PEven the king bothered “him”. Last March 19, it was inaugurated by Charles III King Charles III England Coast Path, the longest coastal walking route in the world: with approximately 4,500 kilometres, it encompasses a large part of the circumnavigation of Great Britain.
The route, which will be completed this year, has been defined by the magazine Time Out among the best new experiences to have in the world in 2026. To discover the completed sections, consult the official website of the trail (nationaltrail.co.uk).
The coastal path includes Kent in the south-east, one of the most seductive British countieswashed by the undertows of the North Sea and the English Channel. It is a heterogeneous territory dotted with hills, villages, castles, amber beaches and many cultivated fields, it is no coincidence that it is called the “Garden of England”a definition attributed to King Henry VIII, enchanted by the beauty and fertility of the region, also loved by Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. But there’s more: today, there is a growing trend.
Hever Castle, where Anne Boleyn spent her childhood
Kent is becoming the place to bethe ideal place to live for Brits fleeing London, less than an hour and a half away by car. Professionals, artists, restaurateurs, but also pensioners have left the chaos of the capital behind to enjoy the more relaxed – but not boring – rhythms of this land that represents the quintessence of the English countrysidewrapped in a creative aspect.
In recent decades, contemporary art is giving a new verve to the countyrevealing itself among historic flower gardens, villages, art galleries and museums, to be discovered on a journey on the road.
Floral species from all over the world
Following nature and art, near Sevenoaks inland, are a family matter i Riverhill Himalayan Gardens with a singular story behind it. John Rogers (1807-1867), member of the Royal Society and friend of Charles Darwin, with his son John Thornton Rogers sponsored the research of “Plant Hunters”, plant hunters, to obtain new seeds and plants. Thus, in 1840, the planting of the park around his house began.
A corner of the gardens of Hever Castle.
Over the centuries, the property of around five hectares and still owned by the same family, opened to the public and took shape with various thematic areassuch as the Rock Garden, Little Everest and the Rose Walk, with floral species from all over the world. In this colorful and fragrant oasis, the copious blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, alliums, peonies and roses strike the senses in spring and summer.
And, all year round, the sculptures and art installations (designed by international artists) are surprising. that peep out among flowerbeds, groves and along paths. Some are permanent, others are on sale especially during temporary exhibitions, such as the “Surrey Sculpture Society Exhibition” (until 27 September 2026) with over 60 creations created specifically for Riverhill.
Leeds Castle, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, stands on an artificial islet.
Remaining in the Kentish hinterland, mighty walls, epic feats and wonderful parks harness two icons of the county: Hever Castle and Leeds Castle. The first, dating back to the 13th century and linked to the childhood of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, is immersed in a 50-hectare estate with spectacular gardens, such as the Italian one embellished with Greco-Roman statues. If the spring blooms of daffodils, azaleas, violets and roses frame the exterior of the fortress, the sumptuous internal halls catapult you into the Tudor era.
Leeds Castle (12th-16th century) in medieval and Renaissance style, however, is considered among the most romantic manors in England. It is actually a postcard: it stands on the islet of an artificial lake, is connected to the mainland by a small bridge and boasts a park of over 202 hectares, where there is no shortage of works of art en-plein-air.
A view of Canterbury: the Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The surprises of the hinterland
Wandering inland, you cross a rural landscape where the human presence is discreet and in harmony with nature. A scenario shaped by farms, former mills, red brick and half-timbered houseswith country roads that run alongside cultivated fields and meadows with wooden fences where wild sheep and horses graze. Snapshots of intoxicating inner bliss.
With this spirit we arrive at Canterbury oozing with history at every step. The star is the Gothic Cathedral (Unesco Heritage), scene in 1170 of the sacrilegious assassination – decided by King Henry II – of Archbishop Thomas Becket. If the church is an architectural jewel, guardian of splendid polychrome windows, columns and chapels, the historic center is no different.
Crossed by the River Stour and canals – where the most popular activity is making dottingi.e. guided tours on flat-bottomed boats – capture photos and selfies among the narrow cobbled streets, the half-timbered houses reflected in the water or along the Westegate Gardensthe gardens most loved by residents (and tourists) to relax and admire the iconic Westgate Towerthe only one remaining of the town’s seven medieval gates.
On the sea, between oysters and creativity
We turn the page aiming for the coast. In less than 13 kilometers you arrive in Whitstablea small village with a retro and maritime atmosphere, known for oyster farming. The delicious bivalve molluscs, in fact, are the most popular street food to be tasted at kiosks, oyster bars, or, during the event Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival from 11 to 13 September, with tastings and live music (whitstablerocksoysterfestival.com).
Murals in front of Margate beach, about 30 kilometers from Canterbury.
In this micro-world, lazy days are spent on the beach dotted with wooden cabins with colors faded by the sun and salt, and along the two main streets (Harbour Street and Tower Parade), where unexpected art galleries pop up among ateliers, shops and clubs.
Larger, with a more “intellectual” and artistic character, Margate is (about 30 kilometres), a source of inspiration for both the painter William Turner and TS Eliot, who wrote part of the poem here in 1921 The Waste Land. Imagining Turner’s “maritime” canvases and observing the rhythm of the low and high tides, who knows if the romantic artist was contemplating it from the guesthouse where he was staying, overlooking the North Sea. There, where the inn once stood, the art gallery stands out today Turner Contemporarydedicated only to temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, including debut painters.
After the opening of the centre, with its minimal design, designed by David Chipperfield, Margate has become attractive for artists, creatives and alternative Londoners who have opened vintage shops and small art galleries in the historic center (especially around the High Street) and have become the distinctive feature of the town surrounded by Victorian buildings, a wide beach and an enchanting seafront.
The White Cliffs, the white cliffs of Dover, in Kent, England.
The unmistakable white landscape
Continuing along the coast, after passing Ramsgatewith Britain’s only royal port by decree of King George IV, and Deala village of shops, art galleries, with a mighty castle and a long pier, you arrive at Folkestone, Kent’s most creative locationas well as the British “gateway” to the Eurotunnel, the underwater railway in the English Channel.
The town was regenerated through the visionary project of Creative Folkestone (creativefolkestone.org.uk)an arts charity. The organization, renovating 90 buildings, over 50 shops and 80 apartments, created the Creative Quarter where hundreds of designers, artists, musicians, directors and performers live and work.
The Old High street, Folkestone’s street full of curious shops and art galleries.
Walking in the central Old Hight Street and the side streetsthe creative flair is revealed in the art galleries, in the literary cafés, in the shops of yesteryear and among colorful murals. Folkestone is an open-air arts laboratory with the flavor of the sea, with a rich calendar of events in the Quarterhousethe cultural hub of the neighborhood.
Last stop: Dover, a dozen kilometers away. The port city, dominated from above by the 12th century medieval castle of the same name (the largest in England), is known above all for the famous White Cliffsthe white cliffs.
Immortalized by painters, poets and millions of photos taken by tourists, they are also visible from the viewpoint of the white lighthouse of South Forelandtouched by the King Charles III England Coast Path. The cliffs are among the most iconic scenarios in Kent, a perfect synthesis of nature, verve and art.
View of the town of Deal, with its castle and the beach from which the long pier extends.
Where to sleep
Duke of Cumberland – High Street, Whitstable. In a building from 1867, in the center. Only 8 rooms, recently renovated with country-modern furnishings. It is also a pub and a restaurant: the main dish is the mussels offered in multiple variations. Double room in b&b from €155 (dukeofcumberlandhotel.co.uk).
The Royal Hotel – Beach Street, Deal. Delightful boutique hotel in a Georgian wooden building, with seafront and beach just meters away and views of the pier. Stylish rooms with modern touches, restaurant with sea view. Double room in b&b from €235 (theroyalhotel.com).
Typical houses on the seafront in Deal.
Where to eat
Winemakers’ Kitchen – Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst. It is the restaurant of the renowned Balfour Winery. Sea and land dishes: lamb leg encrusted with aromatic herbs, sole and prawn roll, pork fillet with Chardonnay sauce (balfourwinery.com).
Royal Harbor Brasserie Royal Harbor Parade, East Pier, Ramsgate. Curious restaurant at the end of the town’s east pier. The structure resembles a fishing vessel anchored to the quay, interiors in a nautical style. Fresh catch of the day cuisine. royalharbour brasserie.co.uk
What to buy
Steep Street – 18-24 The Old High Street, Folkestone. Nice bar-bookshop-pastry shop in the creative district of the town. Great for a break from breakfast to late afternoon (steepstreet.co.uk).