Best walks in Kent
As you’d expect from a county known as ‘the Garden of England’, Kent has walks that are pristine, unique, and rich in heritage. From the famous coastline around Dover to the many trails found in its protected woodlands and nature reserves, Kent is simply overflowing with walkable routes.
Boasting two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs Way National Trail, Kent is a walker’s paradise. The many nature reserves are rich in wildlife, particularly in spring when the whole county becomes vivid with colour. But in truth, walking in Kent is wonderful all year round and there’s plenty to keep fans of history interested with World War Two memorials, grand estates and imposing castles scattered across the landscape. We’ve compiled our favourite walks in Kent to give you some inspiration for when you get the itch to explore the South East of the UK on foot. All these walks are within a driveable distance of Kent Coast Holiday Park, so there’s no need to worry about getting there and back, just get your hiking boots on and a water bottle in your bag.
- Hoo Peninsula Walk, Upnor
- The King's Wood Sculpture Trail Walk, Challock
- Riverside Country Park, Rainham
- Reculver Walking Tour, near Herne Bay
- Weardale Circular Walk from Chartwell, Westerham
- Scotney Castle Walk, Tunbridge Wells
- Canterbury Trails, Canterbury
- Margate to Broadstairs
- White Cliffs of Dover Walk, Dover
Hoo Peninsula Walk, Upnor
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)
Just 30 miles downriver from the capital, the Hoo Peninsula is sandwiched between the lower reaches of the Thames and the meandering Medway. With water on either side, Hoo has long been a strategic location and its decommissioned power stations and historic military forts can be seen on this short walk across the North Kent Marshes that inspired Charles Dickens. On this short walk from Upnor Castle, explore the changing face of the river and its marshlands by following the Saxon Shore Way and Skirting around Hoo Marina Park before returning to the pretty village of Upnor. Exploring these wetlands on foot are the best way to see why it attracted writers like Dickens and painters such as Turner and Hogarth.
The King's Wood Sculpture Trail Walk, Challock
Distance: 3.5 miles (6km)
One of the largest woodlands in Kent, the ancient King’s Wood was once used by Henry VIII as a hunting ground. Nowadays, it’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is popular with ramblers, hikers and dog walkers alike for this circular walk that combines art with exercise.
One of the finest woodland walks in Kent, you will pass through a variety of forest types from coppiced trees to majestic beeches and conifers as you follow a waymarked trail of red arrows, numbers and of course, sculptures. Paths can be steep and a little uneven in places, so appropriate footwear and clothing for the season is a must.
Riverside Country Park, Rainham
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) approx (dependent on route)
Riverside Country Park has over 250 acres of open space with various habitats including open ponds, grassland, mudflats and salt marsh. It’s massively pooch friendly, making it one of the best locations for a dog walk in Kent. The lovely nature reserve is situated alongside the Medway River Estuary and has a wide variety of different walks, ranging from less than a mile to around three miles long. Many of the walks are flat and easy and will take you there and back over solid wide pathways away from roads meaning that it’s a suitable place for beginners to tackle. At low tide the mud flats are accessible and at some points along the walk so may be worth having your dog on the lead at these points to avoid your furry friend getting muddy!
Reculver Walking Tour, near Herne Bay
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Situated on the county’s north coast between the popular destinations of Herne Bay and Margate, the wild and beautiful Reculver Country Park is an excellent spot for a Kent coastal walk. The park’s varied habitats attract an abundance of wildlife, including migratory birds, so there’s plenty to see. The loop trail is a relatively easy-going route that’s essentially a walking tour of the park, taking an average of 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. Highlights include the imposing Reculver Towers and Roman Fort and views out over some of the clearest waters in the South East. There is an eco-friendly visitor centre within the park where you can pick up further information on this route.
Weardale Circular Walk from Chartwell, Westerham
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
This beautiful route is one of the best National Trust walks in Kent linking the properties of Churchill’s family home at Chartwell with the Edwardian estate at Emmetts Garden. If you choose to walk this loop then you’ll pass through the woodland areas of Toys Hill and Hosey Common and see the remains of Weardale Manor that was destroyed by a bomb in World War Two. We recommend stopping for a fresh pint of Kent ale at The Fox and Hounds, before you reach the pretty hamlet of French Street and finish the walk with magnificent views over the Weald of Kent.
Scotney Castle Walk, Tunbridge Wells
Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)
This enchanting two-mile walk takes you for a ramble through the grounds of the estate with vistas of the old hop farm, an elegant Victorian country house known as the “new castle”, and the ruins of a much older medieval castle. Beginning at Scotney Castle's car park, you’ll admire lovely bridges, Kent’s famed oast houses with their distinctive tops, and the Hornbeam Pollard, one of the oldest trees on the estate. The castle, on a lake island with its motte and bailey make for a wonderful backdrop, while the castle’s tearoom serves up well-needed refreshments when you’re done.
Canterbury Trails, Canterbury
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer’s pilgrims through the winding streets of the medieval city. The best route around Canterbury takes in the city walls, originally built by the Romans, and the ancient, cobbled streets and timber-framed houses of the city centre. Highlights include the quaint footbridges over the scenic Stour River, pretty St Margaret’s Street and passing by the magnificent entrance to Canterbury Cathedral.
Margate to Broadstairs
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)
Enjoy this Kent coastal walk from the coastal town of Margate to Broadstairs in the northeast of the county and follow in the footsteps of the great British artist, JMW Turner, and writer Charles Dickens. Start at the Turner Contemporary gallery by the harbour in Margate and follow the signs that indicate the Turner and Dickens route. Things to look out for on your way include the Turner mosaics at St John’s Primary School in St John’s Street, Draper’s Windmill, the Church of St Peter’s-in-Thanet, Dickens mosaics in St Peter’s Road, Crampton Tower and the beautiful seafront at Broadstairs with its Dickens House Museum.
White Cliffs of Dover Walk, Dover
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)
This a four-mile coastal route that will take you round in a circle to the starting point. The idea of retracing your steps might seem repetitive, but not when those steps are across the dramatic chalk cliff tops that run from the edge of Dover to the lighthouse at South Foreland and plunge 350ft into the sea below. Browse the White Cliffs Visitor Centre with its information hub and coffee shop before you strike out eastward along the Saxon Shore Way, looking out for gun emplacements and remnants of other wartime structures as you go. Visit the fascinating underground tunnels at Fan Bay Deep, before finishing your walk at South Foreland Lighthouse.
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Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
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From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
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As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.