Moving to Kent: Getting to know your new county
Before moving to Kent, it’s important to get to know this wonderful county. Kent, in the Southeast of the UK, borders Greater London, Surrey and East Sussex, as well as Essex along the Thames river. As one of the home counties, Kent offer excellent links to London and access to other parts of the UK. The county has a population of over 1.8 million. It’s also one of the warmest parts of the UK.
Kent is known for the historical towns and cities within its borders: including Canterbury (home to the 1400-year-old Cathedral); coastal towns like Whitstable; and the town of Margate which is home to the world-famous Turner Gallery. Kent’s County town is Maidstone, situated just 40 miles southeast of London.
When considering a Kent move, it can be important to get an accurate picture of the costs involved. Our home video survey makes getting a personalised and accurate removals quote easy, seamless and quick. At Santa Fe, we are dedicated to delivering the best moving experience possible.
Kent: exploring the county’s rich history
The county of Kent is steeped in history and is famously home to the two oldest cathedrals in the UK. Canterbury Cathedral is 1400 years old, and Rochester Cathedral was built during the Norman period and completed in 1238.
Kent has maintained its reputation for agricultural excellence: known as the ‘Garden of England’ the county is famed for its production of high-quality fruit, hops and more recently its excellent and award-winning vineyards.
Cultural experiences in Kent
Whether you’ve recently relocated or are looking to move to Kent, check out our list of must-see places and experiences:
• Take a sunset visit to Port Lympne Zoo. This safari zoo is spectacular at any time of day, but we think the sunset drive provides the best backdrop to all the amazing animals.
• Visit Leeds Castle on Bonfire night, and marvel in the fireworks spectacular.
• Spend a weekend travelling along the Kentish coastline on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch miniature steam train railway. Take advantage of the train and hop on/hop off along the route: there are some exceptional hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants and cafes that make this an excellent weekend trip.
• Test your luck at Heaver Castle: try to beat the water maze by finding the end without getting wet.
• Drive to Britain’s smallest town, Fordwich, and take a walk along the peaceful streets and river.
• Visit Michelin starred restaurant The Sportsman in Seasalter. Excellent for a special occasion or as a ‘just moved in’ treat.
• Put the Whitstable Oyster Festival in your diary! This 3-day July festival celebrates exceptional seafood, and Whitstable’s history with the Oyster catching industry. The event sells out quickly, so make sure you register your interest ahead of time.
Things to do in Kent
Kent has plenty to keep you busy, no matter what your interests. The county is known for its green spaces and lush outdoors, so there are endless outdoor pursuits. From horseback riding to mountain biking, hiking to camping, there is something for everyone.
If you love to shop, Bluewater Shopping centre in Stone on the outside of the M25 orbital, offers exceptional mall shopping featuring luxury and high-street brand names.
Plenty of Kent residents take advantage of the excellent transport links and close proximity to London, and frequently enjoy day trips to the capital city. If you are looking for adventure a little further afield, you have quick and easy access to the Eurostar and Eurotunnel, making it possible to pop to Brussels or Paris for the day.
Where are the best places to live in Kent?
The county has a range of styles, home sizes and lifestyles available, depending on the location you choose.
House prices in Kent are at a slight premium over the national UK average due to the close proximity to London – the average detached house is on sale for between £510,000 and £550,000 (accurate as of March 2019). Kent is a big county with a lot of excellent places to explore in the search for your dream home.
Here’s our list of favourite places to move to in Kent:
• Dartford – this is a great town for families and those needing good transport links, with very good schools and a busy lifestyle with good nightlife.
• Royal Tunbridge Wells – this town in the west of Kent has great schools, lots of green space, and is just 30 miles from London.
• Canterbury – the Cathedral city of Canterbury offers a university, busy nightlife, and a culture of arts and entertainment.
• Maidstone – full of history, Maidstone is just 32 miles from London, with top schools, and abundant shopping outlets and active nightlife.
• Gillingham – this town in the East of Kent is our favourite location for the very best in education, in a safe environment with strong transport links.
• Sandwich – if you are looking for a quiet life in a small town, the medieval and very historic town of Sandwich is a great match. With a population of just 4500, this is our pick for living the quiet life.
• Swanscombe – close to Bluewater shopping centre, this small town offers abundant green spaces and great transport links.
If you can’t decide, or would like to know more about Kent and finding the right location for you, speak to one of our specialists today who can help match you with the perfect property. At Santa Fe, our years of local knowledge and personalised approach mean we’re sure to find a home that’s just right for you.
What’s Kent like for education?
There are excellent primary and secondary schools across Kent, both State and independent. If you are moving to Kent and need help finding the right school for your family, find out how Santa Fe’s schools search specialists can help you. Whether you need schools near a certain location, or want schools available to inform your location search
For further education, there are three Universities to choose from: University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Imperial College London.
Kent: Travel information and commuting from Kent to London
The entire county benefits from very strong transport links. With much of the county within the London commuter belt, you can be assured of a short journey time into the capital whether by train or car.
For international travel, Kent residents have their pick of airports within a short distance, with quick travel times to Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stanstead. Kent also offers some uniquely convenient alternative European travel options. Kent benefits from the Channel Tunnel, from which you can reach France and Brussels in a couple of hours.
How can Santa Fe Relocation help my move to Kent?
We have 120 years of experience moving people and their families internationally and domestically. Because of this, we have thought of everything. We know every aspect of a move that can make things stressful, so we have personalised services to counter them.
We promise that our removals services are complete, premium, and tailored to your needs for a seamless and care free move. We are confident that we will make your move to Kent the easiest move of your life. Get a free moving quote from Santa Fe Relocation. We make moving home easy for you.
