Widely known as the Garden of England, the fertile soil in Kent provides just the right conditions for plants and fruit to flourish, hence the county's fame for orchards, hops and vineyards. Some of its Oast Houses have been converted to provide distinctive Kent cottages for rental to holidaymakers; with their conical roofs and angled cowls they were originally built to dry hops for brewing beer. You can take a tour of the brewery of Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame in Faversham. Kent is leading the way in the renaissance of English wines with tours and tastings at Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden, and Lamberhurst Vineyard, near Tunbridge Wells. You can also see how apples are turned into Kentish cider, as well as apple juice at Biddenden Vineyards and Cider Works, also near Tenterden.
Kent is home to a major centre of Christianity in Canterbury Cathedral, now a World Heritage Site. A great place of pilgrimage, most famously recounted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tale, the cathedral is a magnificent medieval structure with some of the finest stained-glass windows in the country.
With the sea on three sides, Kent has strong maritime links. To the north lies the traditional seaside resort of Margate, the more sedate Herne Bay and Whitstable famous for its oysters. Further west are the Medway towns steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage. To the east of Canterbury is Dover, known throughout the world for its White Cliffs. Dover's proximity to mainland Europe and large natural harbour has meant the town has always played an important role in the nation's defence with Dover Castle atop the cliffs. The significance of Kent to the defence of the country is clear from the Confederation of the Cinque Ports (from the French meaning 'Five Ports') formed around 1050. By this arrangement five coastal towns (four of which are in Kent) - Sandwich, Dover, Hythe and New Romney (the other being Hastings) - agreed to provide the king with men and ships in return for special privileges. From your cottage Kent, the Cinque Ports and vestiges of their defences make an ideal themed day out.
To the south of Canterbury is the haunting Romney Marsh, a low-lying area, once under the sea and now grazed by sheep to produce sought after salt marsh lamb. This is an extraordinary part of England with a rich history. The area has always had to defend itself against the elements, as well as against foreign invaders. With its proximity to London, from the Middle Ages onwards many courtiers and merchants built their county residences in west Kent and have left a great heritage including Doddington Place, Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Leeds Castle
Kent is home to a major centre of Christianity in Canterbury Cathedral, now a World Heritage Site. A great place of pilgrimage, most famously recounted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tale, the cathedral is a magnificent medieval structure with some of the finest stained-glass windows in the country.
With the sea on three sides, Kent has strong maritime links. To the north lies the traditional seaside resort of Margate, the more sedate Herne Bay and Whitstable famous for its oysters. Further west are the Medway towns steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage. To the east of Canterbury is Dover, known throughout the world for its White Cliffs. Dover's proximity to mainland Europe and large natural harbour has meant the town has always played an important role in the nation's defence with Dover Castle atop the cliffs. The significance of Kent to the defence of the country is clear from the Confederation of the Cinque Ports (from the French meaning 'Five Ports') formed around 1050. By this arrangement five coastal towns (four of which are in Kent) - Sandwich, Dover, Hythe and New Romney (the other being Hastings) - agreed to provide the king with men and ships in return for special privileges. From your cottage Kent, the Cinque Ports and vestiges of their defences make an ideal themed day out.
To the south of Canterbury is the haunting Romney Marsh, a low-lying area, once under the sea and now grazed by sheep to produce sought after salt marsh lamb. This is an extraordinary part of England with a rich history. The area has always had to defend itself against the elements, as well as against foreign invaders. With its proximity to London, from the Middle Ages onwards many courtiers and merchants built their county residences in west Kent and have left a great heritage including Doddington Place, Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Leeds Castle