KENTSTAYCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in ROCHESTER CONT .
THE VINES OF ROCHESTER BUCKMORE PARK
THE ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM SMOQE
LUNCH The Cheese Room Botanicals ( www . thecheeseroomrochester . co . uk ) on Rochester High Street is definitely one not to be missed by the cheese lovers among us . However , vegan and gluten-free foodies need not miss out either as these options are also catered for . With a plethora of different cheeses to choose from , at lunchtime the menu consists of sourdough toasties , mac ‘ n ’ cheese , delicious less-cheesy small plates and of course a selection of specialty cheese and charcuterie boards . Baked Camembert , Swiss fondues and cheese tapas are also some extra-cheesy indulgences that are available on the menu . True cheese devotees can purchase their favourite items from the deli , where there is also wine , bread , charcuterie and other gifts to browse .
AFTERNOON Tucked away along the banks of the River Medway you will find a true hidden treasure : Upnor Village and Castle ( www . upnor . co . uk ). Plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale , Upnor Village is beautifully picturesque with a cobbled main street that slopes all the way down to Upnor Beach and the castle itself . Lined with traditional pubs and pretty houses , some of which display Kentish weatherboarding and are Grade II listed , this walkway to the castle will have everyone from history buffs to Instagrammers marvelling at their surroundings . A rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort , the castle itself is beautifully preserved for guests to explore and study ; it dates back to 1559 and provides glorious , farreaching views out across the river .
DINNER The Quills ( www . thequills . co . uk ) on Rochester High Street is located in yet another historic beamed building which provides a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of English town tradition . With a fabulous wine list and selection of favourite cocktail classics , diners can sit back with their drinks as they select dishes full of flavour from The Quills eclectic menu . Start with an 8oz British rib eye steak pan-fried in butter and served with mushrooms , cherry tomatoes and skin-on fries , and finish with a premium Belgian chocolate and raspberry torte .
A Sneaky Staycation Extra
For those looking for a truly unique stay , they will find it at The Vines of Rochester ( www . thevinesofrochester . com ), a stunning higgledypiggledy Grade II listed hotel set within the ancient precincts of the town . As unique and awe-inspiring as it is beautiful , The Vines guest rooms have a quirky look and feel to them at the same time as inspiring rest and relaxation . From copper baths , views of the cathedral and passageways that reveal hidden rooms , each suite boasts of its own personality , all individually designed with handpicked furnishings , textiles and fine linens . This wonderfully restored , magnificent building is also home to a restaurant with a selection of fine-dining menus ready for guests to create memorable culinary experiences . For those ready and raring for a pulse-racing day out , visit Buckmore Park ( www . buckmore . co . uk ), the beating heart of British karting and one of the most stunning motorsport locations in the United Kingdom .
Italian food lovers can treat themselves to Don Vincenzo ( www . donvincenzo . co . uk ), a family run Italian restaurant established in 1998 and located in the heart of Rochester . Loved by locals for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional Italian food , indulge in one of their mouth-watering daily specials which are carefully crafted from locally sourced ingredients every day .
For those seeking some good ol ’ BBQ flavours then a pitstop at Smoqe ( www . smoqe . co . uk ) is a must . Run by the Tierney family , and inspired by their own family holidays to the USA , diners can delight in house-special burgers and , if you are lucky and book in advance , Smoqe ’ s sell-out ( and utterly divine !) ribs . This friendly bistro is built on some seriously great tasting burgers , rubs , sauces , and sides with a side order of superb service - offering satisfying bite after bite of BBQ heaven .
The Royal Engineers Museum ( www . re-museum . co . uk ) in neighbouring Gillingham houses a fascinating collection which has been developed by the Corps of Royal Engineers over the past 200 years and now forms one of the most important military collections in the UK . This is an exciting experience for adults and children alike , with lots of hands-on activities that young historians and military buffs can take part in and enjoy .
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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