Are you looking to escape the everyday routine without going too far from home? Strood’s location in Kent makes it the perfect starting point for some amazing weekend adventures. With a reliable set of wheels from Hire2You, you can explore some of Kent’s most beautiful spots without any hassle.
Let’s look at five fantastic weekend trips you can take from Strood by car. Whether you’re after history, seaside views, or charming towns, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Whitstable: A Seaside Escape
Just a 30-minute drive from Strood, Whitstable offers a perfect coastal getaway that feels like stepping into a different world. This charming seaside town is famous for its fresh seafood, colourful beach huts, and relaxed atmosphere.
Start your visit by exploring the main Whitstable attractions, including the working harbour where you can watch fishing boats come in with their daily catch. The high street is lined with independent shops, cafes, and art galleries that are perfect for a lazy morning browse.
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to try Whitstable’s famous oysters. If you time your visit right, you might catch the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, a fun celebration of the town’s maritime heritage.
For a bit of history, pop into the Whitstable Museum and Gallery to learn about the town’s fishing traditions. Then take a leisurely stroll to Whitstable Castle and Gardens, where you can enjoy the beautiful grounds and stop for afternoon tea.
Don’t miss the peaceful Tankerton Slopes with their grassy areas perfect for picnics and amazing views across the bay. If you’re feeling active, the Crab and Winkle Way cycling route offers a scenic path between Whitstable and Canterbury.
With plenty of parking available, a day trip to Whitstable in your Hire2You vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
2. Canterbury: Step Back in Time
Just a 20-minute drive from Strood, Canterbury makes for one of the best day trips Kent has to offer. This historic city is packed with things to see and do, making it perfect for history buffs and shoppers alike.
The star attraction is undoubtedly Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s been a place of worship for over 1,400 years. The stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows are truly impressive, even if you’re not usually into churches.
After exploring the cathedral, wander through Canterbury’s medieval streets and discover its rich history. The Canterbury Roman Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past with its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics and artifacts.
For something a bit different, check out the Canterbury Tales attraction, which brings Chaucer’s famous stories to life in an entertaining way. It’s a fun way to connect with medieval literature, even for those who haven’t read the original.
When you need a break, the city has plenty of charming cafes and restaurants where you can relax and refuel. The River Stour winds through the city centre, and you can even take short boat tours to see Canterbury from a different perspective.
With your Hire2You car, you’ll have no trouble finding parking in one of Canterbury’s many car parks, making this historic city easily accessible for a full day of exploration.
3. The White Cliffs of Dover: Natural Wonder
About 45 minutes from Strood by car, the iconic Dover White Cliffs are a must-see natural landmark. These stunning chalk cliffs stretching along the English Channel offer some of the most spectacular views in Kent.
The National Trust site provides excellent facilities for visitors, including a visitor centre where you can learn about the cliffs’ natural and wartime history. From there, set off on one of the many White Cliffs of Dover walking trails through the beautiful coastal landscape. The main paths are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.
On clear days, you can see all the way to France across the Channel, a view that has welcomed travellers home for centuries. The cliffs are also a haven for wildlife, with various birds nesting in the chalk face and beautiful wildflowers carpeting the grassland in spring and summer.
While in the area, make time to visit Dover Castle, which stands proudly overlooking the town and harbour. This medieval fortress has played a crucial role in defending Britain for centuries, including during both World Wars when its secret wartime tunnels were used as command centres.
The Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery is another fascinating stop, housing the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel.
Having your own Hire2You vehicle means you can easily combine these attractions in one day, creating a perfect mix of natural beauty and historical exploration on your scenic drive from Strood.
4. Chartwell: Churchill’s Countryside Retreat
About an hour’s drive from Strood, Chartwell offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s most famous leaders. This beautiful country house was the beloved home of Sir Winston Churchill for over four decades.
Learning about Chartwell history helps you understand why Churchill was so attached to this peaceful spot. Today, the Chartwell National Trust property preserves the house much as it was when the Churchill family lived here, with many personal items and mementos on display.
The house itself is fascinating, but don’t miss the beautiful Chartwell Gardens that Churchill helped design. The water features, kitchen garden, and famous brick walls that Churchill built himself all tell stories about his life away from politics. The lake with its black swans and the studio where Churchill pursued his passion for painting are particularly special.
The surrounding woodland and parkland offer lovely walking trails for all abilities, with stunning views across the Weald of Kent. There’s also a great on-site cafe for lunch or afternoon tea.
Chartwell makes for a perfect day out from Strood when you want to explore Kent by car. The drive itself is pleasant, taking you through pretty countryside and villages. With your Hire2You vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to take your time and perhaps stop at other attractions in the area too.
5. Royal Tunbridge Wells: Elegant Spa Town
Just under an hour from Strood, Royal Tunbridge Wells provides a delightful day trip filled with shopping, history, and beautiful surroundings. This elegant spa town has been attracting visitors since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606.
Start your visit at The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a charming colonnaded walkway lined with specialist shops, art galleries, and cafes. This historic heart of the town hosts regular farmers’ markets and live music events, especially during summer weekends.
The town offers plenty of other Royal Tunbridge Wells attractions to explore, from beautiful parks to interesting museums. Calverley Grounds provides a peaceful green space right in the town centre, while Dunorlan Park offers more extensive grounds with a boating lake and formal gardens.
Heritage enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, which tells the story of the town’s development and houses interesting local artifacts. For something a bit different, take a ride on the Royal Tunbridge Wells Spa Valley Railway, a heritage line running through the beautiful High Weald of Kent.
These weekend escapes provide an array of adventures and discoveries, each easily reachable with the comfort and convenience of a Hire2You vehicle from Strood. Pack your bags, hit the road, and uncover the hidden gems awaiting just around the corner.