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Kent Coast Road Trip Online Travel Guide
• Discover Kent’s classic heritage Coast over 86 miles (139km)
• Includes 17 key destinations and 100s of references
• This linear route is split in 3 sections, from Canterbury to Whitstable, Thanet coast and around Dover
Set off on a memorable road trip through Canterbury and the Kentish Coast, where historic cities meet coastal charm and countryside views. This route blends medieval landmarks with picturesque seaside towns, offering a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Begin in Canterbury, a city steeped in heritage and literary fame. Explore its cobbled streets, visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, and take time to enjoy local cafés and markets that give a sense of daily life in this historic city.
From there, head east towards the Kent Coast, where the landscape opens up into chalk cliffs, sandy bays, and vibrant harbours. Stop in Whitstable, known for its oysters and colourful beach huts, and continue to Broadstairs, a town loved for its connections to Charles Dickens and traditional seaside character.
Along the way, explore coastal trails, hidden coves, and historic castles. Discover walking paths with sweeping views, explore the area’s maritime history, and enjoy the relaxed pace of coastal life.
This road trip through Kent offers a varied and rewarding route across some of southern England’s most iconic and charming destinations.
A Captivating Road Trip Through
Canterbury and the Kentish Coast
• Canterbury – Discover the historic cathedral, medieval lanes, and buzzing markets
• Whitstable – Seaside charm, fresh oysters, and colourful beach huts
• Margate – Golden beaches, Turner Contemporary gallery, and creative culture
• Broadstairs – Coastal beauty with Dickensian charm and sandy coves
• Ramsgate – Royal harbour, cliffside cafés, and maritime history
• Sandwich – One of England’s best-preserved medieval towns
• Deal – Vibrant high street, historic castle, and pebbled beach
• Dover – Breathtaking views from the White Cliffs and iconic Dover Castle
Plan with Confidence
All-in-One Online Platform
Structured by Section
Flexible Itinerary Options (3–14 Days)
Customisable Directions
Create a Printable Shortlist
Enrich the Journey
Signposted Attractions & Experiences
Historical & Cultural References
Multi-Device Access (mobile, tablet or desktop)
Hidden gems and off-the-beaten track
Explore with Ease
Map with Pinpoints
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Travel, Directions & Parking
Public Transport Information
Overnight Stay Options
Must-see highlights included in this Kent coast travel guide
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![Canterbury Cathedral: Kent road trip]()
Canterbury Cathedral
A visit to Canterbury Cathedral on your Kent road trip offers a glimpse into England's rich spiritual and architectural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its soaring Gothic towers and intricate stained glass, stands as a breathtaking centrepiece, telling the stories of saints and kings that shaped British history.
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![White Cliffs of Dover: Kent road trip]()
White Cliffs of Dover
Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of the White Cliffs of Dover, standing majestically against the backdrop of the English Channel, offering a stunning vista that captures the essence of coastal beauty. Explore the rich maritime heritage of Dover, where the historic port town's seafaring legacy unfolds amidst its bustling harbour and ancient maritime landmarks.
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![Whitstable Oysters: Kent road trip]()
Whitstable Oysters
Indulge in the freshest Whitstable oysters straight from the sea, savouring their delicate flavour and briny goodness amidst the charming coastal ambience of Whitstable. If seafood isn't your preference, delight in the vibrant spectacle of Whitstable's colourful beach huts, adding a splash of charm to your coastal experience.
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![Kent Coastal Towns: Kent road trip]()
Kent Coastal Towns
Kent's coastal towns are celebrated for their picturesque landscapes. From seaside resort towns boasting sandy beaches and historic piers to charming coastal villages steeped in maritime heritage, each enclave offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether a bustling port town with elegant Georgian architecture or a quaint coastal hamlet with a rich maritime legacy, Kent's coastal towns beckon.
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![Kent Coast & World War II Discovery: Kent road trip]()
Kent Coast & World War II Discovery:
The Kent Coast has many sites & landmarks that played significant roles during World War II. Discover underground tunnels, visit a key World War II airfield to uncover its vital role in the Battle of Britain and explore concrete sound mirrors, built during World War II as early warning devices to detect approaching enemy aircraft. Plus find out more about Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.
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![Kent Coasts’ Best Beaches: Kent road trip]()
Kent Coasts’ Best Beaches
Kent's coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. From the picturesque pebble shoreline and colourful beach huts of Whitstable, the golden sands of Margate Main Sands, the stunning chalk cliffs, rock pools, and sandy shores of Botany Bay to the historic and aptly named, Viking Bay at Broadstairs. Our guide will round them up and give you the low down.
Kent Coast Road Trip - £9.99
Kent Coast
South East Heritage Coast - £16.99
Kent Coast + Sussex Heritage Coast
Point-to-Point Guide and Plan, More Than Just a Map
Our guides are built for road‑trippers who want to go beyond some pins on a map - with flexible, curated itineraries designed to help you explore with purpose and make the most of every moment.
From 3‑day getaways to 2‑week adventures, we provide a point-to-point plan to cherry-pick from, not just how to get there. This is not just a map; it’s a thoughtful guide for a meaningful way to explore with loads of extra travel information.
Digital & Accessible – Read anytime on phone, tablet or desktop for 12 months.
Flexible Itineraries – Plan trips from 3 to 14 days with mix-and-match options.
Curated Highlights – Signposting to attractions, experiences and overnight stops.
Travel and Transport Information – including by car, parking, public transport, and air.
Maps and Route – Google Maps point-to-point, plus references and pre-populated customisable routes.
Online access - nothing to download
Local & Practical Tips – Includes self-guided walking tours, hidden gems and references.
Linked for Ease – Click straight through to bookings and local info.
Printable Shortlist – Save and print your personalised itinerary.
Member already? Access via the member’s login
Make the Most of Every Stop
A journey along the Kent Coast is more than just a scenic drive — it’s a richly layered route that winds through some of England’s most characterful towns, evocative landscapes, and stories of national significance. From the chalky drama of the White Cliffs of Dover to the Victorian charm of Broadstairs and the vibrant art scene of Margate, this itinerary brings together coastal highlights and lesser-known gems to help you explore confidently and meaningfully.
One of the great strengths of this stretch of coastline is its variety — you can stroll along colourful harbours, discover medieval streets, and walk along cliff-top paths all in a single day. The guide is designed to help you make sense of it all, ensuring you don’t miss out on headline sites like Dover Castle, Deal, and the sandy sweep of Viking Bay, while also pointing you to heritage museums, nature reserves, and walks with panoramic sea views.
World War II history also features prominently. Whether you're walking the underground tunnels of Fan Bay Deep Shelter, stopping at the Battle of Britain Memorial, or tracing the network of wartime lookouts along the cliffs, the coast here still carries the imprint of its frontline role during the conflict.
Further inland, the route connects you to Canterbury, a city of pilgrimage, literature and architectural marvels, where history is present on every street corner. The combination of coast and culture, natural beauty and historic depth, makes this road trip especially rewarding.
By using the guide, you’ll not only discover what to see and where to go — you’ll travel more efficiently, with clear suggestions, mapped routes, and helpful context that brings each place to life. Whether you're touring for a weekend or taking your time over several days, this itinerary ensures you make the most of every mile, every stop, and every story along the Kent coast.
Every great road trip begins with an idea — a place that pulls you in, a view you can’t stop thinking about, or simply the urge to get out on the open road. You can dip into fresh inspiration, find experiences to excite you, look for the kind of vehicle that suits your style of travelling, and get practical road trip planning tips to make planning simple rather than stressful. However you like to explore, you’ll find everything you need to start turning your trip into something memorable.
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