KENTSTAYCATION
Perfectly located for : Lydd Kart Circuit , Dungeness beach , sea swimming , Romney , Hythe and Dymchurch Railway , School of Witches and Wizards , Port Lympne Reserve .
The Willows
Local dining hotspots : Offering deli-restaurant menus boasting the very best fresh and local ingredients , The Truffle Pig ( thetrufflepighythe . com ) also offers grab-and-go food that includes dine-out summer hampers and picnic items perfect for a lazy day on the just-minutes-away beach or next to the picturesque Royal Military Canal . Known for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Italian flavours , family-run Ruzzo Italian ’ s ( ruzzoitalian . co . uk ) menu offers hand-stretched and stone-baked-to-order pizza and fresh pasta with vegan and gluten-free options . Located mere steps from the shore at Hythe , The Waterfront (@ thewaterfronthythe ) offers classic British and seafood cuisine and sumptuous Sunday roasts from its sea-view dining room . Or perhaps enjoy an evening of music sat at the sleek cocktail bar , tipple in hand .
The Willows , Sandwich bloomstays . com
EDITOR SAM ’ S PICK
Set in the sleepy village of Ash , this ex-agricultural barn now retains its characterful charm while offering all necessary creature comforts . Sleeping eight across four large bedrooms , each with ensuites , features include an alfresco dining area , hot tub , log burner , ground floor bedrooms and private parking . The property has a completely enclosed and beautifully planted garden . For fun-loving families , the separate games room with its own pool table , dart board and slot machine is a true highlight !
Perfectly located for : Wingham Wildlife Park , Pegwell Bay Country Park , Gibson ’ s Farm Shop and Cafe , Canterbury , Sandwich , sea swimming , Whitemills Aqua and Wake Park , Betteshanger Country Park and Barnsole Vineyard .
Local dining hotspots : A coffee shop as groovy as its name , Goats That Dance (@ goatsthatdancecoffeeshop ) not only offers great coffee and delicious homemade cakes , it ’ s also dog friendly . Situated on the quay side of the historic Sandwich , independently owned Luigi ’ s (@ luigis _ italianrestaurant ) offers traditional and modern Italian dishes in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere , or opt for a freshly made takeaway option . For big families with big appetites , The Toll Bridge ( thetollbridge . co . uk ), set along Sandwich ’ s quayside , offers big , bold , low-and-slow flavours across its American smokehouse and pit grill style menu . With a side order of Asian influence , dishes are proudly made with carefully selected Kentish farm-reared meats , locally sourced fish and vegetables grown locally .
Port Lympne
Port Lympne , nr Hythe aspinallfoundation . org
With a variety of lodges , cottages , glamping and even treehouse options ( including many with accessibility features ) with widereaching views across the plains , Port Lympne offers something for all families , especially adventurous animal lovers . The park is located in an area of outstanding beauty and is just 20 minutes away from Ashford . As well as the park ’ s resident gorillas , giraffes , rhino and big cats , there are a host of guided safari trucks , animal feeding and keeper-for-the-day experiences to be had and even a dinosaur park to explore .
Perfectly located for : Port Lympne Reserve , sister park Howletts , Elham Valley Railway Museum , Hythe beach , coastal walks , sea swimming , Kippys Paint Your Own Pottery , The Rare Breeds Centre and Elham Valley Vineyard . www . insidekent . co . uk • 73