DISCOVERKENT
KENT ’ S PRETTIEST VILLAGES CONT .
CHILHAM IGHTHAM MOTE
Also centred around a charming traditional village square is Chilham . Mostly made up of listed buildings , alluring Chilham has been the setting for many films and television shows , including plenty of period dramas such as the BBC 2009 adaptation of Jane Austen ’ s Emma . On one side of the square is the magnificent gate to Chilham Castle ( www . chilham-castle . co . uk ) an imposing and grand Jacobean manor house that can now be visited by guests wanting to lap up sweeping views of the countryside , manicured gardens installed by Capability Brown and of course the splendour of the house itself , which is unrivalled and unique . The castle also plays host to a range of inspiring events throughout the year , including open air performances from the touring Shakespeare ’ s Globe Theatre Company and fantastic horse trials . On the other side of Chilham ’ s main square sits the village church , which is guarded by an ancient yew tree , said to have survived for an incredible 1,300 years before being fatally damaged in the great storm of 1987 . Whether you are wanting a room with breathtaking views to relax and unwind in for the night , or locally sourced , delicious food , The Woolpack Inn ( www . woolpackhotel . com ) is sure to provide . Honouring local producers and farmers through their elegant menu and celebrating some of the finest Kentish wines on offer , guests can delight in a true taste of Kent when visiting The Woolpack Inn too .
Oozing with character and traditional weatherboard cottages is the quaint village of Plaxtol . Typical to this part of Kent , weathboarded houses are a sweet sight to see , as is the 14th-century Ightham Mote ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / ightham-mote ) constructed of soft ragstone , which beautifully catches the evening light reflected by its moat with a warm glow . This location can be enjoyed throughout the day however , with 14 acres of varied garden to wander through , including dells and glades , amongst apple trees and lakes to capture the heart and imagination . The remains of a late 13th-century knight ’ s dwelling can also be wondered at in the form of Old Soar Manor ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / old-soar-manor ) which is in a truly idyllic setting , surrounded by orchards and woods , including nearby Mereworth Woods , one of England ’ s largest forests .
Winner of Village of the Year in 2011 , Elham is still a showstopper over ten years later . Set in the heart of a luscious green valley , stop by at Vineyard Garden Centre ( www . vineyardgardencentre . co . uk ) as you approach the village , a vineyard , garden centre and café owned by The Fifth Trust , a Kent based
charity for adults with learning disabilities . With gorgeous vineyard views , wonderful food and sweet homemade gifts for sale , this is the perfect place to start your visit to Elham . The rest of the village echoes back to English days gone by , of cricket whites , bicycles , village post offices and of course the cosy and welcoming village pub - of which Elham has three . Built in the 16th century , The Rose and Crown ( www . roseandcrownelham . co . uk ) was used for many years for the ‘ Elham Petty Sessions ’, and the courtroom can still be made out on the first floor . Mortises and grooves in the beams show where a small room was set aside for the use of the magistrate , who visited here once a fortnight . Now , the pubrestaurant serves freshly prepared and locally sourced pub favourites . Neighbouring pub , The King ’ s Arms ( www . thekingsarmselham . com ) also dates back to the 16th century , and seeps plenty of character through its old walls and into a brilliant atmosphere . Family-run and serving traditional English dishes and local Kentish wines and ales , plus many more beverages from their extensive bar , this pub continues to uphold a centuries old reputation to be proud of .
For more inspiration for planning your ultimate Kent Staycation , visit www . kentstaycation . co . uk kentstaycation .
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