Beyond the coastal chalk-stacked cliffs and vibrant city centres, Kent’s natural landscape is at the heart of its unrivalled charm. With two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a vast coverage of woodland, the landscape is steeped in tradition dating back to Saxon times, when even then the county was awash with productive farms, orchards and a rich variety of wildlife.

The traditions of fruit and hop farming remain a central part of Kent’s landscape, leaning into the old ways that have preserved the ancient landscape. The county has long been a source of inspiration, shifting perspectives to invite a slower pace of life and embrace natural living where nature comes first.

From wildflower meadows bursting with biodiversity to the inflow of rolling vineyards, the summer months complement Kent’s fascinating natural terroir, making visiting these locations even more special for a nature-first staycation to remember.

Summer on the Farm

Green Farm

Stepping out into Kent’s historic landscape, you will discover that the county is embedded with a rich farming background, an ode to its rich agricultural heritage. Fruit and hop farms remain a fundamental part of Kent’s landscape, providing stable livelihoods and unique places to stay.

Nestled in the rural countryside in Shadoxhurst near Ashford, Green Farm is Kent’s leading countryside farm, housing luxury accommodation on their family-run farm estate. Set in ancient woodland and surrounded by meadow pastures, The Barn has the benefit of self-catered facilities with the added charm of Green Farm’s hospitality, boutique spa and wellness retreats. Ideal for families, the 19th-century listed barn can house up to 14 guests, with a spacious living area and easy access to explore the nearby countryside of the Kent Downs’ southern edge.

While staying at The Barn, you can explore the local Ham Street Wood, a portion of the larger Orlestone Forest and a remnant of a prehistoric oak forest that once covered the entirety of the Weald after the Ice Age. There are three marked trails through the reserve for you to explore the rich history that runs through this woodland and a number of rare birds and moths including the nightingale and silky wave moths. 

Farm stays across Kent each offer an authentic experience; exploring West Kent can invite you to stay at Three Chimneys Farm. Set in the heart of the Weald, you will follow a one-mile farm track where you’ll find the farm with one self-catering cottage and two B&B double rooms available. You will only be a few steps away from Bedgebury Forest; with mountain biking trails and ancient woodland to explore, the forest is home to a variety of diverse bird species from the European green woodpecker to the elusive nightjar.

A short distance away is the award-winning Bedgebury Pinetum, ideal for families to spend the day exploring with an established café and nature trails where you can discover the world-leading collection of conifers containing over 12,000 unique specimens. In the evening, make your way to Birchwood Restaurant, which is located on Taywell Farm in the nearby village of Goudhurst. The restaurant is set amongst orchards and rolling fields – with regular steak and burger nights and a farm-to-table ethos, local Kentish producers are at the heart of every dish.

Sleep under the Stars

Nature-led staycations can be truly magical; when staying in a bespoke shepherd’s hut with rustic charm and surrounding  natural habitat, there is not much that can beat a rural escape where you’re connected to nature without sacrificing comfort.

Heading south through the Kent Downs can lead you to Shepherd’s Watch, a 120-year-old grand wagon from the age of steam. Spanning an incredible history since the 1890s, it is now a bespoke accommodation with Greenhill Glamping, a family-run farm near Dover. The wagon is fully equipped with a king-size bed and coffee machine, and insulated walls made using sheep’s wool for a comfortable sleep on cool summer nights.

Set in its own private grass meadow, experience spectacular views across the farm, waking up to uninterrupted birdsong followed by sounds of nearby farm animals from sheep to horses. The rural retreat offers a chance to feel connected to Kent’s natural landscape and wildlife, spending the evening by the firepit, toasting warm marshmallows as the stars begin to appear above you.

A hidden gem to discover in Kent’s more rural regions is The Saltbox Shepherd Hut at Elmley Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey. The shepherd hut is equipped with two beds and one bathroom, suitable for families and couples to unwind while taking in the stretching views of the nature reserve. A kitchenette, dining area and outside shower and bath provide all the comforts of a luxury stay, while being immersed in a nature-first location unlike any other.

The Isle of Sheppey hosts a biodiverse habitat, nationally recognised as one of the richest areas of wildlife in South East England. Depending on the season, you are likely to see a variety of raptors and small mammals from your doorstep. A sighting of a lone barn owl or a peregrine falcon is not uncommon, or perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a brown hare bounding through the brush for a truly memorable experience.

Vineyard Views

While fruit farming has been central to Kent’s livelihood and dates back to the Saxon times, the county’s mineral-rich soil and sheltered microclimate have seen a surge in vineyards over the last few decades, which has led to Kent becoming an award-winning producer of sparkling and still wines, attracting a wealth of tourists wanting to stay amongst the flourishing vines.

Across the county, vineyard stays create an experience that blends luxury with an immersive nature-led experience; one in particular is The Grape Escape at Biddenden Vineyard, a romantic couples’ getaway overlooking the luscious vines. The cottage comes with a compact self-catering kitchen and cosy lounge area, with the mezzanine bedroom accessed via a ladder and a king-size bed for a restful night’s sleep.

Having the Kentish countryside only a few steps away, take in the rolling views while relaxing in a private wood-fired hot tub. The Grape Escape is a perfect base to discover a number of Kentish vineyards including the award-winning Chapel Down Winery and Balfour Winery, where you can embark on tasting tours and winemaker experiences, bringing you closer to the process from vine to glass.

Making your way across the countryside, you’ll find the rural retreat of Fig Cottage, part of the Brabourne Vineyard estate, near Ashford. This luxury holiday cottage has far-reaching views across the vineyard, all soaking up the summer sun with ripened grapes and luscious rows of vines to explore. Ideal for small families or couples, the cottage has a private entrance and two spacious bedrooms accompanied by a beautiful garden with outdoor seating and native wildflowers growing across the lawn. 

You will find direct access to explore the estate, where you can follow the trails that guide you past the vine rows and discover where the estate’s premium English sparkling and still wines are created from scratch. Spend the evening at The Five Bells Inn, an award-winning 16th-century pub with Wednesday steak nights and a menu that brings together the best of local Kentish produce.

Nature on your Doorstep

The Snuggery

Travelling south of London to escape bustling city life will lead you straight into Kent’s rural landscape. Offering a rapid antidote to the capital’s fast pace, the county’s nature-led staycations are only an hour away from manic city life, providing an unplug button if only for a few days.

Heading out from the city, you can find The Snuggery nestled in Upper Bush, near Rochester. The perfect bolthole, discover a well-curated interior with an open-plan layout and vaulted ceilings. Every aspect has been thoughtfully curated, with the outside garden having two raised vegetable and herb beds for seasonal pick-your-own veggies that sit right outside your door; perfect for a homemade evening meal.

For walking enthusiasts, from The Snuggery, you can walk straight into the surrounding woodland with a number of walking trails across the North Downs Way offering views across the rolling hillsides and coastal shoreline. Alternatively, spend a day trip in the historic town of Rochester and its cobblestone streets, with the Medway estuary offering the chance to see a number of wading birds and wildfowl foraging during low tide.

Another bolthole to discover only an hour’s drive from central London in the quaint village of Shoreham, near Sevenoaks is White Hill Lodge. A lovingly restored log cabin, ideal for families or two couples looking for a weekend adventure in the Darenth Valley, the lodge is fully fitted with a self-catering kitchen and two bedrooms. On arrival, enjoy Castle Farm apple juice, tea, coffee and biscuits, while taking in views of the North Downs. 

Situated within a wild meadow, the lodge has access to a number of local walking and cycling routes, with White Hill Wood only a short distance away. The woodland supports a rich variety of wildlife, with large populations of butterflies and birds – from the famous Chalkhill Blue, a small butterfly with milky blue wings, to the occasional red kite circling high overhead, this is a must-visit location on your nature-led stay.