Holiday Cottages & Accommodation in Kent

Kent was traditionally England’s orchard, known especially for its apples, cherries, strawberries and hops. It’s also famed for its beer gardens, and plenty of breweries operate in the county, making everything from lager and real ale to cider and mead. All that beer needs to be served with something and Kent has a rich tradition of pub eateries. You’ll find everything from traditional fish and chips to organic and foraged fare served in gastro pubs and luxury wine bars. Whitstable is an oyster lover’s paradise and all Kent’s coastal towns serve mussels, winkles, fresh mackerel and other delicacies straight from the sea. Tasting fresh samphire is a must. This salty sea vegetable is making a comeback in local cuisine. Kent is also known for its tarts. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying gypsy tart, an exceedingly sweet dessert made from evaporated milk and brown sugar. Canterbury tart is a variation of apple pie with a lemony zing and Folkstone pudding pie is a delicious creamy tart stuffed with currants. For the more savoury palate, head to one of Kent’s many restaurants. Kentish people have embraced cuisines from all over the world, making the whole county a melting pot of different types of food. From Indian takeaways to Italian bistros, there is everything on offer in Kent’s towns and cities. In keeping with the times, many of Kent's restaurants are now serving vegan fare.

Kent has plenty to offer for history fans, with its many historic castles. Hever Castle comes complete with a museum and giant hedge maze, and Rochester Castle is one of the country's best preserved Roman forts, where many annual folk festivals are held throughout the year. Leeds Castle in Maidstone is situated in beautiful grounds, perfect for a picnic with all the family, and Upnor Castle offers stunning views across the River Medway.

If you'd rather explore the coast, Deal is a quaint and picturesque town filled with top-notch fish restaurants. When you fancy a walk, you can also explore the famous white cliffs of Dover. Take the family for a scenic, gentle hike along the South Foreland Heritage Coast, Dover's main cliff-top walk.

If you'd like to relax on the beach, take your pick from St Mary's Bay in Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Margate, Dungeness or Sandwich Bay. The weather is ideal during the peak summer months between June and August. There are plenty of Kent accommodation options available in all these areas, so you can easily book anything from luxury holiday apartments to traditional Kent holiday lodges or more homely self-catering holiday cottages, wherever you want to stay

There's plenty to do with the kids throughout the county, whether you're looking for educational culture or a fun adventure. In Canterbury, you'll not only find the vast and beautiful Canterbury Cathedral, but also the small yet colourful museum 'The Canterbury Tales', dedicated to the famous stories of Chaucer. This little treasure will bring his stories to life for your kids. Rochester also offers 'Dickens World', a larger than life museum dedicated to Charles Dickens and his most famous works.

For a more adventurous time, try out Groombrige Enchanted Forest, with climbing trees and swinging bridges, or Howletts Wild Animal Park, which spans over 90 acres of ancient parkland and features a walk-through paddock full of lemurs. There are plenty of family-friendly holiday lettings available in Kent, with cosy cottages and rustic lodges your kids will love, so you'll always have somewhere to relax after a wild day with the animals!

When booking your Kent holiday cottage, you can also consider the time of year and what festivals are on offer. In the north of Kent, Medway is an area particularly steeped in folklore and folk festivals. Here, you'll find the Chimney Sweeps Festival in May, when the streets are filled with morris dancers and folk music. There's also the Dickens Festival in June, where characters from the books parade and play out scenes in the streets.

May Day is also a huge event in Hastings, on the southern coast, where the annual Green Man festival explodes on the streets in a festive pagan parade. Maidstone's Annual River Festival in July features live music, friendly open BBQs and hundreds of boats coming together on the river for a weekend of celebrations. Renting your own Kent holiday cottage will let you feel like a local and get involved with all of the fun events on offer.

Dover Castle

Poised dramatically over the English Channel, Dover Castle is the largest castle in England, dating back to the 11th century. Discover its fascinating history, medieval towers and secret wartime tunnels.

The Hawking Centre

Situated in the heart of the Kent Downs, the Hawking Centre gets you up close and personal with birds of prey. It offers Falconry Experience Days where you can fly owls, hawks, falcons and vultures.

Canterbury Cathedral

The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important religious sites in England. Its cloisters, crypts and stained-glass windows attract visitors from around the world.

Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is a 13th-century building renowned for its Tudor paintings, historic rooms and charming grounds.

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are a dazzling natural sight on the Kent Coast. Take a walk along the cliffs for beautiful views across the English Channel.