Pet friendly holiday homes, airbnb and cottages in Kent

There is no better way to delve into the authentic Kentish way of life than through renting a traditional holiday cottage. Wake up in your own serene accommodation and feel rested and rejuvenated to take on a day exploring castles which date back through the centuries and the rugged cliffs which tower above The English Channel. However you choose to fill your days in this natural haven, you can relax in the knowledge that your nights have been taken care of by one of Likibu's many holiday lettings.

When to go to Kent?

Kent's holiday cottages and bed and breakfasts all fill up over the sunnier months of June, July and August when most families choose to visit. If you can avoid these months, compromise for the pleasant months of April and May, or September and October when you can still catch some southern English sun.

How To Get There?

The quickest and easiest way to visit Kent from around the UK is to travel directly from London by train. The southeastern railway connects various areas of London with Kent, including a high-speed service from St Pancras, which links the capital with the coast in just 40 minutes. You can also drive on the M25 and over the Dartford Bridge if you are arriving from the north or the east. Alternatively, if you are travelling from the west or the south, take the M26 which will lead you to the M20. For visitors coming further afield across the UK, including and Edinburgh and Belfast, you can frequently fly to Heathrow or London Gatwick in just over one hour, where you can then reach Kent by rail or road.

Getting Around the county?

The county of Kent is filled with medieval castles, scenic beaches and of course, beautiful gardens, but as the 10th biggest county in England, it is essential to plan ahead on how to get around all of the fantastic attractions which Kent has to offer. The public transport system is both reliable and cost-effective, leaving you with even more of a saving to invest in a luxury holiday home. The bus route connects Kent's major cities with its quieter rural towns, while Southeastern trains stop at various locations on route, including Canterbury, Folkestone and Dover. If you have driven to Kent, then make the most of your car and take to the roads, before conveniently parking up for the night outside your own holiday letting. Perhaps the best way to truly explore the beauty of Kent is by foot, including a walking tour of Canterbury, or a leisurely hike along the rustic landscape.

Where to stay?

Canterbury

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has welcomed visitors since The Middle Ages when people would travel from across the country on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Fast forward hundreds of years later, and this cathedral city is still attracting thousands of visitors annually. Though Canterbury Cathedral remains one of the most visited attractions throughout the whole county, this city boasts a selection of renowned restaurants, an art gallery and a bustling nightlife. Choose a hotel room or holiday apartment in the very heart of Kent, and delve into this cities streets until early in the morning.

Rochester

For visitors who are visiting Kent for its rich history and crumbling castles, Rochester is the place to stay. Stay in a bed and breakfast in this ancient city and wake up at the foot of Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle and the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, where you can immerse yourself in the deep Kentish history. For those who are less interested in the cities, age-old remains, there is still plenty to see beyond your accommodation in Rochester. Choose a holiday rental or guest house at the Dockyard of the River Medway, which is home to a shopping outlet, museum and even a vintage waterside festival for a week in September.

Dover

You may have heard of the most southern Kentish town from its staple attraction, the White Cliffs of Dover. Make the most of sleeping next to this national treasure and secure a holiday home with a room with a view of the iconic cliffs and the English Channel. Be sure to brush up on some French phrases if you choose a guest house on these shores, as Dover is the primary port for ferries to Calais which has influenced this coastal towns cuisine and restaurant scene.

Ramsgate

The charming Georgian resort of Ramsgate is the ideal place to book a holiday cottage for families who want to bathe their days away in one of the towns many sandy beaches. The resort is renowned for its architecture, including 18th-century terraces and The Grange which is known as the first ‘modern house'. Stay in one of the acclaimed properties by renting a guest house or bed and breakfast to wake up in your own piece of local seaside history.

Maidstone

Kent's reputation as ‘The Garden of England' is undoubtedly because of beautiful Maidstone and the vast natural attractions is offers. Here, you can find the reputable landscaped garden of Mote Park and Whatman Park, where you can immerse yourself in the acres of green beauty and return to your holiday home feeling completely rejuvenated.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

A holiday rental in the quintessential town of Tunbridge Wells will place you in the cultural heart of Kent. There is no shortage of attractions, including art galleries, theatres, stately homes and even a winery, for those who want to drink some local Kentish produce. Royal Tunbridge Wells is the primary place for adrenaline pumped visitors who are looking for some action while in Kent. From its bicycle treks to the wild swimming opportunities, secure a youth hostel or reasonably priced hotel room in the area and delve into the adventure from the moment the sun rises.

What to do in Kent?

Leeds Castle

Known as ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World', this attraction is one of the most beautiful in the entire county, and one of the oldest, with roots dating back to the year 900, it is unmissable from any trip to Kent. Be sure to leave your holiday home early, however, as the impressive structure and grounds are internationally recognised and gained over 500,000 visitors in 2015 alone, so forward planning and ticket purchase is vital.

Botany Bay

Visit the rugged landscape of Botany Bay and experience the real natural beauty of this coastal county. The unspoilt white sand and rare low tide is Kent's best-kept secret, it is, however, most enjoyed from the cliffs as the sun rises and sets above The English Channel. Leave your hotel room or holiday cottage at these peak times to capture the real natural beauty of the bay.

Canterbury Cathedral

As arguably the most famous cathedral in the country, this structure alone has attracted thousands of visitors to Kent from The Middle Ages when they would travel on pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. With a history which dates back over 1400 years, the cathedral has played a role in the entire countries history, including its influence on The Magna Carta and The Great War. Choose a holiday apartment in the city of Canterbury which would allow you to be just a stone throw away from this great stain glassed building.

Faversham Market

This vibrant Kentish market is a must-visit for the chance to find a unique and individual souvenir from your trip, from rare antiques and vintage pieces to the opportunity to try some local food produce, including some renowned Kentish cider. Choosing a holiday apartment or guest house in Canterbury will leave you close to this market, but be sure to check the days of trading before you leave your accommodation, as the market only colours the streets for a select few days a week.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is impressive for a number of reasons. For this 11th century, fortress is not only the largest castle in England, but it is surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of The English Channel. Full of hidden treasures, including secret war tunnels which are tucked inside the white cliffs, and the chance to climb the tower, this attraction should not be missed if you want to learn more about the countries maritime and wartime history.

The Shell Grotto

The most unexpected attraction in Kent will undoubtedly catch you by surprise at its captivating and unlikely beauty. This mysterious grotto is filled with underground tunnels and rooms are covered in rare shells and mosaics, but the very best part is that nobody knows who is behind it, or why they created it. A hotel room or holiday letting in nearby Ramsgate or Margate will leave you just a short distance away from the most magical place in Kent.