With a wealth of attractions and a diverse coastline, Kent is a fantastic choice for a getaway, whether you’re planning a family holiday or a relaxing weekend break for two. For the chance to experience the county’s beautiful countryside at its very best, stay on a working farm, smallholding, or vineyard and enjoy a taste of rural life first hand.
Historically known as the “Garden of England”, due to its fertile soils and favourable growing conditions, around 70% of Kent’s land is still farmed today.
Kent is England’s leading fruit producer, growing around 90% of the country’s cherries and 50% of its plums, alongside extensive apple and soft fruit orchards.
The county is also famous for its traditional oast houses, once used to dry hops for brewing. Although Kent still produces almost half of England’s hops today, the industry is much smaller than it was at its peak in the 20th century. But the spirit of Kent’s brewing heritage lives on in its thriving wine industry, with the county now recognised as the UK’s largest wine region. Its sheltered slopes and chalky soils, similar to those found in France’s Champagne region, are ideal conditions for growing grapes. If you’d like to wake up to beautiful views over the vines and spend your evenings sampling local wines, we have a collection of vineyards where you can stay.
Beyond fruit and vines, large areas of Kent’s countryside are dedicated to growing crops such as wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. The county is also home to dairy farms, sheep and beef cattle, and more unusual crops like lavender.
A holiday in Kent offers something for everyone from two National Landscapes and a wonderfully diverse coastline, to a fascinating history shaped by its close proximity to continental Europe.
For those who love the great outdoors, the high chalk ridges, dry valleys, and ancient woodlands of the Kent Downs offer endless opportunities for walking and cycling, while at Bewl Water in the High Weald, visitors can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and standup paddleboarding. The Weald is also home to Bedgebury National Pinetum, the world’s largest collection of conifers, where there are all sorts of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Kent’s coastline is a mix of sandy bays, shingle beaches, chalk cliffs including the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, and wild marshland. Choose a coastal farm stay in Kent and you can spend your days building sandcastles, swimming in the sea, or looking out for shorebirds, before returning to the peace and quiet of the farm. It’s a particularly good option if you want a seaside holiday without staying in the heart of a busy resort.
There are also plenty of world class landmarks and attractions to discover such as ancient castles, fortified manors, and Roman sites. Canterbury, an important religious site for over 1,400 years, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing three areas of the city including its magnificent cathedral, showcasing a stunning blend of Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic architecture.
With so much to see and do, a farm stay in Kent is a great choice for a family holiday whether you want to spend your days by the sea, exploring the great outdoors, or visiting local attractions. Many of our family friendly farm stays in Kent offer on site extras such as children’s play areas, games rooms, swimming pools, and fishing lakes, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained without leaving the farm.
Kent’s slower pace of life also makes it a lovely choice for couples looking for a relaxing countryside escape. Choose a farm stay with a hot tub for relaxing under the stars on warm summer evenings or an open fire or wood burning stove for when the weather turns cooler.
And if you’re bringing your four-legged friend along for the adventure, we have a collection of dog-friendly farm stays in Kent. Just remember to keep them on a short lead around livestock, both on the farm and countryside beyond.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic countryside break, or a cultural escape with friends, staying on a farm is a great way to experience Kent from a different perspective.
From spacious barn conversions and historic oast houses to contemporary lodges and glamping retreats, there’s a Kent farm stay to suit every kind of getaway. Discover your perfect countryside escape and start planning your next adventure in Kent.
