The Best Day Trips From London To Kent For A Spring Refresh

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minibus hire with driver - leeds castle

Spring has already blessed us with some fine days so far, and things can only get better as the clocks go forward and we gain a precious extra hour of daylight. If you are in London and generally love the hustle and bustle of city life, but are craving a change of scenery, here are some ideas for the best day trips out in the beautiful county of Kent. 

For the most convenient and stress-free experience, arrange a minibus hire with a driver so that you can sit back and relax and take in the scenic views. Whether you are craving a day by the sea, an immersive historical experience or simply want to remind yourself of the glorious green countryside we have here in the UK, then there is something for you!

Leeds Castle, Kent

Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of parkland in the Kent countryside, with a unique location across two islands in a lake formed by the River Len. Although a castle has stood on the site since 857, the current castle mostly dates from the early 19th century. The scenic setting has attracted many film and TV show makers over the years.

The interior of the castle is open to the public for tours, and you can find out more about how royalty has lived over the years, including Henry VIII as he escaped plague ravaged London in the 14th century. There is plenty to explore in the grounds, including an amazing maze, a magical subterranean grotto, and a falconry display. 

It’s a great destination for children, particularly over the Easter holidays as it hosts fun and educational Horrible Histories escapades.  Kids (and adults too) will get the chance to dress up as a knight and rampage through the grounds on a quest to find a gold coin. There’s also an obstacle course, jousting and a dog collar museum.

Canterbury, Kent

The medieval city of Canterbury is famed for its beautiful Cathedral with outstanding 12th and 13th century stained glass windows. The Cathedral has over 1,400 history contained within its walls, and this makes for a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere. 

There is a collection of fascinating historical objects to explore, magnificent Gothic architecture to marvel at, and extensive grounds and gardens with water features and a mixture of old and contemporary artwork to discover. 

The town of Canterbury itself is also rich in history and architecture, and it has a reputation for a thriving foodie scene, with excellent restaurants, eateries and breweries. There are also six vineyards in the lush countryside surrounding the city, so you can even take a wine tour right here in the UK!

Whitstable, Kent 

If you are craving a glimpse of the sea, then take a detour to the classic seaside town of Whitstable. It’s a compact town and it’s very manageable to get around on foot, yet there’s plenty of variety and interest so you will never be bored. It’s packed with great restaurants and pubs with sea views, and there’s a long flat sandy beach that is perfect for a paddle.

The Harbour Market is bustling with great value for money eateries and fresh fish stalls, and there are also arts and crafts stalls where you can find unique gifts made by local artisans. From the main beach, there’s a pleasant 30 minute stroll to Tankerton, which has a pebbly beach line with colourful huts, and some cool pubs serving craft beers.

Whitstable also has several excellent galleries where you can check out the work of local artists, and the Whitstable Museum and Gallery is a rewarding place for an afternoon’s cultural enrichment.