KENTSTAYCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in SEVENOAKS CONT .
© Visit Kent
KNOLE HOUSE THE OLD BANK RESTAURANT
MORNING Packed full of captivating treasures and artefacts , Knole House ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / knole ) was designed to have its visitors in mesmerising awe . One of Britain ' s most impressive stately homes and sitting in the heart of Sevenoaks : this vast , enchanting National Trust property dates from the 1450s , thus is rich in history and stories . Famously sporting 365 rooms , 52 staircases and seven courtyards , here you ' ll wander through exquisite galleries , past shimmering silver , atmospheric portraits and fine fabrics . The famous sunlit orangery looks out onto a 1000-acre park dotted with gnarled trees and herds of deer , perfect for exploring with children and furry friends .
Once home to intriguing historical characters and families , including Lady Anne Clifford and the Sackville-West family , Knole is now home to showrooms and collections of invaluable tapestries , priceless paintings , royal antique furniture , as well as outstanding architecture and exhibitions that document the house ’ s intricate and enthralling past . A must for both historians and those that love a good story .
LUNCH Keeping it historical , a trip to King Henry VIII pub ( www . kinghenryviiihever . co . uk ) for a traditional Sunday roast is the ultimate way to compliment a morning at Knole Park . Having been a pub since 1597 , this is a place which truly captures the splendour of Tudor craftsmanship through authentic oak beams , open fireplaces and panelled bars . Fine Kentish ales and beers are aplenty here and their wholesome British food saw the establishment win Shepherd Neame ’ s ‘ Pub Food of the Year Award ’ in 2016 . Enjoy a roaring fire or sit in the beer garden whilst admiring the dramatic Tudor chimney stacks ; a real hidden gem in the Kent countryside with a warm welcome to await you .
AFTERNOON Now also known as ‘ The Wine Garden of England ’ going hand-in-hand with Kent ’ s history of hops and brewing , a trip to the county would not be complete without visiting a vineyard or brewery . Sevenoaks provides visitors with both of these places in the form of Squerryes Wine Estate ( www . squerryes . co . uk ) in Westerham and Westerham Brewery ( westerhambrewery . co . uk ).
Guests are invited to walk the vines on Squerryes 300 year old estate , whilst enjoying a tour of the vineyard , unravelling the fascinating story of how a disagreement with a French Champagne house led the local Ward family to planting vines on the North Downs . Visitors will also learn about the fruit they grow , the challenges they face and what makes the North Downs terroir so special . After a tour of the vines comes a real treat with a tutored wine tasting , in which visitors will learn what influences the flavour and style of each wine before being welcomed to Squerryes Wine Shop at which they can purchase their favourite bottle .
For those that prefer the art of brewing and beer , a trip to Westerham Brewery is a local alternative . With a variety of different tours available to the public , including everything from the opportunity to just drop by and sample local street food and enjoy a beer , to two-hour private talks and tastings , whatever suits your taste is available .
Fine Dining
The Old Bank Restaurant ( www . oldbankwesterham . co . uk ) in Westerham is a relaxed and elegant dining experience created by born and bred Sevenoaks couple Emma and chef husband Adam Turley . Turley ’ s life-long passion for food and love of fresh , seasonal , regional ingredients makes any guest ’ s experience at The Old Bank one to please
all the senses . Offering a selection of different menus consisting of contemporary , seasonal British cuisine with the influence of French technique , the award winning restaurant prides itself on using the best quality ingredients locally available .
Food lovers can sample gourmet dishes and try a refreshing cocktail from the restaurant ’ s uniquely devised cocktail menu , which is also a tribute to the restaurant ’ s setting – a converted bank . Sitting below the cosy dining area which offers a sense of sophistication combined with a feeling of tradition , you will find a beautiful wine cellar , which was once the bank ’ s vault . It is no surprise that foodies flock to Westerham ' s pretty high-street for delicious dining experiences , The Old Bank being the town ’ s piéce de résistance .
A sneaky staycation extension …
If you have not yet had your fill of historic houses and gardens in Sevenoaks , Quebec House ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / quebec-house ) in Westerham , is another captivating visit to add to your list . The childhood home of General James Wolfe , named after his victory at the Battle of Quebec , this 16th century house is brimming with paintings and memorabilia relating to Wolfe ’ s life . Enjoy learning about the house ’ s varied history and the characters that passed through it from helpful guides before walking to the market town of Westerham . Here you can enjoy a bit of retail therapy in the antique shops or grab a bite to eat in one of the café ’ s or restaurants next to the green . Food for Thought ( www . facebook . com / fftwesterham ) tearoom offers a gorgeous afternoon tea or for those fancying more classic dining , Rendezvous Brasserie ( rendezvousbrasserie . co . uk ) offers an authentic French Mediterranean experience and has been open for almost 32 successful years .
For more inspiration for planning your ultimate Kent Staycation , visit www . kentstaycation . co . uk kentstaycation .
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