Phoebe Shipton
One of the reasons Keepers Cottages was founded back in 2013 was to celebrate the beauty of East Kent and give people from all over the world accress to unbeatable accommodation in the very best areas. As with any beautiful place, we think Kent is best explored on foot, which is why we’ve compiled a guide to some of our favourite walks in the county, including the lesser-known, local spots. Most of these routes are personal favourites of founder Camilla Shipton, and have been vetted and approved by her loyal canine companion, Molly (pictured doing what she does best above!)
Home to over 4200 miles of countryside and coastal paths, East Kent offers a diverse and captivating landscape that includes creamy cliffs, rolling downland and mind-expanding marshes. Between sweeping beaches with infinite sea views and sleepy villages of age-old stone, it’s the perfect destination for both avid walkers and those who enjoy a casual stroll. Read on to discover our top five walks close to our lovely cottages in Kent.
The White Cliffs Walk
Best for: Incredible views of the UK’s iconic white cliffs
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles – allow 2 hours for a comfortable pace.
Where can I park? The National Trust Visitor Centre Carpark (CT16 1HJ.) Parking is £6 for cars and free for National Trust members. It can be accessed on foot from our cottages in St Margarets Bay.
The White Cliffs of Dover look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path from the White Cliffs Visitor Centre towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. This Victorian landmark is now owned by the National Trust and you can borrow a kite from them or play one of their games on the lawn. You can also step back in time at Mrs Knott’s Tea-rooms, in the former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. They do the best cakes and enormous portions!
The cliffs also have a special place in our national history and they were used for defence in both World Wars. You will see reminders of this past all along the cliffs from the slit trenches dug by soldiers to the concrete remains of the range finding stations.
The walk is approximately 3.5 miles along the coastal path, so expect some steep and rocky sections. You should allow around 2 hours for the walk and can follow the official National Trust Route Guide here. There are some really dangerous sections of cliff edge, so be sure to keep any four-legged friends on a short lead or under very close control.
If you’ve worked up an appetite during the walk, follow the steep winding hill from the village of St Margaret’s Bay to the beach and you can buy the best fish and chips at The Coastguard – the closest pub to France from Britain.
Kingsdown Wood Walks
Best for: Beauitful bluebells in spring & a stunning pub on the beach
Distance: However long you want! The woods are several miles long so you’re free to wander as you wish.
Where can I park? The woods form part of the wider White Cliffs of Dover conservation area operated by the National Trust. There is no official car park for the woods, but they are easily accessible on foot from most of our properties in Kingsdown.
With its pretty fishing cottages located on the beach and charming pub with sea views, Kingsdown is a stunning holiday destination – we can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend than holed up in one of the charming cottages like Seafarer or Lilac Cottage. It happens to be one of founder Camilla’s most favourite places for a walk – she describes it in her own words below.
You can walk from the village to Kingsdown Woods, this will take you about 10 minutes. The woods are fantastic at any time of year, but my children call them Bluebell woods as it is like a carpet of bluebells in the Spring. The woods are owned by The National Trust and they are about 5 miles long. You can then walk back down into the village and enjoy a pub lunch by the big open fire at The Zetland Arms, a pretty pub on the beach with great food. On a sunny day you can sit outside on the beach which is wonderful. Dogs are very welcome too.
A Self-Guided Walk Around Sandwich
Best for: Quaint chocolate-box settings and fascinating history.
Distance: Around 2 miles along town-centre streets.
Where can I park? There is limited paid parking available around the town at The Quay (CT13 9EN,) Gazen Salts (CT13 9HN) and the Cattle Market/Guildhall (CT13 9AP.) For full details of parking, take a look at the guide from Dover District Council here.
Sandwich in Kent is a really picturesque town, with narrow winding streets lined with colourful timber-framed buildings. One of the original Cinque Ports, it is home to a whole host of listed buildings and predates the edible kind of sandwich by quite a few centuries! It’s a must for experiencing quintessential old-English charm and a welcome spot of window shopping. This self-guided tour starts at the Town Bridge on Ramsgate Road, following The Quay for stunning views of the River Stour before bordering The Salutation and weaving between the town-centre streets, before finishing neatly back on the Town Bridge.
There are plenty of enjoyable eateries and pubs in the area, our favourites include The Old Pharmacy, The George & Dragon and Time & Tide Taphouse.
Aside from the town centre, both Sandwich Beach and out towards St Georges Golf Club you past the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust Field Centre are both lovely walks. Want to stay nearby? We’ve got a range of beautiful holiday cottages in Sandwich.
Faversham to Whitstable Walk Along the Saxon Shore Way
Best for: A big, blustery coastal path walk.
Distance: 9.8 miles – but don’t be put off by the distance, it’s flat and easy with trains connecting the two towns. Allow half a day if you plan to walk it one-way, or a full day walking out and back.
Where can I park? There is parking available throughout both Faversham and Whitstable, but we suggest parking at either Faversham Train Station (ME13 8LJ) or Whitstable Train Station (CT5 1RB) – both of these carparks are payable and its recommended to book ahead via APCOA.
The Saxon Shore way is a historical stretch of 160 miles along the coastline, which is largely as it was in Roman times. This walk is a shorter section of that entire route, with peaceful vistas as you pass Castle Coote Bird Sanctuary and Faversham Creek. It is easy to navigate (use this AllTrails guide for assistance) and you can choose to start/finish in either Faversham, or Whitstable thanks to the regular train connections between the two. We’d personally finish the walk in Whitstable and reward ourselves with a glass of something refreshing at the beachfront pub, The Old Neptune. Even better, book a stay at one of our Whistable properties or Faversham cottages to be conveniently close by.
Blean Woods Near Canterbury
Best for: Beauitful bluebells in spring & a stunning pub on the beach
Distance: There are five different signposted trails varying in length, or you can wander freely as you wish.
Where can I park? There is a carpark known as ‘RSPB Blean Woods’ (CT2 9DD) accessed from Rough Common and open 8 to 8 daily.
Described by born-and-bred local Camilla as “possibly my favourite walk ever,” Blean Woods National Nature Reserve boasts incredible views at any time of the year. A rather magical ancient woodland, the reserve stretches eleven miles with a choice of trails and a series of benches and picnic tables adjacent to the carpark. The woodland is also rich in diverse wildlife, making it a true walkers haven. If you are feeling energetic you can walk to Whitstable (about 10 miles away).
The woods are situated to the northwest of Canterbury, where we have a choice of comfortable places to stay.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Kent with Wonderful Walks Nearby
Walking with the dog is one of life’s great pleasures. If you’re planning a pet friendly trip to one of our cottages, it can be good to have a directory of good walks with pooch-approved pub pit stops. Molly has enjoyed spending time in these pubs all close to fantastic walking routes:
- The Duck, Petham, Canterbury
- The Duke William, Ickam
- The Red Lion, Stodmarsh
- The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown
- The Royal Hotel, Deal
- The Black Douglas, Deal
