Family Holiday Cottages in Kent: Castles, Gardens, Walks & Days Out

There’s something quietly magical about Kent. Maybe it’s the rolling countryside, the storybook castles, or the sense that every winding lane leads somewhere worth discovering. Recently, we spent time exploring this beautiful corner of England as a family — and it quickly became one of those places you start planning to return to before you’ve even left.

If you’re searching for family holiday cottages in Kent, you’re in the right place. Kent makes a perfect base for a UK family getaway, especially when you settle into a cosy self-catering cottage and take your time soaking everything in. We found that having our own space gave us the freedom to enjoy slow mornings, spontaneous days out, and evenings spent reminiscing about everything we’d seen.

Where to Stay: Family Holiday Cottages in Kent

One of the best decisions we made was booking a Kent self-catering cottage. Having our own home-from-home made everything feel more relaxed — no rushing for breakfast slots or worrying about noise levels after a long day out. Here are some brilliant options on holidaycottage.com to get you started:

Hartbourne Oast — A unique and heart-warming barn conversion with an accompanying annexe, just one mile from the Kent village of St Michaels. Think exposed beams, traditional features, and a tranquil setting that feels a world away from everyday life. Sleeps 12, making it ideal for larger family groups or multi-generational holidays.

Harbourne Oast, St Michaels, Kent

Vine Cottage, Tenterden — A beautiful period property within walking distance of Tenterden’s lovely wide High Street, lined with weatherboarded buildings and Georgian, Jacobean, and Victorian shops. With its exceptional location in the heart of the Garden of England and a stunning interior, this is a wonderful base for couples or small families. Sleeps 4.

Vine Cottage, Tenterden, Kent

Old Vicarage, Sellindge — Sitting quietly in the charming village of Sellindge, this grand and characterful retreat offers plenty of space for families and groups who want to experience the best of rural Kent. It blends timeless character with everything you need for a relaxed country stay. Sleeps 10.

Old Vicarage, Sellindge, Kent

7 Ocean Gateway, Hythe — If a coastal escape is more your style, this stunning four-storey beachfront townhouse on Fisherman’s Beach in Hythe is a real showstopper. Three luxury bedrooms, three Villeroy and Boch bathrooms, and sea views right on your doorstep. Sleeps 6.

7 Ocean Gateway, Hythe, Kent

Baa Lamb Cottage, Romney Marsh — Tucked away on the outskirts of Burmarsh on Romney Marsh, this wonderful two-bedroom cottage is a real find. With a history dating back to the 1800s and an interior full of original beams, exposed brick, and outer flint walls, it oozes charm. Ideally located for easy access to the coast and the stunning Kent Downs AONB — a fantastic choice for couples or a small family. Sleeps 4.

Baa Lamb Cottage, Dymchurch, Kent

Having a comfortable base truly transforms your trip. You’re not just visiting Kent — you’re living in it, even if just for a few days.

Planning Your Trip to Kent: Practical Tips

Before we dive into what to see and do, here are a few things worth knowing:

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn is glorious — the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is at its most reliable. That said, Kent is lovely year-round, with cosy cottage breaks in winter having their own appeal.

How long to stay: We’d recommend at least four nights to do Kent justice. A week gives you the luxury of a slower pace.

Getting around: A car is really helpful for exploring the countryside and reaching some of the more rural attractions. Most of our cottage bases put us within 30–45 minutes of several key attractions.

Dog-friendly? Yes! Many of our Kent holiday cottages are dog-friendly, so Bailey came along too — and loved every minute of it.

A Day at the Enchanting Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

One of our absolute highlights was visiting the Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, tucked away in the hills below Sevenoaks. This place feels like stepping into another world entirely.

Flowers at the Himalayan Gardens Riverhill, Sevenoaks

The gardens are beautifully designed, with winding paths, hidden sculptures, and panoramic views across the Kent countryside. For families, it’s ideal — there’s plenty of space for children to explore, climb, and let their imaginations run wild, including a wooden play area that the kids absolutely loved.

We spent hours here without even noticing the time passing. There’s a wonderful balance between curated beauty and natural wilderness. And the maze? Let’s just say it brought out our competitive sides — I ended up getting so lost I had to use the little side gates to cheat my way out!

There’s also a lovely café at the entrance and a Malabar coffee station (a very welcome sight), plus an ice cream stand for warmer days. If you’re staying in a cottage near Sevenoaks, this is an absolute must.

Stepping Back in Time: Kent’s Historic Houses and Castles

Kent is steeped in history, and visiting its grand houses and castles feels like opening the pages of a living storybook. Here are our favourites for families:

Knole House

Set within a vast deer park, Knole House is a fascinating place to explore. The kids loved spotting deer roaming freely across the grounds — we even saw a couple of albino ones, which was quite the surprise! Meanwhile, the adults were captivated by the sheer grandeur of the house itself. There’s something genuinely special about walking through rooms that have stood for centuries. If you’re staying in a cottage near Sevenoaks, Knole is right on your doorstep.

Knole House, Sevenoaks, Kent

Deer at Knole Park

Hever Castle

Hever Castle — the childhood home of Anne Boleyn — is an absolute must for families visiting Kent. The gardens alone are worth the trip: immaculate, colourful, and full of little surprises around every corner. There’s also a brilliant adventure playground, which was a huge hit with our two. They also put on jousting displays during the season — check the website for dates, as it’s well worth timing your visit around.

Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place feels a little quieter and less crowded than some of the bigger attractions, which made it perfect for a slower-paced afternoon. The medieval architecture is stunning, and the gardens are beautifully maintained. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still feel like you’ve discovered something truly special. If you’re staying in a cottage near Tunbridge Wells or Tenterden, Penshurst is a lovely day out.

Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Kent

Exploring Kent on Foot: Family Walks You’ll Love

One of the simplest joys of our trip was walking. Kent has some of the best countryside walks in England, and you really don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them.

We found ourselves drawn to woodland trails filled with birdsong, open fields with sweeping views, and coastal paths where the sea breeze keeps everyone refreshed. The beauty of walking in Kent is its incredible variety — one day you’re exploring quiet countryside, the next you’re strolling along dramatic white cliffs. It’s the perfect way to slow down and reconnect as a family.

For families staying in a cottage on Romney Marsh, the flat, open landscape makes for wonderfully easy walking with younger children. The coast is never far away either, with Camber Sands and Dungeness both within easy reach.

Big Annual Events in Kent Worth Planning Around

If you can time your visit around one of Kent’s major events, it adds a really special extra dimension to your trip:

Kent County Show — Held every summer, this is one of the region’s biggest and most beloved events. Expect livestock displays, local food, crafts, and plenty to keep children entertained. It’s a fantastic way to experience the beating heart of Kent’s rural culture.

Broadstairs Folk Week — If you’re visiting in August, this lively festival fills the charming seaside town of Broadstairs with music, dancing, and a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere. It’s brilliantly family-friendly and has a real community feel that’s hard not to fall in love with.

Canterbury Festival — Taking place each autumn, this festival celebrates music, theatre, and the arts. It’s ideal if you want to add a cultural touch to your holiday — and Canterbury itself is well worth a full day’s visit regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Holidays in Kent

What are the best family activities in Kent? There’s no shortage! Top picks include Hever Castle, Knole House, Penshurst Place, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, and the many coastal beaches and countryside walks. Kent really does have something for every age group.

Are there dog-friendly holiday cottages in Kent? Absolutely. Many of our Kent self-catering properties welcome well-behaved dogs — and with so many great walks on the doorstep, your four-legged family member will love it just as much as the rest of you.

How far is Kent from London? Kent is incredibly well connected to London, with parts of the county reachable in under an hour by train or car. It makes a great option for a long weekend escape as well as a longer family holiday.

When is the best time to visit Kent for families? Late spring and summer are the most popular times, when gardens are blooming and outdoor activities are in full swing. But autumn brings beautiful colours and fewer crowds, and winter has its own charm — especially in a cosy cottage.

What is the Garden of England? Kent has long been known as the Garden of England, thanks to its fertile soil, abundance of orchards and hop gardens, and its stunning natural landscapes. It’s a nickname that feels entirely earned once you’ve spent a few days exploring.

Why Kent Works So Well for Families

Looking back, what struck us most about Kent was how wonderfully easy it is. Everything feels within reach — gardens, castles, walks, beaches — and yet each place offers something completely different. There’s also a lovely sense of freedom. You’re not tied to a rigid itinerary. Some of our best moments came from unplanned stops: a scenic viewpoint, a quiet picnic spot, or a charming village we hadn’t even intended to visit.

A Slower, More Meaningful Kind of Holiday

In a world where holidays can sometimes feel rushed and over-scheduled, Kent offers something refreshingly different. It invites you to slow down. You can spend a morning exploring a historic estate, an afternoon wandering through gardens, and an evening relaxing back at your cottage with a glass of something cold. There’s no pressure to do everything — just the real pleasure of doing what feels right.

Start Planning Your Kent Family Holiday

If you’re searching for a destination that combines history, nature, and family-friendly activities, Kent is genuinely hard to beat. From the peaceful beauty of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens to the grandeur of its historic houses and the charm of its countryside walks, there’s something here for every family.
And with the flexibility of a self-catering holiday cottage in Kent, you can experience it all entirely at your own pace.
Browse our Kent holiday cottages and start planning your family adventure today.
It’s the kind of trip that stays with you — not just because of what you see, but because of how it makes you feel. Kent might just surprise you, in the very best way.

By Sarah at holidaycottage.com

About the Author: Sarah is a passionate advocate for exploring the beauty of the UK from the comfort of a truly special place to stay. A mother of two, she believes that the best memories are often made anywhere as long as you are with your favourite people — along winding country lanes, coastal paths, and in cottages full of character.