Campsites in Kent

If you're thinking of camping in Kent, it's a county with a rich history and an array of castles, landscapes and attractions which will keep the whole family amused. Add to that the county's plentiful sandy beaches and charming seaside towns and you have all the ingredients for a perfect holiday.

Because of the seaside attractions, Kent campsites tend to hug the coastline, particularly the holiday parks. However there are numerous sites inland (around Canterbury or in the Kent Downs AONB for instance) and plenty of smaller certificated sites from both clubs too. Glamping sites are also on the rise.

Our favourite places to visit in Kent

Camp here for your holidays and you'll be spoilt for choice for things to do, with highlights including:

• The White Cliffs of Dover
• Castles and history, particularly the city of Canterbury and Leeds Castle
• Quintessential seaside towns and superb beaches

Dover

Dover is one of the UK's most historically rich places to explore and the castle here has stood for more than 2,000 years - back to when Kings and Knights protected the country! But it's the White Cliffs that rightly steal the show, as one of our nation's most spectacular natural features.

The iconic chalk cliffs (such a heartwarming sight on a return ferry from France) are protected by the National Trust and a stroll across them belongs on everyone's UK bucket list. If you have time, dig a little deeper by exploring the hidden tunnels and nosing at the wildlife on Samphire Hoe.

With special attractions like those (and plenty of caravan parks for overnighters looking for a stop-off before the ferry), it should come as no surprise that Dover is Kent's most popular camping destination.

Castles and history

As the closest county to continental Europe, it makes historical sense that Kent has more castles (18!) and historic houses than anywhere else. Alongside Dover Castle, the most spectacular is perhaps Leeds Castle near Maidstone, which is almost unbelievably photogenic.

Chiddingstone Castle and Hever Castle (both near Edenbridge) are both well deserving of a visit too. Hever was the childhood residence of Anne Boleyn and the gardens never fail to impress. An outdoor playground, hedge maze and water maze will help keep the kids amused.

Like Dover, camping in Canterbury (a World Heritage Site) is hugely popular. The Canterbury Roman Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, as is the Cantebury Heritage Museum which tells the city's history. Then there's the world-renowned Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey which are both must-sees.

And don't miss The Canterbury Tales - guided tours which allow you to explore and experience Chaucer's medieval England first hand.

Ightham Mote, Chartwell and the beautiful Rochester Cathedral (England's second oldest) are also great days out. As is Down House, home to Charles Darwin, which includes vast gardens and the study in which 'On the Origin of Species' was written.

Seaside towns and sandy beaches

Kent boasts an incredible coastline with charming coastal towns to enjoy and fantastic beaches that are perfect for water sports (think kite surfing, waterskiing, kayaking, surfing and sailing).

The Isle of Thanet (not an actual island!) is home to the popular seaside towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Cyclists will find the 32 mile circular Viking Coastal Trail a great way to explore the area's beautiful beaches and pretty inland villages.

Margate might once have been considered a tired seaside town, but it's buzzing with retro cool again now - and having 15 local beaches (Botany Bay included) certainly doesn't hurt!

Whitstable and Herne Bay are two of the more popular coastal choices for campers, with some of the county's best holiday parks located along that stretch of the coast. Not that the area is just for families - fans of seafood (and amorous lovers?) planning to visit during summer shouldn't miss the Whitstable Oyster Festival in July.

Or for those nearer Folkestone (another popular overnight ferry stop, though also great for access to the North Downs Way), make the most of your time with a visit to Lower Leas Coastal Park and a great walk on the beach.

Natural beauty

Kent isn't called the Garden of England for nothing and the wild beauty of the Kent Downs and High Weald (both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are superb to explore. A trek around Romney Marsh or hike along the famous North Downs Way would also be time well spent.

Bedgebury National Pinetum has one of the world's finest conifer collections and the spectacular scenery there is also perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding (with fun for kids on offer at its adventure playground and Go Ape park).

Alternatively, take a stroll through the Secret Gardens of Sandwich or a leisurely ramble through Goodnestone Park Gardens. Penshurst Place and Gardens is a majestic manor house with an equally stunning walled garden too.

Then there are the 61 nature reserves!

Other attractions

Parents can let their own little critters get a first-hand look at some awe-inspiring animals at Howletts Wild Animal Park, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Wigham Wildlife Park or Wildwood Discovery Park. Or, for something a bit different, the South of England Rare Breeds Centre offers hands-on animal-greeting session for kids, pig racing and a butterfly tunnel!

The Ramsgate Tunnels, Diggerland and the Kent & East Sussex Railway also make great family days out.

A trip to a vineyard is good fun too, with Chapel Down Winery and Biddenden Vineyard two of the most popular choices. You can also tour the oldest brewer in Britain with a visit to the Shepherd Neame Brewery.

Whatever your plans - and whatever camping site you choose - booking a visit to Kent will deliver a holiday to remember for adults and children alike!

Guides and scouts might be interested in the news that the 2017 Kent International Jamboree (a week long camp that welcomes visitors from across the globe) will be taking place at the County Show Ground in Kent from 29th July to 5th August.

(Details of availability and site reviews are coming soon!)