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driving tour kent

Kent & East Sussex

  • 3 days / 4 nights
  • Independent
  • Great British Tours
  • 1 week or less

The county of Kent is known as the Garden of England, with orchards, vineyards and fields with hops but also many other attractions, imposing cathedrals, beautiful castles and stunning gardens – all connected by scenic country lanes. Enjoy a four-night stay in a beautiful country house hotel, with three days of lovely driving around this historic county.

Kent is often overlooked as people head through to Dover and the continent but it’s well worth a more detailed exploration. It is also a fabulous introduction to the English countryside for those living in mainland Europe. Kent is the English county closest to the continent, easy to reach with a short ferry crossing or just 35 minutes through the tunnel under the English Channel.

If you’re looking for region with beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting culture and delicious food and drink, then you’ve come to the right place. This county has some of the best beaches in Europe – voted by Lonely Planet – as well as art galleries, elegant stately homes, romantic getaways, and interesting attractions. This tour also detours a little into East Sussex.

Tour Highlights

• Stunning scenery of the Weald, Kent & parts of East Sussex • Visit England’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame • Discover the famous gardens of Sissinghurst, Great Dixter & Great Comp • Visit the incredible Canterbury Cathedral • Explore beautiful properties such as Rudyard Kipling’s Batemans, Ightham Mote & Knole House • Visit Sir Winston Churchill’s home of Chartwell • Visit Bodiam Castle, Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Chiddingstone Castle • Cultural delights such as historic churches, ancient towns & villages, & fascinating museums

driving tour kent

Drive to the Hotel. Settle into your room and enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

driving tour kent

Enjoy a visit to Faversham, with its half-timbered houses, a 16th-century Guildhall and, in the centre of this market town, England’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, dating from the 13th  century. It is possible to tour the brewery. Then proceed to Whitstable, renowned for its oyster culture and excellent little fish restaurants, and then pass through Herne Bay, which features a typically-Victorian two-mile seafront. Continue on to the oldest of the Cinque Ports, Sandwich, with its windmill and folk museum. One of the highlights of the tour is, without doubt, Canterbury, which is worth a lengthy visit to see the world famous 11th century cathedral and historic town centre. Return to the hotel. Although the hotel has a good restaurant, recommendations of nearby restaurants and pubs for dinner are also suggested in the tour book.

driving tour kent

Take a scenic route via the famous gardens of  Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville-West. Then continue to the pleasant town of Cranbrook, with its many 18th century buildings. Drive to Scotney Castle (National Trust) with its beautiful gardens, and then on to Lamberhurst, once the centre of the Wealden iron industry. Just over the border in East Sussex, discover Burwash, an outstandingly attractive village of 16th and 17th-century houses. Nearby is Bateman’s, the home of Rudyard Kipling, which provided inspiration for much of his work. Then explore the beautiful Bodiam Castle – a medieval,  14th century,  moated castle. This fairytale castle is one of Britain’s most romantic and picturesque, set in the heart of 1066 country. With spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is the real thing. Windows where arrows were once fired, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights. Great Dixter was built by famed architect, Edward Lutyens, and the house is also widely renowned for the fantastic gardens in the arts and crafts style. The route then winds on to the C.M. Booth Vehicle Museum, which houses a large collection of early 3-wheeled Morgans as well as many other British marques. Drive on to Tenterden, the pearl of the Weald with its white, weather-boarded houses along the shopping street. The town is also the starting point of the Kent and East Sussex  Railway, a lovely old steam train which leads to Northiam. Continue on to the Biddenden Vineyards, one of the seven wonders of the Weald part of Kent and boasting a one-star Michelin restaurant. Return to the hotel in the evening.

driving tour kent

Enjoy a scenic tour via the Great Comp Gardens, a 17th century manor house surrounded by 7 acres of exotic gardens, which were created from 1957. Then continue along to Ightham Mote,  a stunning moated manor house dating from 1372, which is now part of the National Trust. The tour then continues to Knole ,  near Sevenoaks, one of England’s most important houses with an extensive collection of historic furniture and its medieval deer park. Visit Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s home near Westerham and now in the hands of the National Trust. Just a few miles further is Hever Castle, a charming small castle and the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. Half the castle has been refurbished in the early 20th century, as have the gardens with an Italian addition. Chiddingstone, to the east of Hever, is a beautiful village, owned in its entirety by the National Trust, including Chiddingstone Castle. Then continue to Penshurst, a small village with stone houses and a magnificent church. Enjoy a final dinner at the hotel.

driving tour kent

Discover the gorgeous Leeds Castle. There has been a castle on the site since 1119, and owned by a number of English kings, but the castle seen today dates mainly from the early 19th century after some extensive remodelling by a previous owner. Depart for home.

Where we'll stay

The routes in this tour are all centred on just one hotel, so there will be no unpacking and repacking during the trip.   Once the home of Lords and politicians, this 17th century, luxury hotel is set in its own 8-hectare parkland. The interior has been sympathetically converted with many of its original features, artwork and furniture remaining. The restaurant has been awarded 2 AA rosettes and a full English breakfast is served every morning. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and TV.

What's included

  • An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
  • Tour book – includes a brief history of the regions to be visited, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed, tailored account of sights and visits for each day.

Requirements

Price from tour book is £125 (incl uk p&p).

driving tour kent

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Scenic Driving Tour Around the Weald of Kent

driving tour kent

Take a scenic tour from Royal Tunbridge Wells through the Garden of England amid orchards and hop fields, beautiful countryside, picturesque towns and villages.

This driving tour meanders around the softly undulating landscape of the Weald and takes in historic houses, stunning gardens and smugglers haunts.

The map below shows the start and end points with some of the main features along the way. Click on the More Options link and Google maps will open in another window to provide more details.

After fuelling yourselves up at your cosy accommodation or in a local café , depart Royal Tunbridge Wells on A267 / Frant Road alongside the Parish Church of King Charles the Martyr .

Leaving the magnificent Georgian town houses behind you, you will reach the Bull pub on the left. Turn left onto B2169 Bayham Road.

This densely wooded route is famous in these parts for wild deer.  Keep an eye out for these nimble creatures jumping out on to the road!

A Slow Winding Journey through the Country

Slow right down on the bends and as you enter the village of Bells Yew Green.  You might want to take a peek at Lamb’s Larder – a very different convenience store-cum-farm shop. It is full of local produce and takeaway tea and coffee.

Otherwise, carry on past the pretty little green and crossroads keeping the Brecknock Arms on the right towards Lamberhurst.

The first obligatory stop is the historic ruins of Bayham Abbey . Don’t drive too fast or else you’ll miss it!

A spectral sight owned by English Heritage and a low key attraction.  If you come early enough it is incredibly atmospheric with the hanging mist!

Open during Spring and Summer with the bare minimum of facilities it is a peaceful place to spend an hour.

Continue in the direction of Lamberhurst . You will see The Elephants Head and The Vineyard pubs on the way – both serve food if you need some sustenance.

When you reach the crossroads at Lamberhurst Quarter village green, go straight over past The Brown Trout pub.  At the T-junction  ahead of you is the entrance to Scotney Castle and Gardens.

A National Trust property, Scotney Castle is the second obligatory sight on this tour and it is open all year round.  Particularly known for its gardens whether it’s Autumn or Summer, a stroll here is a veritable highlight amongst the paths of azaleas, roses and Japanese maples.

Naturally, you will come across the tea room where you can take the weight off and savour the homemade country food and sample the Scone of the Month!

After spending a couple or 3 hours here, exit the Castle and its exuberant gardens and join the A21 heading south towards Hastings.

Picturesque Pit Stops Aplenty

One third of a mile along is the entrance to Bewl Water Reservoir .  There is masses of parking, two large restaurants and a huge playground of grassy slopes and footpaths round the lake to be absorbed.

Fishing and sailing are just two of the activities you can sample whilst here.

After having your fill at Bewl Water, rejoin the A21 in a southerly direction again and you’ll find the road to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest signed with the brown tourist signs.

Bedgebury, as the name suggests, is full of trees, however it is nationally important for its work with conifers.  There are quite a few different trails for all walking abilities including the Gruffalo Trail, and also for off-road cycling.

The relatively new café is an eco-friendly build with decking overlooking the pond near the entrance.  You can spend a good few hours here in these woods particularly if you turn ‘Tarzan’ with Go-Ape!

Back on the A21 heading south, you will reach the traffic lights at the crossroads with the A268.

For a detour to a sumptuous garden off the beaten track then turn right at the lights and go through Ticehurst to  Pashley Manor Gardens .

An absolute delight, this garden will not fail to make you smile.  Best known for its tulip festival and crowds of dahlias later in the year, so do take your camera, and wallet for a lovely cuppa!

Vagabonds Abound: Stand and deliver!

Returning to the main tour, from the A21 traffic lights turn left onto A268 and drive to Hawkhurst .

Associated with the infamous Hawkhurst Gang of Smugglers, why not follow the Smugglers Trail ? Or browse around the shops and have a meal at one of the many good pubs there.

Leave Hawkhurst on the A229 and continue to the medieval picturesque town of Cranbrook , the ‘Capital of the Weald’. The Union Windmill, one of the tallest smock mills in the country, is a superb example of a working sail mill.

There are some select boutiques in Cranbrook and first-rate tea rooms too, one run by an Italian, and one by an English lady with Fifties style décor among others.  The grand George Hotel is in the centre of the village.

From Cranbrook it is possible to take a short detour to Sissinghurst Castle . Undoubtedly one of the most famous gardens in the world, the National Trust has continued to uphold the singular landscape designs of the previous owners.

Keep an eye out for events here such as farmers’ and craft markets as well as open air plays.

To continue to the attractive village of Goudhurst , go back through Sissinghurst and straight over the roundabout to the A262

Goudhurst is one of the highest villages in the Weald of Kent thus presenting striking views and a colourful history too. It was here that the Hawkhurst Gang of Smugglers was finally overpowered.

Parking is down the road past the duck pond. Park up, have a nose round the hill village and browse in the little shops and the squat church on the top of the hill.

Tour the back lanes of the Wealden Villages

Leave Goudhurst on A262 and only metres before rejoining the A21 is the road sign for Horsmonden.

Take the B2162 to go into Horsmonden , a former leading centre of the British gun industry! You will see the village green at the crossroads, turn left.

Continue on the windy inclines past the Halfway House real ale pub to a T-junction. Turn right and continue to the village of Brenchley.

Take a slow journey through Brenchley to take in the varying old architectural eras of the buildings and spot the commemorative 1911 coronation feature!

On reaching the crossroads at Matfield with the Poet pub on your right, you could pop in here or carry on straight over on the twisting back roads.

Join the A228 briefly for a mere hundred yards, by turning left on to it then off to the right towards Capel.

Spot the Dovecote Inn, another possible rest stop for your party then go on to Tudeley.

All Saints Church , Tudeley, is a favourite of many.  An emotional history is tied to it expressed through the exquisite stain glass windows by Chagall. This is an experience for the heart.

Drama at Big Attractions

Gather your thoughts, then follow signs to join A26 to Tunbridge Wells. At Bidborough Corner turn right onto B2176 Bidborough Ridge to Penshurst.

A tree-lined route to enjoy, drive slowly as you soak up the vista over the Garden of England.  Maybe you’d like to stop at The Kentish Hare pub for more good food?

When you reach the end of the Bidborough Ridge at the intriguingly named Rogues Hill, do allow a few hours to visit the stunning Penshurst Place and Gardens .

From Penshurst it is a short detour to the National Trust village of Chiddingstone and Hever Castle .

To return to Royal Tunbridge Wells from Penshurst, exit by turning right onto the B2188 to go through the Tudor village.

After nearly 4  miles, join A264 into Tunbridge Wells and continue on to the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells although you will pass a few great sights like Toad Rock , The Beacon Hotel (and its views) and The Spa Hotel .

If you want more sights, just after joining the A264 turn right onto B2110 and continue down the hill to Groombridge Place and the Enchanted Gardens .

Groombridge is an old manor house with links to Sherlock Holmes, formal gardens and a wilderness wood including hidden play areas and a mini boat trip.

You can undertake the Scenic Driving Tour as swiftly or as slowly as you like.  To find out where to stay on the Weald of Kent, see our Accommodation page full of a variety of options.

Let us know how you get on and share your photos on Instagram  @OfficialVisitTunbridgeWells

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Leisurely Drives

A Road Trip through Kent – South East England

Botany Bay - Kent

Pretty beaches, outstanding coastlines, historic castles, iconic white cliffs, beautiful gardens and a lot of history– these took us to Kent, and we were not disappointed! Kent is known as the “ Garden of England ”, a title rightly deserved because the countryside is so pretty – a true AONB (area of natural beauty).

Kent is the most South-Easterly county in the United Kingdom. A car is the best way to get around because the roads are excellent and distances short.

Kent Sussex drive route map

Our 10-day road trip started with a 2-hour drive from London to Hever Castle.

HEVER CASTLE AND GARDENS

Hever Castle gardens

Hever castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the unfortunate second wife of the infamous King Henry VIII, who lost her head on the scaffold at the Tower of London. The 800-year old edifice, protected by double moats, is a pretty 13th-century castle full of old paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures. Perhaps even a bigger attraction is the magnificent garden featuring artistically sculptured shrubs and intriguing mazes. If the weather is kind, a walk through the gardens will be a delight.

Dover was our next stop.  It  has two impressive attractions to check out.  

THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER

White Cliffs of Dover

The iconic White cliffs of Dover , the first sight of England to people from the Continent who crossed the English Channel since the Roman times, maybe even earlier. Yes, the cliffs are majestic, but hard to see from land and probably even more impressive from the sea. We discovered later on in this trip that the entire coastline of Kent is full of white cliffs , some of which are much more approachable than those at Dover.

DOVER CASTLE

The magnificent Dover Castle is not to be missed. 

Dover Castle - view from the top

It took us almost an entire day to explore all around this castle, which has guarded the seafront for over nine centuries. The Great Tower, medieval interiors, secret war-time tunnels and the Museum are all worth a visit.

The whole property is full of steep slopes and just exploring this castle and its buildings is enough to give you a good workout!

ST. MARGARET’S BAY

White cliffs at Saint Margaret's bay

Another place to visit while in Dover is the beautiful St Margaret’s bay. This bay is a secluded beach tucked away behind a quaint village – “St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe”, on the South Foreland Heritage Coast. The sandy and pebbly beach has soaring white cliffs on one side, close enough to touch, and the sea on the other, beyond which you can almost see France. A walk on the beach, gazing up at the cliffs, followed by tea at the beach café looking out to the sea– what a delightful morning!

Next, we drove northwards to explore the north-east part of this beautiful county.

WALMER CASTLE AND GARDENS

Walmer Castle, Kent

Walmer castle, and the nearby Deal castle, were beachside artillery fortresses built by Henry VIII to protect the coastline from invasion. Walmer Castle was used by Churchill during WW2 to keep an eye on France. It is a beautiful castle and grounds. We enjoyed the lovely sea views from the terraces.

It was lovely to walk around the extensive grounds and gardens and take a peek at the pebbly beach that leads to Deal castle, not far away.

Deal Pier entrance

The 1950’s Deal Pier is impressive and worth strolling along to the café at the end. It offers great views along the coastline and out to sea. The walk back was pleasant with views of the old town.

RAMSGATE, BROADSTAIRS AND MARGATE

Further north lie Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate – full of spectacular coastlines and white cliffs too! These three places form a charming trio of coastal towns at the North-eastern tip of Kent. There is so much to see here – quaint boats, secluded white cliffs, and “blue flag” beaches – that it is difficult to take them all in, or even describe them deservedly.

Ramsgate – a quintessential British seaside town. It has white cliffs, beach huts, coastal walks. We went for a long walk along the winding coastal path from Ramsgate Port to Broadstairs’ Viking Bay.

Broadstairs – is situated between Ramsgate and Margate with quirky little lanes, tiny flint houses and fishermen’s cottages.

DUMPTON GAP

Dumpton Gap dramatic view

Dumpton Gap is a beautiful secluded windy bay with soaring chalk cliffs, a small café and beach huts. The clifftop lawns are spacious with benches facing the bay. We had a choice between walking to Broadstairs in one direction and Ramsgate in the other. We chose Broadstairs because we had seen views on Netflix. Either direction would be great for walking the dog, if we had one.

Neptune’s tower  is one of the few follies (towers and mock-Gothic ruins) at the very northeast tip of Kent with Kingsgate Castle at one end and Captain Digby at the other – popular place for its good drinks and bites. Quiet beaches with lovely stretches of clean sand offer great walks.  

The Botany Bay restaurant

It is the most northerly bay and it is unique with the positioning of its chalk cliffs. Being a blue flag beach, the water quality is guaranteed and it is ideal for great coastal walks.

Above all it is a photo buff’s delight because there are so many ways to capture the unusual character of this bay that you will be torn to decide which angle is the best. The cliffs are full of nooks and crannies and the waves swirl among the many rock pools.

The Botany Bay bar and restaurant is the perfect place to sit down with a glass of wine after the walk.  

RECULVER TOWERS AND HERNES BAY

Reculver Towers and Hernes Bay

This is the best of the lot! The towers situated on a cliff offer panoramic views of the bay and a long way beyond!

At Reculver we found the remains of a Roman fort, built to protect the shoreline against Saxon invaders, which fell into ruins and was converted into a Church a millennium later. What remains today are the twin towers of the Church, a looming landmark on the north Kent coastline that serves as a navigation guide even today. Sea erosion has changed the coastline over the centuries and the Towers now totter at the edge of a cliff. The charming host at a delightful café fed us the history of this place along with delightful tea and muffins.

This is a great place for a good workout with the ups and downs of the cliff and long stretches of coastline.

Kent (and Sussex) is also full of lovely gardens. Two of them are totally worth checking out.  

MOUNT EPHRAIM COUNTRY HOUSE AND GARDENS

It comprises of over 800 acres of woodland, pastures and gardens. From the imposing main house a path leads through terraces of flowers to an enchanting Japanese rock and water garden surrounding a small lake. There are many beautiful mature trees, orchards, an arboretum, a fruit farm and wide green pastures – lots of places to wander around. From the main house, which has a cosy café, we could get a great view of the surrounding countryside.

Mount Ephraim gardens

PETWORTH HOUSE AND GARDENS

This National Trust property is a bit different from others in that it is built next to the town of the same name. It is a treasure house full of art and sculpture, mainly from the 18th century. It has a unique gallery for sculpture and paintings and a long hall full of amazing wood carvings.

It has extensive grounds (700 acres) surrounding a fabulous house with an outstanding art collection and huge servant quarters that offer a glimpse of life “downstairs” or ‘”below stairs” with staff suitably attired in period costume. The gardens were vast and beautiful, full of golden yellow fields in spring.

Right at the end of our road trip, we decided to stray into Sussex for a day and checked out its popular Birling Gap and Seven Sisters.  

BIRLING GAP

It  is a pebbly beach alongside the towering Seven Sisters – seven white cliffs in a row. You can walk down a metal staircase to the beach. You can also do the cliff-top walk and get some grand views. Please stay away from the cliff edge, it is known to crumble suddenly! The official warning says to keep 5 metres away from any cliff edge – regularly ignored by summer tourists.

Seven sisters, Birling Gap, East Sussex

BEACHY HEAD  

Beachy Head in East Sussex

Beachy Head is the highest sea cliff in Britain (531-feet). It is situated a short drive from Birling Gap, reached by a lovely clifftop walk from Belle Tout Lighthouse.

We took the beach road for a lovely drive past green meadows and sheep.

There are two lighthouses – a red and white striped lighthouse seen below the cliffs and the Belle Tout lighthouse which is now a B&B.

Alas, our ten days were over, and we drove back to London. We came back satiated with natural beauty, man-made creations, history and good exercise (all that walking !!) and agreed that Kent was absolutely worth the visit. Maybe again?

Kent, Southeast England, UK

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28 comments.

Andi

When my hubby was a young adult he lived and worked briefly in this region and he has fond memories of this part of England. We have often spoken about doing a trip here so that I can see what it is like and he can reminisce a bit! It looks beautiful!

Coralie

What an informative post about a county I’ve yet to visit. I really enjoyed reading it – especially the detail about Hever Castle, which has been on my bucket list for years (I’m a real Tudor history nerd!).

Linda (LD Holland)

I am learning so much about the different areas of England. And adding spots for a future road trip. I can see why it is called the “Garden of England” with all the green space. We saw the White Cliffs of Dover when we sailed in one year. But did not realize there were so many other great cliff areas around Kent. I love that there are great nature sites to see. And castles and country houses too. Definitely need to plan a long visit.

Larch

I have not really travelled around Kent much, in fact only to Dover and back, but this has made me look at Kent with new eyes. I love the different castles and the sweeping cliffs and the turquoise of the sea at Deal is so inviting, though I am sure it is much colder than it looks. You have put Kent on my bucket list!

Sue

I love this! Bearing in mind all the travel chaos lately, I am keen to stay home & explore the UK more. This post is perfect to put a trip to Kent on the map. I’ve never really seen much of the area, despite it being so close & this is the perfect guide & motivation to go. Thank you!

Sara

What an absolutely stunning trip!! I’ve saved your link to my “travel” board on Pinterest … Kent has actually been a destination on my list for quite some time, and your post is super helpful!

Cate

Those church towers at Reculver are just extraordinary!!! I’m absolutely adding this drive to my Bucket List and must-do next time we are visiting family in the UK. It’s really good to know that the white cliffs exist throughout Kent and not only at Dover!

Marilyn

A wonderful read and such spectacular scenery. Plus all the wonderful historical sights. I hadn’t realised that more of the Dover coastline was graced with more of those stunning white cliffs.

Yukti Agrawal

This road trip through south-east England is really full of beauties. I loved the castle, nature and breath taking views from cliffs. Hever castle really look beautiful and its garden is very pretty with those colorful tulips.

Carrie Ann | Should Be Cruising

I’ve only traveled through Kent to get to Dover to cross the Channel, but I’ve never spent any time there. Your post convinced me that I really should the next time I visit the UK! I’d love to tour Hever and Walmer Castles, since I love Tudor history. Beachy Head looks breathtaking, and how cool would it be to stay in a lighthouse B&B?

The Holidaymaker/Renee

This is definitely some incredible landscape to explore through a camera lens! It is just so beautiful. I have pinned for future reference.

Alison

This sounds absolutely delightful! It felt like you went at a leisurely pace and yet still saw so much.

Bree

Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful place in the world. Stunning photos xx

Ann

I did not know that Hever Castle use to be the home of Anne Boleyn, I do enjoy that piece of history. I always like places even more when I find out the history, or even better, recognize the history 🙂

Kerry

So much more to see than I expected. This is so helpful for trip planning. Your photos really bring it to life and make we want to visit there soon!

Sarah Styf

Oh, this is so beautiful. It really makes me want to return to England sooner than later.

Nissa Haight

What a beautiful place! I would love to visit one day and learn about all the history!

Coralie

This is gorgeous and makes me want to visit Kent. Your photos of Beachy Head really want me to see that stunning lighthouse!

Lasma Plone

This is such a great post! Saved ❤️ And thank you for sharing!

Krista

I can’t wait to plan a road trip around Kent. I really want to see the coastal areas and check out the various castles such as Hever Castle while I’m there. Your road trip looks like so much fun!

Hannah

What a beautiful road trip! I’ve never explored Kent but it looks like I really need to! Botany Bay looks amazing! Thanks for the great guide!

Charlotte

Such a beautiful drive! I’ve never been to Kent so would love to visit so much history ❤

Barbara Farfan

Wow! The coastlines and cliffs are gorgeous – who knew? I’m going to have to find some petsits in Southease England now… thanks for the inspiration!

Kitti

I’ve never visited this part of the country, but it’s beautiful. Definitely time to plan a trip there 🙂

kmf

I’m heading to England in September. This post is perfect for a road trip through Kent. Loving the history and the views! So pretty!

Erin

I love the photo of the highest mountain in Britain (Beachy Head)! Great article, and loved all the photos.

Sharyn

This is such a beautiful part of England and well worth every minute spent there. I’ve been to a few places and am looking forward to getting back.

Megan

I haven’t visited Kent before but everything about it looks beautiful! The sculpted hedges at Wilmer and the cliffs of Dover. I love London but next time I’m over there I’ll definitely be venturing out a little to see Kent!

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Expert Explorers

Road Trip Through the Best of Kent, England

  • Post last modified: October 15, 2023
  • Post author: Nicole

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What does England make you think of? Castles? Lush countryside? Adorably cute historical villages? If this is what you are looking for, then a road trip through the English county of Kent is for you.

Known as “The Garden of England,” Kent is arguably one of the prettiest areas in the country. Here you’ll find the UK’s oldest and most famous cathedrals, castles once owned by Henry VIII, Roman ruins, and tons of those adorable villages we mentioned.

Kent is also close to London, so it’s easy to get to. And, being in the south, the climate is more mild than other areas of the UK. What’s not to love!

This guide includes a 6 – 10 day road trip itinerary through the English county of Kent. At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a savable Google Map with the route to use for your adventure.

Kent Road Trip Pinterest Image

None of the attractions in this guide sponsor us; we just thought you’d enjoy them too.

Historic Rochester

College Gate, also known as Jasper's Gatehouse, timberfram house from the 15th century sits above stone gate in Rochester, Kent

The historic town of Rochester was our first stop on our road trip through Kent. With one of the most well-preserved Norman castles in England, an historic old town center, and England’s second oldest cathedral, in our opinion Rochester is sadly underrated as a tourist destination. Plus, its proximity to London, less than an hour by train, makes it perfect for day trips too.

Booking.com - Book a Late Escape Deal and get 15% off

Learn more about what to see and do in our detailed post about visiting Rochester .

Leeds Castle

Stone bridge and gatehouse into Leeds Castle, Kent, England

Known as “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leads Castle sits on 500 beautifully maintained acres. History buffs will also love that the castle’s 900-year-old history includes England’s most famous historical figure, King Henry VIII.

Today, you can visit so much more than just the castle’s living quarters, the gardens include a large maze, a falconry display, and even Europe’s largest display of antique dog collars. That last one is surprisingly interesting.

To learn more, see our detailed post on visiting Leeds Castle .

Stairs and alter of the Trinity Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, England

The City of Canterbury and the infamous Canterbury Cathedral is a must for any road trip through Kent.

The city itself has a very medieval feel, with crooked Tudor buildings that look like they may topple over with the slightest gust of wind. Though, Canterbury was around long before the medieval ages.

Did you know Canterbury was once a Roman town? Go underground to visit the Roman Museum which gives a unique look at what life was like in 1st Century Canterbury.

See our detailed post on visiting Canterbury Cathedral .

Roman Museum Food Bar, Canterbury, England

White Cliffs of Dover

White Cliffs of Dover, Kent, England, UK

Unless you find yourself ferrying over to France, not many tourists find themselves in Dover. However, it’s personally one of my favorite areas of Kent, so I couldn’t leave it off our road trip.

Walking along the towering White Cliffs of Dove r, to me, the views feel remote and majestic. Adding to the ambience, wild horses would often greet us on our walks out to the South Foreland Lighthouse . All the while, Dover Castle overlooking us from the hill. 

Hythe and Port Lympne Safari Park

pebble beach in Hythe, Kent, England

The seaside town of Hythe is a popular summer destination for many Britons. Even though we found ourselves there in winter, the bitter whipping wind couldn’t stop us from enjoying the picture-perfect pebbled beaches of this southern shore town.

Next door to Hythe we spent a day cooing over the animals at Port Lympne Safari Park . With 600 acres, it’s nothing like a zoo, rather it’s more of a sanctuary for rare or endangered animals.

Up close photo of Zebra face, Port Lympne Wildlife Park, England, UK

Rye and Winchelsea

Old homes West Street cobbled road, Rye, Sussex, England

We break the rules just slightly on this next road trip stop as we cross the border of Kent into East Sussex to visit the tiny town of Rye .

Stuck in time, aged Tudor buildings lean over the cobbled stone streets. Once home to pirates and smugglers, Rye is full of legends, ghost stories and secret passageways.

To learn more, see our detailed post on visiting Rye .

Church of St. Thomas, Winchelsea, Kent, England

If you can spare an hour or two it’s worth popping next door into Winchelsea . The even tinier town centers around the 13th century Church of Saint Thomas. This is the same St. Thomas Becket you’ll learn so much about when you visit Canterbury Cathedral . Edward I founded the church in his honor.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Afternoon tea three tiered plate

Every time we are back in the UK, we have to fit in at least one afternoon tea , and we couldn’t think of a place more suitable than the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells . We reserved a table for 4 PM at the One Warwick Park Hotel . It was everything we wanted, elegant and delicious.

As we arrived in town a little early, we also had a chance to check out the boutique shops in The Pantiles , a Georgian shopping complex.

Hever Castle

Keep of Hever Castle illuminated in morning light, Kent, England

Finally, we ended our road trip through Kent with a visit to Anne Boleyn’s (King Henry VIII’s second wife) childhood home, Hever Castle . The castle is so well-preserved, they even still have one of the original locks King Henry used for his personal security when staying at the castle.

Oh, and if you are a fan of the TV comedy drama Catherine, based on Catherine the Great, you’ll recognize Hever Castle’s Loggia Pavilion in several scenes.

For more on Anne and our visit, see our detailed post on Hever Castle .

Timings and Road Trip Route through Kent

Below we’ve mapped the cities mentioned in this post for easy access on your trip.

We had ten full days to enjoy our road trip through Kent, so we took things slow. We spent a little extra time in Hythe, spent the night at Hever Castle , and added a night in Hastings in East Sussex. However, the route is easy to do in seven days.

If you’re short on time, you could manage Rochester, Leeds Castle, and Hever Castle each in half-a-day. Though, we feel you’d be rushing.

  • Day 1 – Rochester
  • Day 2 – Leeds Castle
  • Day 3 – Canterbury / Dover
  • Day 4 – Port Lympne Wildlife Park / Hythe (if it’s summer, you may want extra time in Hythe)
  • Day 6 – Rye / Winchelsea / Royal Tunbridge Wells
  • Day 7 – Hever Castle

To use this map. Press the slider in the top left corner to open the list of cities.

To save this map to your phone’s Google Maps account, click the small grey star next to the title. To recall the map later in Google Maps, click Saved , then Maps . You’ll see this map in your list.

As we were coming from Essex, we started our road trip on the northern side of Kent, in Rochester, but it makes no difference to your enjoyment if you started on the southern end with Hever Castle.

Posts Mentioned in this Guide

For more details to help plan your trip, here are other posts you’ll find helpful.

  • Day in Historic Rochester
  • Day at Leeds Castle
  • 10 Tips and Secrets for Visiting Canterbury Cathedral
  • A Guide to Port Lympne Safari Park
  • Rye, England – Immerse Yourself in Old World England
  • A Guide to Afternoon Tea in England
  • Hever Castle & Gardens: Explore Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

  • Book Flights: Skyscanner
  • Book Accommodation: Booking.com
  • Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
  • Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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The Taste of Kent

driving tour kent

  • Itinerary & Map
  • Included Services

Take your time to treat your taste buds on this slow-paced four-night stay in Kent.

This jam-packed tour is the perfect introduction to Kent and offers plenty to excite the taste buds. Highlights include foraging along the Kent coast and a guided gin making experience.

driving tour kent

Dover Gourmet Foraging

Arrival in the UK with the Calais-Dover ferry or Calais-Folkestone Eurotunnel. After an early lunch, start your trip with a walk on the White Cliffs of Dover. At the top of the footpath is one of the best views of the cliffs with the rolling green hilltops and sheer chalk edge, dropping to the sea below. Go foraging on the beautiful Kent coast with the expert guidance of renowned British forager & ex-restauranteur, Lucia Stuart (An established member of The Association of Foragers). Learn how to identify and gather wild food like seaweeds, plants, berries, fruit & shellfish through the seasons. After foraging, a gourmet wild food feast - of restaurant calibre is provided. The Gourmet Foraging Days are a unique opportunity. Connect with nature and to learn how enjoy these exceptional and healthy free foods every day. The tour lasts 4-5 hours. Option to choose foraging by bike in some of the seasonal tours. Dinner & overnight in Dover area

driving tour kent

Whitstable Oyster Farm

This morning, head to an exciting journey through the After admiring the views of the White cliffs of Dover area, head to Whitstable Oyster Farm. Follow the tide out with one of their knowledgeable farmers to explore the wondrous industry that provides some of the most sustainable forms of protein production. Under the care of your guide, you will become familiar with the process of rearing bivalve molluscs in Whitstable Bay. The experience does not stop there! Once you have familiar with what they do; the next step is to see how they do. After the tour is completed, we invite you to take a seat at our specially designed table to just enjoy the vista whilst sipping on some local Kentish bubbles and the world renowned Pacific Rock Oysters grown in the very waters that produce their characteristic flavour. After enjoying a delicious serving of fresh oysters, head to Canterbury. There you will be welcomed to a tour and tasting experience at The Foundry Brew Pub with a Canterbury Brewers and Distillers made on site drink of choice before being shown around our unique craft brewery and distillery behind the glass of the bar and restaurant. Owner Jon will talk you through the brewing and distilling process along with rich and fascinating history of our Victorian Foundry home and products. The tour ends with a guided tasting of a selection of our produce! Dinner & overnight in Canterbury area

driving tour kent

Leeds & Maidstone

Today start the day with a visit to Leeds Castle. The Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous, and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Leeds Castle invites guests to glide into the exotic weekend house parties of Lady Olive Baillie, as the Castle returns to the glamorous 1930s. While here, visit the breath-taking free flying falconry display behind the Castle’s Maze. The show features a range of birds including Haws, Falcons and Owls. After lunch, you have an option to drive to Gravesend and join a tour along the Gravesend Beer Trail. Your tour will start in Northfleet at the Iron Pier Brewery, Gravesend’s first commercial brewery in over 80 years, creating impeccable cask and exciting keg beers. Go behind the scenes with their experienced guide who will take you through a description of the breweries processes and methods, followed by a guided tasting with four different beers in the brewery Taproom. Dinner & overnight in Maidstone area

driving tour kent

Today, embark on a Guided Gin Making Experience at Maidstone Distillery. Join a hands-on evening of spirited fun at Maidstone Distillery, as we guide you through the craft of distilling and assist you in creating your very own bottle of Gin or Botanical Spirit. Start the tour with a drink at our bar, before heading to the experience room where you will learn the art of distillation on your personal mini copper pot still. Here you will delve into the fascinating craft, and learn about the processes we use to create our fine artisan spirits. You will get to use our beautiful miniature stills and, over the course of two hours, design and create your very own 70cl bottle of spirit to take home with you. Choose from over 60 exotic botanicals and perfect a recipe to your own personal taste. All of this before unwinding at the bar with another drink before departure. After lunch, head to Tunbridge Wells. There, enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour will take you through the Pantiles and the historic heart of the town. You will discover its 400-year history and hear about the many famous visitors – from Queen Anne and Queen Victoria to Samuel Pepys – who made Tunbridge Wells the place in which to see and be seen! Extend the tour also outside of the city. Take a scenic tour from Royal Tunbridge Wells through the Garden of England amid orchards and hop fields, beautiful countryside, picturesque towns and villages. This driving tour meanders around the softly undulating landscape of the Weald and takes in historic houses, stunning gardens and smugglers haunts. Dinner & overnight in Sevenoaks area

driving tour kent

Forest bathing in an ancient woodland

We end the programme with a bathing experience in the Kent forest. Immerse yourself in Nature for a truly magical experience that enhances your wellbeing and connects you with a sense of wonder and fascination. This deeply relaxing workshop is perfect for those who love to combine health and wellbeing with the great outdoors. Forest Bathing is a mindful practice that means to bathe in the atmosphere of Nature and invite it in through all of your senses. It has been scientifically proven to support both physical and mental health and allows you to slow down and reconnect with the beautiful planet we inhabit. These unique workshops are 3 hours long and include a tea ceremony with freshly foraged leaves and herbs and delicious healthy snacks. After lunch, you will head to Dover or Folkestone for your journey back to EU.

driving tour kent

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After an early lunch, start your trip with a walk on the White Cliffs of Dover. At the top of the footpath is one of the best views of the cliffs with the rolling green hilltops and sheer chalk edge, dropping to the sea below. Go foraging on the beautiful Kent coast with the expert guidance of renowned British forager & ex-restauranteur, Lucia Stuart (An established member of The Association of Foragers). Learn how to identify and gather wild food like seaweeds, plants, berries, fruit & shellfish through the seasons. After foraging, a gourmet wild food feast - of restaurant calibre is provided. The Gourmet Foraging Days are a unique opportunity. Connect with nature and to learn how enjoy these exceptional and healthy free foods every day. The tour lasts 4-5 hours. Option to choose foraging by bike in some of the seasonal tours. Dinner & overnight in Dover area" data-truncate-description="Arrival in the UK with the Calais-Dover ferry or Calais-Folkestone Eurotunnel. After an early..."> Arrival in the UK with the Calais-Dover ferry or Calais-Folkestone Eurotunnel. After an early...

After enjoying a delicious serving of fresh oysters, head to Canterbury. There you will be welcomed to a tour and tasting experience at The Foundry Brew Pub with a Canterbury Brewers and Distillers made on site drink of choice before being shown around our unique craft brewery and distillery behind the glass of the bar and restaurant. Owner Jon will talk you through the brewing and distilling process along with rich and fascinating history of our Victorian Foundry home and products. The tour ends with a guided tasting of a selection of our produce! Dinner & overnight in Canterbury area" data-truncate-description="This morning, head to an exciting journey through the After admiring the views of the White..."> This morning, head to an exciting journey through the After admiring the views of the White...

a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous, and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Leeds Castle invites guests to glide into the exotic weekend house parties of Lady Olive Baillie, as the Castle returns to the glamorous 1930s. While here, visit the breath-taking free flying falconry display behind the Castle’s Maze. The show features a range of birds including Haws, Falcons and Owls. After lunch, you have an option to drive to Gravesend and join a tour along the Gravesend Beer Trail. Your tour will start in Northfleet at the Iron Pier Brewery, Gravesend’s first commercial brewery in over 80 years, creating impeccable cask and exciting keg beers. Go behind the scenes with their experienced guide who will take you through a description of the breweries processes and methods, followed by a guided tasting with four different beers in the brewery Taproom. Dinner & overnight in Maidstone area" data-truncate-description="Today start the day with a visit to Leeds Castle. The Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the..."> Today start the day with a visit to Leeds Castle. The Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the...

Start the tour with a drink at our bar, before heading to the experience room where you will learn the art of distillation on your personal mini copper pot still. Here you will delve into the fascinating craft, and learn about the processes we use to create our fine artisan spirits. You will get to use our beautiful miniature stills and, over the course of two hours, design and create your very own 70cl bottle of spirit to take home with you. Choose from over 60 exotic botanicals and perfect a recipe to your own personal taste. All of this before unwinding at the bar with another drink before departure. After lunch, head to Tunbridge Wells. There, enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour will take you through the Pantiles and the historic heart of the town. You will discover its 400-year history and hear about the many famous visitors – from Queen Anne and Queen Victoria to Samuel Pepys – who made Tunbridge Wells the place in which to see and be seen! Extend the tour also outside of the city. Take a scenic tour from Royal Tunbridge Wells through the Garden of England amid orchards and hop fields, beautiful countryside, picturesque towns and villages. This driving tour meanders around the softly undulating landscape of the Weald and takes in historic houses, stunning gardens and smugglers haunts. Dinner & overnight in Sevenoaks area" data-truncate-description="Today, embark on a Guided Gin Making Experience at Maidstone Distillery. Join a hands-on evening..."> Today, embark on a Guided Gin Making Experience at Maidstone Distillery. Join a hands-on evening...

These unique workshops are 3 hours long and include a tea ceremony with freshly foraged leaves and herbs and delicious healthy snacks. After lunch, you will head to Dover or Folkestone for your journey back to EU." data-truncate-description="We end the programme with a bathing experience in the Kent forest. Immerse yourself in Nature for..."> We end the programme with a bathing experience in the Kent forest. Immerse yourself in Nature for...

Accommodation

4 overnight stays including dinner in traditional middle class hotels:

  • 1x in the Dover area
  • 1x in the Canterbury area
  • 1x in the Maidstone area
  • 1x in the Sevenoaks area

Arrival by ferry

Arrival in the UK with the Calais - Dover ferry or Calais - Folkestone Eurotunnel.

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A scenic coastal road trip around the shores of kent, uk, last updated 28th march 2023, discover kent’s castles, beaches, harbours and coves.

Kent, which is also known as the ‘Garden of England’ is located in the southeast of the UK. The lush rolling countryside is filled with orchards, vineyards, quaint villages and oast houses, so it makes for a perfect rural road trip.

However, it’s the beautiful historic coastline that you’ve come in search of. Whether it’s the ‘bucket and spade’ traditional family-style break or the fishing harbours with ancient fortresses you’re after, Kent has so much to offer.

I love the blend of golden sandy beaches, pebbly shorelines, the bleak diverse landscapes at Dungeness. Oh, and what’s not love about promenading along the coast with a bag of piping hot chips?

Here are a few of our favourite destinations for a seaside road trip. Some of these iconic Kentish towns you may have heard of, although hopefully there are a few you haven’t.

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driving tour kent

Discover Margate, Kent

The golden sand of Margate's main beach, with a fish 'n' chip shop in the foreground. Margate's harbour arm can be seen in the distance.

The seaside town of Margate is gradually being given the TLC it deserves and is tempting in more and more visitors to this traditional piece of old England.   Margate also offers the  Turner Contemporary Gallery , bustling historic lanes with antique shops and tempting boutiques. However, don’t miss out on a stroll around the revived harbour arm and discover the pop-up bars and restaurants.

Boutique shops in the centre of Margate's now trendy old town

Where to stay

- The Crescent Victoria Hotel - This charming hotel is just a 5-minute walk to Margate's Old Town and its golden sandy beach. Stylish rooms with views across the bay.

- Angela's Guest Suites - Beautiful deluxe apartments within a short stroll of the Old Town and the Turner gallery. These spacious suites enjoy incredible sea views.

Stay informed

Historic broadstairs in kent.

Just a short hop south passing by the beautiful Botany Bay and Joss Bay, you arrive in the delightful English town of  Broadstairs .   I’m spoiling you here as Broadstairs is another seaside spot with a golden sandy beach in Viking Bay. There are multicoloured beach huts and a quaint little harbour, where smugglers would be found in the dead of night.

At the edge of the sands of Viking Bay is a row of beach cabins built into the cliff face. The doors of the cabins alternate between Bright yellow and a French blue

Broadstairs still has the charming feel of a Victorian holiday spot and in my opinion remains quite unspoilt. I remember visiting Broadstairs as a child, and my brother and I would go crabbing off the side of the harbour wall.   Broadstairs also has strong links with the author Charles Dickens, as he regularly stayed here and gained inspiration for his characters. It was in the clifftop house where he penned ‘David Copperfield’.

Litlle sailing boats at anchor in Broadstairs harbour on a bright sunny day

I loved strolling around the small town as it had plenty of independent shops and restaurants. How often do you see an ironmonger, a knitting shop and a sweetie store?

Broadstairs is a great place to visit all year-around with a delightful clifftop promenade with views stretching across the English Channel as afar as the eye could see.

Where to stay in Broadstairs

- The Crown Bar & Guesthouse - Located in the heart of Broadstairs, this characterful inn offers a comfortable, friendly stay, with the charm and vibe of an English pub.

- The Royal Albion - A beautiful Historic hotel with magnificent sea views across Viking Bay and beyond, what could be better. Oh yes, Charles Dickens was a regular visitor too.

We have a new little book on our shelves that we delve into when we're heading to the coast.

Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different counties of England.  It tells tales of the history of the shoreline that surrounds our country.

Available in Kindle & Hardback editions , it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves the English seaside.

I never knew that about Coastal England Cover

Explore the delights of Ramsgate, Kent

Small sailing boats in Ramsgate’s Marina resting on perfectly still water under a bright blue sky.

Ramsgate may have been slightly neglected over the years; however, the charming lanes and characterful squares where Vincent Van Gogh once taught are being gradually brought back to life.   This is another wonderful location to grab some fish and chips.

Where to stay in Ramsgate

- The Royal Harbour Hotel - Located within three Georgian townhouses, this hotel offers unique and charmingly decorated rooms. The views across the harbour are incredible.

- The Oak Hotel - This comfortable hotel overlooks Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and just a short stroll to the golden sandy beach.

Escape for a few days

Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?

After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.

Holiday Cottages icon

Uncover the delights of Sandwich in Kent

Yes, you’re right, where the good old English lunchtime snack derived its name.   The 4th Earl of Sandwich was said to have ordered his valet to bring him some slices of meat, tucked in two slices of bread. Hey presto, the sandwich was born.

A yellow boat named The Sandwich Tug on the River Stour in Sandwich.

Although  Sandwich  is no longer on the coast, as time and tide have gradually reclaimed it. This ancient little quayside town has so much charm I really didn’t want to say goodbye.   Sandwich to me, still felt like it was in the grasp of the local residents and tourism had not taken over. Quaint half-timbered pubs and homes dating from the 15th & 16th centuries, tiny hardware stores, cake shops and independent workshops were the lifeblood of this picturesque town.

The historic Barbican tollgate over the road into Sandwich, a beautiful part of kent to visit

Take a wander to the River Stour bridge and its 14th-century Barbican Gate and Tollgate. Tolls were collected here from 1759 until as recent as 1977. It depended on the size of your horse and cart as to how much you would be charged.   Strolling through Sandwich, you genuinely feel you’ve discovered a slice of old England.

Where to stay in Sandwich

- The Bell Hotel - The recently refurbished Bell Hotel is located on the quayside in Sandwich. The elegant rooms offer a beautiful, tasteful feel within traditional stylish surroundings.

- The Fleur De Lis Hotel - This traditional, comfortable hotel is located within the heart of Sandwich. They offer pleasant rooms, and a full English breakfast is included in the price.

It’s good to talk!

The famous Ham Sandwich road signed just outside the hamlet of Ham that also points towards the coastal town of Sandwich.

Map, guides and more

Whether you’re planning a road trip, plotting a hiking route or cycling one of UK’s scenic trails, there’s nothing quite like using a tactile paper map.

The Ordnance Survey folk are here to help, with maps, guides, gadgets and more. Take a browse through their vast array of maps and grab your ideal companion for your adventure.

driving tour kent

Charismatic Deal, Kent

The Morning Haze small wooden fishing boat, flying the Union Jack, in the single beach of Deal

Take a stroll along the pier, and you’ll see fisherman patiently waiting for their catch of the day. Then wander further along Deal’s seafront, and you’ll stumble upon its castle.

Deal Castle is owned by English Heritage, and for a small fee, you can head inside of this 16th-century artillery fort and discover its ancient underground corridors and rooms.

Where to stay in Deal

- The Royal Hotel - Located on the seafront of Deal offers incredible views across the bay. The 18th-century charming hotel is a perfect base for exploring Deal and touring the Kent coast.

- The Waterfront Hotel - Overlooking Deal pier this historic family-run hotel offers a delicious breakfast ready to sustain you for a full day ahead.

If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".

You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback .

Kent's Strangest Tales Cover

Visit Walmer Castle, Kent

During King Henry VIII’s reign, he had three defence castles built along this three-mile stretch of shoreline.   Sandown Castle just north of Deal no longer exists, it’s now a communal garden. However,  Walmer Castle  does, and I highly recommend a visit here.

The wooden bridge across the moat to the ivy-covered Walmer Castle

This moated castle is also owned by English Heritage and is enchanting to stroll around. Walmer was originally built as Tudor Fortress, in 1708 the bastion was to become the official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports. This position was once held by the Duke of Wellington (who defeated Napoleon in Battle of Waterloo), Sir Winston Churchill and the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.   Early in the 19th-century, the simple kitchen garden was transformed into a beautiful formal landscape garden, that can be seen today.

Head to the rooftops of Dover Castle, Kent

Dover Castle's outer walls draped with the standards of Henry II, and flying the flags of English Heritage & the Union Flag.

Head to the rooftops for an amazing view across to the English Channel to France.   Within the castle grounds are Medieval Tunnels which were created in 1216. Also, there are wartime tunnels which were used during Operation Dynamo, you can visit them all.

Where to stay in Dover

English Heritage maintains Dover Castle, which is one of their flagship sites. They upkeep Walmer and Deal Castles too.

Why not join to gain unlimited access with your annual membership.

Remember 'The Few' at Capel-le-Ferne, Kent

A statue of a pilot, seated on the ground, at the centre of the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne.

The Battle of Britain Memorial site  was only opened in 1993, and it was due to the persistence of Pilot Officer Geoffrey Page. Geoffrey Page fought during the battle and was shot down in 1940. He returned to battle again; however, he was seriously injured.   Geoffrey Page found out later in life that there wasn’t a monument for the unbelievably brave airman. He then set up a trust and raised funds for the memorial which was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on July 9th, 1993.

driving tour kent

The vibrant streets of Folkestone, Kent

A Harborview of Folkestone looking towards the Old Town in the distance.

The old harbour railway station has been converted into a communal area which leads onto the harbour arm. This is full of restaurants, bars, cafés and plenty of places just to sit and watch the world go by.   Throughout the town is an urban art exhibition that is accessible 24 hours a day. You’ll find pieces by Antony Gormley, Yoko Ono, Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin, to name just a few.

A quaint scene of a block of Georgian three-storey terraced homes, each individually painted in a pastel shade.

Once you’ve had a stroll around the delightful harbour, take a wander up through the lanes of the Creative Quarter.

Folkestone really is making an effort to ensure the town is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay in Folkestone

Visit hythe, kent.

The seafront alongside Marine Parade in Hythe, Kent

Fishing boats still head out for their daily catch, and there’s a delightful promenade, where you can see the Martello towers dotted along the shoreline. Oh yes, and the fish and chips are excellent in Hythe.   Stepping back from the seafront towards the town, you’ll cross the Royal Military Canal. The canal stretches 28 miles south from Seabrook near Folkestone to just outside Hastings. It was built as a defence against Napoleon, nowadays it has a tree-lined walkway along its edge, and you can even hire a boat to enjoy the canal at your leisure.

A family boating on the Royal Military Canal in Hythe, Kent

One of the unusual aspects of Hythe is its Ossuary, located in St. Leonard’s Church and Crypt. It is the largest and best-preserved collection in Britain, just within its four arched alcoves are 1,022 skulls.

Then there are hundreds of other bones in a stack which is 25 feet (7.8 metres) in length. It is believed that the total number of individuals represented is about 2,000. This place is fascinating, and only a couple of pounds to enter.

Where to stay in Hythe

- The Old Post Office Boutique Guesthouse - Located in Hythe Old Town's heart is within a few steps of historic inns and a selection of local restaurants.

- Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf - This charming 4-star Victorian hotel nestled within 44-acres of land with views across the English Channel. It offers spacious rooms and spa facilities.

Point to Note

Explore the wonders of dungeness in kent.

Dungeness  is one of my favourite places in Kent as it is so extraordinary and has an unbelievably unique landscape. It is a photographers’ paradise with the scenery ever-changing.   In the winter, it can be a harsh environment; however, it is captivating. These shores are still worked by local fisherman, they must be an extremely hardy bunch. Tracks vanish into the sea where the trawlers are winched in and out.

A couple of small fishing boats on the cobbled beach of Dungeness

Scattered throughout the pebbled coast are battered and worn out old fishing vessels, that are just left to wither and decay where they last rested. It creates such an emotive and equally cruel atmosphere.   Dungeness Estate is private and a nature reserve so you must respect the environment and its surroundings.   There are some weird and wonderful homes along the shore. Prospect Cottage was home to the late Derek Jarman, who was a film director, artist & author who lived his last few years in this isolated setting.

The pretty, black and yellow trimmed, Prospect Cottage, former home to Derek Jarman, at Dungeness.

You’ll be astonished at the backdrop in Dungeness as it has some quaint fishing huts, attractive lighthouses. However, what may surprise you is Dungeness Nuclear Power Station. This power station has two reactors, one of which is still in operation. Dungeness may sound an unusual coastal place to visit, but in my opinion, it is a must.

Where to stay in Dungeness

Take a ride.

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway miniature steam locomotive Samson being given a polish by the driver as the train is waiting at the Dungeness train station.

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Looks fabulous, wouldn’t mind living in Kent.

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Yes, Kent is a beautiful county, you’d love it here.

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The Geographical Cure

One Week In Kent England Itinerary, Best Things To Do

Need a break from the big city? Just east of Greater London, the county of Kent is a fantastic place to spend a week.

Kent is so beautiful that it’s been dubbed the “Garden of England.” And it’s not just the greenery that seduces.

There are so many things to do and see in Kent. The county is graced with a wide array of medieval castles, well-preserved historic towns, grand manor homes, a rugged coastline, and a stunning cathedral.

Pinterest pin for one week in Kent itinerary

With its myriad attractions and proximity to London, Kent has attracted some of England’s greatest celebrities over the centuries — Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Thomas Becket, to name just a few.

And while the Cotswolds get all the accolades and tourists, Kent is equally charming with the same chocolate box villages, but fewer crowds.

Overview Of One Week In Kent Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with this one week in Kent itinerary. It covers all the best places to visit and best things to do and see in Kent.

  • Day 1 : Arrive and explore Faversham
  • Day 2 : Explore Canterbury
  • Day 3 : Visit Whitstable or Broadstairs
  • Day 4 : Visit Dover & Deal, move to second base
  • Day 5 : Visit castles (5 options)
  • Day 6 : Visit Rye and Bodiam Castle
  • Day 7 : Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle
  • More than 1 week in Kent? Add on Rochester

Stone Bay, a sandy beach in Broadstairs, Kent

Practical Information For One Week In Kent

1. where to stay in kent.

Where you stay in Kent depends on what type of traveler you are. It’s a fairly small region.

You can pick one base for your week in Kent or you can split your time between two bases. Your choice will also depend on whether you prefer small towns or cities.

I suggest having two bases for your road trip, one in northern Kent and one in southeast Kent. That way, your daily drives aren’t too long, eating into your sightseeing time. There are myriad options.

In northern Kent, Faversham makes an excellent base. It’s an adorable town close to Canterbury, Deal, Whitstable, Broadstairs, and Dover. For hotels in Faversham, check out the luxurious Cave Hotel Near Canterbury .

If you prefer beaches, you can base in Whitstable or Broadstairs.

the historic White Lion Hotel in Tenterden

For southern Kent, I recommend the town of Tenterden. It’s near all the great manor houses and castles in Kent and you can also visit the beautiful town of Rye (technically in East Sussex) on your one week in Kent. In Tenterden, you can check out Harbourne Oast or The White Lion for hotel options.

Of course, you can also spend the entire week holed up in Canterbury , the beautiful main city in Kent, and take day trips from there. That would give you the advantage of having plenty of things to do in the evening.

But Canterbury can be hard to drive and park in, with its pedestrianized center. You may have to leave your car in one of the municipal car parks. The smaller towns in Kent are easier to navigate.

Alternatively, you can just pick a nice villa in the country and use that as your base. In that case, I would make your decision based on the quality and value of the accommodations and not worry too much about what town it’s near.

the Tudor Village at Hever Castle, with a bed and breakfast

There are plenty of other options too. Kent has a wealth of historic inns, boutique getaways, bed and breakfasts, and traditional hotels.

If you want to feel like a royal, you might also consider spending a night at castle. Hever Castle has a Tudor Village containing a 28 room boutique hotel called  Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast .

Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse is a beautiful Victorian farmhouse right on the Sissinghurst Castle grounds.

You can also spend the night at Leeds Castle in their award-winning bed and breakfast or special cottages. Check out:

  • Weir Cottage  ( 1 bedroom)
  • The Oast  (3 bedroom)
  • Stable Courtyard  (bed & breakfast)
  • Maiden’s Tower  (bed & breakfast)
  • Holiday Cottages

If you simply can’t bear to leave London, every destination I mention in the one week in Kent itinerary can be visited as a day trip from London. Dover is farther away at 2 hours each way, but still doable.

map of Kent County

2. When To Visit Kent

As I always say on my blog, I like to visit places in the shoulder season, the spring or fall. The same holds true for Kent.

You can avoid some of the summer crowds and still see the bright colors of the gardens. I visited in late March and, while it was a little chilly, I didn’t mind at all.

3. How To Get To Kent

If you’re going straight to Kent from the airport, it’s easiest to fly into Gatwick. A car is definitely the best way to get around Kent.

If you want to take a train from London, St. Pancras International offers the fastest connections. Trains also leave from Victoria and Charing Cross Stations. You can book tickets online here .

pretty city of Canterbury in Kent

One Week In Kent Itinerary

Here’s my recommend itinerary for spending 7 days in Kent. This itinerary begins in northern Kent and ends in southwest Kent. But you can rearrange the order of days based on where you’re staying.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one week in Kent itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your own individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

To use this itinerary, it’s really easiest to have a rental car. Some of the castles aren’t easily accessible with public transport.

Let’s explore all the best things to do and see in Kent.

West Street in Faversham

Day 1: Arrive And Explore Faversham

Tiny Faversham is known as the “Medieval Gem of Kent,” and one couldn’t possibly disagree with that assessment.

Faversham isn’t known for its grand monuments. It doesn’t have either a castle or cathedral. What Faversham has in spades in an adorable medieval old town filled with perfectly preserved timber framed houses.

Faversham has over 475 buildings listed as “historic,” including many from the Medieval and Tudor period. So, if you’re a medievalist who wants to steep yourself in an ancient atmosphere, you will love Faversham.

For an overview of Faversham’s history, stop in at the Fleur de Lis Heritage Center. You can get maps and tips at the tourist center and also visit the onsite museum.

pretty street in Faversham

Be sure to visit the lovely St. Mary of Charity Church, which is readily identified by its graceful spire. Inside, you can admire the quire, Tudor funerary memorials, and a medieval frescoed pillar from the 14th century.

You should also stroll by the 16th century Arden House, which is privately owned and only limited openings. The house was the scene of the infamous murder of Thomas Arden in 1551, who was done in by his wife and lover.

If you can plan your visit for a Saturday, you’ll be treated to the terrific weekly market, first established in 1086. You can also visit Maison Dieu , another heritage site, on the outskirts of town that’s only open on weekends.

For more information, check out my one day in Faversham itinerary .

Canterbury

Day 2: Explore Canterbury

Canterbury is only 15 minutes down the road from Faversham, so you will have a full day to tour this delightful town. Canterbury is the crown jewel and cultural capital of Kent.

Its well-preserved medieval center is a delight to stroll. It’s a timeless place where past and present run together like watercolor.

I advise kicking off your one day in Canterbury with a  small gr oup w alking tour  or a  private walking tour  of the city highlights.

Canterbury’s UNESCO-listed cathedral is the top attraction and focal point of the city. It’s the first of England’s great Norman cathedrals, dating from the 11th century.

The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and it’s the first cathedral I personally fell in love with in Britain. It’s been a place of pilgrimage since the scandalous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.

Canterbury Cathedral

Once inside, you’re immediately gobsmacked by the height and length of the Perpendicular Gothic nave. Slender columns rise up to form vaulted arches. A stunning carved Gothic screen separates the nave from the choir.

Canterbury’s stained glass windows are exceptional and world famous. They date from the 11th and 12th centuries.

You’ll also want to visit St. Augustine Abbey. This is one of Britain’s earliest Christian sites, situated just outside the city walls 7 minutes from the cathedral. The abbey is mostly in ruins, but still very atmospheric.

Grab lunch and spend the rest of your day rambling the old town.

cloister of Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury has a thriving pedestrianized center. A square called Buttermarket marks the town center. The main drag is High Street.

One of the prettiest streets in Canterbury is Butchery Lane, where medieval buildings jut out right and left. Another beautiful lane is Mercery Lane, a shopping street that’s home to the Roman Museum.

Have dinner in Canterbury and then head back to your base. For more tips on where to eat, stay and play in Canterbury, check out my one day in Canterbury guide .

Another cute Kent town right outside Canterbury is Fordwich. You might try dining at the Fordwich Arms . It’s a Michelin restaurant by the duo that founded Clove Club in London.

colorful tow homes in Whitstable

Day 3 : Visit Whitstable And/Or Broadstairs

Today, you can visit the seaside towns of Whitstable or Broadstairs or both if you’re ambitious. They’re only a half hour apart.

Whitstable is a posh seaside town in the southeastern corner of Kent. The town is famous for love colorful clapboard houses and seafood (especially oysters). The best place to sample the goods is Wheelers Oyster Bar .

Whitstable’s historic center is laced with thin alleys, which all lead to the water. Stroll down High Street and Harbour Street for boutiques, shops, and restaurants. You’ll even find a Michelin starred restaurants in the tiny town, the Whitstable Oyster Company .

Whitstable Castle is a vast Neo-Gothic home built in the 1790s. This is a good place to have afternoon tea. 

Before or after sightseeing, you can hit the pebbly beach. It’s a beautiful spot despite the lack of sand. You can relax in a beach hut or grab a pint at the Neptune Pub.

Viking Bay in Broadstairs

Broadstairs

21 miles east of Whitstable is another seaside town, Broadstairs. The town has a spectacular coastline with seven sandy beaches and bucket loads of seaside charm.

Sitting on the very tip of Kent, Broadstairs is known as the “jewel in Thanet’s crown.”

This jewel was the setting for the BBC show Broadchurch . It’s also famous as a haunt of Charles Dickens, who spent time here writing Bleak House and David Copperfield at Bleak House.

The house itself is still closed, but you can visit the Charles Dickens Museum . It’s housed in a cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield , with plenty of Dickensian memorabilia.

You can also hit the beach. Or, for some exercise, take the Viking Coastal Walk.

It’s a 3.5 mile stretch that takes you past pretty Botany Bay and to the town of Margate. Botany Bay is a simply beautiful sandy beach set against chalk cliffs.

White Cliffs of Dover

Day 4 : Visit Dover & Deal

On day 4, visit the towns of Dover and/or Deal. Dover could definitely keep you busy all day with its castle and White Cliffs. But Deal is a cute town that’s worth a visit too, so maybe you can squeeze both towns into one day.

The port town of Dover has been around since Roman times. It’s home to the famous White Cliffs that welcome you to England from France.

The cliffs have been beloved since WWII, when they represented strong teeth bared menacingly against the enemy. Shakespeare said the decisive white slash along the coast had a “high and bending head [looking] fearfully into the confined deep.”

Dover itself isn’t the prettiest town per se . But its landscapes and attractions are phenomenal.

Dover Castle is England’s largest castle. One of the greatest Norman monarchs, Henry II, built the imposing 12th century keep you see today. Dover was a formidable castle the likes of which had never been seen before.

Dover Castle

Much of what you see today is unchanged from that era. The castle could take all day to explore, if you wanted to poke into every nook and cranny.

The castle’s highlight is the central keep with its Great Hall, royal chambers, and private chapel. You can visit Dover Castle with the  English Heritage Pass .

The famous towering white chalk cliffs are Dover’s trademark. They stretch for 8 miles along Dover’s coastline.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can walk the entire stretch to the picturesque town of Deal. Alternatively, you can  book a guided local tour to see the most photogenic spots.

Paths between the chalk cliffs lead down to the seas.

READ : One Day In Dover, Day Trip From London

flower show in Deal

Deal is a picture-perfect tiny town that’s an overlooked hidden gem in Kent. It’s just 15 minutes away from Dover. It ticks all the cuteness metrics with its quaint rows of Georgian townhouses, unique boutiques, and laid back seaside charm.

There’s not a lot to do in Deal. It’s the kid of place where you can just kick back, relax, and poke into cute vintage shops and galleries.

If you want something specific to see, the town’s top attraction is Deal Castle. It’s a Tudor style castle built by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal “gun forts.”

Deal is sometimes called the “new Shoreditch.” It’s full of trendy and quirky art galleries. There’s also a thriving foodie scene.

And, of course, you should hit the golden sand beach and grab some fresh seafood. It’s a quiet pristine beach dotted with wooden fishing boats.

At the end of day 4 of your one week in Kent, move to your second base further south, if you have one.

ruins of the Old Scotney Castle

Day 5 : Castle Day

Day 5 of this one week in Kent itinerary is dedicated to castle hopping, which is one of the best things to do in Kent.

I give you five attractions to choose from and you can decide which castle or castles appeal the most. They are all within a short driving distance from each other, maybe 20-30 minutes.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

There are really two castles at Scotney Castle , a 14th century moated castle and Victorian mansion house. Both are heritage sites.

For 300 years, Scotney Castle was home to the Darrell family. Roger de Ashburnham built the castle in response to French invasions in 1377.

manor house on the grounds of Scotney Castle

The castle is famous for having successfully harbored a Jesuit priest during the reign of Elizabeth I. All that’s left of the medieval castle are the ruins of Ashburnham Tower and vestiges of an Elizabethan home. But it’s incredibly picturesque, set amid a moat.

The second Scotney is up the hill from the old castle and couldn’t be more picturesque.

Built by the Hussey family between 1835-43, it was designed by Anthony Salvin in the Tudor Revival style. It has spectacular gardens and a tea room, if you fancy afternoon tea.

Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge

Tonbridge Castle is one of England’s most authentic medieval   castle, standing guard over the market town of Tonbridge in Kent. It’s known as the finest surviving example of a motte and bailey castle.

After being gifted the plot by William the Conqueror, Richard Fitz Gilbert built a wooden motte and bailey castle on the site. But Fitz Gilbert backed Odo against William in the civil war of 1088. William laid siege to Tonbrige and it fell.

Nonetheless, Fitz Gilbert’s son, Gilbert de Clare, became fast friends with William and rebuilt a stone castle.

In the late 13th century, another de Clare, the notorious “Red Earl,” built the mammoth 5 story gatehouse. The structure contained guard rooms, a great banqueting hall, and living quarters.

Today, you can enter the gatehouse and explore the great hall, winding stairs, and basement. Climb the battlements for breathtaking views across the town.

If you’re a fan of Madame Tussaud’s, you’ll love Tonbridge. Life size wax figures are scattered through the castle to give you slices of life from the Middle Ages. You can also get the complete scoop with the castle’s audio guide.

Chartwell House

Chartwell House

Chartwell House  is where Winston Churchill grew up. It was his country seat for over four decades. The house was Churchill’s sanctuary from the tumultuous political battles in London.

Chartwell House isn’t a grand home. Though Churchill could ill afford it, he did try to gussy up the place. Churchill almost lost the house twice because he was broke. 

His friends bought the house and presented it to the UK’s National Trust. Upon Churchill’s death, it opened to the public as a museum.

You can see five rooms where Churchill lived — the dining room, the library, the drawing room, his wife Clementine’s bedroom, and Winston’s study. Three other rooms are filled with Churchill memorabilia. You can also check out his painting studio.

Sissinghurst Castle

Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens

Just 40+ minutes from Hever,  Sissinghurst Castle  is a National Trust property and major highlight for garden lovers.

Laid out in the 1930s, the castle boasts one of the world’s greatest 20th century romantic gardens. They are set around the ruins of a moated Elizabethan mansion.

Former owner and writer Vita Sackville-West designed the gardens to look like rooms of a house. Each one has its own color scheme and theme.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

The gardens are most beautiful in spring. You might be a tad disappointed in the summer time.

Head up the four story tower, that juts into the air, for panoramic views.

In Vita’s study, you’ll see the original printing press used by Virginia and Leonard Woolf to run off the first volumes issued by their company, Hogarth Press.

As I mentioned above, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse has a beautiful Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast for overnighting.

famous Mermaid Street in Rye

Day 6: Visit Rye And Bodiam Castle

On day 6 of this Kent itinerary, you’ll dip into East Sussex, right on the border of Kent, to visit the historic town of Rye and Bodiam Castle.

The beautiful town of Rye is not technically in Kent. It’s just over the border in East Sussex and well worth visiting.

Rye is one of England’s best kept secrets and one of my favorite medieval towns in all of England. It’s a quintessential English town that seems suspended in time.

Rye is an ancient seaside town, perched on a hilltop above the Romney Marshes. It’s filled with crooked streets and quirky independent shops.

Mermaid Street in  Rye

Rye is the perfect place to immerse yourself in old world English charm. You can visit the remains of a medieval castle, see an awe-inspiring church, and be gobsmacked by some of the best preserved medieval homes in England.

Be sure to stroll down historic Mermaid Street, known as one of the UK’s most adorable and photogenic streets.

You can also hit the beach at Camber Sands and explore Camber Castle, another one of Henry VII’s “gun forts.” The nearby village of Winchelsea is also cute and worth a short stop.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to spending one day in Rye .

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle  is one of England’s true storybook castles. It’s a square fortress completely surrounded by a large lake-like moat. 

Built in the 14th century by the wealthy Sir Edward Dallingridge, Bodiam is one of the last medieval castles in Britain. It has a perfect symmetry with stout drum towers at each corner and crenellated walls. Conceived as a courtyard castle, it has unusually open middle grounds.

Like many castles of this period, Bodiam combined a fearsome facade with luxury elements. There were big rooms, toilets, and fireplaces.

By the 17th century, Bodiam was a celebrated and romantic ivy clad ruin. The exterior was restored in the 19th century. 

You can take the free guided tour or explore each nook and turret on your own. There’s a parking lot on site and you pay at the kiosk.

Bodiam Castle offers free tours that occur almost every day and give a brief history of the castle. The tours start at 12:15 pm and 2:15 pm and last around 35-45 minutes. 

Leeds Castle, a must visit attraction with one week in Kent

Day 7: Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle

On you last day of your one week in Kent, you’ll visit two of England’s most famous castles: Leeds Castle and Hever Castle.

It’s a lot to do in one day. The castles are 45 minutes apart, but it can be done. You’ll start with Leeds castle because Hever Castle doesn’t open until noon.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle  is one of Britain’s best and most beautiful castles. The castle has a picturesque island setting on a lake in the wooded countryside of Kent.

Leeds’ history is no less romantic. Leeds Castle has been a Norman Stronghold, a Royal Palace, and the stately home of an American heiress. 

Today, you can visit the New Castle, the 13th century Gloriette tower, Maiden’s Tower, and the extensive grounds and gardens.

library of Leeds Castle

The castle was a royal residence until Tudor times and known as the “Ladies Castle.” Seven queens lived at Leeds. 

The castle was also a favorite abode of Henry VIII, who shuttled his ex-wife Catherine to live there permanently after their divorce. 

With Henry’s deep pockets, he lavished improvements on it, transforming Leeds from castle to royal palace. He added grand reception rooms, suites of rooms in the Gloriette, the graceful Maiden’s Tower, expensive glass, and fireplaces.

Thereafter, the castle fell into ruins. In 1926, American heiress Olive Paget (later Lady Baillie) purchased the castle. She saved it from centuries of neglect and restored it to medieval perfection.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to visiting Leeds castle . In high season, you should  pre-book a skip the line ticket  for the castle. It’s a bit pricey, but good for an entire year.

Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn in Kent

Hever Castle

If you’re a Tudor enthusiast, Hever Castle is one of the best castles to visit in England. Hever is a petite double-moated castle with a craggy romantic visage that’s largely unaltered by time.

It’s famously linked to the ill-fated royal couple, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Their story is a fascinating one, one of the most dramatic in English history.

Hever was the childhood home of Anne, Henry’s second wife. It’s also linked to Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, who was installed there after Henry divorced her in favor of Anne.

banqueting hall in Hever Castle

On a visit to Hever Castle, you can walk in the footsteps of these famous Tudor monarchs. And you can admire the castle’s medieval keep and gatehouse, Tudor rooms, original portraits, and exquisite gardens. 

The award-winning gardens are set over 125 acres.

The peerless Italian Garden is the highlight of the castle gardens. It’s the setting for a collection of classical statuary from Roman to Renaissance times. 

Here’s my complete guide to Hever Castle . As I mentioned above, this is one of the castles on your Kent itinerary that you can stay overnight in.

High Street in Rochester

More Time? Add On Rochester

Rochester is another town in Kent well worth visiting. It’s in northwest Kent, so a bit further afield from other places on this Kent itinerary.

However, if you have more than 7 days, you might start day 1 of your Kent itinerary in Rochester and work your way west from there.

Rochester is an ancient town with a castle, cathedral, and more. It’s famous as the favorite city of the novelist Charles Dickens and you’ll find landmarks in the city dedicated to him.

Dickens lived in the nearby village of Gad’s Hill Place, where he wrote Great Expectations . Some of Rochester’s venues appear in the book, including Restoration House, which doubled as Miss Havisham’s House.

Rochester is also home to England’s largest vintage bookstore, which is a marvel to explore, Baggins Book Bazaar on High Street.

Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle  has one of England’s best preserved Norman keeps. Dating from the 12th century, it’s also one of the tallest at 113 feet high. 

You can enter the keep and, if you are game, tackle the steep spiral staircase to the top of the battlements for views of the countryside.

Rochester Cathedral is the smallest Norman-style cathedral remaining in England, but the second oldest. Saint Augustine founded it in 604 and it’s a history lover’s treasure trove.

The cathedral has a fine Romanesque facade and a lovely medieval Lady’s Chapel. You can see ancient Norman architecture in the nave, parts of the crypt (with graffiti), and a hidden (available to see by appointment) door.

Rochester Cathedral

Just outside Rochester is the pretty village of Cobham. It’s worth a quick stop to see the 13th century Church of Mary Magdalene.

I hope you’ve my one week itinerary for visiting the beautiful county of Kent England. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources:

  • 3 Day Itinerary for London
  • 5 Day Itinerary for London
  • Hidden Gems in London
  • 30 Day Trips from London
  • Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
  • Best Castles in England
  • Best Museums in London
  • One Day In Canterbury Itinerary
  • One Day in Oxford Itinerary
  • One Day In Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Harry Potter Places in London

If you need a Kent itinerary, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Satisfaction Tour

The Satisfaction Tour is a 2½ hour fascinating tour of Dartford – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ home town. Discover where Mick and Keith grew up and met before the formation of The Rolling Stones, the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band.

Gentle Cycling Holidays

The Carter Company have been providing great cycling and walking trips for over 25 years. They offer 7 cycling holidays in Kent, without doubt the most cycling friendly county in England with its' cycle paths, converted railway lines and bike welcoming towns. Enjoy their unique, well researched routes, hand picked hotels and unrivalled customer service.   Holidays are also available throughout the UK and Europe.

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Massey Air Museum, 33541 Maryland Line Road, Massey, MD, 21650

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Massey Air Museum, 33541 Maryland Line Road, Massey, MD, 21650

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Driving Tour of Kent County, Maryland

Apr 23, 2022 - apr 24, 2022.

Saturday & Sunday April 23 & 24, 2022 – 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Celebrate the history and diversity of Kent County’s museums on the Museums of Kent Driving Tour. Each museum will have an activity in celebration of Earth Day while showcasing its unique heritage and artifacts.

MAP: (Cut & paste Link) https://www.kentcounty.com/recreation/driving  

This map outlines a driving tour of the entire county, a distance of about 110 miles. Points of interest and historic sites outside the major towns are marked with red circles and numbered. The numbers correspond to the numbers in the written guide to the tour, available on a separate page.

Driving Tour Directions of Kent County – CLICK on “Directions” button from Map Link above.

Link for LIST OF Museums of Kent County, Maryland:

(Cut & paste Link) https://www.kentcounty.com/category/museums  

Massey Air Museum, Inc.: (Cut & paste Link)   https://www.kentcounty.com/museums/massey-air-museum-inc

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March 25, 2024 | | mooadmin

Plan your trip early and stay in Chestertown! Click here for local lodging .

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Museums of Kent Driving Tour

Celebrate the history and diversity of Kent County’s museums on the Museums of Kent Driving Tour. Each museum will have an activity in celebration of Earth Day while showcasing its unique heritage and artifacts. Be sure to document your journey on social media using the hashtag #TourMOK.

Pick up a Museum Pass at your first stop. You must get it stamped at each location for a chance to win a great prize.

For more detailed information visit: https://www.instagram.com/museumsofkent

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THE 10 BEST Kent Tours & Excursions

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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

driving tour kent

1. Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour

driving tour kent

2. Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London

driving tour kent

3. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover & Greenwich River Boat

driving tour kent

4. Canterbury & the White Cliffs of Dover Tour (Small-Group)

driving tour kent

5. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip

driving tour kent

6. Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

driving tour kent

7. Small Group Canterbury, Dover Castle and Cliffs & Kent Villages Day Tour

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8. Private tours to Leeds Castle, Canterbury, White Cliffs of Dover

driving tour kent

9. Wine Tasting in the Garden of England

driving tour kent

10. White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral Tour from London

driving tour kent

11. From Dover Port; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back

driving tour kent

12. Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

driving tour kent

13. Small-Group Early Access Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and Greenwich

driving tour kent

14. Leeds Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover Private Car Tour

driving tour kent

15. Private Half-Day Trip to Picture Postcard Villages of East Kent from Dover Including Traditional Cream Tea

driving tour kent

16. A private guided tour of World War 2 sites along the Kent Coast

driving tour kent

17. Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham

driving tour kent

18. Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

driving tour kent

19. Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour

driving tour kent

20. Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle

driving tour kent

21. Private Tour to Canterbury, Dover Castle & Chilham

driving tour kent

22. Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury

driving tour kent

23. English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

driving tour kent

24. Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

driving tour kent

25. Private Tour to Canterbury, Leeds Castle and The White Cliffs of Dover

driving tour kent

26. Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport

driving tour kent

27. Dover Port to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Kent Villages & back

driving tour kent

28. Private Day Trip to Chartwell, Home To Sir Winston & Lady Churchill, From London

driving tour kent

29. The Canterbury Classic Tour

driving tour kent

30. Leeds Castle and Canterbury - Day Tour from Brighton

What travelers are saying.

Cecil N

  • Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour
  • Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London
  • Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour
  • Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover & Greenwich River Boat
  • Kent & East Sussex Railway
  • Spa Valley Railway
  • Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway
  • Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway Limited
  • Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
  • River Runner
  • Canterbury Punting Company
  • Whitstable Boat Tours
  • Rib Request - Day Tours
  • Whitstable Vintage Life boat Trips
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  • Dover Sea Safari
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  • X-Pilot - Marine A Services

South of England Road Trip

  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1335 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

driving tour kent

The historic hometown of Oxford University, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’ is a wonder to behold. The medieval city centre and side-streets of Oxford are characterised by their elegant architecture, vibrant culture and wealth of historic intrigue.

driving tour kent

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a series of enchanting and picture-perfect villages situated amid rolling limestone hills.

Seemingly untouched by modern society, spending time exploring the charming villages of Bibury, Bourton on the Water, and Upper and Lower Slaughter is like looking through a window to times gone by.

driving tour kent

The English wine industry has flourished in the last decade and the South East has become the focal point of production due to its warmer, drier climate.

There are a multitude of vineyards operating in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, and with many of these offering tours and tastings, you can spend an afternoon sampling some of these now world-renowned wines. 

driving tour kent

South East coast

As well as being home to some of the UK’s most popular blue flag beaches and seaside towns, England’s ‘Creative Coast’ is known for its unmissable cultural attractions.

These include world-class galleries such as the Turner Contemporary in Margate and the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, alongside unique museums like Dickens House in Broadstairs. 

driving tour kent

The White Cliffs of Dover

A visit to the South-East would not be complete without a trip to Dover. Escape the bustling port for a serene walk along the famous White Cliffs, complete with panoramic views and an abundance of wildlife and history.

Dover Castle is equally impressive, and it is worth setting time aside to explore this iconic fortress. 

driving tour kent

Immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Canterbury is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury boasts some of England’s greatest examples of medieval architecture and one of its oldest cathedrals.

The Beautiful South: History, Culture and Stunning Coastlines

The South East is a region with a fantastic amount to offer. Shaped equally by its sites of historical importance and its contributions to contemporary culture, there is an incredible variety of things to see and do.

Your journey between Oxford and Canterbury will celebrate this marriage between England’s past and present, by taking you to picturesque rural villages, vineyards at the forefront of the blossoming British wine trade, and the bohemian ‘Creative Coast’. 

Your journey begins in the famous university town of Oxford. A romantic city steeped in history, this is the perfect place to begin your journey through the South East and provides an excellent base to explore the rest of Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds.

After exploring the city, you will journey through The Chilterns, an AONB, and Surrey. This drive will take you past Windsor, where you can make a detour to visit Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Brighton, the next overnight stop, is a seaside resort located on the South Coast. People have been flooding to Brighton for hundreds of years for restorative purposes, and today the town is full to the brim with independent restaurants, vintage shops and a cultural quarter which could rival that of a much larger city.

The drive along the South East coast is breathtaking and provides the opportunity to stop and explore the seaside towns of Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye. It also allows for a visit to one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK: the White Cliffs of Dover. Clear away the cobwebs with a brisk walk along the clifftops, an immersive way to experience the ‘gateway to England’.

From Dover, it is a short drive to Canterbury, your final overnight location. This beautiful, small city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a place of pilgrimage in the middle ages. You can spend time exploring Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey, as well as paying a visit to one of the city’s many excellent museums.

From Canterbury it is only a stone’s throw to the Kent coast, with the pastel-coloured seafronts of Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs readily accessible, for a final day at the beach, to draw your adventure through the South East to a close.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Oxfordshire

Your journey through the South East begins in Oxfordshire. Before making your way into Oxford, you could visit some of the impressive manors of North Oxfordshire.

With over 300 years of history, spectacular Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, is one not to miss. Overnight – Oxford

Day 2: Oxford Sightseeing

A full day to explore this most famous and beautiful city. Oxford is a fantastic city to wander, with many of the university colleges and iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the Sheldonian Theatre located in the compact city centre.

There are many superb museums as well as walking and bus tours. To see the city from a different perspective, you could try punting on the River Thames – an archetypal Oxford experience. Overnight – Oxford

Day 3: The Cotswolds Sightseeing

From Oxford, it is a short drive to The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for its picturesque chocolate-box villages set amid rolling green countryside.

The villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Lower Slaughter and Chipping Norton are excellent examples of these quintessentially English villages – full of winding lanes, cosy pubs and tearooms. Overnight – Oxford

Day 4: Oxford to Brighton

On the way to Brighton, make a stop at Windsor Palace – this striking residence has been a royal home and fortress for over 900 years.

You could also make a detour to visit Guildford, located in the Surrey Hills in an area synonymous with producing outstanding wines. Albury Vineyard, Greyfriars Vineyard and Denbies Wine Estate all offer fantastic tours and tastings. Overnight – Brighton

Day 5: Brighton Sightseeing

A full day in Brighton to immerse yourself in everything that the bohemian coastal town has to offer. Visit the Royal Pavilion, an exotic seaside palace built for George IV, explore the independent boutiques and cafes in The Lanes, and take a walk through English seaside history on Brighton Palace Pier, a 1722 ft long Victorian pier which has stood since 1899. Overnight – Brighton

Day 6: South Downs Sightseeing

Today you could choose to escape into the tranquillity of the South Downs, England’s newest national park, for a day walking the South Downs Way.

Alternatively, you could visit Fishbourne Roman Palace, an archaeological museum preserving the ground floor of a supply fort or Arundel Castle and its magnificent Gardens. Overnight – Brighton

Day 7: Brighton to Canterbury

Your journey will continue along the coast to your final overnight stop, taking you through the towns of Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye – each with their own distinct charm.

You could choose to travel via Dover, to take in the world-famous White Cliffs – the dramatic limestone cliffs have been considered a symbol of hope and freedom for many centuries.

To learn more about Dover’s strategic importance, you could visit Dover Castle – an impressive fortress overlooking the channel. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 8: Canterbury Sightseeing

A day to spend exploring Canterbury, a cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in Medieval England.

There is so much to see in this incredibly beautiful and historic city, including Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, Westgate, and St Martin’s Church, which is the oldest in the English speaking world. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 9: Kent Coast Sightseeing

On the final day of your adventure through the South East, make the short journey from Canterbury to the Kent coast.

The towns of Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs ooze old school seaside charm: Whitstable is famous for its fresh seafood, Broadstairs boasts two Blue Flag beaches and Margate is the home of Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary Gallery. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 10: Depart Canterbury

After breakfast, it’s an hour and a half drive to London where your South of England Road Trip will come to an end. 

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 9 nights including traditional English breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of England with our recommended driving route
  • 10 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

driving tour kent

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your experience.

driving tour kent

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

driving tour kent

These are truly magical places and amongst the best England has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

  • Good for up to 4 people
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases

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Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

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The Driving Tour of Rock Hall, Maryland

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An 18-year-old motorist is facing homicide charges for the deaths of a Washington state mother and three of the kids she was ushering around after he allegedly drove his Audi A4 more than 100 miles per hour into their minivan, prosecutors said.

Chase Daniel Jones is accused of killing the 38-year-old mom, Andrea Hudson, as well as Boyd Buster Brown, 12, and sisters Matilda Wilcoxson, 13, and Eloise Wilcoxson, 12 after he barreled into their vehicle, pushing it into another two cars on the road, officials said.

Two of Hudson’s children who were also in the minivan were hospitalized and remain in intensive care.

Mangled car behind sheriff vehicle.

Jones — who was badly injured — allegedly blew through a red light at an intersection where the crash happened on Tuesday in the community of Fairwood, a King County sheriff official said in a police report obtained by the Seattle Times.

Jones was driving as fast as 112 mph with no signs of braking on a road where the speed limit was 40 mph, authorities alleged.

He was also seen weaving in and out of traffic leading up to the deadly incident, according to the police report that cited witnesses.

The teen bought the Audi a month ago after totaling two other vehicles in less than a year, in wrecks caused by speeding, King County prosecutors said, according to mynorthwest.com.

Jones was charged with four counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault and reckless driving, Fox 13 reported.

Friends and family of the victims remembered their loved ones over the last week.

The Wilcoxson sisters were a “true light to everyone around them,” a GoFundMe page said.

“They were the oldest of 6 kids and were loving big sisters to their younger siblings, truly ‘mother’s little helpers’ in every sense of the word,” a family friend wrote in the post. “Tillie and Eloise were active members in both their church, school, and neighborhood communities and will be deeply missed by all who knew them.”

Andrea Hudson was remembered as a loving mother and wife.

Buster Brown’s father, Jaron Brown, called his late son “one of the most fun loving, adventurous kids,” according to the Seattle Times.

Hudson homeschooled her children and was described as a devoted mother and wife.

“She enjoyed spending time adventuring with [her family] in nature, and was an avid health enthusiast and cook,” a GoFundMe page for the 38-year-old’s family stated. “Her absence has left a hole in our hearts and will be felt by many.”

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Watch: john daly tops opening tee shot at pga tour champions event, share this article.

driving tour kent

Nerves on the first tee – we’ve all had them. Even two-time major winners such as John Daly.

We’ve long become accustomed to JD hitting tape-measure drives, which is what made the following swing so startling. On Friday, the 57-year-old got off to an inauspicious start, topping his opening tee shot during the first round of the 2024 Hoag Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event held at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, California.

We’ve pretty much seen it all from The Wild Thing during his rollercoaster career but topping his opening tee shot may have been a first. Daly looked anxious to hit and nearly did so before the first-tee announcer had a chance to call his name. Daly backed off the tee shot when his name was announced and re-started his routine. Daly made “Grip it and Rip it,” a household catchphrase among golfers and led the PGA Tour in driving distance 11 times, but Long John was short of the forward tees with his dribbler off the tee, at least on this occasion.

JOHN DALY. ONE OF US. pic.twitter.com/qXGF3UZq42 — Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) March 22, 2024

Daly, who has been struggling with injuries all season, shot 74-75 and was in last place out of the field of 77 heading into Sunday’s final round. Earlier this season, Daly needed an injection in his left hand after his osteoarthritis flared up, and he shot 87 at an event in Morocco. But no matter what, Daly always entertains. The video below shows his one-of-a-kind pre-round warm-up routine. Unfortunately, it turns out he wasn’t ready to roll this week, unless they were referring to his opening topped shot, which is destined for a long future in golf bloopers. Here’s hoping better days are ahead for Big John.

Wedge in one hand, Diet Coke in the other. @PGA_JohnDaly is ready to roll @HoagClassic pic.twitter.com/gLsDTZDdLp — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) March 22, 2024

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Drive-By Truckers to Journey Through the Past, Playing ‘Southern Rock Opera’ on Tour

By Kory Grow

More than two decades since its release, Drive-By Truckers ‘ Southern Rock Opera album will get its full due when the band performs the 94-minute double-album in its entirety on an extensive U.S. tour. The Truckers also promise to play fan favorites and deep cuts from throughout their career.

Tickets for the tour, which kicks off in June, officially go on sale March 29 at 10 a.m. local time. Full ticketing information is on the band’s website . Fans can also request tickets early via Ticketmaster.

“A lot has happened in the decades since it came out, both to the band and to the world we live in,” the band’s Patterson Hood said in a statement. “We feel that the record, while somewhat timeless, also has a current timeliness to it considering the social and political issues of today. Instead of performing it as if it’s still 2000AD, we want to make it our own, reflecting who we all are now in 2024. It’s going to be intense, but also a hell of a lot of fun.”

Although Southern Rock Opera was not the Truckers’ commercial breakthrough – that came a couple of years later with The Dirty South – it became a critical success despite coming out on Sept. 12, 2001. In addition to releasing in the wake of a national tragedy, the album suffered from poor distribution and the band had to re-release it in 2002.

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“It’s been overwhelming to me,” Hood told Rolling Stone in 2002 of the reception the album got. “The whole time we were working on it, which dates back six years, everybody told us we were crazy and it was a stupid idea. We were told a thousand reasons why it wouldn’t work, everybody from some friends all the way to anybody even slightly connected to the music industry. But we’ve always gone against what people thought was the smart thing to do.”

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Drive-By Truckers to Embark on Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour

Drive-By Truckers will play their ambitious 2001 double album, Southern Rock Opera , in full on tour later this year. The Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour begins with a stretch of shows in June and July. The band will then take a break before resuming the tour in the autumn. See Drive-By Truckers’ tour dates below.

In an interview with Matt Hendrickson for Garden & Gun , Drive-By Truckers’ frontman, Patterson Hood explained why he and his band are revisiting Southern Rock Opera on tour. “It’s almost like a perfect storm of different stuff,” he said. “We’re not ready to make a new record yet, because we’ve all been doing some other things. People have been asking for years, and [guitarist Mike] Cooley has always said, ‘We’ll do it when we can do it on ice’ [laughs]. That was a great line in the sand. But we haven’t figured out how to do it on ice, though I’m still hanging on to the dream. We talked about it for five years until we just had to follow through or else we were going to look like assholes. So, it just seemed like a good time to do it this year.”

In a press statement, Hood added, “We’ll be playing songs from the original release, plus a small handful of songs that pertain to its themes and points of view, plus a short encore set that will be different each night. It’ll be a different and very special show, and very likely the last time we’ll ever do it so DON’T MISS IT!”

Drive-By Truckers: Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour

$.00, Ticketmaster

Drive-By Truckers:

06-07 Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

06-08 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant

06-09 Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom

06-10 Henrico, VA - Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

06-13 Raleigh, NC - The Ritz

06-14 Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Charlotte

06-15 Birmingham, AL - Iron City

06-16 New Orleans, LA - The Civic Theatre

06-19 Houston, TX - House of Blues Houston

06-20 Austin, TX - ACL Live at the Moody Theater

06-21 Dallas, TX - House of Blues Dallas

06-23 Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren

06-26 El Cajon, CA - The Magnolia 

06-27 Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco

06-28 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore

06-29 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore

07-01 Portland OR - Crystal Ballroom

07-02 Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre

07-05 Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex

07-06 Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium

10-16 Washington, D.C. - Warner Theatre

10-17 New York, NY - Irving Plaza

10-18 Boston, MA - House of Blues

10-19 Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts

10-22 Toronto, Ontario - Danforth Music Hall

10-23 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues

10-25 Minneapolis, MN - Uptown Theater

10-26 Minneapolis, MN - Uptown Theater

10-27 Madison, WI - The Sylvee

10-29 West Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom

10-30 Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater

11-01 Chicago, IL - House of Blues Chicago

11-02 Chicago, IL - House of Blues Chicago

11-03 Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s

11-05 Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall

11-07 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

11-08 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

11-09 Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

11-24 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

Drive-By Truckers, photo by Brantley Gutierrez

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John Daly shanks opening tee shot at PGA Tour Champions’ Hoag Classic

John Daly looked like a weekend warrior during the first round of the Hoag Classic in Southern California.

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Share All sharing options for: John Daly shanks opening tee shot at PGA Tour Champions’ Hoag Classic

John Daly.

John Daly is known for his easy-going attitude, mammoth drives, and his love for diet cokes .

But the big-hitter did not have one of his signature tee shots at the Hoag Classic, a tournament on the PGA Tour Champions .

Instead, Daly looked like a 25-handicapper at a local municipal course. He shanked his tee shot on the first hole of the tournament, surprising both the crowd and himself.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fore Play (@foreplaypod)

Before his mishit, Daly stepped up and addressed his ball, and looked as if he was ready to hit his opening tee shot. Then the starter announced his name at the point of address, interrupting his pre-shot routine.

That must have thrown Daly off, as his tee shot did not go anywhere. He proceeded to make a double-bogey six on the opening hole, and went on to struggle on his front nine.

Two more bogies and another double followed as Daly went out with a 6-over 41.

But the two-time major champion steadied the ship on the back nine. He made his first birdie of the day at the par-4 12th and then poured in another one at the par-5 15th.

At that juncture, Daly was 5-over on the day and at the bottom of the leaderboard. But he closed his day much better than how he began it. Daly closed with two straight birdies to shoot a 3-under 33 on the back nine, thus totaling a 3-over 75 overall.

Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand shot a 9-under 62 on day one and leads Padraig Harrington and Paul Broadhurst by a stroke going into round two.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

Next Up In Golf

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Georgia RB Trevor Etienne arrested on DUI, reckless driving charges amid first spring practice with Bulldogs

Etienne transferred to georgia from florida after the 2023 season.

Syndication: Online Athens

New Georgia running back Trevor Etienne faces DUI and reckless driving charges after a Sunday morning arrest, according to Athens-Clarke County police records. Booked at 4:35 a.m., Etienne was released an hour later after posting a total bond amount of $1,883. He faces four misdemeanors in all, including failure to maintain lane/improper driving on road and affixing materials that reduce the visibility of windows/windshield.

Etienne notably transferred to Georgia this offseason after serving as a key piece of rival Florida's one-two punch in the backfield, alongside Montrell Johnson, for the past two seasons. He's expected to compete for the starter's job with Georgia this fall, helping a Bulldogs team that will likely enter 2024 as the preseason No. 1 team. 

With spring practice already underway in Athens, Kirby Smart had spoken positively about Etienne's transition to a new team, noting that " running back is one of the positions that you can pick up really quick ." Georgia has been looking to Etienne, who totaled 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns during his two-year run with Florida, to step in to a big production hole in the wake of last year's 2024 NFL Draft exits. With both both Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards off to the pros, there are plenty of carries and yards available in an offense that will be guided by one of the top quarterbacks in the country in Carson Beck .

Georgia has not yet commented on Etienne's arrest. The Bulldogs' football program came under intense scrutiny a year ago following a string of traffic-related incidents in the months after a January 2023 crash that killed player Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy.

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  29. John Daly shanks opening tee shot at PGA Tour Champions event

    John Daly is known for his easy-going attitude, mammoth drives, and his love for diet cokes. But the big-hitter did not have one of his signature tee shots at the Hoag Classic, a tournament on the ...

  30. Georgia RB Trevor Etienne arrested on DUI, reckless driving charges

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