That is needed because there are so many people who can’t afford a mortgage nowadays who need to be able to rent property.

“There is just nowhere in the district where you can rent for a reasonable amount.”

Mrs French’s husband, Peter, said: “It’s disgraceful. The council has always said in its plans it would want affordable housing with major developments.”

Abbey Developments Ltd wants a condition demanding the affordable homes provision to be removed by Dover District Council (DDC).

But the authority's housing policy states 30% affordable accommodation should be included in applications for more than 15 homes.

Affordable housing schemes aim to make cheaper homes available for people who cannot afford to buy or rent at market rates.

The government says they should be "social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market".

Reacting to the plans this week, neighbour Judy Wilson says Deal “needs affordable housing without any shadow of doubt”.

“I’m absolutely shocked and horrified by the whole thing. It’s being done in a really unhelpful way,” she said.

“We opposed the original planning because it's taken over a lovely big bit of our countryside.

“People are moving into the area and we just haven't got any housing for our own. So it really is quite shocking that they're doing all of this.”

Abbey Developments Ltd, of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, gained outline permission for the homes in February 2021 and full permission in December 2022 .

This is for detached, semi-detached and terrace houses and a maisonette block.

Construction has already started on the development, which is on 9.76 acres of open land at the corner of Cross Road and Station Road.

But the developer’s request to remove all affordable housing has led to 12 opposing letters from the public on the DDC planning portal and none supporting.

In a statement, a DDC spokesman said: “We can confirm that 30% of housing at this site needs to be affordable, under the existing outline permission Section 106 agreement.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal .

"This new application is seeking to allow the affordable housing to be removed from the scheme.

"We would stress that no decision has been made on this new application, and all relevant planning matters/feedback will be taken fully into consideration.

KentOnline contacted Abbey Abbey Developments Ltd for comment.

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