KENTSTAYCATION
Stargazing Staycays cont ...
Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle , Maidstone leeds-castle . com
For an unforgettable stay on the grounds of one of Kent ’ s most popular leisure destinations , stargazers can head to the new Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle . Offering breathtaking views across the Great Water , guests can watch the moonlight on the lake as the stars come to life . With a private deck and outdoor bath to enjoy , the Lakeside Lodges ’ comfortable and contemporary accommodation immerses guests in the peaceful Kentish countryside .
The Leeds Castle estate has over 500 acres of seasonal gardens and parkland , which guests can explore on late night walks to acquaint themselves with the stars . The tranquil paths of Princess Alexandra Gardens and the secluded Culpeper Garden are some of the most scenic routes , so we ’ d recommend taking a camera . In terms of daytime activities , Leeds Castle has everything from the Go Ape Treetop Challenge to adventure golf , a Bird of Prey Centre and a popular maze and grotto . Before booking a stay , guests can discover upcoming attractions on the website .
James ’ Hide , Sheerness elmleynaturereserve . co . uk
Elmley Nature Reserve is a biodiverse 3,300-acre stretch on Kent ’ s north coast that ’ s home to rare wildflowers , butterflies and thousands of migratory birds . With conservation and sustainability at the forefront of everything they do , Elmley ’ s family-run farm preserves the rich heritage of the land through bespoke services and thoughtfully designed places to stay .
With custom-made huts at the very top of the reserve , guests can bathe in breathtaking views of the open sky amongst the homely comforts of a wood burning stove and outdoor firepit . James ’ Hide offers the most exquisite views , with an outdoor bath to be enjoyed late into the night as the stars paint the sky . In the morning , a breakfast hamper is brought straight to your doorstep , with the added option of a picnic lunch to enjoy later on . Guests can book guided safaris across the reserve or head out on wildlife walks themselves , then head to nearby attractions such as Huckleberry Woods , Minster Beach and the Eastchurch Aviation Museum to perfect a weekend away in Sheerness .
Oakside Tree Tops , Canterbury coolstays . com
Nestled among five acres of private farm and woodland , the Oakside Tree Tops ’ luxury woodland lodging provides an excellent spot for stargazing . With a large decking area , guests can enjoy sunrises , sunsets and star-filled skies from the aerial view of the trees . Best of all , a romantic holiday at the treehouse includes modern amenities such as Wi-Fi , hot showers and television within its cosy yet spacious oak-clad interior . The nearby Oakside Lodge Hotel serves a delicious full English breakfast with fresh sausages and bacon from the farm , which guests can enjoy before embarking on the many nearby hiking trails that draw birdwatchers from across the world . To make a day out of the adventure , guests can hike to Blean Forest or head closer to civilisation with Canterbury ’ s city centre just three miles away . After a day of exploring local architecture and history , the Oakside Tree Tops remain a haven for those looking to sightsee amongst the stars .
Luna Domes , Chiddingstone lunadomes . com
On the grounds of Hoath House , a privately owned manor house brimming with history , sits a selection of boutique glamping hotels that just so happen to be dome-shaped .
With floating king-size beds dressed in luxury cushions and throws , each dome is its very own retreat that aims to boost relaxation and connection with the natural world .
Guests can stay at the Wakehurst Dome to be closest to the sky on a platform with its own private view of the neighbouring field . With a free-standing , wood-fired hot tub and well-lit seating area , guests are encouraged to breathe in the fresh air and look upwards at the beauty of Kent ’ s clear night skies . Those after an action-packed day out can visit the nearby Hever Castle or Kingdom Nature Resort then travel on the Spa Valley Railway before returning to the blissful grounds of Hoath House .
The Enchanted Faraway Tree , Canterbury coolstays . com
When you truly experience the mysticism of the night sky , you should feel transported to somewhere else entirely . As if by magic , hidden within Canterbury is The Enchanted Faraway Tree , a storybook-inspired treehouse within a whimsical garden on a woodland reserve . With an outdoor hot tub and firepit , guests can soak up the dreamlike views surrounding this staycation home , with the very best of them being the fairytale blanket of stars above .
Inside the treehouse are patchwork chairs and a hand-carved window seat perfect for reading , and the bedroom ’ s large domed ceiling and stargazing bed allows guests to fall asleep to breathtaking skyward views . Given a welcome pack of local products on arrival as well as a bottle of bubbles , it ’ s unlikely that guests will want to leave this storybook haven . Though , just in case reality sounds like an idyllic break , the beaches of Broadstairs and Folkestone are just a short drive away , both with equally spectacular views of Kent ’ s nighttime skies .
OAKSIDE TREE TOPS THE ENCHANTED FARAWAY TREE
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