Experience the Magic of East Kent This Twixmas: Unforgettable Walks for Everyone

Between Christmas and New Year – known fondly as Twixmas – there’s no better time to escape the indoors, breathe in crisp winter air, and discover the beauty of East Kent. With its sweeping chalk hills, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns – including areas recognised for their outstanding natural beauty – this corner of England is a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking gentle family strolls or invigorating hikes, East Kent offers trails that combine history, tranquillity, scenery, and festive cheer.

From Ashford’s rolling downs to Canterbury’s coastal paths, Dover’s castles, Folkestone’s art-filled promenades, and the Isle of Thanet’s golden bays, there’s a walk for every mood and moment. Here are five unforgettable routes to inspire your Twixmas adventure.

The Wye Downs Walk, Ashford

If you’re searching for an enchanting day out in Kent, the Wye Downs Walk is a must on your list. Winding through the historic village of Wye and up onto the rolling chalk hills of the North Downs, this 7km circular walk offers a delightful mix of history, nature, and spectacular views. The route offers something for everyone: gentle lanes for families, steeper paths for seasoned ramblers, and picnic-perfect open spaces. Along the way, highlights include the iconic Wye Crown, carved into the hillside in 1902 to mark King Edward VII’s coronation, and sweeping views over the dramatic Devil’s Kneading Trough, the most famous of the Downs’ steep-sided valleys. It’s an enchanting day out that showcases the very best of the Kent Downs National Landscape.

Distance: 4.3 miles / 6.9 km

Terrain: Field paths, tracks, some steep slopes

Facilities: Parking, shop, tearoom, pubs, toilets in Wye

Nearest station: Wye

The Oyster Bay Trail, Canterbury

For a coastal walk rich in sea views and family-friendly stops, the Oyster Bay Trail is a delight. Linking Reculver Country Park to Swalecliffe via Herne Bay, this 6.7-mile route is mostly flat and traffic-free. Along the way, you’ll encounter Reculver Towers, wildflower meadows, cliff formations, cafés, and piers. Extend your adventure to Whitstable, a fishing town famed for its harbour and oysters.

Distance: 6.7 miles / 10.7 km

Terrain: Flat promenades and residential roads

Facilities: Cafés, pubs, shops, toilets at both ends

Nearest stations: Swalecliffe, Herne Bay

Dover to Deal: The Three Castles Walk

Few walks capture England’s heritage quite like this 9-mile journey along the White Cliffs of Dover. Starting at Dover Castle, the trail winds past the South Foreland Lighthouse, through St Margaret’s Bay, and up to the Dover Patrol Memorial. Continue to Walmer Castle, once home to the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, before finishing at Deal Castle and its lively pier. History, sea views, and rare chalk grassland make this a must-do.

Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km (11 miles / 18 km station-to-station)

Terrain: Paths, promenades, field tracks, some steep slopes

Facilities: Cafés, pubs, shops, toilets along the way

Nearest stations: Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal

Hythe to Folkestone: Art and Nostalgia

This 6-mile coastal walk combines natural beauty with cultural treasures. Begin along the Royal Military Canal in Hythe, then follow the King Charles III England Coast Path to Folkestone. Here, you’ll discover Folkestone Artworks, the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. Pause for seafood on the beach, explore Hythe’s high street, or ride the world’s smallest railway.

Distance: 6 miles / 9.7 km

Terrain: Pathways and promenades, step-free

Facilities: Cafés, pubs, shops, toilets

Nearest station: Folkestone Central

The Viking Coastal Trail, Isle of Thanet

For a longer adventure, explore the Viking Coastal Trail, which links Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. The 19-mile coastal element, part of the King Charles III Coast Path, offers spectacular beaches, chalk stacks at Botany Bay, and skies once described by JMW Turner as the loveliest in all Europe”. The trail can easily be broken into shorter sections.

Distance: Margate to Ramsgate 8 miles / 12.8 km (shorter sections available)

Terrain: Flat promenades, some slopes and steps

Facilities: Cafés, pubs, shops, toilets in each town

Nearest stations: Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate

Plan Your Twixmas Adventure

East Kent is waiting to welcome you with open skies, coastal charm, and trails to suit every pace. Whether you’re strolling with family, hiking with friends, or seeking solitude by the sea, these walks promise unforgettable memories this festive season.