You may have read our blogs in which we outline the training available and the earning potential of becoming a family doctor in England; but what is it like actually to live in and around Kent & Medway?
Kent is a large county occupying the South East corner of England, which means that it's close to both London and Europe, with miles and miles of beautiful coastline to explore, easy access to the continent for weekends away, and a short hop to the capital for culture, glamour and shopping. Known as the Garden of England, the views you are likely to experience are of undulating hills, unspoiled woodland, peaceful farmland and village church spires, with huge swathes of the county designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Kent & Medway offers something for everyone. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, there is plenty to enjoy here, with a vast network of picturesque walking and cycle routes; yet high speed train links mean that you can be in London in as little as 38 minutes, while, heading south, Eurostar whisks passengers to Paris, Brussels and Marseilles in a matter of hours.
There are a number of notable towns and cities in the area, from the cobbled streets, exquisite cathedral and medieval history of Canterbury to the stately spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells to the shingle beaches and colourful beach huts of Herne Bay; whether you want to live in a historic town with theatres, museums and a busy nightlife, in a class English seaside town or a sleepy village, you are sure to find it here. Indeed, Sevenoaks and Deal were recently placed on the Sunday Times' list of the best places to live in Britain, which takes into account everything from schools and broadband speed to local shops and community spirit.
The county's southern location means that it receives some of the warmest temperatures in the country, with balmy summers and generally mild winters. With coast on two sides of the county, it boasts 560 kilometres of coastline to explore, including some of the best beaches in Europe according to Lonely Planet. If you love getting out on the water then you're in for a treat, with surfing in Thanet, kit-surfing off Dymchurch and jet-skiing off Margate alongside sailing and more; or stick to dry land, where you'll find more Blue Flag beaches than any other county in England, sandy beaches, shingle shores and family-friendly bays for paddling and sandcastling.
Throughout the county you'll find magnificent stately homes, stunning castles, exciting culture, and delicious food and drink, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street markets full of local produce such as Whitstable oysters, succulent Romney Marsh lamb or locally caught Dover sole. There's also plenty for sports fans, with 60 golf courses alongside motor racing circuits, cricket grounds, canoeing and kayaking, athletics and running clubs, riding stables and sailing clubs, and much more.
Whatever your interests and wherever you see yourself and your family living, you are bound to find it in the laidback charms of Kent & Medway. Get in touch now to find out how you can make the move to a more relaxed pace of life.
