Most visitors to Kent follow the same path: the high-speed train to Ashford, a bus to Canterbury, or a walk up the hill to Dover Castle. But the real magic of the Garden of England is hidden down narrow, winding lanes where buses don’t run and trains don’t stop.
In 2026, as “slow travel” becomes the trend of the year, these off-the-beaten-path locations offer peace, history, and beauty away from the crowds. Here are five hidden gems that Kent Taxis can whisk you to in comfort.
1. The Shell Grotto, Margate
Tucked away in a residential street with no grand entrance or major bus link lies an underground mystery. The Shell Grotto is a subterranean passage decorated with 4.6 million shells. No one knows who built it or why.
- The Taxi Advantage: Margate’s Old Town is lovely, but the Grotto is a bit of a hike from the main sands. We can drop you right at the unassuming doorstep of this “mosaic of mystery.”
2. Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks
Sitting on one of the highest points in Kent, this National Trust site offers panoramic views over the Weald. It is famous for its exotic trees and its “Wild Play” area, but its hilltop location makes it a nightmare to reach by public transport.
- The Taxi Advantage: Forget the steep uphill walk from the nearest village. Our drivers will take you right to the Visitor Centre, letting you save your energy for the stunning woodland walks and the rose garden.
3. The Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch
A favorite for families, this 100-acre farm is home to everything from huge Tamworth pigs to tiny harvest mice. It’s located in the heart of the countryside between Ashford and Tenterden.
- The Taxi Advantage: While there is a bus that passes “near” Woodchurch, the walk to the farm entrance with kids and strollers in tow is a challenge. We provide a door-to-gate service, including space for all your family gear.
4. Dungeness: Britain’s Only Desert
Dungeness is a place like no other—a vast shingle headland with abandoned fishing boats, tiny cottages, and a massive nuclear power station. It’s hauntingly beautiful and a favorite for photographers.
- The Taxi Advantage: The “shuttle” train (RH&DR) is charming but seasonal and slow. A taxi allows you to visit the Old Lighthouse and Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage on your own schedule, especially during the dramatic “golden hour” at sunset when public transport has stopped.
5. Chiddingstone: The “Time Capsule” Village
Chiddingstone is one of the oldest and best-preserved Tudor villages in the country. Owned by the National Trust, it consists of one cobbled street of half-timbered houses, a castle, and a very old pub.
- The Taxi Advantage: There is no train station in Chiddingstone. The nearest link is miles away. We can arrange a “drop and collect” service, allowing you to spend an afternoon in the 16th century before returning to the 21st in the comfort of a modern, climate-controlled vehicle.
Why Explore with Kent Taxis?
1. No Parking Panic
Many of these sites have small, gravel car parks that fill up by 10:00 AM. When you travel with us, you don’t have to worry about finding a space or paying for a ticket.
2. Local Legend Drivers
Our drivers don’t just use sat-nav; they know the history. Ask about the “Smugglers’ Routes” on the way to Dungeness or the best place for a cream tea near Emmetts Garden.
3. Safety in the Sticks
Kent’s rural lanes can be dark and confusing at night. If you’re staying for dinner at a remote country inn, pre-booking your return ensures you aren’t left stranded in a signal “dead zone.”
Discover the Undiscovered
Ready to see the Kent that isn’t on the postcards? Book your bespoke “Hidden Gems” tour today via WhatsApp.
- Phone: 01233367347
- WhatsApp: Book Your Hidden Gem Tour
- Email: info@kenttaxis.co.uk
- Website: www.kenttaxis.co.uk