KENTSTAYCATION
KENT ’ S Romantic Retreats CONT .
The Pig at Bridge Place , Bridge near Canterbury www . thepighotel . com / at-bridge-place
Find The Pig at Bridge Place in the charming village of Bridge just outside the ancient city of Canterbury . Set amongst rolling green fields and church steeples , it is hard to believe you can arrive here in just under an hour from central London via the high speed train . Bathe in the delights of true country house splendour as soon as you step foot through the grand oak doors . This Jacobean brick built marvel is furnished in sympathy to its colourful history and boasts of exposed beams , intricately carved open fireplaces , grand staircases , as well as snug rooms and a gorgeous bar that is always generously stocked , beautifully combining 1920 ’ s art deco with a classic stately home ‘ evening drinks ’ attitude .
With a ‘ potting shed ’ theme that extends from their uniquely designed restaurant to their allotment garden , guests can also indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at The Pig . Tucked next to the meandering brook and the weeping willows , The Potting Shed Treatment Rooms offer everything from massages to facials , the perfect Valentine ’ s treat to enjoy together . After your treatment , enjoy a hearty meal made entirely from the fresh local produce that makes up The Pig ’ s delicious ‘ 25 mile menu ’. Retire to a room that will not only be lavishly furnished but brimming with character and comfort . Choose from a room in the main house , the Coach House , The Pig Lodges or The Barn – a huge upstairsdownstairs two-person rustic bedroom converted from the old stable blocks . A romantic ’ s dream !
Rocksalt Rooms , Folkestone www . rocksaltfolkestone . co . uk / rooms
Mix seaside and style together and you get Rocksalt in Folkestone . This now buzzing seaside town has an expanding arts scene , vibrant harbour arm and an old high street full of galleries and independent shops to discover as well as a sandy beach perfect for stealing away salty kisses .
Prepared to be enamoured with Rocksalt itself . With floor-to-ceiling windows that frame astounding views across the channel , this slick and contemporary restaurant is the perfect place from which to relish mouthwatering seafood this Valentine ’ s Day . After dessert , take a walk along the harbour and breathe in the fresh sea air under twinkling starry skies before retiring to an opulent room which is just as cool as the rest of Rocksalt , complete with a king-size antique bed , Egyptian cotton sheets and exposed brick walls .
Albion House , Ramsgate www . albionhouseramsgate . co . uk
For art-lovers seeking something a little different from their Valentine ’ s stay , Albion House ’ s stylish decor , slick bar and spectacular sea views will provide an escape to remember . A boutique hotel in the seaside town of Ramsgate , there is plenty to discover outside the hotel as well . After breakfast or brunch ( which is served until 3pm !) stroll along Ramsgate ’ s pretty marina or visit nearby Margate to further fuel your arty intrigue at The Turner Contemporary or in Margate Old Town , which is overflowing with cool vintage stores and trendy coffee shops .
Return to ‘ The Dining Rooms ’ at Albion House composed of elegant Georgian rooms overlooking Ramsgate ’ s Royal Harbour , and the impressive Mayors ' Chamber . Sip on tantalising cocktails as you watch the sunset this Valentine ’ s Day , enjoy a delicious meal of locally caught fish or other local produce before you return to your room for the night . Perhaps you might even be staying in Little Victoria ’ s Room , where a young , then Princess , Victoria once recuperated with sea air in 1835 ! Sink into fresh white cotton sheets and feel relaxed knowing you have spent Valentine ’ s Day in a truly special way this year .
Hever Castle , Edenbridge www . hevercastle . co . uk
There are few locations that lend themselves to traditional romance more than a castle . Once the childhood home of Anne Boelyn , this English castle that eptomises medieval tales of knights , kings and queens has now opened its doors to guests , inviting them to stay in the Edwardian wing attached to the ancient heritage landmark . Cosy up in front of a roaring fire as the Tudors themselves would once have done here , enjoy a dreamy boat trip for two on the lake or sample a lovely afternoon tea in the breakfast room .
Walk across the drawbridge and over the moat in search of your room that comes complete with a solid four poster bed , traditional features and modern day luxuries .
THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE
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