Is Kent in London? County Town of Kent & More

Have you ever heard of Kent and wondered, “Is Kent in London?” As a Londoner, the answer is no. Kent is not located within London’s borders. It is its own county, located just outside of London. But wait there is more keep reading to learn more about why Kent is not in London.

Things To Do In Folkestone Kent

Is Kent in London?

Is Kent in London? No, Kent is not in London.

Kent is a county in South East England and borders Greater London to the northwest, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex to the River Thames estuary, and the Strait of Dover and the English Channel to the East and South.

Kent is, however, one of the home counties surrounding London, with the county town being Maidstone.

The county of Kent in England is historically referred to as the ‘Garden of England’, a name given to it by King Henry VIII. It’s said to be the oldest county in England and houses 17000 listed buildings.

Some of Kent’s famous sightseeing landmarks include Rochester Castle and Hever Castle (Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle), designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kent England Map

Kent England Map
Map of Kent England

Is Kent a City in the UK?

No – Kent isn’t a city, although there is a city within its boundaries, Canterbury. The county is made up of smaller towns and villages with unique charms and attractions. With its sandy beaches, rolling countryside, historic castles and World Heritage sites. Kent is considered one of the most beautiful corners of England.

Where is Kent

Kent is an area of South East England that lies just outside London. While it may feel like part of the city, it has its own distinct identity and culture. The county of Kent borders Greater London, with the River Thames forming much of the boundary between them.

It stretches from Cliff in the North Downs to Dover and Folkestone along the Southeast Kent coast, as well as taking in Canterbury, Rochester and many other towns along the way.

Is Kent A County?

No, while technically Kent is not a “county” and is more of a ceremonial county or historic county.

County status has traditionally been assigned to specific regions in Britain, with just 48 recognised counties. 

But while Kent possesses many of the historical characteristics associated with a county – such as having its own detached part (Isle of Sheppey). 

Having many geographical and cultural features in common or having its own local government body – it is not officially listed among these 48 anymore.

In 1974 (Kent County Council), it was abolished as an administrative county and merged with other areas to form what is now known as the ‘unitary’ councils of Medway, divided into districts, including the City of Canterbury. 

Today, Kent is considered one of the home counties and is known for its historic castles dotting its countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty surrounding the Kent coastline.

Kingsgate Bay Kent

Is Kent In London Borough?

Kent is a county in South East England that does not fall within the boundaries of London Borough. It isn’t directly adjacent to London but stands approximately 50 miles from the city centre. 

Part of Kent borders the district of Greater London, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it falls within the borough itself.

Kent does, however, share its nearby borders with two of London’s boroughs – Bexley and Bromley. While these two boroughs may be close to Kent, there is still a distinct difference between them.

Despite not being considered a part of London, many residents of Kent reap the benefits of being located within the London commuter belt and near one of Europe’s largest cities, as it provides convenient access to all major amenities.

Is Kent considered Greater London?

No, Kent is not considered Greater London. While it’s true that the county of Kent shares a border with Greater London and is full of picturesque riverbank views, historic castles and Roman sites, it isn’t included in Greater London.

The term “Greater London” refers to the administrative area of the capital and its 32 London boroughs, plus the City of London – an area far larger than just the city centre we might think of first.

It was formed in 1965 by merging neighbouring districts like Surrey and Hertfordshire into one continuous zone in an act known as The London Government Act 1963. 

Therefore while you may be less than an hour away from Trafalgar Square on the train when you visit Kent’s charming villages and gardens, remember: this doesn’t make it part of Greater London.

ThingsToDoinWhitstableonadaytripfromLondon

How Long is it From Kent to London?

The distance from London to Kent is 41 miles, and the road distance is 37 miles. Kent is located about 48 miles away from London via driving, making it a short and convenient distance for those looking to visit the county or take a day trip from London.

Depending on your mode of transportation, Kent can be accessed in as little as an hour from central London. Driving on the M2 or M20 highway will undoubtedly be the fastest route, but if you are looking for a scenic option, plenty of train routes will wind through beautiful countryside and come close to the hour mark due to high-speed services. 

While you’re there, explore the stunning White Cliffs of Dover too.

How Far is Kent From London by Train?

To get to London from Ken by train t it takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Trains go into various London stations in as little as 33 minutes from Sevenoaks—from most of Kent, it is possible to get into London in two hours.

It’s easy to get from London to Kent by train! The journey time ranges from about 1 hour to over two hours, depending on your departure station and connection times.

There are frequent direct trains that run between London Victoria or Kings Cross train station and many Kent stations, including Sevenoaks, Ashford International, and Dover Priory. So you’re sure to find one that suits your schedule.

And if you’re planning a day trip out of the city, why not take advantage of flexible ticket options like off-peak fares? They’ll help make your travel more economical while still getting you where you need to go.

Which Part of Kent is Closest to London?

Ashford and Maidstone are the closest to London, while Canterbury is slightly further but still desirable. Dover is just over an hour by train from London.

Canterbury Kent

How Far Is Deal In Kent From London?

Depending on traffic and your mode of transportation, it’s typically less than two hours away.

By car, it is just 76 miles (which equates to around an hour and forty-four minutes of travel time). If taking public transportation, such as a train or bus, the travel time can range anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours due to connections at each end.

In short – whether travelling by car or public transit – expect your journey between London and Deal in Kent to take no more than two hours.

What Zone Is Kent In London?

 Kent is located in the Southeast region of London and falls within zone 6, along with Gillingham (Kent), Bromley and Bexley.

This zone covers many of London’s outermost boroughs and serves as a convenient connection between Central London and large parts of Kent.

What is Kent Famous For?

Kent is famous for its dramatic coastline, historic coastal towns and vibrant aquatic life. Prominent tourist attractions include Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

Kent’s rolling hills, beautiful beacheshop gardens, orchards and vineyards form a spectacular patchwork quilt. There are also enough historical sites to do justice to its ‘Garden of England’ moniker – from Battle Abbey to Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

How many cities are Kent UK?

Did you know that despite having a population of 1,554,600 people spread across 13 districts, Canterbury is the only city in Kent? Yes, that is correct. Kent only has one city.

Tudor House Kent

Towns in Kent England?

Key Towns in Kent:

  • Dover
  • Margate
  • Broadstairs
  • Whitstable
  • Ramsgate
  • Folkestone
  • Ashford
  • Canterbury
  • Deal
  • Faversham
  • Maidstone
  • Sevenoaks
  • Tonbridge
  • Tunbridge Wells

Things to do in Kent England:

Kent is a great county you’ll love to explore, no matter what time of year it is. If you’re looking for things to do in Kent, here are some of the best places to visit in Kent, England:

Visit Chiddingstone Castle for an opportunity to glimpse its historic beauty, with small chapels and formal gardens.

Enjoy a day at the coastal town of Botany Bay, Broadstairs,  Whitstable and Hastings with its charming waterfront and incredible seafood.

Take a tour of Leeds Castle, one of England’s most romantic castles, complete with restored medieval fortifications, beautiful gardens, and other attractions.

Hike through the rolling countryside around Faversham for breathtaking views or get lost in the scenic landscape surrounding Blean Wood.

Explore Rochester Cathedral 

Learn more about local history at Canterbury Heritage Museum

Take a stroll around Dover’s White Cliffs.

Margate seafront and sandy beaches of Kent

Foodies will appreciate a visit to Ramsgate or Maidstone 

Listen to live music at Royal Tunbridge Wells

Visit Hasting and learn about the battle of Hastings.

How Many People Live in Kent?

Population: 1,589,100

What Languages Are Spoken in Kent?

Language: English

Broadstairs Kent 1

What is the Currency in Kent?

Currency: GBP (Pound sterling)

Is Kent Worth Visiting?

It’s known for its breathtaking scenery, countryside views, and beachside resort spots like Whitstable.

From Dover Castle – a monumental Norman fortress steeped in history – to Chartwell, the home of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, there is much to explore.

Picturesque Canterbury, just outside Kent’s bustling city centre, is world-renowned for its stunning architecture and magnificent cathedral – making it an essential stop on your visit.

Conclusion: Is Kent In London?

So there you have it – if someone asks you, “Is Kent in London?” then you can confidently tell them no!

Although it may feel like part of London due to its proximity to the capital city, Kent has its own identity that makes it worth exploring if you want to get off the beaten track for a while and discover some hidden gems around South East England.


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