Things to do and places to see during your stay

This is a fantastic part of Kent with plenty of places to visit, whether you are staying just a few days or a couple of weeks.  Below are just a few ideas in the local area, and on arrival our Guest Information book has additional inspiration including maps for recommended walking and running routes.


Within Walking Distance……or a short drive

Blean Woods - On our doorstep this ancient woodland is one of the largest in England sat between Herne Bay, Whitstable and Canterbury. Take the bridleway to the right of Elm Tree Cottage, or a 15-minute drive takes you to the main Blean Woods car park (postcode CT2 9DD) where you can explore the much larger expanse of woodland. www.theblean.co.uk

Victory Wood (postcode CT5 3AH)– Classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty, Victory Wood was planted in 2005 to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Make it to the viewing point for stunning views across the North Kent Coast. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Mount Ephraim Gardens (postcode ME13 9TX) – Mount Ephraim is a late Victorian manor house in Hernhill which has been owned by the Dawes family for over 300 years. It is open between April and September for visitors to explore the 10 acres of beautiful gardens and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk


Explore the Kentish Towns….

Canterbury – A historic and vibrant tourist destination, Canterbury is great for shopping with plenty of bars and eateries to enjoy. Visit the Cathedral and learn about the pilgrimage at the popular Canterbury Tales (www.canterburytales.org.uk). In the evening, try a show at The Marlow Theatre (www.marlowetheatre.com), or “escape” from the old gaol house (www.onepoundlane.co.uk/escape). The River Stour offers a relaxed way to take in the city (www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk), or a gentle canoe through the local nature reserves (www.canoewild.co.uk).

Whitstable – A bustling harbour town packed with boutique shops, local arts and crafts, tea rooms and other eateries. Do not miss Whitstable harbour market (www.harbourmarketwhitstable.co.uk) where you will find stalls of local hand-crafted goods and fine art…all set in the working harbour. Enjoy a walk along the beach where you can stop at The Old Neptune (www.thepubonthebeach.co.uk) for a beachside drink, or enjoy some seafood and locally brewed beer at The Lobster Shack (www.thelobstershack.co.uk).

 

Faversham – The oldest market town in Kent, Faversham has a rich and regal history and one of very few places to hold its own copy of the Magna Carta. Visit one of the regular markets (www.favershammarket.org), explore the eclectic mix of shops at Standard Quay (www.standardquay.co.uk), or try a tour or Britain’s oldest brewery (www.shepherdneame.co.uk). For some local history learn about Faversham’s old gunpower industry (www.gunpowderworks.co.uk), or a tranquil walk along Oare Marshes nature reserve (postcode ME13 0QD).



Chill at the beach…..

If you’re a beach lover there are plenty to choose from…..here are just a few....


Seasalter (postcode CT5 4BW) – This is just a 5 minute drive away and a great place for a quieter visit to the beach. It also provides a great starting point for two entirely different walks. Take a westerly route past The Sportsman pub, and onto the Swale Marshes with views across to the Isle of Sheppey….or take an easterly route along the beach to Whitstable.

 

Dumpton Gap (postcode CT10 1TD) – This is a little bit further afield, but still within 30 minutes with a small sandy beach and one of our favourites. From here you can walk along the promenade into Broadstairs to soak up some Charles Dickens history, and at low tide do the walk along the beach. Low tide also provides an opportunity to walk in the opposite direction into Ramsgate to enjoy the harbour atmosphere…but please keep an eye on the tide times!

 

Botany Bay (postcode CT10 3LG) - This is a fantastic sandy beach with a backdrop of spectacular chalk cliffs and stunning views of the sea. It’s an ideal location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools when the tide is out, and there is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy even when the tide is in.