DISCOVERING THE KENT COAST & SOUTH DOWNS IN YOUR MOTORHOME OR VAN
Categories: Travel reports
Published: 15.06.2023

Embarking on a journey along the awe-inspiring Kent Coast presents a thrilling road trip, showcasing some of England's most spectacular landscapes. Additionally, travellers can delve into the South Downs, where breath-taking vistas, numerous trails, and unforgettable experiences await, including stargazing under the dark, starry sky.

 

You can follow a linear route spanning about 130 miles that can take around 4-5 days with occasional stops, or longer if you wish to explore the hidden gems along the way. This route begins or ends at Dover and stretches to Chichester, taking you on a historical journey that includes Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman history, as well as the Napoleonic Wars and WWII. The route is adorned with Victorian seaside resorts, piers, and beautiful beaches.

The road trip offers an endless list of destinations and points of interest to explore, including Dover, Rye, Hastings, Brighton, and Chichester, not to mention the magnificent South Downs. Yet, the beauty of a road trip lies in the weaving together of these locations, along with the hidden gems and experiences in between, to reveal the less-travelled path waiting to be discovered.

 


Discover Kent's charm and heritage by visiting its seaside towns, each with its unique appeal. Unwind on the beach, swim, and explore local shops and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the region's history by exploring castles, churches, and museums showcasing Kent's rich heritage.

While on your road trip, be sure to take advantage of opportunities to discover unique sights that may not be accessible to day trippers. Take some time to stop and explore the many monuments, and learn the fascinating stories behind them. One example is the Meridian Monument on The Promenade in Peacehaven, which serves as both a monument to King George V and a representation of the meeting point between the East and West.

Stopping along this route can provide a whole new perspective with various vistas to discover. You can opt for a wine or food tour, take a ride on a vintage bus or steam train, or if you're into wild swimming, take a refreshing dip at Cuckmere River in Cuckmere Meanders or the River Ouse at Barcombe Mills.

Bird hides, strategically positioned by design, provide an ideal viewpoint for experiencing the natural habitat as a local, albeit from a bird's perspective. This immersive encounter with nature, combined with a sense of tranquillity and a slow-paced experience, is the hallmark of these viewing structures. The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve boasts five birdwatching hides that are easily accessible. It's also an excellent spot for a picnic, without having to worry about finding a parking space that accommodates your vehicle's size.

Movie enthusiasts can explore the locations that served as backdrops in their favourite films. For instance, Beachy Head, where James Bond parachutes out of a Land Rover towards the sea in the opening scene of James Bond: The Living Daylights. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Seven Sisters' cliffs provide the backdrop for scenes where Harry Potter goes up the hill to find boots that transport him to the Quidditch World Cup. Battle of Britain (1969) features Folkestone, while Dungeness and Hastings are among the locations seen in Foyle's War (2002-2015), among others.

With over 55 campsites on this route, and over 15 ‘secret stays’, which include authorised overnight stops and pub stops, you’ll easily find the perfect spot.

Planned out route guide

You can access the details of this Kent Coast & South Downs road trip route, along with the experiences you can enjoy along the way, for free by becoming a member of www.UncoverBritain.com. However, if you upgrade to the paid membership, you will have access to the full destination guide for this trip, which includes all the items mentioned above and more, as well as dozens of other road trip routes across the UK, complete with recommended overnight stops, hidden gems, viewpoints, wild swimming spots, and more.

The annual membership fee is £29.99, but if you purchase it during 2023 and use the code MALIBU10, you can get £10 off.