Kent on the go: Exploring the county with RV Hire
Dubbed the ‘Garden of England’, Kent isn't just about manicured lawns and flowerbeds - although those are lovely too! It's a tapestry of rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and ancient history just begging to be explored. And what better way to do it than in the cosy freedom of a motor home?
From picturesque villages to stunning beaches, Kent has it all
As a company based in Kent, just outside Canterbury, we obviously love the county and if you’re to RV hire, exploring on our doorstep can be the perfect first step – or drive. With that in mind, here are a few of our favourite places to travel to in your motorhome in Kent.
Wine, wildlife, history and hidden gems
No trip to Kent is complete without delving into its rich history. Canterbury, with its magnificent cathedral and bustling streets, is a feast for the senses. Wander through the mediaeval city walls, enjoy scones at the 16th Century Moat House Tea Room (compete with secret garden) or pay a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, which dates back to 597AD,
Also, don’t forget to take to the river for a spot of punting. There’s nothing quite like taking in the historical buildings from the River Stour, plus the tour guides are a wealth of knowledge and stories you won’t find anywhere else.
“Canterbury is a great City to explore by bike. It’s compact and has good cycle paths keeping you clear of the main roads. Both our motorhomes have large garages so cycles (bikes and trikes) are safely locked within the RV when not in use” explains Vicky, Co-Founder of Skylark & Co.
A trip down the River Stour will show you Canterbury from a different viewpoint
Just a 15-minute drive away lies Howletts Wild Animal Park, a haven for endangered species and the largest elephant herd in the UK. From playful gorillas to majestic leopards, encounter over 390 fascinating creatures and support conservation efforts with your visit.
“While Howletts and the gorillas are just amazing, my favourite place for an animal encounter is their sister park, Port Lympne Reserve. Here you can go on an actual safari and if you want a change from your RV, you can also stay in the park, next to the actual wild animals. It really is a hidden gem.”
Once you’ve enjoyed your wildlife encounter, it’s time to do something a little bit more grown up and visit the world-famous vineyard, Chapel Down. Located in the beautiful Kent countryside, close to the market town of Tenterden, Chapel Down has been producing wine since 1992, hitting headlines in 2011 when it was chosen as a wine by Prince William and Kate on their big day. Their guided tours are fabulous – as is the onsite restaurant, The Swan.
If you’ve not hit the bottle, it’s then time to get back on board and drive to the coast. Around 40 minutes away, you’ll find the seaside town of Dymchurch. It’s a proper old-fashioned seaside town with buckets, spades and fish and chips galore. The beach is sandy and goes on for miles.
The Old Lighthouse at Dungeness has 169 steps to climb up - and down!
It’s also home to the small, but perfectly formed, steam train. Board the one-third full sized steam train from Dymchurch and wind along the track towards wide skies and the other worldly beauty of Britain’s only desert Dungeness.
There you can stop off and visit the The Old Lighthouse. Beware, it does have 169 steps but it’s a great way to work off that wine and fish and chips! This historic Grade 11 building, which is 120 years old, offers amazing views over the English Channel and the surrounding countryside.
WHERE TO STAY
The Spinney is a great location to stay, set in a totally scenic position with uninterrupted views of the Kent countryside. It’s set near to the Royal Military Canal, where you can enjoy fishing, a walk along one of the many footpaths, or boating and kayaking. There are also cycle paths that take you right down to Romney Marsh and the coast.
As part of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite+ scheme, when you rent your RV with us, it will give you free temporary membership of the club for the duration of your stay in one of our vehicles.
Coast to Castles
A great place to explore, especially if you want some traditional seaside fun with a side helping of cool, is Margate. A vibrant seaside town, it manages to blend retro charm with a cool art scene, from the Turner Contemporary gallery to Dreamland's vintage rides.
Vicky and Alistair (Founders of Skylark & Co) find it impossible to visit Margate without stopping at GB Pizza for fresh pizza and a glass of local beer or wine. “If you time your visit right, you catch the sun setting over the harbour while you eat the freshest pizza around. It’s hard to beat!” Vicky, Co-Founder, Skylark & Co.
The iconic white cliffs of Dover are a must-see
For a coastline with more than a touch of history, hop in the RV and travel just 35 minutes or so down the road on the A256 to visit Dover. Its dramatic coastline and rich history make it a must-see. Take in the amazing white cliffs of Dover, which rise up to 350 feet above the English Channel. Walk along the cliff top path to get a glimpse of France or take a boat trip to see them from a different perspective.
If you decide to talk the cliff trail, your walk will end at another Dover must-see - the Fan Bay Deep Shelter. A fascinating piece of World War II history, this shelter was built in just one hundred days during the Second World War to protect the crews of the nearby coastal defence guns.
But Kent isn't just about the coast. Venture inland and about 40 minutes away on the M20 you’ll find Leeds Castle, a fairy-tale fortress surrounded by lush gardens. Yes, it’s not in Leeds, West Yorkshire, but is instead near a Kent village with the same name.
As well as the beautiful 500 acres of parkland, gardens, and lakes to explore, the castle itself is worth a visit – see it as it was in its 1930s heyday, when it was owned by the very glamorous Lady Baillie.
Leeds Castle is an excellent place for all the family to visit
“Leeds Castle is great for history lovers. I adore the castle with all its little touches from the 1930s. It’s also been part of modern history – Leeds Castle was the location for some of those all-important Northern Ireland peace process talks in 2004. There’s lots to do if history isn’t your thing either – the maze is super challenging and ends with a visit to an eccentric grotto, something you’d only find at an English castle!”
If you haven’t had enough castles, hit the road once more and head up to Eynsford to check out Lullingstone Castle. While it’s more of a manor house than a traditional castle, the garden is so worth a visit. Nestled on the London-Kent border, The World Garden is a testament to human resilience.
In 2005, Tom Hart Dyke, heir to Lullingstone Castle, risked everything to chase his passion for rare plants across the treacherous jungles between Panama and Colombia. Kidnapped and held captive for nine months, his spirit refused to wilt. Today, The World Garden is a haven for exotic botanical treasures from every corner of the globe.
WHERE TO STAY
Park your van up at Bearsted Club campsite, which is only five mins down the road from Leeds castle and also a great location to explore the North Kent coast, such as Whitstable and Margate.
