KENTSTAYCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in MAIDSTONE CONT .
Day Two
BREAKFAST Boasting a simply scrumptious French menu , Frederic ( www . fredericbistro . com ) of course serves the Parisian breakfast of dreams . With everything from golden , buttery almond croissants , and fruit and maple syrup pancakes to crab benedict and the hearty ‘ Big Wake Up ’ French breakfast , guests are sure to have the perfect start to their day at this light , bright , airy and stylish French bistro which can be found on Earl Street . Why not treat yourself to a delightful breakfast cocktail such as a champagne mimosa and start your day in pure elegance and style ?
MORNING Get your boots muddy with a taste of rural Kent at Kent Life ( www . kentlife . org . uk ), the perfect experience for families wanting to embrace and honour a traditional Kentish way of life and times gone by . At Kent Life , a real working farm where heritage and family fun sit side by side in a beautiful and historical 28-acre estate , visitors can meet a variety of free-range farm animals as well as explore a vintage village with houses preserved as they would have been over different eras . Get handson experience with lots of animals including sheep , pigs , horses and alpacas , and pop over to the ‘ cuddle corner ’ to meet some smaller farmyard friends . Feeding and grooming experiences allow animal-loving little ones to get even closer to the cute creatures and experience true joy in their presence . With indoor and outdoor play areas , pedal tractors , bouncy castles and even tractor and donkey rides , hours of fun can be had . Head over to Dotty ’ s Tea Room where you can sample the delights of fresh , local produce , including homemade cakes and light lunches . When the weather brightens , make your way out to the Tea Room terrace and enjoy a cream tea in the sunshine .
LUNCH A stylish pub in the idyllic village of Bearsted , The White Horse ( www . thewhitehorsebearsted . co . uk ) serves real ales , fine wines and of course scrumptious Sunday roasts using highquality Kent produce and ingredients . Bringing together contemporary and traditional décor , diners can enjoy a relaxing Sunday in optimum comfort . Now also offering a ‘ purely-vegan ’ plant-based menu , The White Horse is on trend and has a dish to suit every desire ; from tasty starters , light bites , and mains , through to sharing platters , classic pub food dishes as well as devilishly delicious desserts .
AFTERNOON Step aboard the Kentish Lady Riverboat ( www . kentishlady . co . uk ) in the centre of Maidstone close to the 14th-century Archbishop ’ s Palace for a cruise along the historic and important River Medway . Relax in comfort as you take in the sights and sounds of the county town with an informative commentary on points of interest along the way . You ’ ll pass the medieval Corpus Christi Hall , Maidstone ’ s oldest pub and Allington Castle where Henry VIII would meet Anne Boleyn , all on the way to the final destination at Allington Lock . Choose from a one-hour trip or a three-hour lunch cruise . Lovers of history , landscape and those who are intrigued by folklore and stories passed down through generations are guaranteed to enjoy this unique and interesting experience .
DINNER Based in the ethereal and historic Corpus Christi Hall on Earl Street , La Taberna ( www . lataberna . co . uk ) was born out of a ‘ family dream ’ and is now a family-run Spanish restaurant and bar serving delectable tapas and skilfully created cocktails . In Spain , a taberna is place in which to meet friends and enjoy good food and good times , so , using this as the basis for their restaurant , La Taberna has embraced this Mediterranean way of life and is thus the perfect place to enjoy a signature sangria and a selection of tasty tapas in a friendly , lively atmosphere .
Sneaky Staycation Extra
With Kent staking its claim as the ‘ Wine Garden of England ’ and Maidstone expertly offering the best of town living with countryside ambles , a stay here would not be complete without a visit to one of Kent ’ s glorious vineyards . Yotes Court ( www . yotescourt . co . uk ), situated on a beautiful sloping site in West Peckham , has sweeping views out towards Bidborough Ridge and provides a serene environment in which visitors can bask in the county ’ s paradisiacal vinefilled countryside . Sip a refreshing glass of award-winning still rosé as you gaze in awe across luscious rows of vines that cover the hillside in front of you ; a truly exceptional experience of one of Kent ’ s most cherished characteristics .
Experience a cosy Kentish country pub at The Windmill in Hollingbourne ( www . thewindmillhollingbourne . co . uk ) nestled in a picturesque village complete with sturdy oak beams , roaring fires and passionate about serving delicious pub classics with a twist .
For those wanting to treat themselves to a truly luxurious stay , Chilston Park Hotel ( www . handpickedhotels . co . uk / chilstonpark ) is set behind tree-lined lanes in 22 acres of magnificent parkland . A Grade I Listed manor house and previously home to a variety of eminent landed gentry , politicians and writers , Chilston still reflects the rich history of its past with many rooms awash with antiques and featuring four-poster beds , while also offering the very latest hotel amenities and beautiful views across manicured gardens .
In partnership with Kent Staycation and Visit Kent .
For more inspirational ideas for things to do in Kent , visit www . visitkent . co . uk .
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