Campervan owners’ guide to Kent

Exploring Kent by campervan

The southeast corner of England may be the traditional getaway location for millions of Londoners, but it’s also ideal for campervan owners. From day trips to historic locations and elegant old towns to week-long coastal adventures, a campervan owner can enjoy it all. The only issue is fitting everything into the time available.

With a healthy dose of Kent charm, the area has huge amounts to keep everyone in the family happy – no matter what type of holiday you’re looking for. That is, once you’ve read our guide to Kent and got your campervan insurance in the bag.

North Kent coast

At one time the northern part of Kent was unfairly regarded as a scenic and cultural wasteland that drivers raced through on their way to and from the Channel ports. Take the time to visit today and you’ll soon see this is no longer the case.

Chatham

With its iconic castle, cathedral and connections to Charles Dickens, nearby Rochester has often stolen the spotlight. That changed with the development of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Museum in the 1980s.

One of the best museums in the country, it brings the ‘age of sail’ to life when Britain ruled the waves. Visitors can explore three historic warships across the 80‑acre site: HMS Gannet, HMS Cavalier and the Cold War submarine HMS Ocelot.

Additional attractions include a Victorian rope factory and a lifeboat museum celebrating the work of the RNLI.

If history is your cup of tea, nearby Fort Amherst and the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham are also well worth a visit.

Where to stay: Allhallows Place Touring Park is a quiet, year‑round site around 25 minutes from Rochester, ideal for getting away from it all.

Whitstable

Once known primarily for oyster farming, Whitstable combines a bohemian atmosphere with a quiet shingle beach and charming weatherboard cottages. It’s also a hotspot for adventure sports, particularly kitesurfing, with courses available for all abilities.

The Kent coastline is rich in maritime history, making Whitstable popular with scuba divers keen to explore Second World War wrecks. There are also marine wildlife tours and underwater photography courses available.

Where to stay: Primrose Cottage Caravan Park is a friendly, dog‑friendly site with sea views and fresh eggs from on‑site chickens.

Margate

Margate’s Grade I listed Shell Grotto remains one of its most intriguing attractions – a mysterious underground chamber adorned with 4.5 million shells.

In recent years, regenerated arcades, quirky cafés and cultural venues have transformed Margate into an edgy seaside escape.

Highlights include Turner Contemporary, Tom Thumb Theatre and the retro amusement park Dreamland.

Where to stay: Nethercourt Touring Park near Ramsgate is ideal for families and cyclists, with the Viking Coastal Trail close by.

Canterbury

One of England’s most historic cities, Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering over 2,000 years of history, from Roman ruins to medieval streets.

The centrepiece is Canterbury Cathedral, destination of Chaucer’s pilgrims and home to the shrine of Thomas Becket.

The surrounding countryside and coast are perfect for walkers and cyclists. The Crab and Winkle Way offers a gentle 7.6‑mile route between Canterbury and Whitstable.

If you prefer a slower pace, punting on the River Stour provides a peaceful, traffic‑free view of the city.

Where to stay: Cobbs Meadow Caravan CL is a tranquil, countryside site close to Canterbury.

Protect your home on wheels with campervan insurance

Choosing campervan insurance from Motorhome Protect helps you start your Kent adventure with confidence. Benefits may include:

• Enhanced cover for personal effects
• Cover for vehicles valued up to £150,000

Get a quick quote for campervan insurance today.

Policy benefits and features may vary between insurance schemes and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information is correct at the time of publishing and may change.