Phoebe Shipton
Kent is a captivating corner of the UK in any season. Streaked with vineyards, dotted with forests and home to around 350 miles of coastline, it’s a glorious choice for a getaway throughout the entire year. During autumn, though, when scarlet-red sunrises can be enjoyed at a more sociable hour and the trees transform into a kaleidoscope of colour, Kent comes into its own.
There are a wealth of reasons to visit Kent during autumn, but here are our top five…
1. Kent is the oldest county in England
Not only is Kent the oldest county in England, but it also has more castles and historic buildings than any other county. Now mostly looked after by English Heritage and other trusts, the doors remain open throughout the year for enchantment, inspiration and even seasonal entertainment.
Highlights include Leeds Castle, a magnificent building, rising from a lake set in 500 acres of parkland, and once home to 6 medieval queens.
Alternatively, you might fancy heading to the home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle, with its double moat and incredible history, dating back to the 13th century.
And of course, there are historic locations such as Chaucer’s Canterbury, with its splendid cathedral and various walking tours – a must for a crisp autumnal day.
2. Kent has miles of beautiful coastline
Facing out to the English Channel, with impressive chalk cliffs (including the iconic White Cliffs of Dover) and miles of golden sands, it is not hard to see why so many visitors flock to Kent’s coastline each year.
If you prefer your beaches to be peaceful and secluded, then you’re in luck, as there are numerous quiet locations to explore, both with shingle terrain (great for treasure hunting!) or soft sands.
Or if you fancy the buzz of the more traditional seaside resort, then head to places like Margate, home of Dreamland, Kent’s retro theme park and the Turner Contemporary, an internationally-renowned gallery showing contemporary and historical art.
3. Kent is one of the warmest parts of Britain
The average daily mean temperatures in Kent are a balmy 15 °C during September and 11 °C in October! The average high temperatures are 19 °C in September and 15 °C in October – positively balmy! Kent is also one of the driest parts of the UK, and so could be a perfect destination for those seeking to dodge the downpours.
4. Kent is easily accessible from London
Many of the key areas of Kent can reach the centre of London (and vice versa) by train in less than one hour – the county town of Maidstone is just 37 miles from London. You can go from your desk in the heart of the city centre to beachfront bliss in just over an hour thanks to the speedy HS1 service.
And the motorway network is also designed to make this journey fast and painless, thanks to the likes of the M2 and the M20.
5. There is SO MUCH to see and do
Sample oysters and champagne beside the sparkling sea, get your arts and culture fix at the Turner Contemporary, enjoy a cobweb-clearing walk in the hills or venture into the inspiration behind the 100-Acre Wood! Kent is teeming with wonderful things to do during autumn. If you’re planning a trip with your four-legged friend, make sure to check out our favourite autumnal walks.
How to book the best autumn break in Kent
Have we managed to convince you that Kent is the dream destination for an autumn escape? We’d love to host you during your stay – take a look at our most characterful cottages perfect for cosy season, or take a look at the entire collection here.
As locals with a genuine love for all areas of Kent, we like to think of ourselves as the experts when it comes to finding the best Kent coast getaway. The entire team lives locally, meaning we can advise you on anything from the best dog-friendly pubs in Deal to our top restaurants in Ramsgate for a special occasion. We also know exactly where you can find the very best fish & chips. If you ask nicely, we may just tell you…
