Rhythm of Kent

Less than hour from London but a whole world away from the rat race, life in Kent is all about changing up the pace, going with the ebb and flow, and soaking up everything this sensational corner of the world has to offer, from countryside and coast to city streets and easy transport links.  

It’s tricky to say without sounding boastful, but we’re just going to say it - Kent really does have it all, including those all-important high speed rail links to whisk you to the capital from coast to city, from paddleboard to board room. Aside from that, we’ve got two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a thriving city with awards for its nightlife, world-class universities, history galore, exceptional home-grown food and drink, 350 miles of coastline, and most of all s-p-a-c-e. What’s more travel afficionados Lonely Planet literally put it on the map, declaring Kent’s Heritage Coast the 4th best region in the world – what’s not to like?

Watch our videos below from Ambassadors across Kent who have moved here, set up a business here, chosen to study here or talk about why they generally just love the our county!

A change of pace

So, you’re looking for a change: a chance to re-establish that work-life balance, and let’s face it, probably a bit more space to roam. What if we told you midweek mornings in Kent can start with a rural run, a coastal swim, or a locally roasted coffee on cobbled city streets, all before that 9am meeting (ah, the beauty of Teams). Need to swing by the office? High speed rail links will have you in central London in as little as 30 minutes; believe us when we say, when summer comes around an air-conditioned train is a lot more comfortable than an underground commute from zone one to zone three.

Weekends here consist of vineyard tours, manor house meanders, gallery visits, festival fun and beach-side bliss (trust us, you never get bored of having Whitstable on your doorstep). While our two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will make that dog-owning lockdown dream even more attractive, our outstanding schools and universities are another tick in the box for those hoping to start a family.

Whatever it is you’re searching for, it’s here within our 3,700 kilometre square home, so read on and discover your change of pace.

Find your space

Business owners, it’s your turn to change up the pace and find your space to grow. You’ve already read about the lifestyle you and your employees can expect here, but we’ve got even more to share with you.

We’ll shout about those high-speed links from the rooftops, but we also know that for international business, nothing comes close to our Eurotunnel and ferry links to Europe. France in 35 minutes, now how’s that for ease? And speaking of ease, our partners Locate in Kent couldn’t make relocating or expanding into Kent any simpler, with free business advice and support with everything from funding and property searches, to sourcing the best local talent. 

There’s a reason more and more businesses across the creative, digital, and food and drink sectors, are looking to Kent for their relocation and innovation, with cutting edge and flexible office space, a pool of talent and easy transport links right at your fingertips. Interested? we’re inviting you to come and discover it for yourself. And if your search includes a few visits to vineyards and sampling of our iconic local produce along the way, it’s just another part of that work-life balance that makes Kent so special.

Find your place

Students, we’ve got not one, not two but four universities here in Kent, so whether you’re hoping to study sport science, architecture, history or medicine, Kent is the spot to find your place.

Boasting the award-winning University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church Universities, and the exciting and innovative, Universities at Medway, there are so many opportunities to study in Kent, which must be why 40,000 students have made their home in Canterbury alone.

Our universities are recognised for their teaching excellence, their commitment to sustainability and their wealth of courses, but as you’ve probably guessed, we’re all about balance here in Kent, so let us share the possibilities of Kent beyond the campus. Of course, you’ve got those beaches (award-winning beaches at that), but you’ve also got the vibrant city of Canterbury, a Purple Flag award-winner for its exceptional night life and the exciting and vibrant towns of Rochester and Chatham in Medway. While our high speed trains to London, and links to The Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, will have you home to visit the folks quicker than you can say "laundry day", with the likes of creative Folkestone, designer shopping and a World Heritage Site on your doorstep, don’t be surprised if you want to stick around during reading week.

And once the learning’s over, it doesn’t end there. You’ve already read about those businesses wanting to relocate here from London, and guess what, they want your talent in their work-force, so your dreams of work in a creative industry by day and Insta-worthy dining by night are all at your fingertips…

Find your pace

Visitors, you’ve switched on that Out of Office and powered down the laptop,   time to enjoy a change of pace as we share with you the blend of city, coast and countryside that made Lonely Planet declare Kent a must visit this year

That change of pace has got to start with the accommodation, so let us take you on a tour of shepherds huts in nature reserves, coastal cottages made for family catch ups, lodges with views of wild animals and hotels to take care of your every need. Acquired a new best friend during Lockdown? Kent has a wealth of dog-friendly accommodation fit for a Crufts champion. 

Should you venture out of your accommodation you’ll have the choice of rolling countryside wanders, pampering perfection, foraging tours through woodland, active adventures, history in the making, and literature and heritage brought to life in our castles, manors and cathedrals. 

While our family holidays are that perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement, our foodie escapes showcase sustainability and innovation alongside the producing heritage the Garden of England is famed for. No, we can’t tell you whether you should choose a rural couple’s retreat or a big family getaway, but we can share some of our must visits, our must dos and our must stays, and tell you our door is always open for your next trip. Trust us, you'll enjoy the change of pace so much you might just be tempted to stay...