If you’re looking for unforgettable days out in Kent, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. From colourful coastal towns and historic harbours to rolling countryside and cultural gems, Kent is a county where every corner offers something different. Whether you’re drawn to the sea breeze, the buzz of a historic city, or the quiet charm of a village lane, Kent makes it easy to fill a day with memorable experiences.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the very best days out across Kent’s coast, countryside and city, with highlights from much-loved places including Whitstable, Dungeness, Margate, Canterbury and more.
Days Out on the Kent Coast
Kent’s coastline is one of the most diverse in the UK, ranging from sandy beaches to dramatic shingle landscapes. Whether you’re craving sea views, independent shops, or bracing walks, here are some of the top seaside destinations in the county – and how to best enjoy them for a day out (or two!).
Whitstable
Famous for its oysters, Whitstable is the perfect blend of tradition and modern seaside style. A morning here might begin with a stroll through the harbour, where fishing boats still bring in the daily catch. Satisfy your elevenses cravings at the Harbour Market, which has a huge range of stalls and kiosks, before wandering to Harbour Street for an idle browse of independent shops and galleries.
For lunch, we recommend The Lobster Shack and Wheelers Oyster Bar – both favourites among locals and visitors – followed by an afternoon stroll along Tankerton Slopes, a grassy promenade with wide-open views across the sea and Whitstable’s famous beach huts. Round off your day with a drink at the Old Neptune, a seaside pub that has the best views of Whitstable’s stunning sunsets.
Margate
A classic seaside resort with a creative edge, Margate is ideal for those seeking culture by the coast. Start your morning at the Turner Contemporary, one of the UK’s leading modern art galleries, where world-class exhibitions set the tone for the day. Margate’s Old Town is a great place to stop for brunch or coffee, before browsing its mix of vintage outlets, record shops and galleries that line the narrow streets.
The afternoon can be spent on Margate Main Sands if the weather is kind, or with a ride at Dreamland, the retro theme park with roller discos and live music. Before leaving, a golden-hour walk along the Harbour Arm — perhaps with fish and chips in hand — is the perfect way to round off one of the liveliest days out in Kent.
Broadstairs
Broadstairs is often described as Kent’s prettiest seaside town; with its sandy Viking Bay framed by colourful beach huts, it’s easy to see why. Begin the day with a paddle or beach walk, before enjoying a traditional ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato, a 1950s-style parlour that has become a local institution. After lunch in one of the town’s many cafés, take the coastal path towards Ramsgate, where dramatic cliff-top views and sea breezes make the journey a highlight in itself. Back in Broadstairs, finish the afternoon with a visit to Dickens House Museum for a touch of literary history, or simply relax by the bay as the sun sets.
Folkestone
In recent years, Folkestone has reinvented itself as a vibrant coastal hub, with cultural festivals and a bustling creative scene that’s attracted a host of artists and creators. The best example of this is in the Creative Quarter, a cobbled area of studios, galleries, and shops, where local makers showcase their work. There’s also the art trail – a free, sprawling outdoor exhibition of works by the likes of Banksy, Tracey Emin and more.
From here, you can stroll down to the Harbour Arm for lunch — expect street food, pop-up bars, and a lively atmosphere with sea views. The nearby Lower Leas Coastal Park is the perfect place to spend an hour or so with the family, with its adventure playground and landscaped gardens. Alternatively, Folkestone’s promenade stretches all the way through Sandgate to Hythe, offering a beautiful walk or easy bike ride.
Deal & Walmer
Deal is a gem of a town, with a laid-back seafront lined by pastel townhouses and a sweeping pebble beach. Spend the morning exploring Deal Castle, a Tudor artillery fortress built by Henry VIII, then wander into town for lunch at one of its award-winning delis or pubs. The afternoon might take you along the coastal path to neighbouring Walmer Castle and Gardens, where beautifully tended grounds and woodland walks make for a serene contrast to Deal’s lively centre. When visited together, these castles create one of the most history-rich days out in Kent.
Dungeness
For something completely different, Dungeness offers a wild, otherworldly landscape of endless shingle and stark beauty. A day here is best spent exploring the unique landscape: visit Prospect Cottage, once home to artist Derek Jarman, climb the Old Lighthouse for panoramic views, or hop aboard the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway for a nostalgic ride along the coast. Unconvenional, dramatic, and unforgettable, Dungeness is an unforgettable place for photographers, walkers and those who love the unconventional – proving that seaside days out in Kent aren’t just about sandy beaches.
Hythe, Sandgate & Dymchurch
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach day out in Kent, Hythe, Sandgate and Dymchurch tick all the boxes – and are close enough to link in one easy trip. Hythe has a shingle beach and wide promenade that’s perfect for a bike ride, while Dymchurch offers sandy stretches ideal for buckets and spades. Tucked between Hythe and Folkestone, Sandgate, meanwhile, has a quieter, more traditional charm with local pubs and seafront walks. Alternatively, this part of the county is serviced by the Rother, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, where visitors can enjoy a steam-powered journey aboard a quaint miniature train along the coast to Romney Marsh, or even Dungeness.
Days Out in the City
Canterbury
At the heart of Kent lies Canterbury, a historic city that blends medieval heritage with modern charm. A day here can be as packed or as leisurely as you like, making it one of the most versatile of the possible days out in Kent.
Canterbury Cathedral
No visit is complete without stepping inside Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious buildings in the world. The soaring architecture, stained-glass windows and tranquil cloisters make for an educational experience for the little ones, and an awe-inspiring one for grown-ups.
Museums & Culture
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge combines an art gallery, library and museum in one, while the Canterbury Roman Museum reveals the city’s ancient past. For theatre lovers, there’s also the Marlowe Theatre – a fantastic cultural venue hosting everything from West End tours, acclaimed comedians and world-class musicians, to local productions. With so many museums and venues, Canterbury makes for one of the most culturally rich days out in Kent.
Shopping, Gardens & More
Beyond the cathedral, Canterbury’s cobbled streets are lined with independent shops, cafés and historic pubs. Don’t miss the view of the Westgate Towers, the city’s medieval gateway, or a stroll or boat ride along the River Stour, where punting tours offer a different perspective of the city.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Though not strictly a city, Royal Tunbridge Wells has been a fashionable retreat since Georgian times and possesses many of the features that visitors look for when seeking an urban day out. Spend your morning in The Pantiles, an elegant colonnade filled with boutique shops, cafés, and galleries. After lunch, take further opportunities for shopping by venturing out across the town, or you could take a short walk or drive to Dunorlan Park, where landscaped gardens and a boating lake provide a peaceful afternoon escape. Those with more energy to spend can explore the nearby countryside on foot, with gentle walks leading into the High Weald. As evening falls, enjoy dinner in one of the town’s acclaimed restaurants — a refined close to a day out in Kent.
Days Out in the Kent Countryside
Away from the sea and city, Kent’s countryside is dotted with castles, vineyards, gardens and historic towns. Here are some of the best options for rural days out in Kent.
Leeds Castle (near Maidstone)
Often called ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is one of Kent’s most famous landmarks. Set on an island surrounded by a lake formed by the River Len, this Grade I listed estate is an excellent example of beauty meets history, with the site harking back more than 1,100 years. There’s more than enough to do to fill a full day here: spend the morning exploring its historic rooms, enjoy lunch in the castle’s grounds, get lost in the yew maze, watch a falconry display or take a lakeside walk. With gardens, playgrounds, and history rolled into one, Leeds Castle makes for a complete countryside day out.
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks offers a day steeped in history and open green space. Begin your morning at Knole Park, a deer-filled estate with a magnificent Tudor house at its heart. After exploring its galleries and medieval halls, pause for lunch in the town centre. In the afternoon, head to Ightham Mote, a moated manor house surrounded by tranquil gardens, or take a short drive to Emmetts Garden for sweeping views over the Weald. Combining history, architecture, and landscape, Sevenoaks is one of the most rewarding countryside days out in Kent.
Tenterden & Vineyards
A quintessential market town nestled in the Kentish countryside, Tenterden is home to independent shops and a traditional high street, as well as miles of the great outdoors. It also happens to be the gateway to some of Kent’s most celebrated vineyards – Chapel Down and Gusbourne, among others, are both nearby, offering tours and tastings for a sample of English sparkling wine. For something a little different, visitors can take a ride on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, a heritage steam line that starts in Tenterden and runs through rolling countryside to Bodiam Castle in East Sussex.
Planning the Perfect Day Out in Kent
From sandy beaches and dramatic headlands to ancient cathedrals and rolling vineyards, Kent has something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the creative energy of Margate, the quiet strangeness of Dungeness, or the timeless charm of Canterbury, you can find a wealth of options for memorable days out in Kent.
And if one day doesn’t feel enough? Many visitors choose to extend their adventures, staying in a local holiday home to make the most of Kent’s coast, city, and countryside at their own pace. Browse our full collection of holiday homes in Kent, handpicked for their ability to bring that little something special to any overnight stay.
Looking for some more inspiration for days out in Kent – or where to really make a weekend of it? Check out our other blogs, ‘Why Visit Kent? Our Guide to Holiday Destinations in the Garden of England‘ and ‘UK Staycation Ideas‘.
