Kent, known as the Garden of England, is home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the UK. From rolling hills and ancient woodlands to stunning coastlines and historic towns, Kent offers an abundance of scenic routes perfect for a leisurely drive. Whether you’re a local in Medway looking to explore your surroundings or a visitor wanting to discover Kent’s hidden gems, hiring a car from Hire2You gives you the freedom and comfort to enjoy these routes at your own pace.
In this guide, we highlight some of the best drives in Kent that are ideal for Hire2You customers craving a relaxing and picturesque road trip.
1. The North Downs Way: A Journey Through History and Nature
The North Downs Way is a long-distance footpath and cycling route that stretches from Farnham in Surrey to Dover on the Kent coast. While the footpath is for walkers and cyclists, the roads that run parallel offer stunning drives through the heart of Kent’s countryside.
Starting near Medway, you can take the A229 north and then explore country lanes weaving through the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The views here are breathtaking, featuring chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and charming villages like Detling and Lenham.
Make sure to stop at the historic town of Canterbury, famous for its cathedral and medieval streets, or take a detour to the market town of Maidstone for some shopping and local cuisine.
Hiring a compact or comfortable family car from Hire2You will make navigating these country lanes a breeze, especially with the modern features that many of our vehicles offer such as GPS and adaptive cruise control.
2. Coastal Drives Along the Kent Coastline
Kent’s coastline offers some of the most spectacular seaside drives in England. From the white cliffs of Dover to the pebbled beaches of Whitstable and the charming seaside town of Margate, there is a coastal route for every kind of driver.
A popular coastal drive begins in Medway, heading east along the A289 and then joining the A2 towards Whitstable. Whitstable is well known for its fresh oysters, colourful beach huts, and quaint harbour — a perfect place to stop for lunch or a coffee by the sea.
Continue on to Herne Bay, with its long pier and sandy beach, before heading towards the iconic white cliffs at Dover. This stretch of road offers stunning views of the English Channel, especially on clear days.
For those wanting a longer trip, continue to Margate, where you can enjoy the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the revived old town with its independent shops and cafes.
With a Hire2You vehicle, you can enjoy the flexibility to stop wherever you like, take detours to lesser-known beaches, and pack all your beach gear comfortably in the boot.
3. The Greensand Way: Hidden Gems and Countryside Charm
The Greensand Way is another beautiful walking route that can inspire a scenic drive through Kent’s southern countryside. Starting from Haslemere in Surrey, the route stretches eastward through the Greensand Ridge, passing through peaceful villages, orchards, and woodlands.
Driving through towns like Cranbrook and Tenterden, you’ll experience a quieter, slower pace of life with opportunities to explore traditional Kentish pubs, artisan shops, and local markets.
This route is perfect for Hire2You customers looking for a rural escape without venturing too far from Medway. Our range of comfortable hire cars makes it easy to take scenic detours and enjoy the countryside in style.
4. The High Weald: Rolling Hills and Historic Villages
Kent’s High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a patchwork of rolling hills, historic farms, and medieval villages. It offers some of the most tranquil driving experiences in the county.
Starting near the border with East Sussex, you can drive through areas like Cranbrook, Goudhurst, and Ticehurst, winding through lanes lined with ancient hedgerows and woodland.
Visitors often combine these drives with stops at local attractions such as the Bedgebury National Pinetum, a stunning collection of conifers set within peaceful woodland.
Hire2You’s fleet includes a variety of vehicles perfect for navigating narrow country lanes comfortably and safely, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenic beauty without stress.
5. Medway’s Local Loop: Discover Hidden Corners Close to Home
For those based in Medway, a scenic drive doesn’t have to mean a long journey. A local loop around Medway’s outskirts offers a mix of riverside views, historic sites, and charming villages.
Start in Rochester, with its medieval castle and cathedral, then drive along the River Medway towards Cuxton and Strood. Continue through the small villages of Frindsbury and Hoo Peninsula, where you can glimpse nature reserves and riverside walks.
This drive is ideal for those who want a quick escape from the hustle and bustle without going far. A Hire2You car is perfect for this, offering easy parking and manoeuvrability in both town centres and rural roads.
Why Choose Hire2You for Your Kent Scenic Drive?
Hiring a car with Hire2You means you get reliable, well-maintained vehicles that suit your travel style. Whether you want a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for comfort and luggage space, we have options to match your needs.
Our flexible hire terms and convenient pick-up locations in Medway make it easy to start your scenic journey whenever you want. Plus, with our modern fleet, you’ll enjoy features like Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and navigation systems to enhance your drive.
Kent’s scenic routes offer endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and discovery. From coastal beauty to rolling hills and historic towns, these drives show the very best of what the Garden of England has to offer.
With a Hire2You car, you can set your own pace, take spontaneous stops, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. So why wait? Book your hire car today and start navigating Kent’s stunning scenic routes with ease and style.