KENTSTAYCATION
48 Hours in THE WEALD
THE WEALD OF KENT IS OFTEN THOUGHT OF AS ONE LONG STRETCH OF UNINTERRUPTED COUNTRYSIDE , AND WHILE THE WEALD CERTAINLY HAS THAT CLASSIC KENTISH COUNTRYSIDE CHARM , THERE IS ALSO AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF FUN TO BE HAD ON A WEALD OF KENT STAYCATION ! FROM TINY VILLAGE PUBS TO CLASSY VINEYARDS TO AQUA OBSTACLE COURSES ( YES , YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY !) GET READY TO EXPLORE THE BEAUTY AND POSSIBILITY THIS FABULOUS PART OF KENT HAS TO OFFER . THOSE LOOKING FOR A RELAXING , OUTDOORSY VACATION SHOULD BE SURE TO MAKE THIS ONE OF THEIR FIRST HOLIDAY SPOTS IN A POST-COVID WORLD !
SISSINGHURST CASTLE AND GARDENS
THE GOUDHURST INN
Day 1
MORNING Why not start your countryside escapades at one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Kent ; Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / sissinghurst-castle-garden ). The frosty ground will crunch under your feet as the view of the fairytale-like castle towers in the background . This isn ’ t the usual chaotic tourist attraction , in fact Sissinghurst Castle is a stunning monument to tranquility , simply walking through the beautiful gardens tells you that much . If you are a lover of all things sophisticated then this should definitely be your first stop in the Weald , with its rich history and stunning , picturesque gardens , there is so much to see , learn and appreciate in this Kentish treasure . This is a place to take a deep breath of winter air and feel a true connection to the past and to nature .
LUNCH Looking for a contemporary place to rest your tired legs ? Then head to The Goudhurst Inn ( www . thegoudhurstinn . com ). The interior may have a relaxed , contemporary feel – the kind of place you can rock up in a pair of jeans and a nice top , after a morning of sightseeing , but the food will still blow your socks off . Order a bottle of wine from their extensive wine list , and tuck into a range of their incredible seasonal dishes . Some of the highlights of the menu include pan-fried scallops or pumpkin and turmeric soup for starters – the perfect dish to warm our tummies on these chilly winter days . Or how about tucking into some slow roasted pork belly or roasted artichoke tart ? Lastly , end on an indulgent note and make your mouth water with the dessert ; classic sticky toffee pudding .
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