Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Kent

Motorhome Touring in Kent

Kent has been welcoming travellers for centuries, and the Garden of England has lost none of its appeal. From the white cliffs of Dover to the orchards of the Weald, from Canterbury's soaring cathedral to the wild shingle expanses of Dungeness, Kent offers motorhome travellers a county of rich contrasts. The coastline stretches for over 350 miles, the countryside is dotted with oast houses and hop gardens, and the food and drink scene, particularly its wines and seafood, is among the best in the south-east. With excellent road links from London and the Channel ports, Kent makes an ideal first or last stop for motorhomers heading to or from the Continent, as well as a rewarding touring destination in its own right.

Top Stopovers and Campsites in Kent

Kent has a healthy spread of campsites across the county, with particular concentrations along the coast and in the North Downs. The Thanet coast around Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate offers several sites with easy beach access, many with full hookups and hardstanding. The Romney Marsh and Hythe area has quieter options set in flat, atmospheric marshland, while the Weald around Ashford and Tenterden has farm-based CLs and small independent sites surrounded by orchards and hop gardens.

The Canterbury area is well-served by campsites positioned for easy access to the city, several with bus connections into the centre. Britstops and pub stopovers are popular across rural Kent, particularly in the villages of the North Downs and around the Elham Valley. For those arriving from or departing to France, there are convenient overnight sites near Dover and Folkestone, perfect for catching an early ferry or Eurotunnel crossing. Most Kent campsites offer modern facilities including waste disposal, freshwater, and electric hookups.

Suggested Touring Routes in Kent

The White Cliffs and Cinque Ports (2-3 days, 60 miles)

Start at Dover, where the iconic white cliffs and castle dominate the Channel crossing. Head north along the coast on the A258 to Deal, a charming Cinque Port with a long shingle beach, and on to Sandwich, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England. The roads are well-suited to motorhomes throughout. Continue north to Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate, the Thanet coastal trio that has been revitalised in recent years with the Turner Contemporary gallery, vintage shops, and excellent seafood restaurants. Return south via Canterbury on the A28 and A2, both comfortable dual carriageways. This route packs in coastal scenery, history, and excellent food.

The Garden of England Route (2 days, 50 miles)

Explore Kent's rural heartland, starting at Tenterden, an attractive Wealden town with a heritage steam railway. Head east on the A28 through Bethersden to Ashford, then north on the A251 to Faversham, a creek-side market town known for its brewing heritage and antique shops. Continue east to Whitstable, famous for its oysters and colourful beach huts. The roads are all A-roads and straightforward for any motorhome. From Whitstable, head south through the orchards and vineyards around Boughton and Selling, where several English wine estates welcome visitors. This route is particularly beautiful in spring when the blossom is out and in autumn during the harvest.

The Romney Marsh and Dungeness Circuit (1-2 days, 40 miles)

Discover Kent's most atmospheric landscape, starting at Hythe on the coast. Take the A259 south through Dymchurch, a traditional seaside village, and on to New Romney. Continue to Dungeness, a surreal shingle headland with a lighthouse, Derek Jarman's famous garden, and a thriving fishing community. The roads are flat and wide, perfect for motorhomes of any size. Return via Lydd and Rye (just across the East Sussex border), then north through Appledore and along the Royal Military Canal back to Hythe. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway runs miniature steam trains along the coast and is a delightful addition to this route.

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Aire
Aire

Canterbury park and ride aire Aire

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Overnight parking

Herne bay, Neptune car park Overnight parking

Herne Bay, Kent, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Overnight parking

The Nailbox Folkestone Overnight parking

Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Racing Greyhound Ramsgate Pub stopover

Ramsgate, Kent, United Kingdom
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Pub stopover
Pub stopover
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Coastguard Pub stopover

Dover, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

Valiant Sailor Folkestone Pub stopover

Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

Master Brewer Folkestone Pub stopover

Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
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Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The County Members Lympne Pub stopover

Hythe, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

Jolly Fisherman Greatstone Pub stopover

New Romney, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Pilot Inn Dungeness Pub stopover

Romney Marsh, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Woolpack Romey Marsh Pub stopover

Romney Marsh, Kent, United Kingdom
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Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Flying Horse Pub stopover

Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pub stopover

The Valiant Sailor Pub stopover

Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
Campsite
Campsite

Shingle Hall Farm Certified Location Campsite

St Mary in the Marsh, Kent, United Kingdom
Campsite
Campsite

Lydden Farm Certified Location Campsite

Valley Road, Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
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Campsite
Campsite
Campsite
Campsite

Little Davlis Farm Certified Location Campsite

Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom
Campsite
Campsite

canterbury Campsite

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Campsite
Campsite

The Spinney CL Campsite

Aldington, Kent, United Kingdom

Things to Do in Kent

Canterbury Cathedral is the county's headline attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of English Christianity for over 1,400 years. The city itself is compact and walkable, with Roman walls, medieval lanes, and excellent restaurants. Several car parks on the outskirts accept motorhomes and have good bus links to the centre.

The Kent coast offers tremendous variety. The Thanet beaches at Botany Bay, Joss Bay, and Viking Bay are stunning chalk-backed sands. Whitstable draws foodies for its oysters and seafood, while Dungeness has an otherworldly quality that photographers and artists adore. The White Cliffs between Dover and St Margaret's Bay offer dramatic clifftop walks with views across the Channel to France.

Kent's gardens are world-class. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by Vita Sackville-West, is a pilgrimage for garden lovers, and nearby Scotney Castle combines a romantic ruin with beautiful grounds. Leeds Castle, set on two islands in a lake, calls itself the loveliest castle in the world. All three have motorhome-accessible car parks.

The county's wine scene is booming, with estates like Chapel Down at Tenterden producing award-winning sparkling wines. Vineyard tours and tastings are widely available. For families, Howletts and Port Lympne wildlife parks near Canterbury and Hythe house endangered species in extensive grounds, and both accommodate motorhome parking.

Practical Information for Motorhomers in Kent

Kent's main road network is excellent for motorhomes. The M2 and M20 motorways run east from London, the A2 and A20 connect to Dover and Folkestone, and the A28 and A229 cross the county north to south. All are comfortable for vehicles of any size. Minor roads in the Weald and North Downs can be narrow and hilly, with overhanging trees, so check your route for vehicles over 3.2 metres high.

Fuel stations with adequate space for larger vehicles are found throughout the county, including at motorway services on the M2 and M20. Service points for water and waste disposal are available at most established campsites. Some sites near the Channel ports specifically cater to motorhomers in transit and offer drive-through service facilities.

Parking enforcement varies across the county. Canterbury, Whitstable, and the Thanet towns have height barriers or restrictions in some car parks, so check ahead. Dover has dedicated motorhome parking near the ferry terminal for those catching early crossings. Overnight parking in public car parks is generally not permitted along the coast.

FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Kent

Can I park my motorhome overnight in Kent?

Overnight parking in public car parks is generally restricted along the coast and in towns. Kent has a good network of campsites, CLs, and Britstops across the county. Near the Channel ports, several sites cater specifically to motorhomers needing overnight stops.

Are there motorhome service points in Kent?

Most established campsites offer water and waste disposal. Some transit-oriented sites near Dover and Folkestone have drive-through service facilities designed for motorhomes heading to or from the Continent.

What is the best time to visit Kent by motorhome?

April to October covers the main touring season. Spring brings spectacular blossom in the orchards, summer is ideal for coastal visits, and autumn offers harvest festivals and vineyard tours. Kent's mild climate makes shoulder-season touring particularly rewarding.

Can I park a motorhome in Canterbury?

Canterbury city centre car parks have height restrictions. Use the park-and-ride sites on the outskirts, which accept motorhomes and have regular bus services into the centre. Alternatively, stay at a campsite near Canterbury with bus connections.

Is there motorhome parking near the Dover ferry terminal?

Yes. Dover has dedicated areas for motorhome parking near the ferry port. Several campsites and overnight stops within a few miles of the terminal cater to motorhomers catching early crossings. Check opening hours and book ahead in peak summer.

Are Kent's roads suitable for large motorhomes?

The motorway and A-road network is excellent for all sizes. Some Wealden lanes and North Downs roads are narrow with low-hanging trees, so plan carefully for vehicles over 3.2 metres high or 7.5 metres long. The coastal roads are generally wide and well-maintained.

Explore More

Kent connects easily with neighbouring counties for extended touring. Explore more English destinations, or continue west to East Sussex, north to Essex, or across the Channel to France from Dover or Folkestone. Search all stopovers on Campercation.

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