The best farm stays near Canterbury

·

With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined riverbanks, Canterbury is steeped in history. A tour of the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral is a must, followed by a stroll around the ancient city walls or a scenic cruise along the River Stour, but travel outside the city walls to find plenty of camping variety, with Kent coast and countryside within easy reach of the city. Farmers’ fields, orchards, and woodlands surround the city—park your motorhome at a peaceful caravan park, check into a beachfront holiday park, or have fun glamping in a bell tent or treehouse.

97% (569) 357 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Canterbury

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

1. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
3.9km from Canterbury · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Knowler Farm Wild Camping

2. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

100%
(35)
12km from Canterbury · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Elham Treehouse

3. Elham Treehouse

100%
(27)
13km from Canterbury · 2 units
Rustic glamping in the Kent countryside between Folkestone and Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£110
 / night
Coxhill Camping

4. Coxhill Camping

100%
(51)
14km from Canterbury · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Painters Farm Campsite

5. Painters Farm Campsite

99%
(38)
17km from Canterbury · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£26
 / night
Greenhill Glamping

6. Greenhill Glamping

100%
(31)
19km from Canterbury · 2 units
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night
Frittenden Orchard

7. Frittenden Orchard

97%
(18)
40km from Canterbury · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted
Pets
Potable water
from 
£24
 / night
Glamping @ Rankins Farm

8. Glamping @ Rankins Farm

100%
(38)
42km from Canterbury · 6 units
Family-friendly pod glamping beside a 30-year-old plum orchard, with far-reaching views across the Kent countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night
Otter Channel Campsite

9. Otter Channel Campsite

95%
(159)
43km from Canterbury · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
The Hare lodge

10. The Hare lodge

100%
(11)
45km from Canterbury · 2 units
Luxury safari tent glamping on a rural Kent farm within walking distance of the local vineyards yet speedily reached from London
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£233
 / night
Star Field Camping

11. Star Field Camping

97%
(62)
46km from Canterbury · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Off-grid camping and glamping in the High Weald of Kent with campfires, acres of space and a farm shop on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

12. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(20)
47km from Canterbury · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Dogwood Glamping

13. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
52km from Canterbury · 4 units
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Small Meadow Campsite

14. Small Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
55km from Canterbury · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area (with views) on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £20 pppn Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

15. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%
(21)
62km from Canterbury · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£130
 / night
Downsview Vineyard

16. Downsview Vineyard

100%
(55)
71km from Canterbury · 5 units
Simple but sophisticated, adults-only bell tent camping on a tiny vineyard with distant views of the South Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Fontmills Farm Campsite

17. Fontmills Farm Campsite

100%
(122)
73km from Canterbury · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

18. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(65)
74km from Canterbury · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

19. Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

100%
(15)
75km from Canterbury · 4 units
These super-sized, double-decker yurts on a charming East Sussex farm take glamping to another level.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£249
 / night
Hale Farm

20. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
75km from Canterbury · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night

With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined riverbanks, Canterbury is steeped in history. A tour of the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral is a must, followed by a stroll around the ancient city walls or a scenic cruise along the River Stour, but travel outside the city walls to find plenty of camping variety, with Kent coast and countryside within easy reach of the city. Farmers’ fields, orchards, and woodlands surround the city—park your motorhome at a peaceful caravan park, check into a beachfront holiday park, or have fun glamping in a bell tent or treehouse.

97% (569) 357 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Canterbury

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

1. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
3.9km from Canterbury · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Knowler Farm Wild Camping

2. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

100%
(35)
12km from Canterbury · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Elham Treehouse

3. Elham Treehouse

100%
(27)
13km from Canterbury · 2 units
Rustic glamping in the Kent countryside between Folkestone and Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£110
 / night
Coxhill Camping

4. Coxhill Camping

100%
(51)
14km from Canterbury · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a field close to Dover and Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Painters Farm Campsite

5. Painters Farm Campsite

99%
(38)
17km from Canterbury · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£26
 / night
Greenhill Glamping

6. Greenhill Glamping

100%
(31)
19km from Canterbury · 2 units
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night
Frittenden Orchard

7. Frittenden Orchard

97%
(18)
40km from Canterbury · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted
Pets
Potable water
from 
£24
 / night
Glamping @ Rankins Farm

8. Glamping @ Rankins Farm

100%
(38)
42km from Canterbury · 6 units
Family-friendly pod glamping beside a 30-year-old plum orchard, with far-reaching views across the Kent countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night
Otter Channel Campsite

9. Otter Channel Campsite

95%
(159)
43km from Canterbury · 18 units
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
The Hare lodge

10. The Hare lodge

100%
(11)
45km from Canterbury · 2 units
Luxury safari tent glamping on a rural Kent farm within walking distance of the local vineyards yet speedily reached from London
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£233
 / night
Star Field Camping

11. Star Field Camping

97%
(62)
46km from Canterbury · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Off-grid camping and glamping in the High Weald of Kent with campfires, acres of space and a farm shop on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

12. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(20)
47km from Canterbury · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Dogwood Glamping

13. Dogwood Glamping

90%
(42)
52km from Canterbury · 4 units
The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£95
 / night
Small Meadow Campsite

14. Small Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
55km from Canterbury · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Reconnect with nature, gently. Welcome to our low-impact, off-grid campsite nestled within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm. Here, a small flock of sheep graze as part of an ongoing project to restore a wildflower meadow. The land is alive with colour, birdsong and butterflies—and you’re invited to experience it at your own peaceful pace. 🌿 Space to breathe Only two pitches are available at any time (up to 8 people per pitch). Each pitch has: Private fire pit overlooking wide countryside views Camping area (with views) on the lower slope near the shower and main compost toilet Retreat into the woodland strip at the top of the field—perfect for hammocks, hammock tents, shade in summer, quiet chats and listening to the wind through the trees. 🏕️ Extra comfort if the weather turns Add the large group tent, ideal for gatherings, sleeping or simply escaping the heat. It includes a yoga deck / flat outdoor space, perfect for truly unwinding. Looking for a secure field kitchen? We can open the horsebox on the top field (small extra cost). It’s ideal for food storage, camp stoves and gear while you explore beaches and trails. 🌟 Special Exclusive Rental Hire the entire campsite area for your group £250 for up to 10 people up to 10 additional guests at £20 pppn Make the farm yours..... 🌄 Views worth waking up for: From the fire pits you’ll see far-reaching countryside views, and just a short walk away on Mountain Field or at The Balehouse (Hastings Country Park café) you’ll find truly breathtaking scenes over Rye Bay. Nature is the heartbeat here—bluebells in May, orchard blossoms, butterflies drifting through the herbs, and birdsong that wraps around the woodland. At night, the skies open up to the stars; in the morning, you’ll wake to dew-kissed grass and the first rays of sun. 🧘‍♀️ A slower kind of camping Bring a yoga mat, greet the day on the deck, cook outdoors, walk the cliffs, or unwind under the trees. Gather friends and family for a fire, BBQ, or a giant picnic—this field was made for simple, shared moments. 📌 Practical Notes Working farm: the farmer and WWOOFers are on site in areas separate from camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to the campsite areas, not the entire farm. Please bring your own drinking water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

15. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%
(21)
62km from Canterbury · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£130
 / night
Downsview Vineyard

16. Downsview Vineyard

100%
(55)
71km from Canterbury · 5 units
Simple but sophisticated, adults-only bell tent camping on a tiny vineyard with distant views of the South Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
Fontmills Farm Campsite

17. Fontmills Farm Campsite

100%
(122)
73km from Canterbury · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

18. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(65)
74km from Canterbury · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

19. Graywood Canvas Cottages & Hot Tubs

100%
(15)
75km from Canterbury · 4 units
These super-sized, double-decker yurts on a charming East Sussex farm take glamping to another level.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£249
 / night
Hale Farm

20. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
75km from Canterbury · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night

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The best farm stays near Canterbury guide

Where to go

North Sea Coast

Herne Bay and Whitstable are two of Kent’s most popular beach resorts, both less than a half-hour drive from Canterbury. Swim and sunbathe on the pretty pebble beaches, hire out a traditional painted beach hut, or tuck into Whitstable oysters at a seafront restaurant. To the west, the Isle of Sheppey is a favourite among campers, and its sandy beaches fill up with holidaymakers in the summer months.

South Coast

East of Canterbury, sea-cliff walks and windswept beaches tempt adventurers to the English Channel coast. Margate, Ramsgate, or Broadstairs beaches are surf hotspots, and further south, the White Cliffs of Dover are among the UK’s most iconic natural wonders. Laid-back Folkestone makes a picturesque choice for summer campers, with its long sandy beach, while bird-watchers flock to the nearby Romney Marshes.

Kent Downs

Just south of Canterbury, the rolling hills and farmlands of the Kent Downs AONB are responsible for Kent’s nickname: the Garden of England. Hike through ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, take in the views from the Devil's Kneading Trough, or go cycling or horseback riding through Perry Wood. Along the way, stop for lunch at rural village pubs, enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards, and pitch your tent at quiet campsites far from the crowds.

When to go

Canterbury fills up with day-trippers in July and August—plan an early start to beat the crowds at top attractions if visiting at this time. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with fewer crowds and mild weather. Springtime is particularly beautiful in Kent, when the bluebell woods and wildflower meadows are in full bloom. There are options for winter campers too, when Canterbury pulls out all the stops for the festive season.

Know before you go

  • Canterbury has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip. 
  • Canterbury has public transport links to many of Kent’s towns and beaches, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for full payment upfront. Check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Kent.