Kent: Fruit Orchards, White Cliffs and Oast Houses
Kent is ‘the garden of England’, a large county known for its apple and pear orchards, so local juice and wine is very popular. Facing the English Channel, Kent has the famed white cliffs of Dover.
Inland there are pretty towns like Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. And then there are oast houses, used to dry hops (many are now holiday homes).
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
If at the coast, read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer made Canterbury a household name through his famous work, The Canterbury Tales. Written in the late 1300s, this collection follows a colourful group of pilgrims on their journey from London to the cathedral. Each character tells a story to pass the time, revealing slices of medieval life, humour, and sometimes mischief.
The frame narrative ties each tale to a real route along Canterbury’s roads. Many street names, pubs, and corners still echo Chaucer’s storytelling. As you explore, you might come across signs and costumed guides sharing tales where the pilgrims once trod.
Political representation – Rosie Duffield MP
Rosie Duffield is Canterbury’s current Member of Parliament, elected in 2017. She became known for breaking a long tradition, winning the seat for Labour after years of Conservative MPs. What makes her stand out, is that she was the only MP who resigned the Labour party in protest, after the winter fuel cut allowance was cut for many vulnerable people, in 2024. She now sits as an independent.
Local businesses and Crooked House Bookshop
Independent shops form the beating heart of Canterbury’s streets, and none is more iconic than the Crooked House Bookshop. This quirky, wonky building on Palace Street is one of the city’s favourite photo spots, famous for its leaning walls and “This is the House That Jack Built” sign. It dates back to the 1600s and somehow still stands, even as gravity has pulled it sideways.
The Crooked House once sold antiques, sweets, and now, a carefully chosen range of books. Step inside and you might meet owners with great local knowledge or spot rare titles not found in the big chains. You’ll also find notes from regulars and local writers tucked into the shelves.
Whitstable – England’s least cloned town
Whitstable packs a punch for a small town. Its colourful harbour, weathered boats, and cheery beach huts give it a character all of its own. What makes it stand out as that it has more independent shops (and less chain stores) than any other town in England.
Down by the harbour, life feels slower. Boats bob in the waves and local artists sell paintings, pottery, and other handmade treasures from their studios. In summer, Whitstable’s sunsets colour the water in gold and peach, creating the ideal backdrop for a relaxed day trip.
Herne Bay – pier and beach
Herne Bay shows off a proper British seaside spirit. The town’s Victorian pier has stood the test of time, now lined with fun stalls, fairground rides, and an old-fashioned arcade fit for families. In warm months, children dash along the shingle and sand beach while parents sip coffee on colourful deckchairs.
Kent Fruit Trees (the ‘Garden of England’)
Kent has a long history as the “Garden of England” thanks to its rich farmland, mild climate, and endless rows of fruit trees. Whether you’re after apples, cherries, plums, or pears, there’s something growing here!
Apple chunks are choking hazards for babies and swallowing difficulties. Keep apple pips/seeds/cores away from pets due to natural cyanide.
Ask permission before feeding to equines, as too many cause colic. If given permission, feed cut up from a flat palm, to prevent choking).
Better than buying from supermarkets, which import 70% of England’s sold apples (most covered in shellac – dead insects – to make them waxy). Read more on how to protect our heritage orchards.
Kent Oast Houses (built for drying hops)
If you live in Kent (or are passing through), you no doubt have spotted one of the many oast houses. Today many are used for luxury holiday homes, but they had a real purpose, back in the day.
Kent and Sussex used to be the main counties where beer was brewed. Dating back to the 16 century, the oast houses were simply used to dry hops. Imported beers means many of them no longer had a use.
Most oast houses had a few drying floors and kilns, which were fired by wood or charcoal. The hops were dried, then made into bales to send to breweries. You can still many oast houses in other counties, but most of them are here. Hops need to be dried before they are used in beer, so oast houses would reduce moisture from around 80% to less than 10%.
If you fancy living in an oast house, you’ll likely have to be a millionaire. It’s good the old buildings are being bought (to prevent them being knocked down). But sad that nobody can often tour an oast house, as a community museum.
The (sometimes green) White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most iconic landmarks, which you can see nearly all the way to France (just 21 miles) on a clear day, or from the ferry.
Stay on marked trails, as chalk edges crumble easily. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a windproof jacket. And always take litter home, to keep plants and wildlife safe.
Obviously keep dogs away from cliffs (The National Trust has a useful page of tips to keep dogs, livestock and marine creatures/birds safe nearby, if visiting the area with your pooch).
The cliffs stay white due to natural erosion of fine limestone, and are home to many unique plants and insects (like the pyramidal orchid and chalkhill blue butterfly). When the cliffs are protected from erosion (like at Dover port), plants grow on them, so they are green. minutes).
No Bluebirds on the White Cliffs!
Despite the iconic song sang by forces sweetheart Vera Lyn, there are no bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover. At least none have ever been spotted, though many other birds have!
The song was in fact an anti-war song, looking forward to a day when there would be peace. Dame Vera Lynn was very young when she sang the song (her friend Harry Secombe like to joke that Churchill did not beat the Nazis – Vera ‘sang them to death!)’
She lived to the ripe old age of 103, spending her last days in the village of Ditchling, the highest point in East Sussex.
Voted ‘the person who most represents the spirit of the 20th century, in 2009, feisty Vera took the BNP (British National Party) to court, for using her song on an anti-immigration album, without her permission. She was concerned this would link her name to their far-right views.
It later transpired that the BNP had not realised that another song was by a black artist, and another by Irving Berlin (famously Jewish).
Vera did not succeed, as the song was in the public domain. A spokesman for the BNP said of our national heroine: ‘She can complain, but it’s not going to do her any good’. Charming.
Home to Many Important Sand Dunes
Kent is home to some of England’s main sand dunes, which form when sand and seashells blow onto the coast, then get trapped by sea plants, to anchor in the sand. These are home to evening primrose plants, lizards (that leave distinctive tracks on loose sand), digger wasps and burrowing bees (who also leave behind little piles of sand). And endangered natterjack toads.
Never walk on sand dunes, to protect nesting birds, seal pups and endangered natterjack toads. Keep dogs away, especially at breeding season.
Cathedrals and Castles of Kent
- Canterbury cathedral is one of the oldest Christian buildings in England. The Gothic architecture, peaceful cloisters and stained-glass windows draw visitors from all over the world.
- Leeds Castle (confusingly not in Yorkshire) sits on two islands in the middle of a lake. It’s known as “the loveliest castle in the world.” The castle’s grounds are huge.
- Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is a romantic moated castle. Explore rooms filled with Tudor artefacts and marvel at the Italian-style gardens outside. The grounds include a man-made lake, rose gardens, and a topiary chess set.
Unlike most privately-owned stately homes in England, this one does not make money from shooting innocent animals.
Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks: Historic Kent Towns
- Tunbridge Wells shines with its mix of historic touches and modern comforts. Famous for its natural spring, the Pantiles promenade, and attractive Georgian buildings, this town brings a classic spa-town vibe. The leafy parks are perfect for a stroll or picnic.
- Tonbridge sits quietly along the River Medway, but it’s far from sleepy. There are riverside walks, rowing, and parks to keep you busy outdoors.
- Sevenoaks (named after a group of ancient oak trees) seamlessly links the best of country life with easy access to London. There are weekly farmers’ markets and open-air events during summer. Many choose Sevenoaks for its excellent schools.
Unique Islands (just off the Kent coast)
Isle of Sheppey lies off the North Kent coast, and includes seaside towns, a harbour and two nature reserves (home to oystercatchers, redshanks, lapwings and marsh harriers. It’s separated from Kent by the Swale (a narrow part of sea). Originally called ‘Sheep Island’ in Saxon times, this is the birthplace of aviation (good or bad, you decide).
Ian Crofton’s book on English islands has an extensive history of this island, which suffered heavy bombing during World War 2, resulting in unexploded bombs being left on the shoreline. The Elmley National Nature Reserve draws birdwatchers with its rare waders and sweeping views. The wild open skies and grazing cattle create a peaceful escape.
Burntwick Island lies in the Medway Estuary, close to the mainland but cut off by muddy creeks and tidal water. Unlike Sheppey, there’s no access by road. You can still see the remains of a shepherd’s house on Burntwick Island (long left with his sheep, due to flooding) and still littered with Victorian glass and pottery.
The island is part of a protected nature reserve, so it sees few visitors. The saltmarsh is home to countless birds, including curlews and redshanks. Seals often haul out on its muddy banks.
Burntwick has a strange history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a hideout for smugglers running contraband up the Medway. Locals tell stories of secret meetings, hidden goods, and daring escapes.
Later, the island became more sinister, as it was used as a quarantine site during outbreaks of plague and cholera. Old gravestones are hidden in the grass, a reminder of those lost to disease long ago. Today, Burntwick’s wild landscape feels timeless, shaped by tides and history.
Deadman’s Island is named, due to the sad remains of 200 men and boys being found, likely dying on ‘floating prisons’ around 200 years ago. Storms and tides have uncovered human bones and wooden coffins, bringing new attention to its grim story. Archaeologists have found remains of children as well as adults.
Some say the island is haunted, and the bleak, windswept setting only adds to its reputation. Because it’s part of a protected wetland, only researchers may set foot there now. Deadman’s Island stands as a stark reminder of Kent’s sometimes-forgotten stories.
