Kent’s fertile countryside, ancient woodland, and dramatic white cliff coastline earned the county its nickname, “the Garden of England”. Within that garden is Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Kent’s Heritage Coast, a region between Folkestone and Dover.
Recent years have seen economic regeneration for Kent. Moreover, the arrival of high-speed trains has made the county’s distinctive natural landscapes and historic buildings more accessible, allowing visitors from London and beyond to explore this picturesque area. Its wild swimming opportunities, cycle routes, vast nature reserves, and country parks all provide a refreshing escape, while its castles and cathedrals reveal the fascinating history of this beautiful county.
From Folkestone to Dover and beyond, here are some of the best things to do along Kent’s Heritage Coast.
Explore Lower Leas Coastal Park
You can easily spend an entire day at Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park, which boasts a captivating “is-this-really-the-UK?” atmosphere, thanks to its impressive botanical gardens that feature many Mediterranean and exotic plants.
Much of the park offers stunning sea views, while other areas are sheltered from sea winds by lush greenery. The extensive adventure playground—the largest free play area in Southeast England—features wooden pirate ships, sand pits, zip-lines, and tunnel slides to keep younger children entertained. After their fun, you can take them to a nearby café, such as The Lift Cafe, serving delicious sourdough toasties made from local bread.
Follow the Coastal Path’s iconic Zig Zag Path, made from a unique artificial sandstone mix known as Pulhamite. This path descends to the park, offering a scenic route from the Victorian promenade of The Leas, with planters of Mediterranean plants and grottos that seem carved from the natural rock. Near Mermaid Beach, a well-known swimming spot favored by locals year-round, you can also appreciate the picturesque surroundings.
Have a family day out at Dover Castle
A seasonal program of weekend events, including Easter Egg hunts and a Christmas Adventure Quest, bring families back to Dover Castle year after year. The breathtaking views of the Channel from the battlements maintain their awe-inspiring allure.
Equally fascinating is the castle’s storied medieval history, particularly the Great Tower, alongside the Secret Wartime Tunnels. These chalk passageways provide insight into how the castle served as a crucial base during WWI and WWII, including the operation of an underground hospital. However, visitors should be aware that the underground paths can be narrow, dark, and damp, potentially making some uncomfortable.
Experience Folkestone’s site-specific artworks
Encountering contemporary art has gradually become an essential aspect of the Kent coast experience. Since 2008, the Folkestone Triennial has introduced new site-specific artworks from prominent international artists across the seaside town every three years (with the exception of delays due to the pandemic). Each edition leaves behind permanent pieces, culminating in Folkestone hosting the UK’s largest contemporary outdoor art exhibition throughout the year. The best part is that it’s free to visit.
More than 70 permanent Folkestone Artworks can be found, including sculptures and art objects like Antony Gormley figures and Tracey Emin’s bronze-cast Baby Things, along with unique seaside pavilions and graphically adorned beach huts. The installations are widely scattered throughout the town, and it’s unlikely you would be able to see them all in a single visit, so following one of the suggested walking routes from Creative Folkestone can enhance your experience—otherwise, remain observant as you explore.
Walk the White Cliffs to South Foreland Lighthouse
The Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse—the first in the world to utilize electric light and a site for pioneering radio experiments—offers a delightful reward awaiting after a refreshing walk along the White Cliffs of Dover. Mrs. Knotts tearoom embodies everything an authentic English tearoom should be: charming bone china, pots of loose-leaf tea, and generous servings of cake.
Reaching the lighthouse enhances the adventure, whether you embark on a 2-mile (3.2 km) clifftop trail from Dover to earn that well-deserved cup of tea, or choose a shorter walk from St Margaret’s Bay. It’s best to select a calm day to fully appreciate the lighthouse. Conversely, on windier days, the lawns here serve as a popular kite-flying spot. Please note that there is no parking available at the lighthouse itself.
Splash about at Sunny Sands Beach
When it comes to Kent’s sandy beaches, Margate tends to capture the desires of day-trippers. However, the smaller Folkestone beach of Sunny Sands, adjacent to the town’s newly developed harbor area, presents an equally appealing option (and a shorter train journey from London).
This golden shoreline attracts paddling toddlers, sunbathers, and casual swimmers during the summer months, transforming into a serene spot for bundled-up dog-walkers and gazers of the still-glimmering Channel in colder weather. Every December 26, you’ll notice cold water enthusiasts participating in a Boxing Day dip here. A word of caution: the beach disappears entirely at high tide, so checking tide tables before visiting is wise.
There are kiosks available for ice creams and beach toys, and you are within walking distance of the chic dining and cocktail bar of Rocksalt, boasting lovely harbor views.
See biodiversity on reclaimed land at Samphire Hoe
Samphire Hoe is an extraordinary nature reserve created during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. During this process, nearly 5 million cubic meters of spoil were deposited at the base of Shakespeare Cliff, near Dover, reclaiming land from the English Channel.
This area was seeded with wildflowers and opened to the public in 1997. Since then, it has gained remarkable biodiversity credentials. With over 200 plant species and various bird species inhabiting the 30-hectare (74-acre) site, visitors are often struck by a sense of timelessness due to the meditative views of the expansive sea and rugged White Cliffs of Dover.
Complete the Cathedral-to-Coast cycle ride
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Kent’s highlights, consider embarking on a 50-mile (80-km) circular Cathedral-to-Coast cycle ride that connects Canterbury, Dover, and Folkestone.
In Canterbury, you’re likely to be moved by the magnificence of its grand cathedral, whether or not you share the Christian faith. This historical pilgrimage site attracts nearly a million visitors yearly to its stunning stained-glass adorned interior. Following the full cycle route, you will travel along part of the North Downs Way, passing through rolling countryside, charming villages, and nature reserves near Elham. As you approach the Heritage Coast, the magnificent sea views will be your reward.
For a more manageable option, choose to cycle just one segment of the route, such as the 17 miles (27 km) from Canterbury to Folkestone. The area is well-served by train stations, allowing you to easily continue your journey by rail.
Go shopping at Deal’s Saturday market
Planning a visit to the historic Saturday market in Deal provides a perfect direction for a weekend getaway to this coastal gem. Here, the thoughtful renovation of local establishments like the Rose Hotel has caught the attention of magazine editors and city professionals seeking a retreat. Less than a 10-minute walk from the train station, the morning market (open from 8 am or 9 am depending on the season) is just a couple of streets from Deal’s picturesque shingle beach.
This thriving market has been a community staple since the late 1600s. Today, you can find everything from handmade soaps to vintage toys and high-quality foods from Kent’s farmers and producers. Pick up what you need—and perhaps a few extras—before enjoying a leisurely lunch while savoring the refreshing sea air.
Ride the miniature railway from Hythe
Hythe offers a variety of attractions, including charming secondhand shops worthy of exploration and a walkable section of the Royal Military Canal. However, one of the highlights here is the opportunity to board the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. This railway features one-third-size locomotives that transport passengers to the hauntingly beautiful nature reserve of Dungeness (just over an hour each way).
Once you arrive, enjoy the shingle beach and take in the sights of late filmmaker Derek Jarman’s garden before boarding the tiny train back to Hythe, where numerous gastropubs await for dinner.
Wildlife watch at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
The largest of Kent Wildlife Trust’s reserves is Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, providing an immersive experience in nature. This area is rich in biodiversity, featuring various habitats including beaches and salt marshes, as well as a well-maintained Country Park.
You may spot seals here, particularly in winter, while in spring, keep an eye out for rare green hairstreak butterflies. However, this reserve is primarily known as a birdwatching haven, offering opportunities to hear nightingales or see short-eared owls, snipe, kestrels, or terns.
Get close to France at the beautiful St Margaret’s Bay
St Margaret’s Bay, characterized by its charming curve of shingle beach and azure waters, features prominently on several popular walking trails in this area of White Cliffs country.
Its local pub, The Coastguard, proudly claims to be Britain’s closest pub to France. Visitors may even receive a “Welcome to France” message from their phone provider or tune into French radio stations while visiting this coastal haunt. One of the pub’s greatest attractions is its sea-view terrace, where patrons can enjoy a view of the bay while sipping on a cold pint or a warming drink.
Occasionally, there is an informal beach school that welcomes adventurous under-5s and their parents, but in general, you can enjoy this beautiful spot mostly to yourself.
