insideKENT Magazine Issue 115 - November 2021 | Page 27

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
48 Hours in MAIDSTONE CONT .
TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT
LUNCH Situated in the thriving heart of Maidstone , La Villetta ( www . lavilletta . co . uk ) is an independent Italian restaurant serving only the finest quality , locally sourced ingredients combined with the ultimate selection of Italian products to add divine flavour to each dish . Head chef Angelo crafted the menu after being inspired by his Pugliese nonna ’ s wonderful home cooking . Wanting to bring an authentic taste of Puglia to Kent , Angelo sources fresh seafood from the county ’ s coast just as his nonna did in Italy to create authentic , mouthwatering Italian dishes . ‘ Everything is cooked from scratch without pretension and with all the passion and flavours that you would find in an Italian kitchen ,’ says Angelo , so get ready to taste the best of Italy and Kent combined from the comfort of this charming Maidstone gem .
AFTERNOON Leeds Castle rises majestically from the still waters of its moat as if a castle straight from a fairytale . Surrounded by 500 acres of stunning parkland and gardens , Leeds Castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful venues in Kent . Coined ‘ The Loveliest Castle in the World ’, it is the perfect place for a great day out with the family , a romantic getaway with a loved one or an intriguing trip for history buffs and lovers of architecture and beautiful landscaping .
Leeds Castle has always been a palace to entertain and impress , with every charismatic owner leaving their unique mark . Today ’ s interiors are the result of massive refurbishments by top European designers throughout the 1920s and 30s for its last private owner , Lady Baillie . Witness her love of exotic birds as you spot elegant black swans gliding across the serene waters or get lost in the maze perfect for adventurous children , providing endless fun . Whether you ’ re passionate about porcelain , eager to discover the parkland wildlife or are just looking for oldfashioned fun , Leeds Castle provides a memorable day out for all ages and interests .
At Christmas , visitors can also delight in festive decorations in and around the magnificent castle and grounds , and from 27th November to 2nd January , you can step inside the popular Christmas song , as you walk through 12 different artworks representing the Twelve Days of Christmas – all included in the regular ticket price .
DINNER Priding themselves on their eclectic and extensive drinks menu , The Canopy Bar and Kitchen ( www . thecanopybar . co . uk ) is a trendy location to enjoy a sophisticated Saturday night . Lounge beneath the Canopy Bar ’ s lights in a slick and elegant atmosphere as you take a refreshing sip of Maidstone Distillery ( www . themaidstonedistillery . com ) Ranscombe Wild Gin and Tonic ( their distillery tours are another must-do when in town ) as you wait to be served one of Canopy ’ s famously good gourmet burgers . Finish off your evening with indulgence in the form of a warm , homemade chocolate brownie and ice cream .
Where To Stay
BUDGET Village Hotel Club from £ 94 per night The Village Hotel Club ( www . villagehotels . co . uk / hotels / maidstone ) is centrally located on the M20 and thus perfectly positioned to explore Maidstone and beyond . With 122 ensuite bedrooms , a mixture of double , twin , family rooms and Upper Deck bedrooms , this friendly hotel has every needed amenity in the convenience of one location . This also includes extensive leisure facilities , a 25-metre swimming pool , 5,000sq ft gym , sauna , steam room , and jacuzzi . With the á-la-carte Verve Restaurant ,
Victory Pub and Starbucks Coffee Shop on site , there are plenty of food choices to suit all tastes . Free wifi and free parking included .
SPEND Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel from £ 109 per night Conveniently situated and easily accessible , Mercure Maidstone Great Danes ( www . mercuremaidstone . co . uk ) has great transport links from Junction 8 of the M20 to all the local Maidstone attractions including the historical Leeds Castle right next door and within easy commute of Maidstone ’ s premier shopping destination , Fremlin Walk , which is brimming with high street brands and boutique local shops . Once you have had a busy day out , guests can either hit the exercise machines , work out on the running track situated in the 26-acre estate , or simply relax in the heated indoor pool , sauna , solarium , steam room or spa bath . In the evening , soak up the atmosphere overlooking glorious gardens in the stylish restaurant with a glass of local wine . Guests are sure to enjoy a great night ’ s sleep in one of the luxurious , spacious and comfortable bedrooms .
SPLURGE Tudor Park Marriott from £ 129 per night Surrounded by 200 acres of ancient deer parkland , Tudor Park ( www . marriott . co . uk / hotels / travel / tdmgstudor-park-marriott-hotel-and-country-club ) incorporates a wealth of beautiful natural features . As one of Kent ’ s premier golfing venues , Tudor Park offers a unique experience with 120 deluxe bedrooms and an 18-hole championship golf course . Superb dining options include Cast Iron Grill or Zest Restaurant & Bar , with stunning panoramic views of the golf course , wildlife pond and landscaped gardens . Tudor Park also boasts excellent leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool , spa , two on-site gyms , tennis courts and beauty salon for indulgent beauty treatments and massages .
27