Days out in East Kent

Boasting the historical city of Canterbury and the breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover, East Kent hosts a stunning array of sights not to be missed.

Walking

Field in Pluckley If you take a walk in East Kent, you will find hidden treasures around every corner.

With some longer routes like the North Downs Way National Trail, the Elham Valley Way and the Stour Valley Way, the area is a walkers' paradise.

The circular walks at Appledore follows part of the Royal Military Canal and our walk at Pluckley takes in the idyllic countryside where the television programme 'The Darling Buds of May' was set.

The diverse landscapes of East Kent can be enjoyed on Circular walks at Reculver, Kingsdown and Walmer and Goodnestone.

Cycling

Get on your bike for a 50 mile coast to cathedral ride, from Dover to Canterbury. The route passes along leafy lanes and bridleways, woodland and country villages. The perfect recipe for a cycling holiday or a mixture of day rides.

Another lovely route follows part of National Cycling Route 18 from Ashford to Tunbridge Wells (42 mile, 67.6km) through the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With undulating countryside, this route is not recommended for novice riders, but it can be broken down into manageable chunks for everyone to enjoy.

The Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable is another great route which is almost entirely traffic free.

Horse riding

Riding through Alkham Valley Riders can saddle up for a wonderful ride in the Alkham Valley, part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an 8.5 mile (13.7km) route near Dover.

Parks and open spaces

There are some great open spaces and picnic sites in the area. The most notable being Samphire Hoe, a wonderful site located at the foot of the White Cliffs. The Hoe has an interesting history and provides a haven for wildlife and visitors alike with fascinating walks and great picnic areas.

King's Wood in Challock and Brockhill in Hythe have all the ingredients of a great family day out, with picnic spots and children's play areas. Wye National Nature Reserve has a beautiful and varied landscape of chalk downland, woodland and scrub and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Pegwell Bay and Western Heights Local Nature Reserve, environmental and historical treasures, are also worth a visit.

Places of interest

Canterbury's cathedral and historic centre obviously offers a wealth of fun and interesting visits, but there is a lot more to east Kent. The frontline Dover, Walmer and Deal castles on the coast are fascinating places to visit, and the White Cliffs offer outstanding views across the channel.

Encounter wild animals at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park or at the Rare Breeds Centre near Ashford, take a trip on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway or visit the charming Godington House and Gardens .