Retirement properties in Kent

As a county wrapped in coastline, Kent has deep roots in maritime history, with several must-see spots to visit.

• The Historic Dockyard in Chatham covers more than 400 years of warships, including HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson.
• The Dover Museum holds the Bronze Age Boat, the oldest sea vessel known to man.
• Dover Castle has over 800 years of history and secret tunnels, and was even used in World War II.
• Find tours of famous manors, such as the homes of Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill, or the preserved Roman Villa at Lullingstone, dating back to 100 AD.
• Discover museums, including the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre in Faversham, the Canterbury Roman Museum – and its incredible cathedral.

Kent's landscape has plenty of green spaces to stay active during your retirement years. Explore the seemingly endless coastal and countryside paths to discover Kent's forests, beaches, and hills. Stroll towards the South Foreland Lighthouse by the White Cliffs of Dover to get the best view.

There are over a hundred different golf courses (including the Regal Five). Many of them – such as Leeds and Hever Castle – let you swing away among castles, lakes and landscaped gardens. 

The Royal Military Canal was built in the 1800s in anticipation of an attack from Napoleon's armies. Today, it’s a popular trail for walking, cycling, and to spot a variety of wildlife, such as the mute swan and the grey heron.

From quirky workshops and galleries of Folkestone's Creative Quarter to the modern art of Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery, there's something for everyone in Kent.

The Canterbury Festival attracts 60,000 people each year, while the Tenterden Folk Festival is a four-day musical event set in the small town on the edge of the Weald.

When the family visits, enjoy Dreamland in Margate. Dreamland was once one of the most popular seaside amusement parks in Britain. When it was nearly shut down in 2003, a local campaign rescued it. Dreamland has since opened its doors as a re-imagining of the original park. There's a roller disco, mirror maze, dodgems and tea-cups – perfectly recreated from the golden age of British seaside holidays. 

Living your retirement years in Kent means you’ll have easy access to locations near and far, and even international destinations.

• By car - The M2, M20, A2, and A20 allow for drives to London, Surrey, and the coast. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are reachable within 1.5 hours.
• By bus - Local and regional buses offer regular services to towns and villages throughout the county.
• By rail - Reach London St Pancras in under 40 minutes from Ashford, Canterbury, and Ebbsfleet. Frequent services run from other areas, including Tunbridge Wells and Dover.
• By sea - Dover is uniquely positioned to offer ferry services to mainland France, so you can make an international trip within a day!