My husband and I are returning to England in late Oct. We are looking for a new area to see and are aiming for the southeast. After scouring numerous prior threads, Canterbury seems to be a good base for maybe 3 nights as it has a nice mix of history, charm and nearby forested and riverside walks, which is high on our need list - if weather allows.
I'm hoping for any recommendations, insight into some of the walks/hikes in the area. I realize so many areas have similar offerings, so it is tough deciding where to go.
We will be using public transportation and will likely do a day trip to either Maidstone or Dover, weather and interest depending. Our total trip will be about 8 days and includes a few in Wimbledon/Richmond area to see family, and a night in London before we go.
Thank you in advance for info you can share.
R and R
Posted by
3256 posts
We took the bus to Dover and then walked to the castle. After our visit, a staff member near the exit gate called a taxi for us and we went to the white cliff Dover visitor center. We then walked part of the trail and then took a taxi back to the bus station.
Posted by
London
700 posts
For walking in Canterbury, the North Downs Way goes through the town: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/north-downs-way/
The part that goes into Canterbury (roughly) overlaps with the old pilgrims trail that went from Winchester to Canterbury, as the characters in the Canterbury Tales are walking. The part onwards from Canterbury goes to Dover and overlaps with the Via Francigena which continues all the way to Rome. It's well marked but a map is helpful.
Is there something specific you're hoping to see in Maidstone? There's not a whole lot for tourists there, I would choose Dover. My personal favourite, within easy reach of Canterbury on public transport, would be Whitstable, which is a lovely seaside town- and you can also do some nice coastal walks from there as well.
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
109 posts
thanks for the quick info! Well I thought Leeds Castle in Maidstone, perhaps. So many options, with Dover and Whitstable too, maybe we let the weather decide. I guess if it's very rainy we will need to duck into a Canturbury pub or two!
Posted by
UK
1097 posts
Leeds Castle isn’t in Maidstone. The postal address is Maidstone, but the castle is in a small village outside of the town.
Dover Castle is excellent.
Posted by
London
700 posts
Ohh that makes much more sense then! Yes, Leeds Castle is definitely worth visiting, tho it is a bit of a pain on public transport from Canterbury. Whitstable and Dover are much easier with a direct bus and train respectively. Somewhere else nice which is easy to get to is Sandwich, and the cluster of seaside towns in the northeast corner of Kent- Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. The weather in October is very variable but there is also plenty to do indoors in Canterbury so I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip regardless!
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
109 posts
so helpful re Leeds Castle information. As well as everything else. Thank you! We're really looking forward to it, good weather or no.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10448 posts
For Leeds Castle go there on a Saturday when bus 510 from Maidstone East station to Ashford Station now diverts into the Castle every 90 minutes, a fairly new development.
And you get 20% off admission if you arrive by bus.