Holiday rentals and lettings in Kent

• A holiday let for everyone: From cosy countryside cottages to seaside homes with sea views, Kent offers self-catering stays for couples, families and dog owners alike.
• Where to base yourself: Coastal Margate and Whitstable suit beach lovers, whilst Canterbury and the Kent Downs reward those after history and quiet countryside.
• Easy to reach: High-speed trains link Kent to London in under an hour, and the Eurostar from Ashford reaches Paris in around two hours.
• When to visit: Summer is best for the beaches, whilst spring and autumn bring vineyard tours and quieter lanes.
• Plenty to do: Walk the White Cliffs of Dover, tour award-winning vineyards and explore castles such as Leeds and Dover.

Kent's holiday lettings run from rural retreats to breezy coastal boltholes. You'll find charming holiday cottages tucked into the countryside, characterful log cabins for a back-to-nature escape, smart apartments near the seaside towns and open-air glamping stays for the warmer months. Whichever base you choose, the most popular amenities make a real difference:

• Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens
• Hot tubs
• Pet-friendly homes
• Stunning sea views

For spontaneous trips, keep an eye on last-minute deals, or pitch up at one of Kent's campsites.

What are the best areas to stay in Kent?

The best area depends on your plans: for the coast, base yourself around Margate or Whitstable; for history and countryside, choose Canterbury or the Kent Downs. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise Kent for its variety. Reviewers highlight the warm welcomes from local hosts, the ease of exploring both coast and countryside from a single base, and how well the county suits families and dog owners. Here are some of our top-rated Kent holiday homes over the last year:

1. Cottage 'Havre de Calme' with pool and garden - 10: Guests rave about this four-person property's private swimming pool, making it ideal for a family holiday.
2. Cottage 'Divers' with terrace - 9.7: This pet-friendly cottage in Herne Bay sleeps four, and has a delightful nautical theme throughout for a holiday full of character.
3. Cottage 'Headland' with garden and parking - 9.4: This traditional cottage sleeps four. Set in calm green surroundings, it's a short walk from the beach in St Margaret's Bay.

Kent sits in the far southeast of England, bordering Greater London to the northwest and facing France across the English Channel. It is fondly known as the 'Garden of England' for its orchards, vineyards and rolling countryside.

✈️What is the best way to get to Kent?

Getting to Kent is straightforward, with fast rail links, motorways and Channel ports all serving the county. Here are the most common ways to get to the county:

• Train: High-speed Southeastern services run from London St Pancras to Ashford, Canterbury and the coast in under an hour, whilst the Eurostar from Ashford International reaches Paris and Brussels in around two hours. Regular trains also connect Kent's towns like Canterbury, Margate and Whitstable.
• Car: By road, the M20 and M2 motorways lead directly from London and the M25 into the heart of Kent, with the A2 and A28 linking the coastal towns.
• Ferry: From the Port of Dover, regular ferries cross to Calais and Dunkirk in around 90 minutes, handy if you are continuing your travels on to France or simply fancy a day trip across the Channel.

🥗Where to eat in Kent?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Sportsman in Seasalter is the best-rated restaurant in Kent. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend Morelli's in Broadstairs: this classic 1930s ice-cream parlour is a seaside institution, perfect for a sweet treat after a stroll along the promenade.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Kent is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warmest and the coast comes alive. June to September is ideal for the beaches, whilst May and September bring quieter lanes, vineyard tours and pleasant walking weather across the Kent Downs.

Spring

• Best for: Vineyard tours, blossom and quiet countryside walks
• Weather: Mild days with the odd shower, ideal for exploring
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded, with gardens bursting into colour

Summer

• Best for: Beach days, seaside towns and outdoor festivals
• Weather: Warm and sunny, the county's brightest season
• Atmosphere: Lively promenades, buzzing beaches and long light evenings

Autumn

• Best for: Harvest time, wine tasting and coastal walks
• Weather: Crisp and often clear, with far fewer crowds
• Atmosphere: Golden countryside and a relaxed, local feel

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Kent hosts love steering guests towards the White Cliffs of Dover and the clifftop trails above St Margaret's Bay for spectacular sea views. Many also suggest a morning at Chapel Down, followed by a leisurely lunch in one of the county's pretty market towns.

1. Walk the White Cliffs of Dover
2. Tour an award-winning Kent vineyard
3. Explore Leeds and Dover Castles
4. Ride the vintage rides at Dreamland
5. Sample fresh oysters in Whitstable

1. Walk the White Cliffs of Dover

   One of Britain's most iconic sights, the White Cliffs of Dover rise dramatically above the English Channel. Follow the National Trust clifftop path for sweeping views — on a clear day you can see all the way to France. The route passes the South Foreland Lighthouse and plenty of spots for a picnic, making it a memorable half-day out for walkers and families alike.

2. Tour an award-winning Kent vineyard

   Kent isn't called the Garden of England for nothing: the county is home to more than 50 award-winning vineyards. Chapel Down, one of the UK's leading producers, offers guided tours through its vines followed by tastings of its celebrated sparkling wine. Many estates pair their tours with long lunches and shops stocked with local produce, so it's easy to make a full day of it.

3. Explore Leeds and Dover Castles

   History lovers are spoilt for choice. Leeds Castle, set on two islands in a lake, has over 900 years of royal history, whilst Dover Castle — the largest in England — guards the coast with its Great Tower and secret wartime tunnels. Nearby Scotney Castle and Chartwell, once home to Sir Winston Churchill, round off a county packed with grand houses and gardens to explore.

4. Ride the vintage rides at Dreamland

   For a dose of seaside nostalgia, head to Dreamland in Margate, one of the oldest surviving amusement parks in Britain. Vintage rides dating back to the 1920s sit alongside a retro roller disco, live concerts and family events throughout the year. It's a short stroll from the Turner Contemporary gallery and the sandy sweep of the beach.

5. Sample fresh oysters in Whitstable

   No trip to Kent is complete without tasting the famous Whitstable oysters, harvested here for more than 2,000 years. The pretty harbour town is dotted with seafood shacks and weatherboard cottages, and hosts a lively oyster festival each summer. Pair a dozen native oysters with a glass of local wine for a sophisticated seaside treat.