10 Places in Kent for a Peaceful Escape

For teaching staff, the summer holidays are ideal for relaxing, recovering and recharging your batteries. The 2023 to 2024 school year has continued to present new challenges for school staff with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. In addition to facilitating home learning, school staff are key workers who have been in school throughout the pandemic, juggling educating and supporting key worker children in school and providing remote learning and support for pupils working from home. Understandably the last year has been challenging to navigate for teaching staff.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. It has a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of pupils from childhood through adulthood. The role of the teacher is indisputably vital.

With the summer holidays now in full swing, it is essential that teachers put away the laminators and take a much-needed break from lesson planning and classroom prepping. Teaching is a busy profession, with no two days the same! This is exactly why it is so important for teaching staff to rest and invest in their well-being. Luckily, in Kent, we are blessed with multiple locations that are perfect for soaking up the silence, escaping the crowds and leaving all thoughts of work, home and any issues behind for a few hours.

We have collated a list of 10 places in Kent which are perfect for clearing the mind and enjoying the quiet.

1. The Friars - Aylesford Priory, Aylesford

Tranquil, relaxing, and peaceful are the three words chosen to describe The Friars on their website so you can be confident that you will have a positive and calm experience during your visit. The Friars have a fascinating history. A small community of Carmelite Friars reside here, and this has been the case since 1242. The Carmelites left The Friars in 1538 after the dissolution of the monasteries, returning in 1949. The Friars is a true gem nestled in the heart of Kent. There are stunning grounds for guests to explore, medieval buildings to marvel at, serene walks in the Peace Garden and Rosary Way, and the opportunity to feed the resident geese and ducks. History lovers will relish the exciting past of The Friars, and if you are a fan of art, you can experience the fantastic work of Polish artist Adam Kossowski. Visitors can also visit the pottery and watch local artists at work! Entry is free, and there is a lovely tearoom and a separate restaurant where you can enjoy a well-deserved break and refreshments.

2. The Old Lighthouse, Dungeness

Situated near Romney Marsh, Dungeness houses a fascinating environment and is classified as a desert. There is a diverse range of wildlife in Dungeness, including over 600 species of plants and an assortment of rare insects. If this isn’t enough to persuade you to pay a visit to Dungeness, then the Dungeness Lighthouse will certainly help sway you! The Old Lighthouse is a Grade 11 building which was listed in 1992. His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales officially opened the lighthouse in 1904. The lighthouse survived 2 world wars before being decommissioned in 1960. Due to the pandemic, the lighthouse has remained closed but then reopened its doors to visitors on the 31st of July 2021. You can visit the lighthouse for an admission fee of £4.50 for adults. Climb to the top and absorb the stunning views of the landscape. Dungeness is a quiet location and is perfect for nature lovers and those who love to be near the sea.

3. Pegwell Bay Country Park, Sandwich

Forming part of the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, Pegwell Bay offers breath-taking views, houses an abundance of wildlife, and is ideal for cyclists and walkers. Many birds can be seen at Pegwell Bay, so it is great for bird watchers as there is a hide to observe undercover. It is a coastal haven with plenty of opportunities to behold the beauty of nature in peaceful surroundings.

4. Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst

As the name suggests, Bedgebury Pinetum is perfect for those who love to be immersed in the wonderful world of trees. If you are a fan of forests and woodland, then Bedgebury Pinetum should be at the top of your list to visit. It is an award-winning attraction that appeals to a wide range of visitors of varying interests and ages. Immerse yourself beneath the renowned conifer collection whilst enjoying the peace and quiet. It is an ideal spot for a picnic and there is a wonderful café on site for visitors to enjoy. There are 3 walking trails and 3 cycling trails to explore, with dogs welcome.

5. Charles Dickens’ Walk, Higham

Charles Dickens resided in Kent for the latter part of his life after he found inspiration for many of his novels in our beautiful county. Charles Dickens purchased Gads Hill Place in Higham, and it is still there today. The area surrounding Gads Hill Place inspired Great Expectations with the abundance of marshland and countryside. With his affiliation to Higham, it is unsurprising that one Higham walking trail is called the Charles Dickens Walk! Higham is a small, peaceful, quiet village offering acres of beautiful countryside to explore. The Charles Dickens Walk is a 9.7km walk, which is ideal for all walking abilities. As mentioned, Charles Dickens found inspiration for his novels here and in surrounding areas. You can be sure to experience calm and clarity on your walk as well as the opportunity to observe the beauty of nature and draw inspiration from the stunning surroundings.

6. Doddington Place Gardens, Faversham

If you love flowers, gardening, and nature, then Doddington Place Gardens could be the ideal attraction for you. The gardens are located near Sittingbourne and Faversham. It is nestled in the very heart of the North Downs in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. English Heritage has recognised the landscaped gardens as being of historical importance. The 10-acre gardens are on the grounds of a Victorian mansion. The beauty of the gardens has been recognised by numerous organisations and the media and featured in several magazines and newspapers. It has even appeared on TV on multiple occasions. If you are seeking an escape from reality or long for a break from the urban lifestyle, Doddington Place Gardens is the ideal place for a tranquil and relaxing stroll surrounded by pure and undiluted beauty.

7. The White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are undoubtedly an iconic and unmissable landmark in Kent. They are representative of home and wartime defence. Now overseen by the National Trust, the cliffs offer unparalleled coastal views overlooking the English Channel. It is an ideal location to enjoy a walk, absorbing the scenery and observing the natural world. You might even see some of the cliff’s ponies grazing! Did you know the Exmoor Ponies on the cliffs were brought in to help conserve the area? This eradicates the need for intensive human intervention. So, take a stroll at the White Cliffs of Dover and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the waves whilst observing the beauty of the surroundings and the abundance of wildlife.

8. Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey

This very special nature reserve is the perfect place to ‘escape into nature’. A family-run farm, Elmley is committed to protecting and restoring nature and is committed to the ‘sustainability of the landscape and land’. You can enjoy 3,300 acres of breathtaking beauty in this haven for wildlife. The family behind this special nature reserve describe it as ‘…an extraordinary place to discover, to gather, marry, unwind, and connect with nature. With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, Elmley has beautiful and thoughtfully designed places to stay, bespoke service, huge skies, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.’ It is the perfect place to let go of any stress and enjoy the little and natural things in life.

9. Lullingstone Country Park, nr. Eynsford

Hosting a collection of ancient trees of international importance, Lullingstone Country Park is the hub of natural beauty. There are over 300 veteran oak, beech, ash, hornbeam and sweet chestnut, with some believed to be 800 years old. There are also chalk grassland areas which house beautiful orchid displays and stunning wildflowers in spring and summer. If you are a keen walker, there is a 6.5 mile walk to enjoy, which touches on the nearby Shoreham. Near the country park is Lullingstone Roman Villa, which is perfect for history fans, and Lullingstone Castle. With a wide area to explore, finding calm and clarity at Lullingstone Country Park is not difficult.

10. Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve

Did you know Hothfield Heathlands is one of the only remaining heathlands in Kent? This is an ideal place to escape the bustle of everyday life. There is a canopy of trees to pass through, which then opens onto the vast and open Hothfield Heathlands. There are a variety of beautiful plants to enjoy, particularly in the spring, such as Heather and gorse. Various bird species reside in the plants of Hothfield Heathlands, such as Yellowhammers, White Throat and Willow Warblers, as well as a host of interesting insects underfoot – so watch your step! There are clear paths to follow, and boardwalks are even used to make wetter areas of the site accessible. As one of the only remaining heathlands in Kent, you can expect a unique and beautiful experience while thoroughly absorbing into nature.

To all teachers and school staff, make time for yourself this summer and give yourself a break you very much deserve. Relax, recover, and reassemble your thoughts before the new school year and visit one of Kent's many peaceful and tranquil locations. If you feel inspired to make the most of the beautiful county of Kent, our blog 5 Unique Places in Kent to Inspire a Love of Art is an ideal next read. Or, if you are struggling to recall the last time you put yourself first and need help improving your wellbeing, read our blog ‘Prioritise Your Wellbeing; Say “Yes” to Yourself’; it is a great place to start.