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About Kent

Kent, the Garden of England, is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From its rolling countryside and dramatic coastal cliffs to enchanting woodlands and historic towns, Kent offers an abundance of outdoor activities and unforgettable experiences for visitors to enjoy.

For nature lovers, the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a true highlight. Its chalk ridges, lush valleys, and ancient woodlands create a perfect setting for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Highlights include the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, offering breathtaking views across the English Channel, and the historic Pilgrims’ Way, where scenic trails lead through idyllic villages such as Chilham and Wye. Kent Downs’ tranquil orchards and vineyards provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the county’s rural charm.

Kent’s coastline adds another sublime adventure playground. The beaches of Broadstairs, Margate, and Ramsgate are beloved for their golden sands and vibrant seaside atmosphere, while Whitstable offers a quieter charm, famous for its oysters and water sports opportunities like paddleboarding and kayaking. For a wilder coastal experience, the Dungeness National Nature Reserve is unparalleled, with its stark, otherworldly landscape perfect for birdwatching and photography.

The county’s rivers and canals provide even more ways to connect with nature. Paddle along the River Medway, meandering through towns like Maidstone, or explore the serene waters of the Royal Military Canal, winding through picturesque countryside near Hythe. These waterways offer peaceful retreats and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Kent’s history is also an attraction to visitors with the majesty of Canterbury, where the iconic cathedral stands amidst charming medieval streets, or the grandeur of Leeds Castle, set against a backdrop of stunning gardens and woodlands. Smaller gems, such as Sandwich and Faversham, offer a taste of Kent’s heritage and tranquil charm.

Kent also has a number of islands

Overall, Kent is a county of contrasts and abundant natural treasures. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of the Downs, enjoying its vibrant beaches, or uncovering hidden gems in its historic towns, Kent promises outdoor adventures and wild places in equal measure.

Paddleboarding in Kent

Explore the joys of paddle boarding in Kent, in a huge variety of waters, with its stunning white chalk cliffs, vibrant beaches, military canal, historic ports, and mighty rivers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Kent’s diverse waters offers something for everyone.

There are coastal paddle boarding adventures all beneath the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover from St Margaret’s Bay, the place that inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond plots. Other top coastal paddles include Margate’s stunning sunsets and historic tidal pool, and the coastline known as the jewel in Tanet’s crown between Broadstairs and Foreland Point. There are trips through nature reserves teeming with wildlife, from Pegwell Bay to Oare Marshes and the River Stour. Watersports lovers will enjoy Mote Park Lake and Chatham Docks, whilst island explorers can venture from Sheppey to Deadman’s island or from Gillingham to the two fortified islands of the Medway.

The Kent paddleboarding routes also take in beautiful towns and villages like Chichester, Folkestone, Tonbridge and many more – all sheer joy when seen from the water.

Here are some of our favourite paddles in Kent:

Royal Military Canal

River Rother Bodiam Castle to Newenden Bridge

Folkestone Harbour Explorer

St Margaret’s Bay and the White Cliffs

River Stour and Pegwell Bay to Sandwich

North Foreland Explorer Broadstairs, Kingsgate, and Botany Bay

Margate Walpole Tidal Pool

Minnis Bay to Margate

River Stour Chartham to Canterbury

River Stour Fordwich to Grove Ferry

Oare to Faversham

St Andrews Lakes

Leybourne Lakes

River Medway Trail Tonbridge to Yalding

River Medway Trail Yalding to Maidstone

Mote Park Lake

Sheppey Island Queenborough to Deadman’s Island

Sheppey Island Barton’s Point Coastal Park Lake

Chatham Docks

Gillingham and Medway Islands

Islands in Kent

The two vast river estuaries of the Swale and Medway form a remarkable wilderness haven amidst Kent’s urban landscape and modern industry. Scattered within these waters are a number of low-lying islands, most of which remain uninhabited, with the notable exception of the Isle of Sheppey. This island is a treasure trove of historic and natural wonders, offering scenic walks, good cycleways, and a rich cultural heritage. The surrounding salt marshes and mudflats host a thriving ecosystem, providing vital habitats for thousands of protected bird species and the intriguingly named tentacled lagoon-worm.

Historically, these estuaries were vital trading routes, and their islands played a strategic role in Kent’s defense. Notably, island fortifications like Hoo Fort and Darnet Fort were constructed to safeguard the Chatham Naval Dockyard. During World War II, the islands’ strategic positions were crucial in repelling Luftwaffe attacks. Some islands also harbour darker, more macabre tales, further enhancing their enigmatic allure.

Isle of Sheppey