Kent & Medway
Kent borders Greater London, Essex, Surrey and East Sussex, making the home county one of the most popular to commute in and out of. The East of the county is home to some of the UK’s most popular Blue Flag beaches, while the West boasts the stunning High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Kent is home to a variety of towns and villages, from historic Canterbury to coastal Margate; the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells to country villages like Staplehurst, Marden and Langton Green. Homeowning can be surprisingly affordable too – you can find a three-bedroom property in areas like Chatham, Ashford, Dover and Ramsgate for around £220,000.
Working in the area
North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) acquired and created new posts in the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) in Kent, the Young Persons’ Wellbeing Service (YPWS) in Medway and the All Age Eating Disorder Services across Kent and Medway, as well Mental Health Support Teams for Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital. The team offers its services across the county in Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway, Thanet and Tunbridge Wells Swale, Dartford, Ashford, Folkestone and Dover.
Commuting and Transport Links
Kent’s main commuter hubs for central London are Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, which means property prices are high but transport links are excellent. Transport links across the county including train and bus routes are well established. Given its borders, easy commutes by public transport or car can be made into the county from Essex, Surrey and beyond.
Lifestyle
From the 1,400 year old Canterbury Cathedral to Leeds, Dover and Hever Castles, Kent is steeped in rich history with plenty to explore. Nicknamed the Garden of England, there are many gardens to visit, coastlines to take in and historic monuments to behold across the county. If outdoor living is your thing, you can take a trip to one of the gorgeous beaches in Ramsgate, Margate or Whitstable, or visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover. For good food, drink and shopping, each town has its own unique stamp, and central London is an easy train ride away for a day trip.
Family Focus
The renowned grammar schools in Kent make it a popular place to live for many families, with plenty scoring highly in the league tables. Throughout the county, there is an array of preparatory, primary, secondary and college-level schools, in private, public and grammar capacity. For days off, there is plenty to keep all members of the family occupied – from Wingham Wildlife Park, to Dreamland in Margate. Find out more things to do with Kids in Kent.