KENTSTAYCATION
KENT ’ S WATERSIDE CONT .
The River Rother is one of the finest rural rivers in the UK and one of the best ways to explore it is with Bodiam Boating Station ( www . bodiamboatingstation . co . uk ) near Cranbrook . Why not take a private river charter and cruise through the High Weald upstream to the magnificent 14thcentury National Trust Bodiam Castle ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / bodiam-castle ) and downstream towards historic Rye . After you have docked the boat and stepped back on dry land , visit Lime Wharf Café ( www . limewharfcafe . co . uk ), a Scandinavian boathouse-inspired restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the river . Enjoy a hearty breakfast , a great coffee and a fresh pastry before a stroll along the riverbank , or refuel at lunchtime with a generous homemade burger , seasonal salads or afternoon tea .
Surreal Swale and its stunning estuary provides plenty of marshy magnificence , from the beaches of Sheppey to the wonders of Faversham Creek . Taking a trip to Standard Quay ( www . standardquay . co . uk ) is one of the best ways to experience and appreciate the creek at its very best . With views of curious houseboats , barges , classic tug boats and more sitting upon the mud at low tide , an onlooker at Faversham Creek will never be bored - the more you look the more you will see . As well as offering creekside walking , shopping and a chance to see Faversham ' s living history , Standard Quay also includes a wonderful selection of places to eat .
For simply marvellous and fresh stonebaked pizza , visit Papà Bianco ( www . papabianco . com ), the ultimate treat to have right next to the water . If you ’ re feeling like something sweet afterwards , try the cookie dough dessert with Nutella , frosted flakes and vanilla ice cream . Walk along the creek and into Faversham ’ s Iron Wharf Boatyard ( www . ironwharf . net ), a sprawling space where boats are kept , fixed and stored upon dry land which makes for a very interesting stroll . In nearby Hollowshore , pay a visit to The Shipwright ’ s Arms ( www . theshipwrightsathollowshore . co . uk ), a traditional English pub full of history and character which dates back to the 17th century and sits on the junction of Faversham Creek and Oare . Providing real ale and a selection of traditional food , including locally caught fresh fish .
Kent ’ s waterside would not be complete without discussing the River Medway which flows magnificently through a selection of towns and villages before it reaches the Thames Estuary at Sheerness . Perhaps the most picturesque place to view this historic river of significant naval importance is Upnor Village and Castle ( www . upnor . co . uk ). Upnor is a real hidden treasure , beautifully picturesque with a cobbled main street that slopes all the way down to Upnor Beach and Upnor Castle ( www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / upnorcastle ) itself . A rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort dating back to 1559 , it provides far-reaching
views out across the river . In the nearby town of Chatham , find Copper Rivet Distillery ( www . copperrivetdistillery . com ), Kent ’ s only grain-toglass distillery which offers brilliant tours and tasting experiences with the addition of an opulent cocktail bar and restaurant , The Pumproom , which serves contemporary takes on classic dishes influenced by spices and flavours from around the world complete with stunning views through huge original widows out to the River Medway .
Although a thriving city , Canterbury does not come without its fair share of waterside locations ideal for both eating and relaxing . The River Stour runs through the city centre and has for hundreds of years been central to city life and the identity of Canterbury . A great way to learn about this is on the water itself with Canterbury Historic River Tours ( www . canterburyrivertours . co . uk ), a unique guide to Canterbury by rowboat on which you will delve into the history of this cathedral city along with its ducking stall for witches and river-island once inhabited by monks . After a cruise through time , visit nearby restaurant herd . ( www . herdcanterbury . co . uk ) for their famously good Scottish , chocolate-fed , wagyu beef steak . If you have stopped by for a brunch or lunchtime meal , make your way over to the Westgate Gardens or Solley ’ s Orchard , which both make peaceful and wonderfully pretty places to relax by the river on the grass surrounded by flower gardens and leafy green trees .
LIME WHARF CAFÉ
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