Discover
KENTSTAYCATION
SWALE
SWALE : A LOW LYING , SUNKEN AND MARSHY STRETCH OF LAND . TRUE TO ITS NAMESAKE DICTIONARY DEFINITION , SWALE , WHICH SITS ON TOP OF KENT ’ S NORTHERN SHORELINE , BOASTS A UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE CONSISTING OF BEACHES AND MARSHES THAT TEEM WITH WILDLIFE AND PROVIDE PANORAMIC VIEWS , AS WELL AS BUSTLING MARKET TOWNS THAT THRIVE WITH ACTIVITY AND HISTORY .
ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE
Named after the narrow channel that separates mainland Kent from the Isle of Sheppey , the borough of Swale encompasses four historic towns , each with their own charming identities . The market towns of Sittingbourne and Faversham sit on the mainland and have throughout history been stops along the route from the Kent Coast to London , whereas Sheerness and Queenborough sit prettily on the tranquil island of Sheppey enjoying a relaxed way of life reminiscent of times gone by . A largely rural borough , Swale represents the Garden of England in all its glory , amassing hundreds of acres of the county ’ s fruit orchards and growing apples , pears , cherries and plums on its fertile land . Perhaps what has made Swale so fruitful is its proximity to the ocean and therefore its abundance of meandering rivers and beautiful marshes . Some of the first to utilise this were the Romans , who left behind not only their fruit trees , but beautiful villas and straight roads to London ; then came Becket ’ s Pilgrims of the 1100 ’ s and beyond ; and eventually , the Victorians of the Industrial Revolution , who brought railways , factories and market trading to the area .
Where to Stay
Swale ’ s unique marshy landscape can best be admired and experienced at Elmley Nature Reserve ( www . elmleynaturereserve . co . uk ) the UK ’ s only nature reserve that people can spend the night in . Witness this vast wilderness with its open skies and luscious green watery marshland that hums with the sound of insects , the squawks of water birds and the bristling of long grasses swaying in the breeze . A chance to let your soul feel really at one with nature , guests can choose to stay in either a calming cottage , a luxurious room in the ancient farmhouse , a cosy shepherd ’ s hut or cabin , or choose to be in really close proximity with wildlife by selecting one of the luxury bell tents .
The Cottage , which sleeps 10 , is the ideal base from which to go on stunning rambles and experience panoramic views of the Swale Estuary , a chance to spot rare species and witness all the other surreal sights of this enchanting reserve . Idyllically positioned , The Cottage ’ s large windows frame sweeping views of misty mornings which are filled with the call of the reserve ’ s geese , wildfowl and wading birds . In the evenings , guests are invited to open a bottle of red wine together and tuck into a hearty seasonal dish cooked in Elmley ’ s kitchen using their own produce while they watch the wildlife settle in for the night from the glowing warmth of an outdoor firepit or comfortable living room .
For an indulgent stay , sleep in the stunning Victorian farmhouse that stands proudly isolated in the middle of the reserve and claims beautifully designed rooms with elegant sash windows , exposed brickwork , kingsize beds and roll-top baths . Only 40 miles from London , visitors to Elmley will be in total awe that 3,300 acres of such serenity could exist so close to the capital city . With a long term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape , guests at Elmley can delight in the knowledge that they too are helping preserve a space for nature . With sustainability at the heart of everything they do , this family run enterprise can be enjoyed by those just wanting to visit for the day too , with safari-style open-top tours and day trips available to book , and the new Cowshed Café open to visitors from 9am to 4pm .
47