The county of Kent, in southeast England, truly offers something for everyone. It is the essence of English countryside, with stunning coastlines, and yet also contains historic towns, villages and monuments to bygone eras. Kent has been repeatedly invaded by armies from continental Europe earning its motto of “undefeated.” Since 1994, the invaders come on Eurostar trains through the Channel Tunnel from Paris and Brussels into Folkestone port.

Kent’s has long been known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover on its southern coastline. However, one also finds rural England here with an abundance of orchards, vineyards, fields of blooming lavender, and gorgeous gardens. There are valleys, forests, beaches interspersed with quaint villages, historic castles and country estates.

History remains alive here with artifacts literally everywhere you go. The Romans established themselves in what is now Canterbury. In Hastings, in east Sussex, the Normans came ashore in 1066 and defeated the English army. Leeds Castle, outside of Maidstone, was originally built as a fortified stronghold for the Normans to hold onto their territorial gains. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn who would become queen, if only for a short while. Winston Churchill spent most of his retirement years in nearby Chartwell House. Knole, outside of Sevenoakes, features the only remaining medieval deer park set in a 1,000 acre estate.

So if you want a day in the country, antique shopping, outdoor sports, or wondering through 2,000 of history, the count of Kent is a perfect destination.