Inspiration

Walking in the Garden of England, a few of the best in Kent

Guest Expert

5 min read

There’s a little bit of everything on a walk through the Garden of England, from historic houses and glorious gardens, to breezy coastal paths and ancient woodland trails. We’ve put together a selection of walks to highlight Kent’s unique combination of history, heritage and iconic natural landscapes. From white cliffs to chalk stacks and manicured gardens to a fascinating trail through Chaucer’s Canterbury, including a pause at the city’s spectacular cathedral, each walk includes one of our special places to stay nearby to make planning your trip that little bit easier.

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Parkland Trail, Scotney Castle

In the Bewl valley, come to stroll around the National Trust’s romantic 14th-century moated castle, now an atmospheric ruin, and grand Victorian country mansion. The grounds have one of the best examples of a Picturesque-designed garden, an idyllic blend of glades and walkways with planting that blurs wilderness with the well-tamed. Everywhere you look are expansive views and there are myriad routes through beautiful woods and parkland. Take the two-mile Parkland Trail (well signposted) to find out about the fascinating history and ancient secrets of this heritage estate near Tunbridge Wells. Dogs are welcome too.

Stay a 25-minute drive away at Beacon Hall House with views over the Wealden countryside, homemade cake, eggs from the hens, country-house comfort… a friendly home and host. Good dinners too!

Broadstairs to Margate along The Viking Coastal Trail

The Viking Coastal Trail stretches for 25 miles around the Isle of Thanet, keeping as close to the coast as possible. We love the 7-mile section linking old-school Broadstairs with arty Margate. You’ll pass spectacular chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, bays and rock pools. Stop off at Stone Bay or Joss Bay for a dip if the sun’s out (or you’re brave), keep your eyes peeled for North Foreland Lighthouse and make time to descend to Botany Bay if the tide is out, for a spot of fossil hunting and rock pool dipping. It’s seriously Instagramable thanks to its towering white cliffs and mesmerising chalk stacks. Or hang out in the hotel perched high above the bay if you’re in need of a rest and refreshments before continuing onto Margate.

Stay nearby at The George & Hall in Margate, an ancient coaching inn, all refurbished with huge personality, individually designed bedrooms and a pretty courtyard garden.

Ham Street Woods Nature Reserve Circuit

If you’re looking for a short woodland walk that’s suitable for all levels and easy to tackle on wheels or with buggies, then look no further. Ham Street Woods is an ancient woodland set in one of England’s first National Nature Reserves. Home to rare moths and butterflies, nesting birds including the elusive nightingale and hawfinch, plus two protected species, the great crested newt and the dormouse, it is an important haven for wildlife and rich in biodiversity. This spectacular ancient woodland is perfect for a gentle stroll with three waymarked trails from 1-3 miles long winding through the tranquil reserve. Visit in April or May as it bursts into life and birdsong.

Stay a 20-minute drive away at Hereford Oast, an oast house B&B surrounded by countryside and with a blooming garden; walk to the village pub, drive to nearby stately castles.

The white cliffs of Dover walk

This is a breezy 3.5-mile circular walk from The White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse. Soak up the superb views peeking over the chalky cliffs to the hard-working Dover Strait – over 400 commercial vessels plough up and down the narrowest part of the English Channel every day, making it one of the world’s busiest shipping channels. On a clear day, you may spot the outline of France and the entire route is a haven for wild plants, insects and birds. On reaching the 1842 lighthouse (in daily use until 1988), you can return the way you came or take a different route back to the visitor centre which has a café for tea and cake.

Stay nearby at The Relish, a 20-minute drive from Dover. It’s a stylish townhouse retreat in leafy Folkestone with excellent rooms, a terrace for breakfast in summer and Eurostar waiting nearby…

A city trail through Chaucer’s Canterbury

Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer’s pilgrims through the narrow streets of Canterbury. This 2.5-mile city walk takes in the hefty Roman city walls and the medieval centre with its ancient cobbled streets, riverside gardens dotted along the Stour and timber-framed houses. You’ll stroll past the World Heritage–listed cathedral that holds the secrets to the mysterious murder of its archbishop, Thomas Becket, in the 12th century. Go inside to gaze up at the intricate fan vaulting on the ceiling of its central tower. And of course, the murder was inspiration for Chaucer, whose Canterbury Tales follows the intrigues of a group of pilgrims come to worship at Becket’s shrine. The layers of history run deep in this town.

Stay at 7 Longport, in your own cottage with a smart sitting room downstairs and a swish bedroom up – breakfast in the courtyard before venturing forth to discover charming Canterbury.

Explore all our special places to stay in Kent >

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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