Places to Visit in Kent

The Complete Guide

Kent, known as the Garden of England, is one of the UK’s most diverse and beautiful counties.

From historic cathedrals and medieval castles to sandy beaches and bustling seaside towns, Kent is packed with destinations that suit every type of traveller.

In this guide, we highlight the best places to visit in Kent, each linking to a dedicated travel guide where you’ll find things to do, places to eat, and insider tips.

Places to Visit in Kent

From the cathedral city of Canterbury to the creative shores of Margate and the tranquil landscapes of Sevenoaks, Kent is full of character, history and charm. Explore our most popular destinations below and plan your perfect Kent adventure.

Canterbury

A UNESCO World Heritage city, home to Canterbury Cathedral, historic lanes, river punting and cultural festivals year-round.

Explore Canterbury

Deal

A relaxed seaside town with a pebble beach, independent shops, cafés and coastal walks to Walmer and Dover.

Explore Deal

Dungeness

A wild, otherworldly landscape of shingle, lighthouses and artist studios on the Kent coast — a photographer’s paradise.

Explore Dungeness

Folkestone

A vibrant coastal town with street art, the Creative Quarter, Harbour Arm eateries and seaside walks to Sandgate.

Explore Folkestone

Margate

A blend of vintage charm and modern art — golden beaches, Dreamland, Turner Contemporary and buzzing nightlife.

Explore Margate

Sevenoaks

A leafy market town surrounded by countryside, historic estates and scenic walking routes in the North Downs.

Explore Sevenoaks

Whitstable

Famous for oysters, beach huts and coastal charm — perfect for seafood lovers and sunset walks.

Explore Whitstable

More to Explore

New Kent destinations coming soon — discover even more hidden gems and scenic spots.

FAQs about Places to Visit in Kent

Where is the prettiest place in Kent?
Some of the prettiest places in Kent include Whitstable for its colourful beach huts, Canterbury for its historic cathedral and cobbled lanes, and Deal for its charming seafront and pastel Georgian houses. Scotney Castle and Leeds Castle also offer stunning scenery.
How to spend a day in Kent?
Start with a morning in Canterbury exploring its cathedral and cafés, enjoy a seaside lunch in Whitstable or Margate, then finish the day watching the sunset from Deal Pier or Folkestone Harbour Arm.
What is the nicest seaside town in Kent?
Whitstable is famous for seafood and sunsets, Deal for boutique shops and a scenic pier, while Margate combines beaches with culture at the Turner Contemporary and Dreamland amusement park.
What to do in Kent this weekend for adults?
Enjoy vineyard tours in Tenterden, art galleries in Margate and Folkestone, coastal walks between Dover and Deal, or live theatre in Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells. Many pubs and restaurants host weekend music or wine-tasting events.
What is the poshest town in Kent?
Sevenoaks is often considered one of the poshest towns in Kent thanks to its elegant homes, top schools and proximity to London. Tunbridge Wells also ranks highly for its architecture and boutique shopping.
What is the prettiest small town in the UK?
While there are many contenders across Britain, Kent’s Deal and Rye (just across the Sussex border) are frequently featured among the UK’s prettiest small towns, thanks to their coastal charm and preserved heritage.
What’s on in Kent for free?
Kent offers plenty of free things to do, including coastal walks, exploring beaches like Botany Bay, visiting Turner Contemporary in Margate, enjoying countryside parks such as Knole Park or attending local festivals and markets.
What is the most visited free attraction in the UK?
Across the UK, the British Museum in London remains the most visited free attraction. In Kent, popular free attractions include Turner Contemporary, Dover’s White Cliffs walks, and Canterbury’s historic city centre.
What is Kent famous for?
Kent is known as the Garden of England for its orchards, vineyards and hop farms. It’s also famous for Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, seaside towns, white cliffs and award-winning local produce.