I finally visited Maya, and spent two weeks in Kent. The weather was cooperating, in fact I was lucky to have lovely spring days the whole time. And I was able to explore a lot of the area, and venture into London too.
The great thing about this area is how close the sea is. One of the best things I did was the coastal walk from Margate to Ramsgate. I took the train to Margate, and from there followed the sea all the way to Ramsgate. It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and of course, I stopped along the way to enjoy the sea views, and have snacks or a coffee. The town of Broadstairs is just over half way and a great place to stop for lunch. You can buy fish and chips or ice cream from authentic little shops on the sea front, and eat them right there, with the sea gulls. It’s a great way to spend a sunny spring day. And you can take the train back from Ramsgate, handily.
Many mornings I found myself making the 45 minute drive to near Canterbury, to the Retired Greyhounds rescue. Maya had told us about this place and I wanted to go there and help out too. They have lots of sweet greyhounds that need homes and they need volunteers to take them for walks every day, which anyone can do between 10 and 12. I had a lovely time taking the hounds out for long walks. The countryside there is beautiful; apple orchards and fields, lovely for a walk and a really worthwhile thing to do around here.
Kent is famous for its Downs, the countryside surrounding it, all rolling hills, meadow and pasture. I spent a whole day walking the downs and it was one of the most peaceful, wild things I’ve done. You are just surrounded by nature, and you have to trek across fields and valleys. You stop for picnics along the way, walk amongst sheep… The village of Wye is a good place to start and end the walk and is a cute destination in itself with its thatched houses and fields of yellow rapeseed.
Other nice places to visit around here include Canterbury with its old cathedral and medieval Center of cute shops and cafes, and a canal flowing through the town. Hythe beach is another nice place for a walk or a run, just a long and quiet expanse of sand and a lovely boulevard alongside. And of course, you are close enough to London to just take a train in and spend the day there too, if you want.
All in all it was great to be back in England after ages and explore a new area. Kent in spring is a great place to visit.
Practical information
Getting here- you can fly to Heathrow or Stansted and take trains to Kent, or take the Euro star or Euro tunnel from European destinations.
Accommodation- I’m lucky because I get to stay in Maya’s apartment in Ashford 🙂 From London you can take the train into Kent, if you stay there.
Getting around- Trains connect most of the places above, but a car is really the easiest way to explore.
What to do- linking below all the places mentioned.
When to visit- this is England after all so be prepared for showers and wind any time of year. I was very lucky to have beautiful spring weather all throughout my trip.
https://theflamingohiker.com/margate-to-ramsgate-walk/
