The sun’s been shining, the skies are blue, and let’s be honest – there’s nowhere you’d rather be than outdoors. So why not make the most of it, with a staycation in the part of the country that regularly enjoys some of the best weather in the UK?
From coast to countryside, Kent and East Sussex are full of incredible places to explore: think salty sea air, rolling hills, vineyard visits, and towns brimming with character. Whether you’re planning a last-minute break or setting your sights on a sunny long weekend, these UK staycation ideas showcase the best of the South East – each with a beautiful Bloom Stays holiday home at its heart.
1. Kent Downs National Landscape
A pause in nature
Stay at: The Hayloft
Stretching from the Surrey border to the White Cliffs of Dover, the Kent Downs National Landscape is a sanctuary of green space, panoramic views, and ancient pathways. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty invites visitors to slow down, whether it’s by walking part of the North Downs Way, picnicking in a hidden valley, or spotting wildlife in one of its many nature reserves. From chalk grasslands to quiet woodlands and characterful villages, it’s the perfect setting for a restorative countryside break.
Tucked within the North Downs (which are accessible directly through the property’s garden gate), The Hayloft is the epitome of tranquility. Newly renovated, the home features cosy Scandinavian-inspired interiors, modern touches, and a bright open-plan layout that benefits from a wraparound terrace, providing a dreamy retreat for up to eight guests. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy the private garden and hot tub after a day of exploring – as it’s ideally located in the centre of the county, the very best attractions of Kent are all just a short drive away.
2. Dungeness
Wild beauty by the sea
Stay at: Sunray
A place like no other, Dungeness is where bleak becomes beautiful, its landscape almost dystopian. With its hauntingly flat horizon, stark beaches, architectural gems, and surprising biodiversity, this seaside resort has long attracted artists, creatives, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude. Visit the lighthouse, explore Derek Jarman’s garden, and walk along the sea wall, all while enjoying the sea breeze in your hair.
Stay at Sunray, and you’ll witness the full, incredible experience of living within Dungeness’ dramatic landscape. This contemporary hideaway is the closest to both the sea and the power station, and benefits from all the sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing the peninsula has to offer. Plump beds promise a great night’s sleep, and there’s lots of space, too – perfect for allowing little ones to play while you relax amid the property’s unique vintage railway-inspired interiors.
3. Whitstable
Coastal cool (and oysters on tap)
Stay at: Oyster Shore
Whitstable has long been a favourite for those in the know. Just 90 minutes from London, it offers a dreamy combination of beachside calm and boutique cool to your UK staycation. We recommend taking some time to slurp oysters by the sea, mooch around its independent shops, or dozily gaze at paddleboarders drifting across the horizon at the beach.
Nestled moments from Whitstable’s bustling high street, Oyster Shore puts you right in the heart of the action, with an abundance of independent eateries and shops within a minute’s walk, while the pretty stretch of pebble beach lies just 5-minutes away. As well as its prime location for wandering to the best fish and chips (and oysters!) in town, this recently-renovated home features bright airy interiors, a games-filled living space, and an open-plan kitchen and dining area, culminating in the perfect base for a laid-back, sun-soaked escape.
4. Folkestone
The South Coast’s creative comeback
Stay at: Hockley House or Channel View
Over the last few years, Folkestone has quietly become one of the South Coast’s most exciting seaside towns. With its Creative Quarter, open-air artworks, pop-up food stalls and the revived Harbour Arm, it’s brimming with energy and originality. Dip in the sea, browse vintage shops, or enjoy a beachside cocktail with live music – there’s more than enough to do here.
Hockley House is an elegant, spacious home just outside Folkestone to the northeast, and is ideal for a group getaway with style and comfort in mind. Encompassing an entire wing of a country manor, the property is beautifully finished with a blend of antique and contemporary furnishings, as well as a glorious hot tub – ideal for soaking up the views of the surrounding countryside. If you’re craving hilltop sea views and romantic vibes, the two-sleeper property Channel View offers remarkable vistas along the Kent coast, complemented by beautiful contemporary interiors and complimentary bubbles – from both the hot tub and the bottle!
5. Sandwich Bay
For a stylish seaside escape
Stay at: Each Manor Farm Oast
This stretch of the Kent coast is quietly exclusive, home to sweeping dunes, golf courses, and a beautifully preserved town centre. Sandwich itself is a delight, with medieval buildings, riverside pubs, and leafy walks in nature reserves all within easy reach. Even better, the beach at Sandwich Bay feels like a private paradise – peaceful, natural, and often empty.
Located slightly inland from the beach and surrounded by rolling fields, Each Manor Farm Oast is a head-turning home full of personality. With its circular oast towers, huge communal spaces, and stylish interiors, it’s made for memorable holidays with friends or extended family (did we mention it sleeps 8?). Finished with a glorious outdoor pool, this is the kind of place you’ll be talking about long after you leave.
6. The High Weald
Unspoilt countryside and cosy pubs
Stay at: Springhill
The High Weald is one of England’s most celebrated landscapes, a patchwork of ancient woodland, rolling farmland, and tucked-away villages. It’s a place for long rambles, pub lunches, and reconnecting with nature, where visitors can wander through gardens and castles, or simply immerse themselves in the joys of nature.
Looking for a UK staycation idea with loads to do? Springhill makes the most of its ample space by filling it with a pool, gym, sauna, games room, wraparound gardens, and breathtaking views – all added to a fun and thoughtful interiors style that’s guaranteed to ‘wow’ its guests. An extended oast house, Springhill site beautifully amid the High Weald National Landscape, with stunning countryside strolls accessible straight from its door.
7. Romney Marsh
Peaceful, pastoral, perfect
Stay at: Craythornes
Wide open skies, grazing sheep, and quiet lanes make Romney Marsh feel a world away from modern life – no wonder it’s one of our most popular UK staycation ideas! This flat, open landscape is rich in wildlife and history – ideal for birdwatching, cycling, and discovering hidden medieval churches along winding country roads.
Craythornes is a proper countryside retreat: cosy, characterful and undoubtedly charming. A glorious Georgian home, this large property sleeps up to 20 guests, providing an ideal place for families, friends and couples to come together for a memorable stay. Relax in the orangery, have a splash in the pool, enjoy a few rounds in the games room, or retreat to the cinema room – here, anything is possible.
8. Rye
Storybook streets and antique treasure hunts
Stay at: The Garden Room
Step back in time with a visit to Rye. Its cobbled streets, centuries-old inns, and antique shops feel like something from a fairytale – but the town also boasts a brilliant food scene and artistic energy. Climb the church tower for panoramic views across the Romney Marsh, or take a short drive to the beach at Camber Sands; anything is possible here.
The Garden Room is a calm, elegant bolthole for two situated just outside Rye. Beautifully styled, it’s ideal for couples or solo travellers who want somewhere peaceful to return to after a day of wandering the town. Formerly a barn to a granary, this boutique studio has been tastefully styled to feature everything you need for a self-catering break, including a private patio terrace. Wake up slowly to a morning coffee overlooking the countryside, and relax in total tranquillity.
9. Faversham
Market town energy, with countryside calm
Stay at: Oast Barn Cottage
Faversham is a bustling market town filled with charm – did you know it has more than 400 listed buildings? Its independent shops, creekside walks and historic pubs make it feel properly lived-in, while the countryside that surrounds it is full of fruit farms, vineyards and open skies. Its location make it an excellent stepping stone for exploring the Oare Marshes Nature Reserve; alternatively, the seaside charm of Whitstable is just a short drive away.
A charming 300-year-old cottage, Oast Barn Cottage has bags of character that couples are bound to fall in love with. Retaining its original features, this cosy one-bedroom cottage is set in a quiet, rural location, but within easy reach of Faversham which is just a 15-minute drive away. Visitors are spoilt for choice for things to do within the surrounding rolling countryside, making this property an exceptional base for walking, cycling, and wine tasting… or doing absolutely nothing.
10. Tunbridge Wells
Georgian grandeur and green spaces
Stay at: Dairy Barn
Tunbridge Wells brings together the best of refined town living and rolling countryside. With its spa heritage, boutique shopping, and the charming Pantiles colonnade, it’s easy to lose a weekend here. National Trust gems like Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst are just a short drive away, too.
An idyllic retreat for a couple or friends seeking a place to fully unwind, Dairy Barn sits within the countryside near Tunbridge Wells, and features uninterrupted views across rolling hills. High, wooden beams accompany an airy, open-plan living area, with a fully equipped kitchen that’s ideal for preparing a gourmet picnic for two (best enjoyed on the terrace or the adjacent meadows). Perfect after a day of wandering the region’s castles or shopping, this luxurious home also benefits from a hot tub, thoughtfully designed to provide a completely unobstructed view of the countryside – the perfect location to relax while any aches and pains simply melt away.
Ready to book your UK staycation?
There’s no need to concern yourself with airport queues to find sunshine, sea air, or simple stillness. Whether you’re looking for a beachy break, a romantic hideaway or a big-group gathering, these UK staycation ideas in Kent and East Sussex offer fine weather and beautiful places to escape from the daily grind.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Browse more handpicked stays at bloomstays.com.
