It’s official! White Cliffs Country is one of the best places to visit in the world - with Kent’s Heritage Coast placed 4th on Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022!
Kent’s Heritage Coast – the only UK destination to feature in Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2022 – is home to many of White Cliffs Country’s coastal gems, including Samphire Hoe, a rare chalk grassland habitat and exceptional biodiversity site and St Margaret’s Bay, a stunning secluded cove with spectacular walks across the clifftops of the White Cliffs of Dover to the historically significant South Foreland Lighthouse.
Part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, (AONB), Kent’s Heritage Coast was praised for its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives, with the regeneration of the historic town of Dover recognised within the region’s entry.
Lonely Planet’s publication highlighted Dover Castle, an unmissable feature of the White Cliffs Country coastline chronicling more than 2000 years of history and which, together with the Tudor fortresses at Deal and Walmer, the Roman fort remains at Richborough and the many other heritage sites of Deal, Dover, Sandwich and beyond, offers an incredible history and heritage experience to visitors. It also highlighted the region’s involvement in Interreg funded projects, including the Experience project, which supports local tourism and hospitality businesses in developing new, low-environmental impact year-round tourism experiences, including accessibility improvements in the Kent countryside.
Samphire Hoe, Dover on Kent's Heritage Coast, White Cliffs Country (©James Kirby)
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 is the global travel authority's 17th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and the must-have travel experiences for the year ahead – unveiling the global travel authority’s top 10 countries, cities, and regions to visit next year. Nominations are received from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, and publishing partners, before being whittled down by a panel of travel experts. Each destination is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council said: “We are delighted that Kent’s Heritage Coast has received this outstanding global recognition, affirming White Cliffs Country’s well-deserved place on the world travel stage, and recognising the regeneration of the historic town of Dover. To be included as the only UK region in Lonely Planet’s 2022 Best in Travel reflects the superior visitor experience offered by our breath-taking natural landscapes, of which we are extremely proud.
“This is a real credit to our local rural tourism industry, as we work to ensure our coast and countryside remain a wonderful place to visit for generations to come, and further strengthens White Cliffs Country’s position as a first-class destination that meets trends for experiential tourism with sustainable products. This will provide another boost to the local visitor economy, and will complement our key partnership working to support economic growth for the future.”
Find out more about Lonely Planet naming Kent's Heritage Coast in Best In Travel 2022 here.
Take a look around our website to learn more about the stunning coastline of White Cliffs Country and the incredible history and heritage experience that you can enjoy when you visit, discover and explore this unique destination. Plan your visit today!
St Margaret's Bay on Kent's Heritage Coast, White Cliffs Country (©National Trust)