Folkestone, Canterbury & Coastal Kent

A favourite destination of author Charles Dickens, Rochester is home to one of the best-preserved Norman castles in England and the commanding Rochester Cathedral, the country’s second-oldest cathedral. With scores of preserved houses and museums dedicated to Rochester’s storied past, it feels like there’s a piece of history around every corner. There are also plenty of modern cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy as well as a wide range of shopping locations.

We spend time in beautiful Canterbury, with its quaint cobbled lanes, timber-framed buildings and medieval city walls. Relaxed and inviting, the city feels more like a town and is also the home to the oldest cathedral in England, dating back to Norman times.

We travel to the charming towns of Margate and Sandwich. Margate is home to unspoilt sandy bays, retro shops and a thriving arts community whilst Sandwich is dotted with cute cottages, historic pubs and Roman ruins amongst beautiful wildlife.

We head to the coastal town of Hastings. Boasting the remains of the first castle in England built by William the Conqueror, this is a lovely preserved Old Town with half-timbered houses, narrow streets and a three-mile seafront.