Cottages in Kent

What's on offer in Kent

There are 314 cottages listed on BritStays in Kent, so you have plenty of choice. They aren't spread evenly, though. The biggest clusters are around Ashford (57), Broadstairs (39), Maidstone (35) and Canterbury (33), followed by Whitstable (28), Faversham (23), Folkestone (23) and Margate (20). If you have a particular town in mind, those numbers give you a rough idea of how much you'll have to compare. A town with more listings usually means more flexibility on dates and sizes.

Coast or countryside?

If you want a seaside break, Broadstairs, Whitstable, Margate and Folkestone together account for over a hundred cottages. Broadstairs has the most of the coastal towns, and Hideaway Cottage and Rosemary House both sleep six there. In Whitstable, Richmond Cottage sleeps eight, which suits two families sharing.

If you'd rather be inland, Ashford and Maidstone have the deepest choice. Several of the Maidstone examples have rural-sounding names, including Kingfisher Oast, Moorhen Cottage and Heron Barn. Around Ashford, the Dynes Farm cottages (The Duck House and The Chicken Shed) suggest a farm setting. Check the individual listing to confirm what's actually around you before you book. Canterbury sits in the middle of the pack with 33 cottages, and Bow Cottage and Owl Cottage are two of the smaller ones there.

Matching the cottage to your group

Sizes vary a lot, so start with how many beds you need:

• Couples: Heron Barn in Maidstone sleeps two, and Bow Cottage in Canterbury sleeps three.
• Small families: Green Trees (Maidstone), Owl Cottage (Canterbury) and Dynes Farm - The Duck House (Ashford) each sleep four.
• Families of up to six: this is the most common size among the examples. It includes Kingfisher Oast, Moorhen Cottage and Pilgrim Cottage in Maidstone, Anchor Light Cottage in Faversham, and Dynes Farm - The Chicken Shed in Ashford.
• Bigger groups: Richmond Cottage in Whitstable sleeps eight, and Walpole House in Margate sleeps 19, which suits a family reunion or a milestone birthday.

Dog owners, parking and WiFi

Only two of the 314 cottages are currently tagged as pet friendly. Only two mention parking, and just one mentions WiFi. That almost certainly reflects how listings have been filled in rather than what's really there. It does mean you shouldn't rely on the filters for these. If you're bringing a dog, need a parking space or have to work remotely, check the full listing and ask the owner directly before you pay. Ask about dog numbers, sizes and any extra cleaning charge.

Getting there and around

Public transport is where these cottages score well. Out of 314, 167 are near a bus stop and 141 are near a train station. Many of the Maidstone examples are near both, including Kingfisher Oast, Green Trees and Pilgrim Cottage. So are Rosemary House in Broadstairs and Anchor Light Cottage in Faversham. If you drive an electric car, 125 cottages have EV charging nearby, including Walpole House, Richmond Cottage, Bow Cottage and Owl Cottage. "Nearby" isn't the same as on-site, so check where the charger is.

What to do once you're there

Kent is rich in castles and coastline. Heritage options include:

• Leeds Castle
• Walmer Castle
• Saltwood Castle
• Upnor Castle
• Dymchurch Redoubt
• Garrison Point Fort

Bradbourne House is a stately home worth adding to the list, and the White Cliffs of Dover are an obvious draw for a coastal day out.

If you're staying in Broadstairs, three attractions are right in town: the Secret Wartime Tunnels, Arthur's Hall and the PWRR & Queens Regiment Museum. They're handy for a rainy day or for anyone with an interest in military history.

When to book

The rarest cottages go first. With 314 to choose from, you'll usually find something for a couple or a family of four at fairly short notice. Very large houses are a different matter. Walpole House sleeping 19 is unusual, so if your group is big, book as early as you can and agree dates with everyone first.

School holidays and summer weekends on the coast tend to fill quickest. If you're flexible, an inland base like Ashford or Maidstone, which have the most cottages, gives you a better chance of finding last-minute availability. Before you confirm any booking, check three things with the owner:

• exact sleeping arrangements
• parking
• pet rules