Taking a getaway doesn't have to mean harming the environment! Take a pew and learn a tip or two as we look at some of the most sustainable things to do in North Kent from nights away and shopping, to going out to eat, so we can make your sustainable getaway break as memorable and guilt free as possible.
Days Out
Riverside country park
Meander in Medway
Medway is full to the brim with amazing spots for those much-needed wellbeing walks. With multiple Green Flag awarded parks, like Capstone Farm Country Park and Riverside Country Park, you’re set for the perfect spots for those nature-filled afternoon walks. Set within the North Downs Way, the area is bountiful with so much flora and fauna, you might just need to stay overnight to see it all! Lucky for us, Stable Cottages sits right nearby the Saxon Shore Way, meaning you’ve got a place to rest your head after your exciting travels throughout the area.
Credit: Belmont House
Belmont House - Wild Classroom Family Cooking Class
Based in Faversham, Belmont House offers a wild classroom cooking class experience for the whole family, using sustainably grown produce from the kitchen garden. After picking your produce, the whole family will get to prepare, cook and eat their food in the outdoor cooking class.
Explore the River Medway
The River Medway is waiting to be explored with its fantastic flora and fauna, beautiful waters, and amazing scenery – lucky for us, Elveys Canoes are here and waiting to guide you on your next aquatic adventure. This is one for the whole family, so pack your bags and head off on a kayak, canoe, or (for those of you more comfortable on solid ground!) sit back and enjoy a picnic on the riverbank. Book in today, oar else you’ll be missing out!
Shepherd Neame Brewery
Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham is one of the most sustainable brewers in the UK. They recycle 97% of grains and hops for animal feed on local farms and were the first UK brewery to be awarded a Feed Materials Assurance Scheme certificate. Visitors can also explore the brewery itself by booking a guided tour and can sample and taste Kent's finest brew.
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Chatham's Historic Dockyard Heritage Building was rated as the top sustainable structure in 2021 by The Royal Institute of British Architects. Families can enjoy a series of tours and workshops and, with the rest of their calendar always full to the brim, there's always something on with a visit to the Dockyard.
Copper Rivet Distillery
The Copper Rivet Distillery is the only grain to glass spirit makers in Kent. Based in Chatham, they use Kentish grain grown, sourced and produced within 20 miles of the distillery, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring there's a taste of Kent in every glass. Visitors can also book a tour of the distillery to see all the hard work that goes in to it.
Jeskyns Community Woodland
Jeskyns is a 360 acre sustainable, newly planted woodland. Jeskyns is great for families as there are many things to do, from five different walking trails to choose from and play areas for children, to fairy and elf villages. Plus the chance to say hello to the cows, take the dog for a walk and much more.
Fuel Up
Macknade Food Hall
Faversham
Macknade is a local produce food hall based in Faversham, with multiple stores in Kent. This local favourite is great if you love to shop local with a range of Kent-sourced produce. Plus, wine lovers, rejoice as they have recently introduced their sustainable wine which reduces its carbon footprint by up to 95% by allowing customers to bring their old bottles in to be reused. That sounds like an excuse for a tipple or two!
The Wallflower Cafe
Herne Bay
As one of Kent's only 100% plant based restaurants, we have to give a shout out to this exciting and lively spot, sat just a 10-minute walk from the beachfront. At the forefront of the sustainability movement in the area, this is the best place to get your fill of locally sourced, naturally made, lovingly prepared meals. With an amazing atmosphere and an eco-friendly ethos, you're set for a spot to spend your next seaside afternoon.
The Quills
Rochester
The Quills based in Rochester's high street offer a sensational vegan menu with all your favourites from vegan platters, fajitas, nachos, alcohol and coffee! We can't think of a better (or easier) way to make the substitution.
Stay the night
Bridgewood Manor
Nestled in the Kentish countryside, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes, Bridgewood Manor isn’t just a pretty face. Oh no – behind the luxurious rooms, amazing spa facilities, and mouth-watering dishes at the Squires restaurant, sits a fantastic sustainability pact. Proudly repping a silver medal in the Green Tourism Awards, you can sleep in peace knowing the team at Bridgewood are working towards a greener future (one that just so happens to be dog-friendly, too!).
Credit: theoceanaut
Elmley Nature Reserve
Elmley Nature Reserve is a 3300 acre nature reserve that's a sanctuary for wildlife in North Kent. As the only National Nature Reserve where you can actually stay the night Elmley is a great place to explore, discover, unwind and connect with nature. With shepherds huts in the heart of the wilderness, it's the perfect place to wake up to nature each morning.
Get around
Use public transport where possible
You don't need us to tell you that the most sustainable form of transport has got to be public transport. With high speed links from London, and train stations throughout Kent, let Southeastern trains take the strain on your next trip.
