Hotels in Kent

Book a stay in the “Garden of England” and experience a great weekend city break destination...

It's worth shopping around to find the best deals for hotels in Kent - you'll find yourself spoilt for choice from the array of city inns, country hotels, boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs.

Cheap hotels in Kent can be found almost everywhere, with plenty of independent hotels and B&Bs by the sea and inland. Well-known brands, such as Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn and Travelodge, offer affordable rooms in destinations such as Whitstable, Canterbury, Ashford, Dover, Ramsgate and Margate. Other brands, including Abode, Mercure and Best Western, also operate hotels across Kent.

For breaks by the sea, guesthouses, hotels and B&Bs offer rooms just minutes from the water. Consider trips to Ramsgate, Margate, Herne Bay, Whitstable or Deal for a traditional slice of the English coast. These are great destinations for fun family holidays.

There's much to see and do in the pretty port town of Folkestone, though many hotels in Folkestone are also booked by travellers for a night or two before and after journeys to France on Eurotunnel le shuttle, which runs from the edge of town.

Whether you're after Maidstone hotels, hotels in Tunbridge Wells, Gillingham hotels or accommodation anywhere else in the county of Kent, it's best to book as far in advance of travel as possible to secure the cheapest rates. This is especially true at weekends and during the busy summer months, when warmer weather lures visitors to the seaside.

The beauty of Kent lies in its diversity of attractions. There really is something for everyone here...

Top five attractions

White Cliffs of Dover

Icons of the British coastline, the chalk cliffs were, and often still are, the first thing seen by overseas visitors arriving by sea. There are spectacular views to be had on windswept cliff-top walks. There's a car park charge but entrance is otherwise free.

Canterbury Cathedral

With foundations dating back some 1,500 years, this is one of the oldest Christian buildings in Britain. Though the exterior is something to behold, it's the interior that will really take your breath. 

Whitstable

Sample the locally celebrated oysters in this delightful harbour town. With beach huts, bobbing boats, clapboard homes and a clutch of antique shops, this is a quaint and charming part of the county and a firm holiday favourite.

Bluewater

It's not all seaside magic and ancient history in Kent - this colossal shopping centre attracts millions of people year. The shopping experience is complemented by restaurants and attractions, such as a cinema and an adventure park. 

Hever Castle and Gardens

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, is sure to thrill children today. There are mazes as well as formal gardens. Special events, such as jousting tournaments, really bring this ancient castle to life.

Visitors to Kent are never short on things to do. Attend any of these annual events and add even more memories to your holiday album...

Oyster Festival in Whitstable; July-August: Fear not, oyster haters, this event is about much more than this love-it-or-loathe-it delicacy of Kent. There's a carnival atmosphere in Whitstable in summer and visitors enjoy seaside cinema screenings, parades, fireworks, treasure hunts, and of course, an oyster-eating competition.

Broadstairs Folk Week; August: This is a music festival held at venues throughout the town. It's a popular time to be in Broadstairs, so book hotels early if you plan to join in with the song, dance and good times of Folk Week.

Dickensian Christmas at Rochester; December: Charles Dickens lived near this pretty town and based many of his works here, so it's no surprise the locals still celebrate their connection with one of England's greatest writers. Be in Rochester as Christmas approaches to savour Victorian-flavoured festivities - there's a candlelit procession, street performances, carols and much more besides.