Known affectionately as the “Garden of England,” Kent offers a tantalising proposition for motorcyclists. It’s a county of dramatic contrasts, where rolling green hills and ancient woodlands suddenly give way to the stark white cliffs and expansive seascapes of the English Channel. With a rich tapestry of history, a network of superb A and B roads, and an abundance of biker-friendly stops, Kent is a premier destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Before we dive into the routes, it’s worth considering what makes Kent so special. Its appeal lies in its diversity. Within a single day’s ride, you can experience:
This is the quintessential Kent coastal ride, combining dramatic cliffs, historic ports, and the uniquely desolate beauty of Romney Marsh.
Begin in the historic city of Canterbury, perhaps grabbing a coffee before setting off. Take the A257 east towards Sandwich, a beautifully preserved medieval town that’s well worth a brief stop. The road is pleasant and flowing, a good warm-up for the day.
From Sandwich, follow signs for Deal and join the A258. This road hugs the coastline, taking you through the charming seaside town of Deal with its long pier. As you continue south, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover will come into view on your left. The approach to Dover itself is spectacular. Ride past the bustling port and consider a detour up to Dover Castle for a commanding view of the Channel.
From Dover, the ride gets even better. Pick up the legendary A20 towards Folkestone. This section offers some fantastic, fast-sweeping bends as it climbs and falls along the cliff line. In Folkestone, head down to the recently rejuvenated Harbour Arm for a unique pit stop with various food and drink stalls.
Leaving Folkestone, join the A259, the star of the show. This road will take you all the way to the ride’s end. It runs through Hythe and Dymchurch before opening up onto the vast, flat expanse of Romney Marsh. The landscape here feels otherworldly—flat, sparsely populated, and dominated by a huge sky.
The essential detour on this route is to Dungeness. Turn off the A259 and follow the signs. This shingle headland is a truly unique place, home to a nuclear power station, Derek Jarman’s famous garden, and an assortment of old fishing huts. It’s also home to The Pilot Inn, a legendary pub famous for its excellent fish and chips—a perfect lunch stop.
After soaking in the atmosphere of Dungeness, rejoin the A259 and continue west to the beautiful, cobbled town of Rye, which, while technically in East Sussex, provides a fittingly historic end to a magnificent coastal journey.
If your idea of a perfect ride involves diving through dappled sunlight under a canopy of trees and navigating tight bends between rolling hills, this route through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is for you.
Starting in Tonbridge, this route avoids major A-roads in favour of a more technical and scenic experience. Head east on the A26 briefly before turning south onto the B2017. This sets the tone for the ride—a proper B-road that winds its way towards the heart of the Weald.
Navigate via Matfield and join the B2162 towards Goudhurst. The ride up the hill into Goudhurst itself is fantastic, and the village offers stunning panoramic views from its high point. It’s an ideal spot for a quick photo.
From Goudhurst, take the A262 east. This is a brilliant road for motorcyclists, offering a great mix of tight corners and flowing sections. You will ride past the entrance to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a world-famous National Trust property that’s well worth a visit if you have time.
Continue on the A262 into the lovely market town of Cranbrook, with its distinctive white weatherboard buildings and the impressive Union Mill. From Cranbrook, you have a choice of smaller B-roads to explore, such as the B2086 or B2085, all of which will eventually lead you towards your destination.
The ride concludes in Tenterden, the “Jewel of the Weald.” Its wide, tree-lined high street is home to numerous independent shops, pubs, and cafés. It’s also the terminus for the Kent & East Sussex Railway, where you might see a steam train pulling into the station. For a classic pub lunch, The Woolpack on the high street is an excellent choice.
This route is for the rider who enjoys a more spirited pace, featuring a famous Roman road and some wonderful sections through the Kent Downs AONB.
What better place to start a spirited ride than the legendary Brands Hatch racing circuit? After soaking up the motorsport atmosphere, head south-east towards Wrotham and pick up the A20. This road runs parallel to the M20 but is infinitely more enjoyable, with some excellent long, sweeping corners.
Follow the A20 past West Malling and towards Maidstone. Skirt the edge of the town and join the A249 northbound briefly before taking the exit for Detling. Here, you’ll join the A274 before making your way onto some smaller roads heading east towards Leeds Castle (another spectacular potential stop).
The real joy of this route begins as you head south from Charing to join the B2068, also known as Stone Street. This is a dead-straight Roman road that cuts a direct line south towards the coast. It’s wide and open, offering fantastic visibility and a chance to open the throttle legally and safely.
After enjoying the blast down Stone Street, you’ll turn north-east before reaching Hythe. Pick up the A20 again, then join the A252 near Chilham. This is another fantastic rider’s road that takes you through Challock Forest. The section through the trees is superb, with a series of rewarding bends that demand concentration.
The A252 will lead you directly to the outskirts of Faversham. This historic market town, home to Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, makes for a perfect end point with plenty of options for well-deserved refreshment.
Whether you seek the thrill of a tight corner, the peace of a country lane, or the epic scale of a coastal vista, the Garden of England delivers. So, fill up the tank, plan your route, and discover for yourself why Kent is one of the UK’s finest motorcycling counties. Ride safe.
