Top Kent Views - and they're all completely free to enjoy!
- Victoria
- Apr 12, 2016
- 3 min read
Famed as the Garden of England, here are some of the best beauty spots that Kent has to offer. All of which are completely free to enjoy!
This will be an ongoing feature as I travel around Kent to take photographs. If you know of any Kent views that could be included I'd love to hear from you. Please contact This is Kent by clicking here.
The Devil's Kneading Trough - Wye Downs
I spent much of my childhood flying kites on this grass bank, looking out over that spectacular view to Romney Marsh and Weald. Those of you who are feeling energetic can partake in the 4 km signposted Nature Trail, that takes you right back to where you started. It's beautiful, but basically all the way down to the bottom of that hill, then right back up again - so not for the faint hearted!
Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, near Faversham
Managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust, this wetland consists of 170 acres of marshes. It is home to many species of migratory, overwintering and wetland birds and as a result it's a favourite spot for bird watchers. Raised voices will not be well received. On a different note, some might recognise these marshes as the setting to scenes from the 2013 TV series Southcliffe.... but don't let that scare you off.
Dungeness - Britain's Only Desert
On the day that I visited Dungeness, following our stomachs we stopped at The Pilot Inn for fish and chips. In hind sight this was a slight error; within that time bright sunshine had turned into grey drizzle. So I will be returning for sunnier shots! However, of all the viewpoints to be pictured in the rain, this is perhaps the most fitting. The allure of Dungeness is its bleak and desolate nature. Wooden shacks line the beach and abandoned, rusting ships dot the shingle. The crash of the waves is broken periodically by the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway steam train that takes its passengers to the foot of the Old Lighthouse. Nearly 100 homes have been built here, perhaps none more famous than Prospect Cottage, previously owned by the film director Derek Jarman.
Samphire Hoe and the White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are arguably Kent's most famous landmark. Samphire Hoe nature reserve, on the site of a disused coal mine, was designed specifically to emphasise the dramatic views of the White Cliffs of Dover and to provide an ecosystem for plants and wildlife. A rare species of orchid, the Early Spider Orchid, had 8,500 plants recorded in 2013. It is also home to 199 further species of plant, 120 species of bird and 80 types of butterfly.
More White Cliffs - this time in Broadstairs
It's not just in Dover where you can view chalky white cliffs. There are many viewing spots lining the Kent Coast. I took this photo from the top of Botany Bay in Broadstairs.
Sunset at Whitstable Beach
One of my favourite Kent views is Whitstable Beach at sunset. Unsurprisingly many people agree with me, so it can be a bit of a scramble for the best viewing spot - but a really lovely way to end your day.
More Kent views to follow. Contact This is Kent if you know of anywhere that could be included.
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