Kent: Day Trips and Tours from London

The county of Kent is the region of England closest to continental Europe and lies north-west of France’s Pas-da-Calais district across the Strait of Dover. This picturesque countryside region has ancient roots and is known as “the Garden of England”.

Kent offers an ideal escape from the urban bustle with beautiful beaches, ancient castles, quaint villages and the iconic Cliffs of Dover.

On a day trip to Kent from London there are an abundance of things to see and do. As a destination, Kent is one of the best options for visitors looking for a tour within easy reach of London.

Read on for all you need to know about visiting Kent, one of the top destinations for day trips from London.

How to get to Kent from London?

The county of Kent is located to the south-east of the city of London and borders Essex, East Sussex, Surrey, and Greater London. It lies opposite France across the Strait of Dover.

From London to Kent by car

The county of Kent begins roughly 60 kilometers from the center of London and can be reached via the A2 or A20. The journey out of London takes from 1 to 1.5 hours. To reach Canterbury, you continue along the A2, while to reach Dover, you will need to follow the M20.

From London to Kent by train

You can reach Canterbury or Dover by train from London’s St Pancras station. The fastest train to each destination takes around 1 hour.

Guided tour to Kent from London

To make the most of your day out, consider a guide tour to Kent from London. Not only are these organized excursions convenient, but include an expert guide and a well- planned itinerary. Most guided tours are full day experiences. Some tours include hotel pickups while others include pickups at certain train stations or airports.

What is the typical itinerary of a tour of Kent?

Tours typically start in London and travel through the villages of Greenwich and Chilham towards Canterbury, Dover and Maidstone.

With time to stop and explore a traditional English Village, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the world famous White Cliffs of Dover, you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing before returning to London in the late afternoon.

What kinds of tours are available in Kent?

There are a choice of tours to enjoy in Kent.

Small group guided tours to Kent from London

On a small group tour, you will travel with an experienced guide in a comfortable minibus to the most well-known attractions in Kent. Entrance tickets, meals and refreshments are not usually included and you can choose whether or not to enter the castles, cathedrals and museums or simply explore their surroundings on each stop.

A walking tour of the city of Canterbury is usually an inclusion in these packages.

Private tours to Kent from London

For an indulgent VIP experience, or to have the ability to customize your sightseeing route, there are several private tours to choose from.

The itinerary, duration and maximum group size depends on the tour operator and your own personal preferences, but most private tours last around 10 hours and include London hotel pickups and drop offs.

Self-guided e-bike tour of Kent

If you prefer to avoid the main tourist attractions, and instead discover Kent’s picture perfect countryside, you can opt for an electric bike tour that includes bike and cycling gear hire as well as a choice of app based or paper map routes.

The bikes even include panniers so that you can carry a picnic lunch and other equipment along. These tours have both half and full day options and a great for families.

Kent helicopter tour

Make your own way from London to the Redhill Aerodrome where you will have a flight safety briefing before enjoying a bird’s eye view of Kent County on a helicopter tour.

With pilot commentary throughout, you will see castles, medieval manors and the erstwhile home of Sir Winston Churchill before returning to your starting point.

How much does a day trip to Kent from London cost?

A small group full day guided tour to Kent costs from £135 per adult.

Self-guided e-bike tours cost from £45 per adult and £20 for children younger than 14 years for a half-day hire and £55 per adult and £25 for children younger than 14 years for a full day hire.

Helicopter tours cost in the region of £580 for groups of up to 3 passengers.

What will you see and do in Kent?

The English county of Kent has plenty to offer the day visitor. As one of the most historically significant areas in ancient England, Kent is full of significant sites and landmarks.

The coastline is dramatic, and the rolling green hills and pastures provide you with a sense of countryside tranquility. Here is an idea of what you might see on a visit to Kent:

Canterbury

Canterbury is Kent’s only city and is the site of the historic Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church. With it’s medieval streets, museums and galleries, Canterbury holds a timeless charm.

Dover

Dover is possibly best known for its stark white cliffs that rise imposingly out of the sea. This coastal stretch, however, also hosts some of England’s premier beaches with Stone Bay, Folkestone Beach, Dover Harbour Beach and Botany Bay being popular among locals and visitors alike.

Maidstone

Maidstone is a scenic town situated along the River Medway and is home to Leeds Castle as well as other ancient ruins, castles, museums and parklands.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a charming town that is known for its historic sites, well maintained parks and family friendly activities, Railway enthusiast will enjoy the popular catered steam train trips that depart from the town into the surrounding countryside.

When is the best time to tour Kent?

Kent is best visited between late spring and early fall, when its stunning landscapes are in full bloom. Spring showcases its beautiful gardens, summer offers ideal beach weather, while autumn promises vibrant foliage in its many orchards and parks.

Top tips

• Begin your day early to maximize your time in Kent.
• If you wish to do this day trip without joining a guided tour, it’s best to use the  high-speed trains from London to Kent.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking and an umbrella or raincoat, as UK weather can be unpredictable.
• Kent has a vibrant cultural scene so check the local calendar for any ongoing events or festivals.