insideKENT Magazine Issue 130 - February 2023 | Page 28

KENTSTAYCATION

SECLUDED

SPLENDOUR

WHEN IT COMES TO ROMANCE , KENT HAS IT ALL . SPARKLING OCEAN VIEWS , WINDSWEPT BEACHES , COSY COUNTRYSIDE BOLTHOLES PERFECT FOR TWO AND A WHOLE DEPTH OF ENTHRALLING HISTORY AND CULTURE TO DISCOVER ALONGSIDE FABULOUS FOODIE FINDS .
SAMPHIRE HOE
An array of enchanting landscapes and picturesque scenery forms quintessential Kent in its entirety , a county so diverse in geographical beauty and so rich in character that romance is never far away or difficult to discover . From the chocolate box villages dotted amongst gentle hills and rolling green countryside , to the rugged cliffs and idyllic beaches that make up 350 miles of Kent ’ s meandering coastline , no matter what sort of scenic seclusion you are seeking this Valentine ’ s Day , you are certain to find it here in the Garden of England .
One of Kent ’ s most acclaimed beauty spots is the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . A nationally protected area of the county , this natural jewel in Kent ’ s crown stretches from the White Cliffs of Dover all the way to the Surrey and London border . With ancient bluebell woodlands , a craggy chalk coastline , internationally rare grasslands , and ragstone villages there is always beauty to explore ; and this area will always provide a stunning , secluded escape from busy life . The famous White Cliffs of Dover are a magnificent place to start your adventure - especially as 2023 celebrates ‘ the year of the coast .’ Also known as Kent ’ s Heritage Coast , this area was awarded an incredible accolade by Lonely Planet when it reached number four on the guide ’ s list of places for ‘ Best in Travel 2022 ’.
The Bird Hide ( www . bloomstays . com ) is a charming base from which to explore the Heritage Coast and White Cliffs . Based in between historic Dover and creative Folkestone in cliff-top village Capel-Le- Ferne , this is not only the perfect Heritage Coast location but also the perfect romantic getaway for two , coming complete with a fabulous hot tub for toasty nights sipping Champagne together . This quirky lodge has been sympathetically renovated to provide a bespoke luxury hideaway for couples . The lodge has a captivating design and interesting features , with handmade bespoke timberwork and bold decorations throughout , with a theme dedicated to the birds of the surrounding countryside . The lodge oozes style and luxury , while being a true escape from busy life set in a wonderfully rural location .
The famous chalk cliffs of Dover provide a vital and no less than magnificent part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the few places to truly appreciate their dramatic appeal is Samphire Hoe ( www . samphirehoe . com ). A piece of land created by Eurotunnel during the construction of the Channel Tunnel , great care has been taken to make the landscape of Samphire Hoe fit this striking setting . Today , Samphire Hoe is one of South East Kent ’ s best areas to see a multitude of wildlife , biodiversity and scenic views . For those wanting to witness as much of the White Cliffs as they can , a walking route can be embarked upon , leading from nearby Dover Castle , through St Margarets-at-Cliffe and into Kingsdown which eventually turns into the pretty seaside town of Deal .
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