They each have plenty to offer for a refreshing spring getaway
These destinations are ideal for a weekend break away from the crowds.(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
At a time when many of us are keeping a very close eye on our spending, being able to afford a much-needed holiday can be quite tricky. A great way to enjoy some time away from home without breaking the bank is with a good old fashioned staycation, and thankfully Kent is littered with fantastic spots to do just that.
If you’re on the hunt for your next long weekend getaway but want to avoid the crowds this spring, then there are two seaside towns and an historic city that could be just what you need. That is according to a new study from credit card brand Aqua which has compared and ranked staycation destinations from around the UK based on a number of criteria.
It was our lively capital of London which was ultimately crowned the nation’s top spot for a staycation, based on metrics including cost of accommodation, social media popularity, annual Google searches for visiting and staying in each location, as well as weather data. While the study also looked at the most affordable and most viral UK destinations for a break, it was in the hidden gem category that Kent took the spotlight.
By comparing locations based on their annual search volume for visits and hotel stays, as well as their Instagram hashtag popularity, the study was able to find the best retreats away from the crowds. Our very own Broadstairs topped the list, with 332,000 Instagram posts but just 3,360 searches for visits and hotels.
Dartmouth secured second place, while Whitstable on our northern coast took joint third place alongside Poole and the Scottish Highlands. Whitstable and Poole both saw around 6,360 searches annually, with the Kent seaside town recording approximately 593,000 Instagram hashtags.
These were not the only Kent destinations to crack the top 10 either as Canterbury landed in seventh place. While the county’s only city saw 1.4 million hashtags, it recorded just 19,080 average annual searches for visits and hotels.
Kent’s best ‘hidden gem’ spring staycation spots for 2026
Broadstairs
Viking Bay in Broadstairs is among Kent’s most celebrated beaches.(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto/AmArtPhotography)
This Thanet town topped the ranking for hidden gem UK staycations with its surprisingly low volume of Instagram hashtags and internet searches. Promising golden sands, a bustling shopping centre, quality restaurants and refined hotels, it’s a wonderful place to unwind by the sea without having to set foot anywhere near an airport.
As the sunshine returns this spring, it’s a perfect time to visit the beautiful Viking Bay beach before the summer crowds arrive. The horseshoe-shaped expanse of sand is considered among the county’s top beaches, complete with a short harbour/pier to one side and a tidal pool at the other.
The town is home to plenty of highly regarded pubs, restaurants and cafes.(Image: Prisma Bildagentur / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Sitting right by the beachfront is The Pavillion, a highly-rated restaurant and bar complete with a spacious garden overlooking the bay, serving up hot and cold drinks plus plenty of delicious grub. Other standout restaurants to check out in Broadstairs include Kebbells Seafood Bar, known for its beautifully presented sharing plates with a Mediterranean influence, The Little Sicilian for some hearty Italian grub, and Jetty Broadstairs, where you can enjoy wholesome dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere while soaking up the gorgeous sea views.
Beyond the beach and vibrant dining scene, Broadstairs is a fantastic place for some retail therapy, thanks to the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre found just a 10-minute drive or short bus journey from the main beach. Here, you can browse plenty of popular brands including Primark, Next, M&S, River Island and Waterstones, alongside an array of eating and drinking options from fast food staples to cafe chains.
Westwood Cross features a range of popular brands including Primark, Next, Waterstones and M&S.(Image: Sonny Flanagan)
For those looking to really make the most of all Broadstairs has to offer over a long weekend, there are plenty of options for accommodation. The Royal Albion has seen a great deal of praise from past guests thanks to its remarkable sea views, refined interiors and comfortable rooms.
Prices per night average between £170 and £200. Or, for a more wallet friendly option, The Crown of Broadstairs on the High Street has earned great reviews for its handy location among shops and near the beach, clean rooms and friendly staff, with prices sitting closer to £80 per night.
Whitstable
This seaside town is full of gorgeous scenery.(Image: CBCK-Christine/Getty Images)
Moving over to Whitstable now, this slice of coast boasts gorgeous scenery, delicious food and a relaxed vibe that will have you forgetting all about the work inbox in no time. Perhaps best known for its oyster trade, Whitstable and delicious seafood go hand in hand.
The Whitstable Oyster Company, Lazy Lobster and The Forge are all well worth checking out for scrumptious plates made using the freshest catch. Or, head over to the South Quay Shed for an exciting array of cuisines, from juicy smash burgers at Rad Burger to succulent pulled pork from Pork and Co, which are joined by a number of charming traders selling art, decorations and gifts.
If you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying, Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium is a must-visit, offering unique and award-winning flavours that you won’t find anywhere else. One of the most famous attractions in Whitstable is the Old Neptune Pub which sits right on the shingly beach.
The Old Neptune sits right on the shingles of Whitstable Beach.(Image: Mike Ellis Photography)
Outside tables offer a one-of-a-kind drinking experience where you can enjoy quality local pints as you watch the waves crash to the shore just a few feet away. Standing as one of the most scenic boozers in all of Kent, it’s little wonder this spot has attracted its fair share of celebrity visitors over the years.
The beach itself is well worth stopping by for a stroll or sit-down and this massive expanse of pebbles is hugely popular with dog walkers. Of course, the perfect way to cap off any trip to the seaside is with some fish and chips, and here the top spots to check out are Ossies Fish Bar, Harbour Street Fish Bar and Seven Seas.
Whitstable is known far and wide thanks to its oysters.(Image: Getty)
Inside the town centre you will find an impressive variety of independent business including cosy book shops, record stores, wholesome cafes and second-hand retailers great for some weekend thrifting. The Marine Hotel, found in nearby Tankerton around a 20-minute walk away, is regarded for its sea views and elegant design.
Prices here range between £100 and £240 per night depending on selected dates. If you fancy somewhere more central, the Duke of Cumberland is known for its cosy rooms, quality food and drink, plus regular live music and events, with prices ranging from £100 to £230.
Canterbury
Canterbury is brimming with things to see and do.(Image: Getty)
The final Kent destination to be ranked among the UK’s top 10 hidden gem staycation destinations is our one and only city of Canterbury. Rich in history, home to a thriving dining scene, a great spot for shopping and more pubs than you could possibly know what to do with; what’s not to love?
When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, you really are spoiled for choice as you can find a spot that will suit any taste and budget. Favourite of Orlando Bloom, Cafe Des Amis, and its sister location, Cafe du Soleil, are ideal for some fine dining, as is The Corner House in Dover Street, the multi-award winning Cook’s Tale in Beer Cart Lane or, if you’re after a recognisable chain, the city recently welcomed The Ivy and has its own Cosy Club too.
The city has great beer gardens, perfect for a spring visit.(Image: KentLive)
For something more casual, Chuck and Blade or Notorious BRG are the places to go for a burger, The Drapers Arms offers mouth-watering Asian inspired street food, while franchises including McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Express, Subway and Ask Italian litter the town centre. Plus, there’s not one, but two Wetherspoon pubs.
Speaking of boozers, The White Hart is always worth a trip in the spring, boasting the largest beer garden in the city, the Lady Luck offers a unique, alternative vibe with a delicious menu of food featuring plenty of veggie and vegan options, The Black Griffin and The Penny Theatre have you covered for live music, while The Unicorn Inn and The Monument just beyond the Westgate Towers provide that traditional pub atmosphere. Outside of dining and drinking, the city is alive with things to see and do.
Punting along the River Stour is a fantastic way to see the sights of Canterbury. (Image: Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via Getty Images)
You can visit iconic landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral and the Westgate Towers, meander through the stunning Franciscan Gardens, take in some culture at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, make some furry friends at the Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe, go punting along the River Stour or enjoy a film at one of two Curzon cinemas, to name just a few options. Abode Canterbury and Hampton by Hilton are among the top rated hotels in the city, with prices ranging between £70 and £200 per night at the former, and £75 to £130 at the latter.
The Falstaff is a traditional 15th century coaching inn, offering a stay which is steeped in history, with prices ranged between £70 and £180 per night, while the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge lets guests sleep in the shadow of one of Kent’s most famous landmarks, with prices between £115 and £160 per night.
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