Campsites in Kent

Camping and Glamping in Kent

The rolling North Downs, shingle beaches and extensive farmland characterise the landscapes of Kent. Known as the Garden of England, it’s a largely rural county, where maize, wheat and rapeseed is grown, cows and sheep graze the pastures, and brambles are loaded with blackberries in late summer. Head to the coast and you’ll find some charming resorts including Whitstable – which holds an excellent oyster festival each July – and Broadstairs, a favourite with the Victorians.

The famous White Cliffs are not to be missed. A ramble from Dover to St Margaret’s Bay introduces them in all their glory, rewarding you with spectacular views of their chalky faces and over towards France. Go camping at the Kent coast and you’ll be able to explore all its delights at your leisure.

Of course, Kent has its fair share of towns and cities too. Rochester and Canterbury stand out as prime historic spots, with the latter’s cathedral drawing thousands of visitors each year, just as it has for centuries. Rochester, meanwhile was the home of Charles Dickens and proudly celebrates the connection annually, with festivals in the summer and at Christmas.

Reasons to visit Kent

With its rural charm, historic sites, shingle beaches and rich farmland, Kent has all the ingredients for a traditional English summer holiday. 

History

History is apparent all over Kent, from the Roman ruins at Lullingstone and Reculver to coastal fortresses and inland country houses. Dover Castle is particularly interesting, with its array of exhibitions that cover centuries of history. You can explore the Great Tower, Henry II’s medieval palace, the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country and the secret wartime tunnels, where Operation Dynamo was conceived. With interactive exhibits, games and costumed characters to bring its history to life, the castle is great fun for the whole family.

If you’re interested in history, your stay on a Kent campsite wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Canterbury. Famous for its cathedral, which has drawn pilgrims since Chaucer’s day, its beautiful cobbled streets are dotted with half-timbered buildings, museums and welcoming cafés. A river tour is a great place to start – hop on a row boat and learn about the city’s history as you pass some of its highlights, including the cathedral, Marlowe Theatre and the Greyfriars.

A visit to Canterbury Cathedral is a must; it’s stood watch over the city since the 11th century and mixes Normal, Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside it’s truly breath-taking with its vaulted ceiling, exquisite stained glass windows and comparatively understated shrine to Thomas Becket.

Walking

You won’t be short of places to ramble when you visit one of our campsites in Kent. If you like a bit of a challenge, the North Downs Way, which runs through the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will reward your efforts with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Much of the trail follows the ancient Pilgrim’s Way and leads over chalk grasslands and through rich woodland, passing stately homes and even prehistoric sites along the way.

If it’s a coastal walk you’re after, pick up the Saxon Shore Way, which runs from the port of Gravesend where Pocahontas was famously buried, to the seaside town of Hastings. Choose the southern stretch to ramble over the White Cliffs and through seaside towns like Folkstone, or the northern section to explore the charming resorts of Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Fruit and vines

Kent earned its title, ‘the Garden of England’, from its farming heritage and success in crop production. From apple and plum orchards to hop farms and vineyards, the region’s estates have been supplying the UK with food and drink for centuries. So what better way to celebrate the county than by enjoying this produce?

If you’re camping in Kent during the summer months, don’t miss the chance to visit some of the pick-your-own fruit farms. From mid-June, strawberries, raspberries and cherries are available to pick, while late-summer and early-autumn visitors can pick plums, apples and pears. This is a great way to keep active kids occupied for an hour or two – simply hand them a punnet and let them scamper about the fields picking the tastiest looking fruit. Locations such as Stonepitts Farm also put on live music so you can make the most of your visit.

Kent is rapidly becoming a rival to France when it comes to wine production. With its chalky soils and temperate climate, it’s a perfect place to grow grapes. Vineyards such as Chapel Down and Biddenden Vineyards are enjoying great success and a tour and tasting is the ideal way to see why. You can simply drop in for a wander round or book a guided tour followed by a tasting, where you’ll learn all about the growing and production processes, the grape varieties and the wines themselves. Cheers!

Why choose Experience Freedom?

Our Experience Freedom programme offers some of the best campsites in Kent for discovering the history, scenery and cuisine of this beautiful county. You’ll be in a friendly, peaceful environment and within easy reach of beaches, ports and attractions. Select a campsite to discover more or to book a stay.