Environment

West Kent's natural and built environment is varied and attractive. West Kent is home to parts of the North Downs and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, often referred to as the 'Garden of England'.

The traditional Kentish countryside is characterised by delightful oast houses, orchards and rolling fields with magnificent views.

Historic towns include Roval Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook.

The Heart of Kent partnership markets West Kent (and Ashford and Maidstone) to domestic and overseas visitors and supports over 400 tourism businesses in Kent. This area of the South East has one of the country's highest concentrations of castles, gardens and historic houses open to the public including Hever Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, Lullingstone Castle and Roman Villa, Chartwell, and Knole Park. In 2006 tourism contributed £512 million to the West Kent Economy, supported 7918 FTE jobs and brought 126,300 visitors into the area to stay overnight.

Farmers' markets are sources of local fresh produce throughout West Kent and are held regularly in Cranbrook, Pembury, Penshurst, Sevenoaks, Shipbourne and West Malling.