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Pubs with the best views in Kent to enjoy a drink at this summer

What could be better than a pub pitstop on a summer’s day? One with a great view, of course.

There are plenty of pubs across the county with stunning views of the city, coast, countryside and more, so sit back, relax and enjoy a picturesque pint this summer.

CITY

The Old Buttermarket has been in the heart of Canterbury for more than 500 years. Picture: Google Maps
The Old Buttermarket has been in the heart of Canterbury for more than 500 years. Picture: Google Maps

The Old Buttermarket, Canterbury

This charming pub, tucked away in a nook of Canterbury’s Burgate area, is a fun and quirky place to stop for a pint after exploring the city. Known by locals for its unique character, range of real ales and family-friendly food, such as pies, burgers and fish and chips, this pub has stood the test of time, having been in place on the historic square for more than 500 years. What is perhaps its most appealing factor, however, is its unrivalled view of the magnificent cathedral. Take a seat in front of one of the county’s most beloved buildings and soak up the culture of the small city.

Where: 39 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW. Find opening times online here.

COASTAL

Look out over St Margaret's Bay from The Coastguard. Picture: Shepherd Neame
Look out over St Margaret's Bay from The Coastguard. Picture: Shepherd Neame

The Coastguard, near Dover

The closest you can get to France while sipping a pint on the Kent coast, The Coastguard is the UK’s nearest pub to our European neighbours. Located on the edge of St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover, the pub has looked out over the seafront for more than 300 years and has served food and drink to countless visitors of the nearby White Cliffs. The menu offers traditional dishes such as steak and chips, beer battered fish and Sunday roasts, as well as light bites and breakfast options. With spectacular ocean views, an outdoor verandah, summer BBQ area and maritime-themed decor, this coastal pub is the perfect nod to the English Channel.

Where: The Bay, St Margarets Bay, Dover, CT15 6DY. Find opening times online here.

The Old Naptune pub is a must-visit along the Kent coast. Picture: Shepherd Neame
The Old Naptune pub is a must-visit along the Kent coast. Picture: Shepherd Neame

The Old Neptune, Whitstable

One of the county’s most well-known pubs, the Old Neptune has become a landmark of the Kent coast. This pub, and its garden, is like no other as it sits proudly in the middle of Whitstable beach. You can feel the sand and pebbles under your feet as you take a seat on the picnic benches and look out to sea from one of Britain’s only on-the-beach bars, while enjoying a chilled glass of wine, crisp local larger or refreshing soft drink. During the summer months, the pub also boasts a beach BBQ serving freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs, as well as the usual menu of traditional British food.

Where: Marine Terrace, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ. Find opening times online here.

Enjoy great views from inside or outside the Zetland Arms in Deal
Enjoy great views from inside or outside the Zetland Arms in Deal

The Zetland Arms, Deal

There’s nothing like a refreshing cold drink after a day on the beach, and that’s exactly what you can get at the Zetland Arms. This seaside pub in the village of Kingsdown, Deal, has a spacious beachfront seating area that takes you straight from the pebbles to the patio. Enjoy a local real ale from Kent brewery Shepherd Neame while overlooking the coast and, if the weather is just right, you can even tuck into alfresco dining as the sun sets with a number of freshly caught fish and seafood dishes.

Where: Wellington Parade, Kingsdown, Deal, CT14 8AF. Find opening times online here.

COUNTRYSIDE

The Five Bells Inn is the perfect countryside pub
The Five Bells Inn is the perfect countryside pub

Five Bells Inn, near Ashford

Nothing quite says the Garden of England like the Five Bells Inn. This 16th century tavern is nestled in a quiet area of East Brabourne, near Ashford, and looks out onto the picturesque rolling hills of Kent’s North Downs. This cosy countryside pub uses local produce from its own nearby farmstead, Mill House, to create a menu of hearty meals such as Kentish lamb scrumpet, seasonal vegetable soup and fresh catch of the day. If you find yourself in need of sustenance on a summer stroll through the downs, this spot is the perfect place to stop and take in the county’s natural beauty.

Where: The Street, East Brabourne, Ashford, TN25 5LP. Find opening times online here.

LANDMARKS

Ye Arrow in Rochester sits just beneath the town's castle and cathedral. Picture: Google Maps
Ye Arrow in Rochester sits just beneath the town's castle and cathedral. Picture: Google Maps

Ye Arrow, Rochester

One of the only town centre pubs to make the list, Ye Arrow manages to still nabbing a stunning view while being in the heart of the town. On the corner of Rochester’s beloved high street, this pub looks ordinary from the front but, in the back, sits a perfectly positioned pub garden in front of the striking castle and cathedral. Take in the charming cobbled streets, historic buildings and grand architecture, all while enjoying an outdoor drink on a hot day. The pub is open until late on weekends, so you can stick around until it gets dark and watch the castle light up in vivid colours.

Where: Boley Hill, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1TE. Find opening times online here.

RIVER

The Albion Taverna in Faversham sits along the banks of the creek
The Albion Taverna in Faversham sits along the banks of the creek

The Albion Taverna, Faversham

While the exterior of this taverna might look old-fashioned, the pub itself is anything but. Serving up a menu of delicious Mexican flavours with dishes such as pulled beef barbacoa tacos, shredded duck fajitas and chimichurri sirloin steak, as well as indulgent desserts and fruity cocktails, this place offers a unique alternative to the town’s many traditional boozers. There are also a number of real ales on offer for those who fancy it, with the beer being supplied by the Shepherd Neame brewery just 300 yards away. And, best of all, the taverna sits alongside Faversham creek, overlooking the vibrant banks, quaint sailboats and trickling water.

Where: Front Brents, Faversham, ME13 7DH. Find opening times online here.

The Three Daws has great views of the river from Gravesend Pier
The Three Daws has great views of the river from Gravesend Pier

Three Daws, Gravesend

This historic inn has stood on the edge of the River Thames for more than 450 years. Dating back to at least the 1500s, the tavern is steeped in tales of ghost hauntings, smugglers, press gangs and more from its rich past. Today, the Three Daws is as busy and bustling today as it ever was, with visitors flocking to the riverside pub to take in views of the water, Gravesend Pier and ships gliding in and out of Tilbury. From cocktail evenings to disco nights, this pub is a far cry from its 16th century roots, but has maintained much of its charming traditional decor.

Where: Town Pier, Gravesend, DA11 0BJ. Find opening times online here.

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