KENTSTAYCATION
SECLUDED SPLENDOUR CONT .
ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE
NEPTUNE ’ S BEACH CAFÉ
More than just a place to lay your head down at night , Elmley Nature Reserve ( www . elmleynaturereserve . co . uk ) is a place that appreciates the culture , history and natural beauty of the island and is the only nature reserve in the country in which guests can stay overnight .
A secluded 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 seriously close proximity with wildlife by selecting one of the luxury bell tents . 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 . Elmley is also the ideal base from which to go on stunning rambles and experience breathtaking views of the Swale Estuary , a chance to spot rare species and witness all the other surreal sights of this captivating reserve . 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 . This family run enterprise can be enjoyed by those just wanting to visit for the day too , with safaristyle open-top tours and day trips available to book , and the Cowshed Café open to visitors from 9am to 4pm .
During the day , visitors to Sheppey can experience the busy market town and port of Sheerness , or the golden beaches of popular holiday destination , Leysdown . Here island explorers can enjoy windswept walks along the beautiful sandy beach before stopping by for warming refreshments from Neptune ’ s Beach Café (@ neptuneskent ) who serve delicious homemade cakes baked fresh every day . This area is so picturesque that famous lover of Kent , J . M . W . Turner , painted scenes of Sheerness and nearby Blue Town , which has many intriguing historical links waiting to be discovered at Blue Town Heritage Centre . Other heritage attractions on Sheppey include Rose Street Cottage of Curiosities , Minster Gatehouse Museum and the Guildhall Museum Queenborough . As well as history buffs , The Elmley Conservation Trust and Raptor Viewing Platform at Capel Fleet give nature enthusiasts the opportunity to watch the array of rare birds who visit the island .
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