River Stour in Canterbury

Top 10 outdoor walks and activities in Kent

One of the perks of living and working in Kent is access to lots of outdoor space. From beaches to scenic parks and historic buildings, this county has it all!

Make the most of the sizzling summer sunshine and enjoy our Top 10 outdoors activities on offer across the county.

Canterbury

  1. Cathedral to Coast Cycle Ride – Canterbury to Dover

Chart your own Pilgrim’s Progress on this 50-mile circular ride linking Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone. The route passes along leafy lanes and bridleways amid rolling hills, wide skies, woodland, country villages and hamlets.

  1. Marlowe’s Canterbury Walk

This walk encourages you to explore the life of English poet and playwright, Christopher Marlowe. The route takes you on a journey around the heart of Canterbury, visiting places he would have known and offering an insight into his short life.

  1. Kent Food Trails

Kent Food Trails are designed to encourage visitors and locals alike to discover new places and taste new dishes. You will meet fantastic food and drinks producers and farmers from all over Kent.

  1. Via Francigena

If you fancy a real adventure then consider walking at least a segment of the Via Francigena. This ancient route starts at Canterbury Cathedral before passing through France, Switzerland, across the Alps and into Italy before finishing in Rome.

Medway

  1. Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a free-to-visit historical site with 20 acres of green space all linked to the Great Lines Heritage Park. You will be able to explore tunnels, nature trails, ditches, ammunition magazines, cannons, soldiers’ quarters and fortifications.

  1. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Return to the ‘Age of Sail’ with a visit to Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, which built mighty ships that once mastered the world’s oceans. More recently, this lovely location has been a setting for popular TV shows, including The Crown and Call the Midwife.

  1. Riverside Country Park

Covering 100 hectares alongside the Medway Estuary, Riverside is one of Medway’s beautiful country parks. Holder of a Green Flag Award, this haven for wildlife is the perfect spot for walking, running or cycling.

Whitstable

  1. Crab & Winkle Way

This path takes its name from the railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable from the 19th century. On the way to Whitstable, you’ll pass through the Blean, with its 13th century Church of St Cosmus and St Damian, and Blean Woods, a delightful RSPB nature reserve. The journey also takes you through Clowes Wood – one of the best places to hear the song of the Nightjar bird.

  1. Spy Mission Trail

This self-guided family trail perfectly combines two things a day out with the kids should include – exploration and imagination! See the sights of Whitstable as you pretend to be spies and crack codes along this two-mile trail.

Dover to Deal

  1. 3 Castles Walk

Starting at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre in Dover, amble along this beautiful coastline taking in three magnificent castles and a lighthouse as you head towards to Deal, enjoying its heritage and natural beauty along the way.

Picture from Canterbury City Council

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