This summer, people across Kent are balancing going abroad on holiday against staying at home.

With the shock announcement of a two-week quarantine for holidaymakers returning from Spain and uncertainty regarding further restrictions amid concerns of a second wave on the continent more and more of you are avoiding foreign trips.

According to a Travelodge survey 80% of residents are electing to stay in the county, so we've looked at some of the best places to holiday in the Garden of England which have the added benefit of saving you a few pennies.

Beach huts

Along the Kent coast, beach huts can be hired from about £50 a day. These are perfect whether you want a day out on the beach or a base for a few days.

The most popular are arguably in Whitstable, where you can enjoy a lovely sea view right outside the door. The coastal town is packed with options if you feel like a short stroll.

Whitstable Harbour offers a range of sea food and often has small craft stalls set up for visitors. If you feel like indulging in a little culture, head for the Whitstable Museum and Gallery which has reopened. Look out for when venues such as The Playhouse Theatre and The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre will be back in action.

With many attractions still closed due to Covid-19, make sure to do your research.

Pitch a tent

If you fancy something that gets you closer to nature, there are many places to pitch a tent in the Garden of England.

Hillcrest Farm in Charing, near Ashford, offers wild camping pitches for £24 a night and is nestled on top of the North Downs.

If you would prefer woodland surroundings, Puddledock Woods, at Upstreet between Canterbury and Margate, has pitches for £24 a night.

And if fishing is your bag, The Firs Fishery and Campsite in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, might reel you in. For £18 a night, you can put up a tent and use its guest exclusive fishing lake.

Floating boatel

Most boat house stays are not cheap but if you feel like splashing out a little, there are some on the cheaper side.

The Salmestone Dutch Barge in Sandwich, for example, is £135 per night for six people, which is £22.50 per person.

With a kitchen, areas to relax above or below deck and a beach nearby, this is perfect if you want to try something new on this year's get-away.

If you feel like venturing off your temporary vessel, attractions in the area include Sandwich Wildlife Park, the Richborough Roman Amphitheatre and the USN P-22 gunboat which was used in the Dunkirk movie.

Caravans

Another way you can save money while relaxing near the seafront is at a caravan park. A week away in a mobile home can cost as little as £178 at St Margaret’s Bay.

Holiday-goers can enjoy walking along the coast and the relaxing spas and bars provided by the parks themselves - some of which have now reopened.

Spacial measures have been put in place by caravan parks like this one near Dover to keep visitors safe while they are away from home.

Social distancing is encouraged on site and more intense cleaning measures are in place in the accommodation and entertainment areas.

What is in your home town?

If you're really strapped for cash but still want to do something this summer, consider looking into the hidden gems of your home town.

Whether that is the The Six Poor Travellers’ House in Rochester, reopening on August 3, trekking with Alpaca Annie, near Dymchurch, or the Lullingstone Roman Villa, near Sevenoaks, due to reopen on August 1, there could be an abundance of things to do on your doorstep that you've simply not considered before.

You might be surprised by what you find.

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