A Guide To The Kent Countryside.
My little black book of my favourite places to stay, eat, visit, shop and walk in my hometown.
Good Morning! You may be confused as to why this has landed into your inbox on a Wednesday. Unfortunately technology was not on my side whilst I was away and I couldn’t get this to you as planned. But fear not, normal scheduling will now resume. Have a lovely rest of your week!
A place that I have called home since the day I came into the world, Kent. Aptly named the Garden of England, it is abundant in rolling hills, fields of crops, bustling towns and quaint villages, bordered by the beautiful South East coastline. We often see country destinations like The Cotswolds on the map of must visit areas, but Kent sits somewhere quietly within the background. There are some beautiful hidden gems here and it really is the perfect place to relax, unwind and experience a side of the countryside a little bit slower.
Below you can find a guide of my favourite places, and a couple I cannot wait to try, to stay, eat, shop, visit and walk all within Kent.
Disclaimer: Kent is a huge place and below are just a small amount of places you could visit. These are just some of my (and my friend Beth’s) personal favourites.
STAY
The Pig Hotel - Albeit a chain of hotels, with a format that is to be expected within the group, this is one of the most beautiful destinations to stay and a firm favourite of mine. Bridge-Place is a stately home set within the fields. I took my mum here for her birthday last year and stayed in one of the wooden lodges. The perfect bolthole with your own log fire, roll top bath and deck out front to enjoy a drink in the evening. You can enjoy a wood fired pizza nestled in the vegetable garden or have dinner in the alfresco dining terrace over the stream, tasting local meats, wines and vegetables grown from right in front of you!
The Gallivant - One from my hit list. If you are looking for a coastal hideaway this hotel looks beautiful.
Eastwell Manor - A manor house that transports you back to the 1500’s with it’s old world charm, the garden’s are something out of a Bridgerton scene. I stayed here for my birthday a few years ago and totally lucked out with the weather. We enjoyed massages in the spa before drinking champagne in the afternoon sun on the terrace (in our robes of course) I do feel inclined to note that unfortunately the spa is somewhat neglected and I would be reluctant to sing it’s praises. However the hotel itself and treatments are wonderful. If you visit in the summertime there is an outdoor pool, you can enjoy afternoon tea, or head out on a beautiful walk through the fields.
Bloom Stays - Perhaps there is a group of you, a family or you are just looking for a home away from home, Bloom Stays is the destination for somewhere to rent. From contemporary homes to quaint cottages there is something for everyone and their bespoke selection is the best I have found!
EAT
Elite Pubs - A chain of modern pubs across Kent, my favourites being The Pig & Sty or The Wishful Thinker. The perfect spot for an afternoon drink in the garden, a quick pizza or a long lunch in the garden.
The Three Chimneys - One of my favourite pubs in the local area. The gardens and courtyard dining are beautiful and the interior gives everything you would imagine from a cosy English pub. In the winter time it really is something out of The Holiday
Birchwood, Filmwell. - A new find for me and something a little bit different to the usual country pubs. A sustainably driven restaurant situated within Filmwell Park, ingredients are locally sourced (even down to the local coca-cola!) delicious flavours and a contemporary - scandi esque feel.
Boys Hall - I would visit here every weekend if I could. From the interiors to the menu it is just perfection. Whether you dine alfresco with light bites or a candlelit meal in the orangery. I definitely recommend heading along even if it’s just to snap a few pictures of the interior for inspiration!
The Pepper Box - A beautiful country pub sat on top of the hill, views over the fields and the perfect sun trap. This is a summer favourite in our family, Friday evenings spent in the garden watching the sun go down, enjoying the seasonal menu and a crisp glass of rosé.
The Hoof & Hook, Tenterden. - Combining the local meat and fish, this menu is just delicious. The perfect spot for an evening meal.
The White Lion, Tenterden - Our old stomping ground. I am pretty sure we spent every weekend here for the entire time we lived in Tenterden. A typical gastro-pub with delicious food, an extensive menu (which is a little more modern than others with the likes of truffle!) Whether you seat on the terrace or by the fire it’s the perfect destination for an easy pub experience. The Sunday Roast is probably the best I have had in a pub too!
The Milk House, Sissinghurst. - If you are looking for a slightly fancier evening, this is the perfect restaurant. Rustic wooden tables, soft candlelit and delicious flavours, a very romantic homely feeling.
Frankie’s - We very rarely go out for breakfast but Frankie’s is a favourite. A garden centre with an expansive café, relaxed atmosphere and a laid back pit stop to prepare for a busy day.
SHOP
Weald Smokery, Filmwell - A very sweet farm shop with all the local bits and pieces you would expect. Enjoy a coffee & homemade cake, or simply pop in to pick up delicious chutneys, a local wine and a browse of the lifestyle pieces - I recently saw a straw cooler basket that I must go back for. It’s also along the same road as The Country Furniture Barn so you could visit here afterwards!
Taywell Farm Shop, Goudhurst - Another farm shop with lots of wonderful local produce, seasonal displays and the staff are just lovely! You can also go pumpkin picking here in October.
The Country Furniture Barn, Flimwell - My favourite destination for homeware and furniture. Even if you pop by for inspiration it is just beautiful. The store is totally decked out with stunning lamps, artwork, mirrors, console tables… basically everything you could image. Think, Neptune meets The Cotswold Co (but at a great price!)
Rumwood Garden Centre, Maidstone - One of our favourite garden centres, it is always stocked with such a great array of plants and flowers. A lovely place to wander around.
VISIT
National Trust Houses: Perhaps you have a memebership or you are looking for a destination to explore there are lots of lovely NT houses. My favourite being Sissinghurst Castle, the grounds are just wonderful with a very homely feeling. You can explore the huge vegetable garden, go on a big walk around the lakes or have a scone in the restaurant. Leeds Castle is another beautiful place - they often host events like fireworks, light trails and lots of other bits. A great place to take children!
Kent Vineyards: There is a huge abundance of wonderful vineyards in Kent, Balfour Winery, Tillingham, Westwell, Chapel Down, Biddenden & Gusbourne to name a few. Feel like you are in the South of France and book in for a wine tasting, a tour or simply visit to enjoy a glass and a wander around the vines.
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells: If you are hoping for a day in town exploring local cafes, high street stores, boutiques and a lovely atmosphere. The Pantiles is the perfect destination. I would recommend visiting Juliets for delicious homemade pastries and cakes. Sankeys for fresh seafood. Biggies Best is a gorgeous boutique for home and lifestyle pieces.
Camber Sands, Rye: Rye is a lovely quaint town and a place that I see popping up on socials a lot more. It has a real artistic feel to it and is a hub of activity over the weekends. From antiques, boutiques, cafes and restaurants it is a lovely place to explore. It is also a short drive from Camber Sands beach, our favourite one along the South East coast due to the sand and the grassy dunes - perfect for a picnic.
WALK
Knole Park, Sevenoaks - As a child I visited here a lot. A brilliant place for long walks surrounded by woodland and deers.
Bedgebury Forest - Another lovely destination for a long walk through the woodland, there is also a forest climbing activity for children, play areas and a lovely restaurant over looking the lake.
Footpaths - Much like any countryside area there are tons of footpaths. I recommend consulting the hotel you’re staying at for a list of local walks (The Pig always offer maps!) But if you want to take matters into your own hands downloaded the XXX app. It is a great way to plot out a route and ensure you are sticking to the allocated pathways - disgruntled farmers are never a good thing to cross!
Recommended By A Friend
I am blessed with having a friend like Beth, who has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to amazing local places to visit. So of course, I enlisted her to share a few of her favourites with you, some of which I am yet to try myself!
* Faversham Antiques Market - Held every month or so on various dates, this market is held in the old square. It attracts specialist antiques dealers from across the country, with items sourced from England, France and beyond. During my last visit, it had so many lovely unique furnishings, paintings, and gardening items to purchase. A truly lovely spot to grab a coffee, breakfast and go for a stroll on a Sunday morning.
* The Five Bells - A gorgeous little country pub on the outskirts of East Brabourne. So beautiful both in the summer and the winter months!
* Updown Farmhouse - A stunning restaurant that I’ve had saved on my list to visit for AGES. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel on the outskirts of Deal, in the countryside with a stunning terrace restaurant area.
* Fordwich - The smallest village in Britain. Here you can hire a kayak, canoe along River Stour all the way to Canterbury, or just take a stroll through the picturesque roads.
* The Fordwich Arms - an incredible Michelin star restaurant overlooking the river in the same village. Every single person who I know who has been here, say it’s some of the best food they’ve ever had! The chefs here are so talented. They also have outdoor seating overlooking the river that I’d highly recommend relaxing in, to just watch the boats go by.
* Kingdom, near Tunbridge Wells - This is a really lovely venue built within a forest. It often hosts yoga, overlooking acres of woodland. There’s also a little shop downstairs, as well as a cafe serving lovely dishes. After you’ve eaten, you can go for a stroll and explore the estate by foot.
* Goodnestone Park - Ok, this is a little favourite of mine that I sometimes want to gate-keep from the world, but can’t not include it! Set within the most quintessential little village, this Georgian country manor is set within the beautiful Kentish countryside and has a lovely cafe and courtyard that I adore for breakfasts. The cafe feels quite rustic and homely, but go for a walk just around the corner and you’ll stumble across the stately home which feels like something out of a Jane Austen movie.
* The Goods Shed - A farmers market shed in Canterbury. More city but feels like you’ve stepped into the countryside once you’re inside!
* Woolton Farm - A large barn that produces wine and cider on-site. Surrounded by orchards and countryside they hold events throughout the year.
* The Bridge Arms - Near the Pig. Possibly one of the best Sunday roasts you’ll find in Kent!
* Wye - A pretty but large country village that’s perfect for exploring, with little pubs and a cute cafe in the high street. You could also explore the rolling hills of the Wye Downs!
* Scotney Castle - This is a beautiful spot to visit in the autumn, when the leaves are turning. It’s a National Trust site, and there’s a cute little tea room where you can grab take away hot drinks and wander through the estate. The palace is so so beautiful, and overlooks woodlands and fields.
I hope you enjoyed this weeks newsletter! A very highly requested question that lands in my inbox weekly so I hope this can be a one stop destination to fill your weekends or staycations with lots of lovely recommendations.
Lots of love, L xx
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This is such a useful and excessive guide to Kent! Reading it has really made me want to visit soon. I've heard so much about the Pig hotel, and it's high on my wishlist to stay. I've put the Weald Smokery and the The Milk House into my 'travel ideas' note on my phone - because they sound totally up my street!
Thank you for this gorgeous post, Lauren. Definitely one that I’m going to revisit when I finally get to visit theKent countryside. It’s always been dream of mine to visit Sissinghurst in the spring. I’ve actually booked to go there this spring but last life got in the way! I can’t wait to visit now with your list of recommendations x