The Garden of England

Kent has a very rich history and heritage, known throughout the world as the Garden of England with its beautiful landscape of orchards full of fruit and blossom, hop gardens and quintessential English villages.

Discover the captivating essence of the Garden of England with it’s wending lanes past lavender fields, orchards, vineyards and oast houses. Be enriched by England’s oldest county, alive with its historic past: visit stunning Canterbury with Chaucer’s pilgrims and Rochester, home of Charles Dickens, following the maritime adventures that have shaped the Garden of England from Roman invasion to World War II.

It is quintessential England with up to date with leading-edge galleries and theatres, Michelin-starred dining and entertaining nightlife giving you so many things to do

Kent’s extensive coastline boasts an enviable array of award-winning beaches and encompasses some of England’s most stunning landscapes from the White Cliffs of Dover, stretches of pebble beaches and beautiful sandy bays to the mysterious and haunting landscapes of Dungeness and the sheep dotted Romney Marshes.

It was King Henry VIII that gave Kent the moniker ‘The Garden of England’ and a visit here will show you why. The Garden of England is home to some of the countries most beautiful gardens, Sissinghurst Castle Garden and the romantic gardens at Scotney Castle are just a few that no serious gardener would want to miss. The Garden of England is famed for its hop gardens and dotted around its landscape you will find Oast houses with their conical shaped roofs which were designed to dry hops.

Kent is a county of culture and heritage too. Stand where English history began at Pegwell Bay where 40,000 Roman centurions invaded and where Christianity entered the country and made its base in Canterbury, see where Roman rule ended at Richborough Fort. Go underground at Dover Castle and find out how it has defended the Realm over the centuries and helped evacuate British soldiers from Dunkirk. Trace the history of England’s royalty and aristocracy through the historic castles and houses that are spread across Kent, such as the beautiful moated Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and Walmer Castle. Visit Margate this year, and see the stunning new Turner Contemporary gallery on the seafront, and go to Folkestone for the return of the acclaimed Triennial.

And since it is the Garden of England, visit and taste the fine produce that comes from this fertile land. From Romney Marsh lamb to Dover Sole and Whitstable oysters, from the juicy fruits of Kent’s orchards and vegetables from local farms to fine award-winning English wine and delicious ale made from Kentish hops – your taste buds will be delighted.

So step out into the Garden of England.