Samphire Hoe Country Park

The cliffs here are proper dramatic - 140 acres of reclaimed chalk grassland that rises straight up from the shingle beach below Folkestone. Samphire Hoe was created from the spoil of the Channel Tunnel excavation, and what could have been an eyesore has turned into something genuinely special. The site manages to feel wild and remote even though you're only minutes from town.

It's primarily a walker's destination. The chalk grassland supports rare plants and insects - you'll see specialist butterflies and birds that rarely turn up elsewhere on the Kent coast. The walking is straightforward rather than challenging, with paths linking the upper plateau to the beach, and you can easily spend two to three hours exploring without it becoming a slog. Spring and early summer are best if you're into wildflowers; the place erupts with colour and the insect life goes mad.

Families with younger children might find it a bit limited unless they're keen on nature spotting. There's no café or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. The beach itself is shingle - fine for a wander but not for paddling. If you're staying at Varne Ridge or Greenhill Glamping nearby, it's absolutely worth the walk. Pair it with a coastal ramble towards St Margaret's Bay for a proper half-day outing. Admission is free, and you can access it dawn to dusk. Bring binoculars and a decent wildflower guide if you're visiting in spring.