The delightful county of Kent in the South of England offers all the delights of traditional English countryside – orchards, gardens, castles, country villages and pretty woodlands. Kent also has a rich maritime history, and offers some lovely beaches too. All this adds up to an ideal holiday destination – especially since it is within easy reach of London, and of mainland Europe.

To make the most of the Kent countryside, a great option is to hire a holiday home, and use this as a base to explore the county. Kent is ideal for both family holidays and romantic short breaks, with a range of activities to keep you entertained.

A holiday cottage in Canterbury will be ideal if you’re looking for a holiday that combines history, city facilities, beautiful countryside and a trip to the beach.

If you are hunting for antiques during your holidays, then you need to include Tunbridge Wells on your itinerary. Not only will the antique stores in the town provide you with plenty of browsing opportunities, the surrounding High Weald has been identified as an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.

A holiday home in the coastal resort towns in the South East, including Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney is a popular option, and will allow you to explore the region.

Don’t forget the traditional holiday towns of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs – they offer lovely beaches, a variety of holiday homes, from apartments to seaside chalets, and are perfect for family holidays.

If you’d prefer the quiet of an old stone cottage for a short break, consider Dartford. It’s close to London, but offers access to gorgeous countryside and wildlife.

No trip to Kent would be complete without some time in Dover. The famous White Cliffs have long been a guardian of the English coast. Visit Dover Castle and explore the secret wartime tunnels, or the even earlier medieval history.

Whether you are looking to explore the vineyards and orchards of the countryside, or splash about in on shingle or sandy beaches, Kent is a great holiday destination.