This is Kent's enticing blend of ancient and modern at its very best. Here international rail links, thriving market towns and world-class chefs meet history-rich villages, idyllic countryside and superb local vineyards.
Money-wise fashionistas flock to McArthurGlen's Ashford Outlet for discount designer labels, and to Ashford's County Square. There's history here too. Ashford's heritage trail leads down lanes lined with mediaeval, Jacobean and Georgian homes. Nearby is Godinton House - one of Kent's finest historic estates. To eat and sleep in style choose from classy cooking at the Secret Garden; country house luxury at Eastwell Manor; the sleek Ashford International Hotel; and two Holiday Inns.
All around Ashford lies bewitching heritage Kent. A centuries-old landscape that's also home to world-class vineyards such as Chapel Down Winery.
The famous city of Canterbury, lies on the River Stour and is 55 miles south east of London. The spectacular skyline is dominated by the oldest Cathedral in England. Canterbury is steeped in tradition but is also a modern and vibrant place with luxury hotels, fine restaurants serving food from across the globe, pulsating nightclubs and welcoming pubs.
Canterbury's walking trails or guided walks are an excellent way to explore the city where you can enjoy the winding lanes and streets, all with their own unique identity. Alternatively you may wish to relax and absorb the wonder of the city with a boat trip along the River Stour.
The Canterbury district consists of other magnificent towns such as Whitstable and Herne Bay. Whitstable is a town famous for its Oysters and has been dubbed the Pearl of Kent. Its unspoilt and incredible Kentish shores contribute to outstanding views. The seaside town is also renowned for its dining and bustles with seafood eateries, picturesque lanes, delis, artisanal bakeries, boutique shops and art galleries; it's a lovely place to visit and has been voted the best place to stay in the UK.
The traditional seaside town, Herne Bay, offers two miles of impressive seafront consisting of coastal favourites including pubs and fish and chip bars. It is a characterful town and has been a hit with visitors since the Victorian era with its wonderful bandstand, fragrant seafront gardens and distinctive 80ft Clock Tower.
Dartford, situated in the North West area of Kent, is a popular location for commuters due to its close proximity to London. The transport links are excellent with easy access to the M25 motorway and the high speed link to London. Ebbsfleet International Station has made getting to the coast for day trips or weekend breaks on the continent fast and stress free.
The town itself is brimming with great sporting facilities and boasts an Olympic-standard Judo centre. Dartford supports a huge wildlife area and the River Darent flows through the town.
Bluewater Shopping Centre, on Dartford's eastern edge, is billed as one of Europe's largest, most innovative shopping centre. Its statistics are impressive: 28 million visitors annually, 330 brands, 55 cafe and bars and 13,000 free parking spaces.
Famous for its chalk, white cliffs, the town of Dover perches in south east Kent at the narrowest part of the English Channel.
The ferry service across to France is still popular, and provides plenty of opportunity for day trips to the continent. Travel around the rest of the county is equally simple with the South Eastern rail service that runs right through the county to London.
Dover's significant location means there is plenty of history to explore; Dover and Deal castle are good places to start as well as Dover Museum, St Edmund's Chapel and The White Cliffs themselves.
Gravesham is a borough in North West Kent, situated on the River Thames and incorporating Gravesend and Northfleet. You can enjoy many leisure activities along the banks of the River or in the exceptional countryside. Escape the bustle of the town centre by visiting one of the many charming surrounding villages, which include Cobham, Higham and Shorne, and are home to pubs and restaurants serving good quality food.
Gravesend has always had an important role to play in the history and communications of this part of England because of its geographical position. It still retains a strong link with the river today. Located minutes from Bluewater, Europe's largest and most innovative retail destination, Gravesend is the closest major town to the new Ebbsfleet Eurostar Terminal. Eurostar services run to Paris and Brussels from the station and their London St Pancras station. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link, runs a domestic service operating to and from Gravesend and other parts of North and East Kent into London St Pancras terminals.
The town of Northfleet dates as far back as Roman times, so there is plenty of history to explore. Its location by the River has meant that industry and trade have played a significant role in the town's history which, over the years, has produced cement, paper and metals.
More information can be found on the Go Gravesham website.
The Borough of Maidstone has plenty to do and see for all variety of interests. The bustling town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, living up to Kent's iconic label as The Garden of England. The North Downs is an excellent location for walking and the river Medway is used for many water sports.
Maidstone is the county town of Kent, situated 32 miles south-east of London. The town centre is lively with plenty to do and the surrounding area is largely comprised of smaller villages. Maidstone is ranked within the top five for shopping in the South East and has a multiplex cinema.
For more information about the area take a look at the Visit Maidstone website.
Visit Maidstone
Medway is governed by Medway Borough Council and is a vibrant destination offering enlightening experiences rich in maritime heritage. The area is in North Kent, just 35 minutes by train from London and the same distance from the Channel ports.
The cobbled streets of the cathedral city of Rochester, bring old world charm to the many cafes, restaurants and bars that populate the main high street. With history dating back centuries, Rochester was cherished by the Victorian novelist, Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author. There is so much to see and do in the city itself; explore the stunning Rochester Cathedral or enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the Country at the magnificent Rochester Castle.
Chatham is a fascinating maritime destination with a history stretching back more than 400 years. The great naval dockyard in Chatham produced many famous ships, including Nelson's flagship HMS Victory. Just across from the Dockyard is the Dockside Outlet Centre with discounted stores selling famous leading brands all under one roof. If you are in need of refreshment after all that retail therapy you can relax and enjoy some delicious food at one of the many restaurants as you watch the boats bob by on the River Medway or catch the latest blockbuster at the large multiplex cinema.
Gillingham is an important retail centre serving the local community and has a twice weekly market which is ideal for the bargain hunters to wander around. It is also home to Medway (and Kent's) only football league team the 'Gills'. The 'Gills' play their home matches at Priestfield Stadium. The town has strong maritime and military connections with the nearby Historic Dockyard Chatham and Royal Engineers barrack based in the town.
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Image courtesy of Visit Kent.
Sevenoaks district is steeped in history with magnificent countryside. It is home to many well-known tourist attractions as well as embracing traditional county life with plenty of places to visit and see. You don't have to travel far to find a wealth of quaint and attractive villages, country lanes, old market towns, vineyards, and some of the best heritage and garden attractions in the south east.
The principal town of Sevenoaks is a small but lively commuter town situated about 21 miles from London with trains going to London Charing Cross, St Pancras and Cannon street. There is a good selection of restaurants and shops on offer, as well as the nearby countryside.
For more information on Sevenoaks, go to the Visit Kent website.
Shepway District, comprising Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh is engrossed with history, famous names and amazing architecture.
Folkestone is home to the Eurotunnel, which puts Europe on your doorstep in 35 minutes. The wonderful town consists of glorious views and footpaths, particularly from the cliff top promenade of The Leas, down to the town's award winning coastal park. Proposals for a major redevelopment of the harbour and seafront include a marina, shops, seafront restaurants and new homes.
The Cinque Port town of Hythe offers just about every kind of sporting experience from golf to swimming, angling and kite-flying. It is well known for its Venetian Fete with decorated floats on the Royal Military Canal, music, funfair and fireworks. It is also home to Kent's only racecourse.
Operating along the 14 miles from Hythe to Dungeness is the world's smallest miniature public railway which provides a scenic ride across the Romney Marsh. Visit the Old Lighthouse and museum at Dungeness.
The Borough of Swale lies on the North Kent Coast and consists of wonderful seaside resorts, beautiful beaches, outstanding countryside, fantastic wildlife and busy towns and villages. Swale has excellent connections to London, the rest of Kent, and Europe via the ferry or Channel Tunnel. There are lots of things to see and do, from attractions to the great outdoors, as well as plenty of places offering good food and drink.
The modern market town of Sittingbourne has a rich history in paper-making, brick-making and barge-building. The industrial town is expanding due to a number of large residential developments and has excellent rail links to London that is within 60 minutes.
The town offers fun activities, including swimming at the local leisure centre, Go Karting at Bayford Meadows or a visit to the Avenue Theatre.
Thanet is the furthest south-east you can go in Britain and comprises of the popular seaside towns, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
The traditional holiday town, Margate, is in the midst of a cultural renaissance with its revival of the UK's original Pleasure Park, Dreamland. Take time to also visit the popular Turner Contemporary Gallery, a dynamic visual arts organisation which is situated on Margate's seafront.
Broadstairs is brimming with nostalgic, seaside charms with its wonderful seven sandy beaches where you can learn to surf. Stroll amid towering chalk stacks or visit the town's main beach, where you'll discover the harbour and cliff-top promenade. Westwood Cross is an excellent place to shop in Broadstairs with a range of independent stores in an open setting.
Ramsgate is a fast developing town and boasts one of the largest marinas on the south coast.
With Thanet's rich history, glorious beaches, beautiful countryside, and wealth of tempting places to eat, it is certainly a popular place to visit.
The Tonbridge and Malling Borough is mainly agricultural - orchards, and livestock in the main - although the proximity of the railways and the motorway means that commuting is easy from the surrounding villages.
Lying in the heart of Kent, the area has beautiful countryside and a rich cultural heritage with market towns, historical architecture, vineyards and pretty gardens. The market towns of Tonbridge and West Malling have unique village shops, tea-rooms and charming pubs with historical sites to explore nearby. London is about 30 miles away with direct trains from certain towns within the borough.
For more information have a look at the Visit Kent website for Tonbridge and Malling.
Tonbridge http://www.visitkent.co.uk/destinations/tonbridge/6327
Malling http://www.visitkent.co.uk/destinations/malling/9187
The Borough of Tunbridge Wells lies in west Kent and is about 40 miles south-east of central London. The area has some of the best scenery in the country and the great network of footpaths is the best way to discover the spectacular natural beauty of the High Weald which surrounds the main town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The charming historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is only 30 minutes by train to London. You can enjoy the unique shops and cafes along the The Pantilles walkway, which was once the playground of the gentry and royalty.
For more information on the area take a look at the Visit Tunbridge Wells website.
High Weald http://www.highweald.org/
Tunbridge Wells http://www.visittunbridgewells.com/
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