HelpHound

I have lived in Kent for the past 9 years after holidaying here as a child for 14 years,I think its the best move I made.The pace of life is slower and much more laid back.We have some gorgeous blue flag beaches,Ramsgate has miles of golden sand,rock pools,beach cafes and childrens rides,so great for a beach holiday.There are harbours with lots of places to stay,eat and drink.There are many museums,maritime and local history in most of the towns and Dickens world at Chatham aswell as Chatham Docks.We have lots of green parks and open spaces and picnic areas like the one at Pegwell a conservation area.Kent has castles,Leeds,walmer,dover and deal are a few,there is no end of places and attractions to visit and we have 2 outlet centres,Mcarthur Glen in Ashford and chatham dockside outlet chatham with some great bargains to be had.Due to the amount of water surrounding us there are plenty of water sports and our local towns are full of historic towns and history,you will find something for everyone in kent.

The so called garden of England certainly does not disappoint. Tunbridge Wells is a town that boasts a wonderful history and has a wonderful mix of old versus new with both the Pantiles and tea shops down the bottom compared to the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre further up. Drifting further down the A21 you come across a whole host of little villages. Goudhurst is a lovely village with a variety of different pubs to cater for your every fancy. The old church is the centre-piece of the village as well as the village pond which are nice to walk around and have a look. Cranbrook is the next stop: a small town with the famous Cranbrook School in the heart of it. Until recently a Grammar school, it brings together the community and ensures that locals and those further afield all manage to get a feel for this lovely town. There are restaurants with the renowned Apricius towards the bottom of the high street and some pubs including the George, which always has a throng of people inside and outside. Kent i famous for its pubs and the Three Chimneys is one which embodies Kent life and culture. The inside is very much the same as it has been since the 1500''s. Low, wooden ceilings and alcoves in which to have a drink or a meal make this place very cosy and intimate. There is a fine selection of local beers and the strong Biddenden Cidar which is around 8% and stronger. Outside it has one of the best beer gardens I have ever seen. Expansive, with different flowers and shrubbery makes you feel as if you should be in a National Trust gardens than a public house. I would certainly suggest Kent for anyone wanting to get away from the hectic city life and a small trip down to Staplehurst from London Bridge would be just the ticket for those wanting to get away from it all.

"Kent" is the so called garden of england. I do think in Kent you can get some nice scenery and beautiful countryside. However more importantly in the 21st century the towns are dreadful! Especially on the Eastern side of the county. Places such as Dover Folkestone and Margate really are not something to write home about. They make you wonder whether at times England is a 3rd world country. They have so much potential and don''t live up to it. However on the other hand places like Canterbury and Tunbridge wells are ruined because of these places. I think there are some wealthy areas in Kent especially around Tonbridge and Sevenaks, this is highlighted by the listless amounts of Private schools there are.