Kent
Kent really does have everything – it’s no wonder the conquerors wanted to settle here. With its historic towns, wild coastline and flourishing countryside, the Garden of England is a truly magnificent spectacle all year round, whether it’s looking over the rolling Weald countryside, peppered with orchards and oast houses, or taking in the sea air at Whitstable, strolling its unspoilt high street lined with independent shops and tucking into world-famous oysters.
For foodies, Kent certainly has its place on the map, with a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs, from the unpretentious Sportsman at Seasalter to the old-fashioned grandeur of Reads Restaurant with Rooms. Well known for the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham, Kent has plenty of quality pubs with their historic charm preserved and award-winning ales to keep any enthusiast happy. For wine drinkers, the low Weald is the place to be with the superb Chapel Down and Biddenden vineyards on the doorstep.
After all that eating, there’s plenty on offer in terms of outdoor pursuits, from a leisurely ramble around the numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty, wildlife reserves and heritage properties, such as Sissinghurst and Hever Castle, to more energetic activities like cycling the Viking coastal trail, kite surfing in Margate or playing 18 holes on one of the country’s best golf courses – Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich. It’s not just the Vikings who took a liking to Kent; the county has been the backdrop for many great literary masterpieces such as Dickens’ David Copperfield and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, as wells as inspiration for artists such as Tracey Emin and JMW Turner – now celebrated in the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.
When looking for somewhere to rest your head after all that excitement the possibilities are endless, but it’s the quaint B&Bs that shine through. From a wind-swept captain’s house on the Kentish coastline to a three-storey former fire station, there’s a style to suit everyone, whether it’s shabby-chic vintage or cutting edge contemporary. By far one of England’s loveliest and most varied counties, it’s easy to become addicted to exploring the nooks and crannies of this cultural hotspot.
The best hotels in Kent
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Read’s
Faversham, Kent
A gracious and calming restaurant with rooms in a Georgian manor, run with commitment. Excellent restaurant, large elegant bedrooms with Savoir beds, surrounded by tranquil gardens.
6 rooms from $266Restaurant - Recommended.Garden - Attractive outside space.Sights nearby - Close to Canterbury.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
The Salutation
Sandwich, Kent
Impressive Lutyens mansion in town centre with rooms/cottages for guests in the wonderful garden. Private and secluded stay, ideal for groups of friends or grown-up families.
9 rooms from $258Exclusive offerGarden - 3 and a half acres of Lutyens and Jekyll designed gardensRestrictions on children - No children under 16.Full of characterRomantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Wallett's Court Country House
Dover, Kent
Old Jacobean manor house in country setting. Views over sweeping landscape towards white cliffs. Rustic bedrooms, spa, restaurant.
17 rooms from $225Four poster beds - For romantics.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse
Nr Cranbrook, Kent
Luxurious, intimate and atmospheric National Trust owned b&b, at the gates of Sissinghurst Castle and in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Lovingly restored, and magical.
7 rooms from $201Views - Rooms have lovely views of the Castle and estate.Sights nearby - 100yds from Sissinghurst Catle & its gardensGreat walks - Fantastic local walks from the door.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
The Reading Rooms
Margate, Kent
Large bathrooms and bedrooms, elegantly furnished, in this gorgeous Georgian townhouse by the seaside, close to the sights, makes for a romantic weekend escape.
3 rooms from $201Sights nearby - Nextdoor to the Turner gallery.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Romantic - Good for couples. -
Thurnham Keep
Nr Maidstone, Kent
Grand Edwardian country house b&b, with beautiful interiors, gardens and views over the Weald. A great rural escape, especially in summer, with pool, tennis, croquet.
3 rooms from $193Romantic - Good for couples.Garden - Attractive outside space.Great walks - The North Downs Way is just behind the houseSights nearby - 5 miles from Leeds CastleRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
The Bell Hotel
Sandwich, Kent
Beautiful hotel overlooking the river. Large elegant rooms, club dining room, bar. Nearby surrounding gold courses.
37 rooms from $177Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The White Cliffs Hotel & Trading Co.
Dover, Kent
Charming hotel at the feet of the White Cliffs of Dover. Views of France, walled rose-garden, tennis court, fresh fish restaurant.
16 rooms from $176 -
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Beautiful sandstone mansion overlooking Calverley Park. Stylish contemporary bedrooms and suites typical of the Du Vin brand.
34 rooms from $159Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Travel Intelligence -
ABode Canterbury
Canterbury, Kent
Stylish conversion of historic buildings in the the heart of Canterbury, spitting distance from the Cathedral. Good mix of ancient wooden beams and sleek contemporary designs. Great dining and drinking options with Michael Caines restaurant and well equipped bedrooms across the board.
72 rooms from $153Restaurant - Michael Caines restaurant with chef's table in the kitchen area.Sights nearby - Situated within the ancient city walls, just minutes from the Cathedral -
The Victorian B&B
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Former royal butler and Aussie Harold Brown’s devotion to Victoriana and service below stairs make this captivating Victoriana themed B&B in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. An experience, with great stories from Harold included.
3 rooms from $129Quirky - An experience! -
The Linen Shed
Faversham, Kent
A pretty vintage-laden B&B, a cross between New England style and French chic, in a glorious corner of Kent. Comfortable rooms, charming garden, very relaxed.
3 rooms from $129Recommended by - Sawdays -
Chart Hill Cottage
Kent
Charming b+b for seclusion, unspoilt rolling countryside views and thoughtful comforts. Ideal for a quick rural escape, with good local walking and country pubs.
3 rooms from $129Exclusive offerGreat walks - The Greensand Way is on the doorstepViews - Great views over the Weald of Kent -
The Marquis at Alkham
Dover, Kent
Newly renovated restaurant with rooms in the Alkham Valley. Modern, chic bedrooms. Separate cottages to rent.
10 rooms from $127Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The Brew House
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Boutique getaway retreat for hardworking urbanites, an hour from London by train. Chic interiors, good cooking and rooms that open out onto little decks.
15 rooms from $121 -
The Arthouse
Canterbury, Kent
Modern, retro styled B+B for the design savvy in a former fire station in the heart of Canterbury - appealing, lively and original, with just two rooms. Book both for a foursome.
2 rooms from $97Sights nearby - 5 mins walk to the historic centre of townQuirky - An experience!
