20 Best tours & coach day trips from Kent
Whether you’re looking for some day trips away, a short break or a coach holiday in South East England I got you covered for the best coach day trips from Kent. Are you ready for some amazing day trip ideas or short holidays by coach? Well, you’re in luck cause there’s a number of locations to choose from: Kent, East Sussex, Oxfordshire, Bath, London and I’ve included a few across the channel in France and Brussels too!
Coach travel is so easy and budget friendly, why not? I had the chance to work with National Rail and found that is was a short and easy delightful journey.
The UK has so many picturesque countryside villages, charming coastal towns, breath taking scenery and rich history, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy, and it’s all doable by coach trip! Scroll down further for the 20 Best coach day trips, tours and holidays!
You might be interested in my other Kent blogs:
Best lodges with hot tubs Kent
Quirky and unusual places to stay in Kent
15 best dog friendly beaches in Kent
Best coach day trips and holidays, Kent
There are loads of different coach companies I have used previously, the most recent of which is National Express, but you’ve also got Alpha Travel and Crosskeys Coaches and Farleigh Coaches, to name a few.
20 coach day trips from Kent:
Canterbury
This historic city is a must-visit for anyone interested in English history. The highlight is of course Canterbury Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and is generally a must visit destination everyone in the UK should do at least once. Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
The old town has loads of street food market stalls which is worth spending your free time eating one or two (or five) different dishes. St. Augustine’s Abbey is a super cute visit, then visit the historic Westgate Towers, and stroll along the River Stour. One of the best coach day trips from Kent!
Brighton
This vibrant seaside city is known for its iconic pier, lively nightlife, and eclectic shopping scene. Take a stroll along the beach, explore the charming North Laine neighbourhood, and visit the Royal Pavilion, a stunning palace built for King George IV. One of the best coach day trips from Kent
Brighton is a city full of surprises, I’ve been here 100 times (feels like) – this vibrant, charming city is full of colour, street art, beautiful cafes and beach bars. Start your day with a stroll along the beach, and then head to the North Laine neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and street art spotting.
You can also visit the Royal Pavilion for some super cute Instagrammable pictures, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a couple of musicians performing music for the picnic goers. And for a classic UK beachside experience, head to the seaside for some fish and chips. One of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Seven Sisters
This stunning stretch of coastline features towering white cliffs, turquoise waters, and rolling green hills. I have 100 pictures here, and for good reason, making it one of the best coach day trips from Kent!
This stunning stretch of coastline features towering white cliffs, turquoise waters, and rolling green hills. You can take a full day hike along the South Downs Way and enjoy some of the most breath taking views in the UK.
Don’t forget to bring a picnic – the views are for days. Just maybe don’t set your picnic up on the cliff edge, it can get extremely windy! Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Rye
This has got to be one of the most beautiful towns in all of England and the pictures DO do it justice! It’s full of cute corners, charm and character and it’s one of my ultimate top places to visit and you’re guaranteed a great day out!
It’s stunning! Explore the cute little cobbled streets and half-timbered houses; adorable! Rye is a town straight out of a fairy tale, just don’t forget to bring your camera for some Instagram pics.
My favourite thing to do here is stopping for a croissant and a latte as I watch the world go by. If you visit the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church, make sure to have a look at the stunning stained glass windows and a towering spire. This is one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Portsmouth
This historic naval city is home to the impressive HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson. You can also visit the nearby Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which features several other historic ships and exhibits.
Portsmouth is where Mike was born so we’ve been a few times and I’ve been given the local’s tour! Start your visit at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard , which features several historic ships and exhibits, including the HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson (don’t try to pick up the cannon balls!).
You can also visit the nearby Mary Rose Museum, go shopping at Gunwharf Quays, then explore the charming streets and alleyways of Old Portsmouth. You’ll love it, and it definitely deserves a spot on the list for best coach day trips from Kent!
Whitstable
This charming coastal town is known for its oysters, colourful beach huts, and bohemian vibe. I love the independent shops, you can find some authentic jewellery here, and after you’re done, people watch from one of the many cafes!
Whitstable is a hidden gem on the South coast, and it’s a great destination for a relaxed and laid-back day out. The colourful beach huts are always charming, then explore the independent shops. Whilst I’m not a fan of oysters, I’ve told they’re famous for their sweet and salty flavour.
Hever Castle
This historic castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s wives. Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, visit the castle’s museum and art collection, and admire the stunning architecture.
Hever Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in English history and architecture. Everyone has heard of Anne Boleyn, the most famous of King Henry VIII’s wives, and this was her childhood home – and the best thing about this is that you can actually stay here in Hever Castle!
Afterward, take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the little café there – the latte’s are good! Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Stonehenge
I first came to Stonehenge when I was 13 and I’ve been back a few times – it’s iconic and everyone should visit at least once!
We did an audio guide to learn more about the monument and it was quite impressive. Don’t forget to snap some photos for the ‘gram, which dates back over 4,000 years. With such impressive history, it deserves a spot on the list for the best coach day trips from Kent.
Bath
This elegant Georgian city is known for its stunning architecture, Roman Baths, and charming streets. Bath seemingly has everything; trendy street food, buzzing bars, live music, a shopping district and eccentric street art. Incredible architecture is littered all over bath, which earns it a top spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Bath is a foodie haven – food lovers flock here! It’s a great place for food and drink – there seems to be a lot of local ciders served in the pop up bars here, and it’s delicious! Visit the Roman Baths, admire the beautiful Georgian architecture and if you reach Alexandra Park at sunset, you’ll get some great views.
Oxford
This historic university city is full of charm and character. Everyone knows about the famous colleges and libraries, explore the charming streets but one of my favourite things to do is to go punting in the canals! Afterward, explore the charming streets and alleyways, and enjoy some shopping and dining in the city centre.
Don’t forget to visit the famous Covered Market, which features over 50 independent shops and stalls. There’s also some cute places nearby that you’ll want to visit, I can recommend Bletchley Park! You can’t go wrong with Oxford, and is definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Kent: The Garden of England
Whether you’re from Kent, or nearby, Kent is always a good choice. If you live here and have done a lot of Kent already, maybe skip this one, or be inspired for something new!
I’ve always been fascinated by the nickname “The Garden of England” that’s used to describe Kent for it’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, beautiful nature walks and serene parks, earning it a spot on the best coach day trips from Kent..
So I decided to do a little digging; apparently Kent has been known as the Garden of England for centuries and it kind of make sense; the number of lavender fields, or apple orchards and farms are in abundance here.
One of the reasons why Kent has such a mild climate is its proximity to the English Channel, which helps to regulate temperatures and protect against harsh weather. There are a few must visit gardens and parks: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which was created by the writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, and features a series of intimate garden “rooms” designed to showcase different styles and moods.
And once you’re done with that, pop down to some of the many beaches; check out Herne Bay!
Whether you’re strolling through the walled gardens at Penshurst Place, enjoying a picnic in the park at Knole, or wandering through the wildflower meadows at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
You might be interested in my other Kent blogs:
Best lodges with hot tubs Kent
Quirky and unusual places to stay in Kent
15 best dog friendly beaches in Kent
Best coach day trips and holidays, Kent
Kew Gardens
Another popular garden is the world-famous Kew Gardens, with over 50,000 plants from around the world, very Instagrammable Victorian historic glasshouses, botanical art collections, and spiral staircases.
And if you’re in Kew Gardens, you might want to consider one of the famous day excursions into London; don’t forget the cute corners like Neal’s Yard which is a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, Alfie’s vintage store and Leadenhall Market in the heart of the city by the Tower of London and Tower Bridge!
One of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Windsor & Windsor Castle
I have been to Windsor and Windsor Castle plenty of times, having grown up just around the corner, and let me tell you – it’s worth a day out! The town itself is absolutely charming, with its cobbled streets, traditional shops, and picturesque riverside setting. And as for the castle – well, it’s simply breath taking.
Make sure you head to the park and walk up the pathway up the hill – you’ll get ridiculous views of the entirety of Windsor Castle. I didn’t realise that Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with over 1,000 rooms spread across 13 acres of land, now inhabited by King Charles. Be careful about getting to close to the Scot’s Guard.
Another must-see attraction at Windsor Castle is St. George’s Chapel, it’s the final resting place of many monarchs, including Henry VIII and his beloved third wife, Jane Seymour.
After touring the castle, I spent some time exploring the town of Windsor itself. And some of my favourite memories are of the delicious cream teas available! They’re so yummy!
All in all, visiting Windsor and Windsor Castle was an epic experience. Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent and you should add it to your list!
Wisley Gardens
Wisley Gardens is the perfect little place for a day trip. If you’re after a peaceful and beautiful escape and a bit of zen, then Wisley Gardens is the perfect place. It’s extremely tranquil.
The gardens are simply breath taking, with a wide variety of plants and flowers arranged in stunning displays. There’s something new to discover around every corner, from the Japanese garden to the alpine meadow and beyond.
And it’s the perfect photography spot for roses; with hundreds of different colours – there’s an entire section dedicated to them, with hundreds of different varieties on display.
But Wisley Gardens is not just a pretty place to visit – it’s packed full of information on all things plants and you’ll learn a lot about them here. There are all sorts of workshops and events on offer, from gardening classes to talks by experts in their respective fields. Definitely one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Hampton Court Palace
If you’re looking for an epic day out, you gotta hit up Hampton Court. This place is seriously fascinating- it’s a real-life Tudor palace that’s been around for over 500 years. You can practically feel the history seeping out of the walls.
I took a guided tour – that’s where you learn the deeper details of how the place actually worked, including stories of the kitchens and Henry VIII’s crazy appetite! Hampton Court is an awesome day out that’s perfect for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and anyone who just wants to experience a little bit of Tudor magic. Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
You can wander through the ornate state rooms and imagine what it would’ve been like to live like royalty back in the day. I explored the famous maze and got lost on the way out (spoiler alert: it’s way harder than it looks).
But my favourite part of Hampton Court has to be the pretty gardens; if you’re lucky enough to get to Hampton Court Flower Show, you’ll love it and in the spring you’ll see it bursting with hundreds of tulips.
They’re absolutely stunning, with all sorts of different sections to explore – from the Great Fountain Garden to the Wilderness and beyond. Make sure you check their website for their famous live concerts that take place in the gardens every summer; I’ve never been to one but I hear they’re very good!
Great Yarmouth
I had a wicked time in Great Yarmouth and exploring by the Norfolk Broads! This place has got everything you could want for a classic seaside vacation – think fish and chips, amusement parks, and sandy beaches for miles.
You’ll also love the town’s historic charm; the maritime history is all around you, from the Victorian architecture to the bustling harbour. And if you’re into kitschy seaside culture, you’ll love all the novelty shops and attractions along the seafront. Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
And last (but definitely not least) are the golden sands beaches – they’re absolutely gorgeous. I spent most of my time soaking up the sun and taking dips in the water – there are also seals along this coast, you might be lucky enough to spot them!
There’s lots of water sports you might want to do if the weather’s good enough and if you’re feeling adventurous. Maybe you’ll spot a seal there too! Trust me, you won’t be bored in Great Yarmouth.
The New Forest
I have so many fond memories of the New Forest – the beautiful nature hikes, the wild horses and the cute little villages and towns; Lyndhurst is my favourite, and there’s a wonderful little jewellery shop on the high street! I can’t recommend it enough!
The New Forest is beautiful all year round; it looks just as fabulous in spring as it does in Autumn with the breath taking scenery and carpets of bluebells. Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
The Isle of Wight
The Isle of white is a picturesque little island that should be on your list! The golden beaches are worth strolling on for a morning walk – soft sand, crystal clear water, and plenty of space to sunbathe or play games. Buy an ice cream or fish and chips but try to fend off the seagulls when you do.
If you’re into history, the island has plenty of that too – from medieval castles to Victorian architecture. Plus, there are loads of cute little towns and villages which you’ll want to sip teas and coffees in and people watch. So, what are you waiting for? Just remember to book a ferry to the Isle of Wight in advance.
Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Disneyland Paris
If you’re looking to jump across the channel, don’t forget that Disneyland Paris. Clearly one of the best best coach day trips from Kent; you might want to stay overnight for this one though!
When I was a kid, I never got to go Disneyland as they didn’t have any Disney theme parks in Australia; we had other things like Water World or Movie World, but no Disney! Now living in London, visiting Disneyland Paris seemed like the ultimate dream come true.
Disneyland is one of those special events you’ll always remember. But let me tell you, the quick journey from the UK to Disneyland Paris was one of the most fun things to do, and mad to think it’s not that far away.
If you want a easy journey, a coach is a very easy way of travelling. I’ve travelled by coach many times around the UK and to Paris and I take a little podcast or a book and the journey goes quickly enough. The journey itself was surprisingly comfortable, with plenty of legroom and seats that reclined almost all the way back. There was even a bathroom on board, which was a welcome relief during the long drive. And the best part? We didn’t have to worry about navigating foreign roads or finding a place to park – the coach does all of that for you!
Once we arrived, it was like stepping into a whole new wooorld – see what I did there? Everywhere you looked, there were bright colours, joyful music, and smiling faces. It was impossible not to feel happy and carefree in such a magical environment.
And yes, everything is super Instagrammable, I couldn’t resist the urge to take pictures in all the cute corners and ride the classic attractions like Space Mountain and It’s a Small World. All in all, taking a coach from the UK to Disneyland Paris was an experience that I would definitely recommend. It was convenient, comfortable, and above all, tons of fun. Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent.
Bruges, Brussels
Did anyone say chocolate waffles? Or Belgian beer? Then look no further than the very Instagrammable Belgian city of Bruges for the perfect break away and there are loads of coach companies that take you through to Bruges. One of my absolute favourites & the best coach day trips from Kent.
The city is packed full of stunning locations, with charming architecture and canals that wind through the town. I felt like we had stepped back into a Hansel and Gretel style fairy tale and there are years of history you can explore through here. And if you’re going during the festive season, Bruges Christmas market is unparalleled! Let me tell you… the Christmas lights are something else!
Bruges is super easy to explore on foot; you can walk around the whole city pretty easily! Although bear in mind the streets aren’t always even. We spent the day wandering around the cobbled streets, popping into takeaways dedicated solely to Belgian fries and cafes (try the dark hot chocolates) and I didn’t mind too much that it was raining.
And of course, I couldn’t resist trying some of the famous Belgian chocolates and waffles – Mike doesn’t eat chocolate so I had to eat for both of us – the chocolate did not disappoint! I pigged out big time and regretted it not one bit!
Make sure you climb the Belfry tower for an incredible view of the city if you are able and have a bit of time. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally worth it for the stunning views – an Instagrammable moment for sure. After that, take a little boat trip along the canals, for a unique (and relaxing) view of the city.
Bruges is beautiful and charming city that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook – get going and book a stay to one of these best best coach day trips from Kent!
You might be interested in my other Kent blogs:
Best lodges with hot tubs Kent
Quirky and unusual places to stay in Kent
15 best dog friendly beaches in Kent
Best coach day trips and holidays, Kent
Weather in Kent
Kent Weather in January
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:50 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:30 PM
Kent Weather in February
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 10
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:10 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:20 PM
Kent Weather in March
- Average Temperature: 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy Days: 9
- Daylight Hours: 12
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:20 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:10 PM
Kent Weather in April
- Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy Days: 9
- Daylight Hours: 14
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:00 PM
Kent Weather in May
- Average Temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:10 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:50 PM
Kent Weather in June
- Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 4:50 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 9:20 PM
Kent Weather in July
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 9:00 PM
Kent Weather in August
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: 14
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:40 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:20 PM
Kent Weather in September
- Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 12
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:20 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
Kent Weather in October
- Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 10
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Kent Weather in November
- Average Temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:40 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:20 PM
Kent Weather in December
- Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 8:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:00 PM
Worthy of the spot as one of the best coach day trips from Kent!
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
You might be interested in my other Kent blogs:
Best lodges with hot tubs Kent
Quirky and unusual places to stay in Kent
15 best dog friendly beaches in Kent
Best coach day trips and holidays, Kent
Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate disclaimer here.
