This is a collaborative post: Kent is famous for its stunning English landscapes, dramatic white cliffs, historic castles, and bustling seaside resorts. Dubbed “The Garden of England”, this English county is a haven for nature lovers. Its lush green countryside is home to glorious gardens and scenic vineyards that produce the most delectable English wines.
If you’re someone who loves exploring the great outdoors, Kent should be on your bucket list. And given its wealth of fantastic camping sites, the best way to spend your holiday in Kent is to sleep in a tent.
Below, check out the best camping destinations in Kent.
(If you’re not a fan of camping, you can still enjoy Kent; Rye is a lovely place to visit for a weekend).
Canterbury
The historic city of Canterbury is the best place to begin your holiday in Kent, where you can explore ancient sites like the Canterbury Cathedral, which was established in 597 AD. Discover the beautiful Westgate Gardens, one of England’s oldest parks, and a great spot for a picnic and enjoying the great outdoors.
After a day of exploring, make your way to one of the campsites in Canterbury, such as the Bright Sky Glamping. Set in a four-acre land in a quiet countryside, the Bright Sky glamping site is perfectly suited for those who love to go on hikes in the ancient woodlands and relax on pebbled beaches, which are a few minutes’ drive away. When staying at this glamping site, you will have access to facilities like a fire pit, gas stove, and other cooking amenities, allowing you to cook your meals. The campsite is family-friendly and suitable for kids of all ages.
At the site’s doorstep, you will find Victory Wood, a 350-acre park with a good network of walking paths and overlooking the views of the Isle of Sheppey and the Thames Estuary. As you explore Victory Wood, you’ll find interesting structures themed around the Battle of Trafalgar
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks is a beautiful town in Kent, only 25 minutes away from London by train. Surrounded by gorgeous countryside and several historic stately homes, Sevenoaks is a joy to explore. It has charming cobbled streets, lively weekend markets, a nature reserve, scenic vineyards and lavender fields, elegant manor houses, and medieval castles.
After a day of exploring the town, what better way to relax than to sleep on a treehouse along the banks of the River Bourne? The Nut Plat Retreat is a beautiful glamping site in Sevenoaks featuring high-tech treehouses and other unique accommodations. Located on the northwest edge of Kent Downs, this charming 18th-century farmhouse is one of the coolest glamping sites in Kent. But what makes this place truly special is its glorious riverside setting.
Staying at the Nut Plat Retreat will give you access to several fun outdoor activities. Walking and cycling routes nearby are plentiful, with some routes taking you to interesting sites, such as the Ightham Mote, which is only a 40-min walk away across the fields.
Maidstone
Maidstone is the heart of Kent, famous for hosting fun events at its many venues, including the theatre, museum, and Leeds Castle. Just 39 miles from Central London, Maidstone is an ideal base for exploring Kent. The river Medway that runs through the heart of the own offers a great place for hiking, cycling, and relaxing at one of the cosy cafes with riverside views.
If you’re after campsites near Maidstone, head to Welsummer, a beautiful camping site tucked amongst the trees in the heart of Kent. You can choose to stay at their Wooden Cabins or Canvas Bell Tents. Feel free to bring your own tent if you want and camp under the shade of a tree or in the sunny meadows. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed to have a great time at this beautiful camping site.
The Welsummer is a family-friendly camping site ideal for your little campers. And with many fun activities to try, from climbing trees to building dens and collecting eggs, you and your little ones are guaranteed to have a great time.
Tunbridge Wells
The Royal Tunbridge Wells is famous for its historic sites and beautiful parks, an ideal getaway for families with kids. Most local parks have playgrounds and other child-friendly facilities to entertain the kids. Outdoor enthusiasts will surely have a blast enjoying the town with its beautiful lakes, stunning gardens, marshlands, and forests home to various wildlife.
If you want to fully enjoy the great outdoors, consider staying in one of the excellent campsites in Kent with electric hook up available at Tunbridge Wells sites. One of these is the “Stay at Forest Edge”, a friendly little campsite featuring bell tents and campfires located at the edge of Bedgebury Forest. The site is part of a farm complete with horses and ducks. From here, the Bedgebury Forest is only a short stroll away, where fun adventures await.
The Stay at Forest Edge also accepts motorhomes, caravans, and campervans. Since it’s located close to the Bedgebury Forest, you will have easy access to excellent hiking and cycling routes. You can explore Bewl Water, the largest body of water in Southeast England and only 20 minutes away from the site.
Ashford
Located in the heart of Kent and surrounded by quaint villages and lush countryside, Ashford is a wonderful town worth checking out. It’s only a 40-minute train ride away from London and has been a significant market town since the 13th century. The town is tiny, making it possible to explore everything on foot. As you stroll through the town, you’ll come across magnificent structures, such as the St Mary the Virgin Church. And if you prefer to camp by the woods, you’ll find plenty of excellent camping sites where you can spend a night or two.
The Sunnyfield is a great camping site set in a 15-acre of grassy land across two hilltop meadows. It comes complete with all the basic amenities and camping facilities for a comfortable and fun stay. Nestled in Kent Downs and surrounded by ancient trees, the site boasts a hilltop position blessed with sunshine all day long.
The Sunnyfield has bell tents equipped with bunk beds and a double mattress complete with bedding, assorted furniture, books, and board games. There’s a swing at the oak tree where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful ambience.