12 of the best slow travel destinations – Rest Less

Temperature: 22°C high; 13°C low
Season: summer
Travel time from UK: Around one hour from London by train
Time difference: GMT

We’re big fans of a stomp around the Garden of England all year round, but the southeast emits an altogether different energy when the sun shines. While there’s lots to be said for the heart of Kent, from the historic cathedral and cobblestone streets of Canterbury to the rolling vineyards of Chapel Down and Tillingham, we find ourselves most often headed to the county’s charming seaside towns. Margate is, without a doubt, the big-hitter, attracting day trippers in their droves for paddles in the English Channel, arcade visits and fish and chip lunches between the two. Thanks to a series of splendid hotel openings, Fort Road Hotel and No. 42 by GuestHouse among them, an increasing number of visitors are extending their trips beyond an eight-hour jaunt. Further along the coast, there’s a Dickensian world and family-friendly beaches to discover in Broadstairs, while Folkestone has quickly worked its way onto our lists for trendy staycations. Sip Champagne at the end of the pier, wander through the winding streets for boutique shops and vintage stores, and feast on seafood spreads at Rocksalt and Little Rock. July marks the start of the Folkestone Triennial, which sees new commissions by local and international artists pop up in public spaces across the town.

Sustainable travel tip: Regular high-speed trains connect St Pancras International Station and Stratford International with Kent’s most popular seaside resorts, such as Folkestone, Broadstairs and Margate. Alternatively, hop on a coach from Victoria Coach Station, which costs considerably less but takes a few hours longer, factoring in stops along the way.

Where to stay: Margate’s Fort Road Hotel is a symbol of changing times in this nostalgic seaside town. The addition of vintage and bespoke furniture creates characterful bedrooms that are ideal crash pads for weekend stays, while the downstairs restaurant and rooftop bar (exclusively open to guests) turn the hotel into a chic hub. Further inland, you’ll spot DFLs (down-from-London-ers) sipping cocktails and feasting before tucking themselves into billowy beds at Boy’s Hall, a wonderfully refurbished 17th-century house.