Moving from Surrey to Kent - How far is Kent from Surrey?

For those looking to settle down outside London, both Kent and Surrey are excellent options. With more affordable housing markets, great schools and local amenities, as well as plenty of outdoor and indoor attractions, both Kent and Surrey are popular counties for homeowners in the Southeast. But just how far is Kent from Surrey? If you're thinking about making the move from one county to the other, you might want to know just how far you'll have to travel or commute, especially if you're already based in either of the counties for work.

In this article, we're going to take a look at the distance between Kent and Surrey, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about moving to Kent. Let's get started!

How far is Kent from Surrey?

Kent and Surrey are separated by a distance of around 35 miles. This means that it takes roughly an hour to travel between the two counties if you're travelling by car or train. If you've got a bike and prefer to cycle, then it could take around 2-3 hours - although this will all depend on your route.

How to get from Surrey to Kent?

The quickest and easiest way to get from Surrey to Kent is by car. The journey takes around an hour, and you'll usually be able to drive straight through without having to make any stops or detours along the way. If you're travelling by train, then it usually takes about an hour and thirty minutes - depending on which route you take. There are also a few bus routes that travel between the two counties, but these can take significantly longer.

What are some of the differences between living in Kent and Surrey?

While close in distance, these two counties can offer very different lifestyles - depending on where you settle down. Surrey is known for its picturesque towns and villages, with plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities to enjoy. It's also home to some of the UK's top universities, making it an attractive option for students or those looking to further their higher education.

Where are the nicest towns in Kent?

When it comes to some of the most idyllic towns in Kent, there's no shortage of options. Some examples include Canterbury, Whitstable, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone - all of which offer a host of amenities and attractions each unique to their particular town. Homeowners are also attracted to Kent thanks to the affordability of the housing market - at least in comparison with London. That being said, more expensive towns like Sevenoaks are also seeing an influx of new residents, with a range of luxury homes and plenty of amenities on offer.

Is Kent close to London?

While it's not as close to London as Surrey, Kent is still within easy reach of London. Depending on which part of Kent you're based in, it usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour by car or train to get from central London into the county. Some areas of Kent, such as Dover, are less desirable for London-based workers, as the commuting time will eat into your day significantly - especially if you're going back and forth from the capital every day during the week.

What are the schools like in Kent?

Kent is home to some of the best schools in the country, with many rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. The county is particularly renowned for its grammar schools, and parents have been known to move into certain areas of Kent just to ensure their children can attend one of these prestigious institutions. However, there are also plenty of excellent secondary and primary schools in Kent, meaning that families aren't limited to the grammar school system.

What other amenities are there in Kent?

Aside from great schools, Kent is also home to a wide range of amenities and attractions. For those looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of national parks and nature reserves dotted across the county - perfect for those long summer days or weekends with the family. In addition to this, Kent is home to some fantastic shopping centres and retail parks, as well as a range of cultural attractions like museums and art galleries.

Surrey vs. Kent - which is better?

Despite the relatively short distance between them, Kent and Surrey can both offer different lifestyles, depending on the area you move to. That being said, the two counties are also incredibly similar when it comes to their green outdoor spaces, housing prices, and availability of local public services.

When it comes to amenities, both counties boast excellent schools, shops and leisure facilities. Each has its own unique attractions too; Surrey is renowned for its beautiful open countryside, while Kent has some of the most stunning coastlines in the UK.

When it comes to transport, both counties have good rail and road links to London and beyond, although Kent is a little further away from major airports than Surrey. Both also have excellent bus networks that connect local towns and villages with larger urban areas, so you'll never be short of transport options when it comes to visiting friends or family or commuting. It’s worth noting that commuting to London is typically easier from Surrey than it is from Kent, making it an ideal location for those who work in the capital but don't want to live there.

In terms of affordability, both counties are quite expensive - although Kent is slightly more affordable than Surrey. Property prices in both areas tend to be higher than the national average, but you can still find good value for money if you shop around.

Bottom line

Overall, Kent and Surrey are both great places to live. They both offer a range of amenities and attractions, with the added bonus of being just a short drive away from each other. Whether you prefer the rural atmosphere of Kent or the bustling towns and cities in Surrey, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained. Plus, with just 35 miles between them, it's easy to commute between these two counties if you're based in Surrey but want to live in Kent.

Related Reading:

• Moving to Kent - everything you need to know!
• Removals in Maidstone
• How many people live in Kent
• Where are people moving to in Kent?
• Removals in Tonbridge