THE WHITE HORSE
THE PLOUGH INN
The Pilgrim ’ s Way traditionally ends in Canterbury , and although a city , the surrounding area has miles of enchanting countryside complete with captivating views and rural havens to visit . This area is particularly picturesque as it is full of Kent ’ s fruit orchards and traditional hop gardens . A great rural pitstop at which to enjoy this hop heritage of Kent is Chalkpit Farm , Bekesbourne . Neighbouring fields full of hops and lavender provide Chalkpit Farm ’ s Essentially Hops . As well as locally grown dried hops ( a traditional decoration for Kentish kitchens and pubs ) Essentially Hops sells a plethora of other dried flower arrangements , ornaments and small decorative items . At this time of year , find beautiful , natural Christmas decorations - perfect for those who opt for the ‘ rustic look ’. As well as lovely purchases for your own home or gifts for friends , Essentially Hops runs lots of different workshops throughout the year including a Christmas wreath workshop . After you have stocked up on your rustic decorations , visit Mamafeelgoods next door , a superb spot for lunch , brunch , breakfast , coffee and cake .
Just a few villages south of Bekesbourne , the pictureperfect Elham Valley begins . Carved out by the River Nailbourne , its chalky soil has made it luscious , with plenty of vineyards now calling it home . As well as an ancient defunct railway line which is now part of a beautiful walk , the valley is home to Elham , a previous winner of Village of the Year . Stop by at Vineyard Garden Centre 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 vineyard views beautiful at any time of year , wonderful food and sweet homemade gifts for sale , this is the perfect place to find quirky handmade gifts and plants to give friends at Christmas , with proceeds going to the charity . This season , take something even more special home when you take part in the trust ’ s Christmas wreath making workshop .
The rest of the village echoes back to English days gone by , the cosy and welcoming village pub being an essential element - of which Elham has three . Built in the 16th century , The Rose and Crown 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 . Recently taken over by a family of new publicans , this Shepherd Neame pub-restaurant serves freshly prepared and locally sourced favourites .
Neighbouring pub , The King ’ s Arms 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 . Elham ’ s third and final pub , The Abbots Fireside , is a stunning 15th-century freehouse standing in a prominent position at the centre of the village . Inside , step back in time and enjoy the ambience of this ancient building . The unique interior décor is well suited to this building ’ s historic features and is the creation of its owner , Peter Malkin , who has been restoring ancient buildings for the past six decades - including several in Kent . With a bar stocked full of great beers , and a good selection of wines and spirits , this is the perfect spot for merriment and toasting the season . Stop by for tea or coffee , enjoy a snack or a hearty meal after exploring the surrounding area . With seven beautifully designed , characterful guest rooms with exquisite four-poster beds , diamond pattern windows , exposed bricks and beams , why not stay a few days to enjoy this stunning part of the county ?
On the other side of Canterbury , festive explorers of Kent will find themselves in the countryside that sits between the city and the town of Faversham . This includes the popular walking spot of Blean Woods and the picturesque village of Boughton-
Under-Blean . This village is the home of The White Horse , a charming pub which was formerly a 16th-century coaching inn . The characterful building has recently been lovingly renovated and inside guests will now find a friendly bar , fabulous food and elegant bedrooms making it the perfect countryside stay for exploring the area . For those just passing through , a quick visit to The White Horse is just as worthwhile : their new menu brings classic hearty pub dishes with a little Australian influence , a list of gorgeous cocktails , wine and great beer - the perfect accompaniments for cosy Christmas celebrations .
The countryside surrounding Faversham is no stranger to a good country pub restaurant with rooms . On the other side of the town , another chocolate-box village , Stalisfield , is home to The Plough Inn . Feed your inner foodie with their award-winning cuisine , which is made from scratch in their kitchen using fine ingredients sourced from local suppliers . This Christmas , chef Richard has prepared a menu stuffed with old favourites and creative , contemporary dishes . And because everything is prepared onsite – from baguettes and brioche to burgers and bangers – The Plough ’ s food is always fresh and succulent . It ’ s one reason why they ’ re AA-accredited with two rosettes and were named Kent Dining Pub of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 .
Make your stay here that bit more indulgent by booking one of The Plough ’ s lovely rooms . Located in a separate traditional-style barn , with fresh air and glorious countryside all around , these spacious and well-appointed suites are the perfect place to lay your head this festive season . Each suite is named after a local woodland and has its own unique character ; with exposed woods and earthy neutrals , expect the type of peace and tranquillity that can only be found in the countryside . Many rooms have spectacular views over the countryside towards the sea , perfectly positioned to yuletide adventures across the county .
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