Located in the South East of England, Kent, often referred to as the "Garden of England", is renowned for its lush, rural beauty and the iconic white cliffs of Dover. Blending history, nature, and modernisation, Kent offers a balanced and charming way of life.

In this guide, we will navigate through the rich tapestry of Kent, exploring its idyllic landscapes, historic towns such as Canterbury and coastal gems like Margate. We will provide practical information about living in Kent which includes education, transportation, property, and lifestyle.

History of Kent

Home to some of England's oldest inhabited areas, Kent exemplifies the essence of British history. Canterbury – best known for its cathedral since the 6th century with connections to Thomas Becket - has Roman roots, while Rochester's Norman-era castle and cathedral offer a commanding presence. Kent's coastal towns like Margate and Folkestone, once prominent seaside resorts, have been redefined as modern cultural hubs without losing their historic essence. The rich heritage of Kent flows into its property architecture, with quaint country cottages and medieval Georgian homes sitting alongside contemporary dwellings.

Landmarks

Kent is beaming with iconic landmarks that illustrate its rich heritage. The stunning Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian structures in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts beautiful architecture. The famed White Cliffs of Dover, a symbol of national pride, offer captivating views across the English Channel. Lastly, the romantic Leeds Castle with its serene gardens, demonstrates the splendour of medieval architecture.

Landmarks we love

• Hever Castle, Edenbridge: Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is a magnificent structure offering mazes, beautiful gardens, and a stunning lake.
• Chatham Dockyard, Chatham: This historic maritime landmark now serves as an engaging museum telling tales of maritime history and craftsmanship.
• The Historic Dockyard of Chatham: With its iconic Georgian and Victorian architecture, this historic naval dockyard is a glimpse into the area's rich seafaring history.
• Turner Contemporary, Margate: Opened in honour of J.M.W Turner, this modern art gallery showcases exciting contemporary exhibits in a seaside setting.
• The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells: This charming Georgian colonnade is famed for its unique shops, vibrant cafes, and traditional farmers' markets.

Top 10 things to do in Kent

• Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury: Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this World Heritage Site.
• Leeds Castle, Maidstone: Uncover history and enjoy family activities in this 'loveliest of Castles'.
• Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: Retail therapy at one of Europe's largest shopping centres.
• The Historic Dockyard, Chatham: Step back in time and explore the world through the navy’s point of view.
• Dover Castle, Dover: Admire captivating views and exciting history at 'the key to England'.
• Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury: Encounter exotic animals and contribute towards their preservation through Howletts' conservation efforts.
• Chapel Down Vineyard, Tenterden: Enjoy a glass of English wine and stunning scenery.
• Dreamland, Margate: For traditional family fun and vintage rides, Dreamland is perfect.
• Folkestone Artworks, Folkestone: Discover unique art installations dotted across the town.
• Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Tunbridge Wells: Dive into the cultural tapestry of Tunbridge wells.

Our recommended areas to live in Kent

• Canterbury: A mixture of history with contemporary leisure facilities, Canterbury is a vibrant and diverse city with access to excellent schools and a thriving job market.
• Tunbridge Wells: Renowned for its historic charm, excellent schools, unique shopping experiences, Tunbridge Wells offers a high quality of life and elaborate Georgian homes.
• Ashford: Ripe with investment, Ashford offers an array of modern homes and excellent transport links to London and mainland Europe.
• Maidstone: As Kent’s county town, Maidstone provides a mix of urban and rural living, with excellent leisure facilities and a bustling job market.
• Sevenoaks: It's affluent, known for its outstanding schools, high quality of life, with the beautiful Knole Park adding to its appeal.

Best schools in Kent

Education in Kent is of a high standard. It boasts of exceptional schools such as Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School and King's School Canterbury that offer excellent educational opportunities. State schools such as Dartford Grammar School and Rochester Grammar School consistently attain high academic results. Kent also offers the unique opportunity of the Kent Test, which allows students to apply to grammar schools. Additionally, there are numerous outstanding primary and secondary schools throughout the county that maintain a high standard of education, making it an excellent choice for families looking to provide their children with solid educational foundations.

Transport links in Kent

Kent's central location provides easy access to London and mainland Europe. High-speed rail services, such as South Eastern High speed and Eurostar, link Kent directly to London and Paris within an hour and two hours respectively. Kent also homes the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, providing quick access to mainland Europe. For road, commuters, the M20 and M2 motorways offer straightforward routes into London. Regional airports such as Gatwick and Heathrow are within convenient reach for international travel. The county also boasts a comprehensive local transport system with regular buses and trains.

In conclusion, Kent offers a charming blend of rural and city lifestyles. With its rich heritage, wide range of landmarks, excellent education, and unrivalled connectivity, Kent is a great place to live. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history lover or a city person, you will find Kent a welcoming and delightful place to call home.