We all know how important our wellbeing is and, if the past few years have taught us anything, we know that the outdoors is one of the best spaces to improve our physical and mental wellness. With such a vast amount of information available to us all the time nowadays, it’s often hard to remember to switch off, so we’re here to remind you. While the morning meditations and lunch break walks lay the fundamental base for our mental wellbeing, we’ve got to take a whole day to ourselves every now and then, and Kent is the perfect place to do so. With its fantastic countryside, brilliant coast (that just so happens to have been named 4th best region in the world to visit in 2022 by Lonely Planet!), and welcoming community, you’re bound to love wherever you end up. Check out some of our favourite places in the county that are perfect for that much needed T.L.C.!
Kent Downs National Landscape Trail
Brand new for 2023 along the North Downs Way is the GREAT ARTdoors Art Trail. Truly out in the open and surely one to give you a mental detox, this open air gallery is free for people to discover on a trip through the pilgrims way, from Otford to Snowdown. In total there are nine artworks to tick off, such as the 'Coccolith' which is a circular stone wall that provides protection from the elements to sculptured wooden seats with inscribed poems where you can relax after a challenging walk. Each artwork has its own guided walk, which means you might not have to walk the whole distance to get them all!
Forest Bathing with Tansy
Experience a sense of deep relaxation as you step into the beauty of the forest and connect yourself to nature. Come along to the guided Forest Bathing with Tansy with friends, family, or by yourself, and discover just how powerful a walk in nature can be. Finish the day around a campfire with a cup of tea and a snack, and bask in the glory of the forest!
Soul setting journey
Step into a new way of thinking with the Soul Setting Journey with Tansy. Go on a breath-taking journey through the Kent Downs and spend the day gaining a clearer vision of yourself through intention and goal setting. Move forward physically and mentally as you take the next step towards a clearer and happier mind!
Nordic Walking Experience
Walking is one of the most restorative, mindful, and connecting activities out there. And if you want to add something new to your walk, then try out the Nordic Walking Experience! An enhanced walking technique that uses poles to work your upper body and legs, you’ll be sure to feel great in your body and mind.
Wild Classroom
Experience the outdoors in the best way possible this year with an outdoor cooking workshop with Wild Classroom. Learn how to cook healthy, sustainable meals while in the wonderful wild! You'll get a warm welcome, learn new skills, and make unforgettable memories.
Scotney Castle
Wrap up warm, pull on your welly boots and get out in the fresh air. Tramp the waymarked estate paths at Scotney, enjoying the sights and sounds of open parkland and ancient woodland. Then head back to the tea-room for a reviving hot drink and something to eat.
Wellbeing at Walmer Castle
Set in beautiful gardens on a seaside estate, you can find peace of mind at one of Walmer Castle’s wellbeing sessions. Choose from yoga, meditation, walking, Shinrin Yoku (aka forest bathing), and many other activities as you allow a moment of calm within the busy rush of everyday life. Dedicating a day to mindfulness and relaxation has never been easier!
Tai Chi and Qigong on the Beach
The ancient art of Tai Chi has come to Kent, and it’s the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and nature. Set on the beautiful Deal coast, this experience will teach you the gentle and empowering movements of Tai Chi, allowing you to gain an insight into yourself and rediscover that amazing feeling of peace! End the session with a meditation, and be sure to head into the heart of the vibrant Deal to make your day truly special.
Huckleberry Woods
Mother nature is calling at Huckleberry Woods! There’s nothing quite like hanging out with some animals to get that heart rate low and your mind happy. Small, rustic, and natural, you can spend a relaxed day at Huckleberry Woods meeting the animals throughout the farm and can even arrange to go on a walk with one. Micro-pigs, miniature donkeys, Teddy Bear sheep, and alpacas await…
Wildwood Trust
Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, Wildwood brings you nose-to-nose with over 200 British animals in natural enclosures. This is the perfect day out for all ages and gives you and the family the chance to reconnect with nature and discover the beauty of the country’s wildlife. See wolves, bears, otters, foxes, deer, and so much more as you walk through the breath-taking landscape.
Wilder Safari
Be guided through exciting advancements in wildlife conservation by Safari Guides at the Wilder Safari experience. As well as learning all about our ecosystem and the hopeful fight against climate change, there is also a great focus on wellbeing with photography tuition, mindfulness activities, sunset backdrops and lots more.
Port Lympne
Spend the day surrounded by wildlife in a truly restorative outdoor experience at Port Lympne. Discover every corner of the 600 acres at the reserve, with its lush countryside and dramatic coastal views. The 14-acre gardens have provided an oasis for more than 100 years, so why not take a look yourself and spend some time among a historically mindful setting?
Canoe Wild
Fancy taking to the water to get some well needed outdoors time? Canoe Wild have the perfect balance of active and relaxing, ensuring anyone from buoyancy beginner to aqua aficionado can enjoy their courses, tours, and activities. From kids’ parties to hen do’s, “peddle and paddle” to a guided paddle, there is something for everyone. Team build, have fun with the family, or just spend some time to yourself. learning something new with Canoe Wild!
Paddleboarding with Active Ramsgate
Feel the wide open sea, the rhythm of the waves beneath your feet, and the freshness of the ocean air! Active Ramsgate are brining paddleboarding to the table, and we can’t wait to give it a go. Try a guided tour, a safari tour, or even a sunrise/sunset tour and learn just how relaxing the ocean can be. Come along with friends and family and enjoy something new!
Col’s Kent Bike Tours
Bring your friends and family along to Col’s Kent Bike Tours, where people of all cycling abilities can explore the beauty of the county. From iconic sights to hidden gems, this is an unforgettable experience for the history buffs, the seaside strollers, the culture lovers and everyone in between!
The Viking Coastal Trail
Fancy something a bit more solo? The Viking Coastal Trail is one of the best leisure cycle routes in Kent, fit for anyone to spend the day exploring. Take your own time as you travel along the 32 mile long circular route – stop off at the sites along the way, or go full force and see how quickly you can make it round!
UK Electric Bike Hire
What better way to discover the Kentish countryside than a bike ride through calming country lanes and verdant landscapes. Treat yourself and the planet by hiring an electric bike with friends and family and explore the local area. There’s so much to see and do on the dedicated bike routes, so why not explore historic castles, try some local produce, mosey through quaint countryside villages, or stop into a vineyard. All in the name of wellbeing, of course!
Weekend Camino
For anyone who has spent more than five minutes in Kent, you’ll know that the history of the pilgrimage is a huge part of the county’s history. So why not reconnect with times gone by, learn about the past in order to appreciate the present? With the Augustine Camino, you can go on a weekend pilgrimage to all of the hot spots and discover the importance of walking, journeying, and place.
Kent Coastal Experience
Open landscapes and fresh air are the perfect combination for a calmer state of mind and, lucky for us, England Plus Tours provide just this with their Kent Coastal Experience. With expert guides and fantastic history, the tour will take you from the famous White Cliffs to the one-time home of Ian Fleming, from Dover Castle to Samphire Hoe. Discover the history, nature, and culture of Kent…
Ashford Designer Outlet Sports Shops
With so much outdoor well-being in Kent, we thought we’d equip you with the gear so that you can look and feel the part to be the nature warrior that you truly are. At Ashford Designer Outlet, you can save up to 60% on high quality brands, including many sportswear options.
