Kent for the weekend: the perfect road trip of asphalt-trail enthusiasts
April 11, 2025
Kent, known as the 'Garden of England,' is a true paradise for road trip lovers and asphalt-trail enthusiasts. This charming region in the southeast of England offers countless opportunities for those who wish to explore its beauty from behind the wheel. Picturesque roads winding through green hills, historic towns and breathtaking scenery make Kent the perfect place for a weekend escapade by car. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the region's most interesting routes and attractions that will make your weekend in Kent an unforgettable experience. Get ready for a fascinating adventure full of history, nature and English charm!
Ad
Picturesque routes through the heart of Kent
Start our journey with the North Downs Way National Trail, which offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Kent. Stretching through scenic hills and valleys, this trail is ideal for those who want to combine driving with short stops for hiking. The route runs from Farnham in Surrey all the way to the Kent coast, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside along the way. It's well worth a stop at Tolsford Hill, which offers far-reaching panoramas. Remember that there are numerous parking lots along the trail, so you can freely explore the area.
As we continue our journey, we can't miss the Kent Downs National Landscape. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty that delights at any time of the year. The scenic roads through the Kent Downs are a real feast for the eyes and a great opportunity to take unforgettable photos. We especially recommend the route through East Brabourne, where you can enjoy the typical Kent scenery with green hills and charming woods. Remember to stop at one of the viewpoints - the views from there are truly remarkable, especially when the mists drift across the valleys.
Comparing the two routes, it's worth noting that the North Downs Way National Trail offers more varied scenery and the possibility of longer stops for hiking, while the Kent Downs National Landscape is ideal for those who prefer driving with short stops to enjoy the views. Both trails are free of charge, which is an added benefit for those traveling with families. The North Downs Way has a higher rating (4.7) compared to the Kent Downs (4.5), which may suggest that it is slightly more popular with visitors. Regardless of the route chosen, both places guarantee an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to commune with Kent's natural beauty.
Natural gems on the road
Continuing our Kent road trip, we can't leave out one of the region's greatest natural attractions - Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. This place is a true paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. Bedgebury is famous for the world's largest collection of conifers, which makes it a unique place not only in the UK, but also in the whole world. During your visit to Bedgebury, you can admire the extraordinary specimens of trees, walk along the scenic paths or enjoy the bike trails. It's the perfect place to take a break and relax in nature.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers many activities for the whole family. You'll find well-maintained hiking and biking trails, children's playgrounds and even horseback riding trails. It's worth noting that Bedgebury has a high rating of 4.7, indicating visitor satisfaction. Remember, however, that you have to pay for parking (about £4 per hour, as of 2023), but considering the quality and variety of attractions, it's a reasonable price.
Our next destination is the National Trust - Ightham Mote, a medieval estate surrounded by a moat that will take you back in time. This place is a true architectural gem, offering a fascinating journey through centuries of English history. Walking through the chambers and gardens of Ightham Mote, you will feel the spirit of old times. This is the perfect place for history and architecture lovers.
Ightham Mote, with a rating of 4.7, matches the popularity of Bedgebury. However, it is worth remembering that unlike the forest, there is an admission fee to the estate (prices vary depending on the season and type of ticket). National Trust members have free admission. Ightham Mote also offers beautiful gardens and walking areas, although on a smaller scale than Bedgebury.
Comparing the two attractions, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is ideal for those seeking outdoor activities and contact with nature. This place is great for an extended stopover and picnic. Ightham Mote, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for history and architecture lovers, offering a more educational experience. Both places have great ratings, but Bedgebury may be a better choice for families with children due to its larger space and variety of activities.
Exploring Kent with the pros
For those who would like to discover Kent in a truly unique way, we recommend using Scenic Car Tours. This company specializes in organizing unforgettable car tours through the most beautiful corners of not only Kent, but also all of Europe. Using their services, you can be sure that you will see the most interesting places in the region, while avoiding the stress of planning your route and booking accommodation.
Scenic Car Tours offers a variety of packages to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose a short weekend tour of Kent or opt for a longer trip combining different regions of the UK. The company enjoys an excellent reputation among customers, as evidenced by a high rating of 4.6. Tour participants praise the professional organization, interesting itineraries and high quality of services offered.
One of the biggest advantages of using Scenic Car Tours is the opportunity to meet other car travel enthusiasts. Many people emphasize that evening meetings with other tour participants are a great opportunity to exchange experiences and make new friends. This is an added advantage, especially for those who like to travel in company.
It is also worth mentioning that Scenic Car Tours takes care of every detail of the trip. From hotel reservations to route planning to arranging tickets to attractions, everything is taken care of to the last button. This is a huge convenience for those who value comfort and hassle-free travel.
To sum up our weekend in Kent, it is worth noting that the region offers countless opportunities for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you choose to explore the scenic North Downs Way and Kent Downs on your own, visit the natural wonders of Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, immerse yourself in history at Ightham Mote, or take advantage of the professionally guided Scenic Car Tours, Kent is sure to delight you.
Remember that each of these options has its advantages. Independent travel gives you the most freedom and the ability to adjust the pace to your own preferences. Organized tours, on the other hand, provide comfort and the opportunity to discover places you might not have found on your own. Whichever option you choose, Kent, with its picturesque landscapes, rich history and charming towns, is the perfect place for a weekend road trip. Get your cameras ready, plan your route and hit the road - adventure awaits!
Similar articles
Ad