A home county topping the list of the nation’s best is the only one to boast a World Heritage Site and has a pub thought to be more than 300-years-old.

The term “home county” refers to the English counties surrounding London, where most workers in the capital’s workers commute from. 

They’re known for their transport links and are broadly characterised as middle class and aspirational.

The Telegraph decided to rank these areas taking into account how good they are for a weekend away, as well as the quality of their pubs, walks and cultural appeal.

To produce the list, the newspaper analysed data across 40 categories, including factors like population density, the number of vineyards, Michelin stars, and Blue Flag beaches (recognised for their high environmental and quality standards).

It then gave each county a score for History and Culture, Peace and Quiet, Luxuries and Natural Wonders and found one clear winner.

Often referred to as the “Garden of England” Kent bested the rest with the newspaper hailing its “depth of historic attractions, manicured gardens and hip towns that make it the best of the south of England and, arguably, the whole country”. 

It noted that while Kent didn’t score well for Peace and Quiet given its high-speed railyway, motorways and high population density (1,280 per sq mile), it performed favourably in all other categories, including first in History and Culture.

The county stands apart in being home to the UNESCO-recognised Canterbury Cathedral, known for its Gothic grandeur and being one of the oldest Christian structures in England.

According to the newspaper it also boasts 27 English Heritage properties as well as four Roman sites. 

Its also famed expansive coastline stretches 350-miles and is dotted with chalky white cliffs, shingle bays, sandy beaches,  beautiful coastal towns and stunning views, as per Explore Kent.

The paper also singled out the county’s protected food and drink offerings, giving a special mention to Whitstable oysters, which were eaten back in Roman times.

It also noted other celebrated regional exports like East Kent goldings, a beloved English hop variety and Kentish ale.

Kent is home to 1,534 Camra pubs, and the outlet gave a special mention to Rose Inn at Wickhambreaux, in a Grade II-listed building built in the 14th century. 

According to Camra, the pub itself dates back 300 years.

It also has a number of stunning seaside towns like Margate, which is home to the Turner Contemporary art gallery, a rich art scene, and Folkestone, which came top of Time Out’s list of ‘Britain’s most essential places to explore in 2025.’ 

You can find out more about the rich travel opportunities Kent has to offer here.