KENTSTAYCATION
Stately Splendour cont ...
EASTWELL MANOR a great night ’ s sleep and a complimentary breakfast , guests can take a reinvigorating day trip to Sandwich Bay ’ s Bird Observatory Trust or visit Canterbury Cathedral and wander through the historic cobblestone streets of the city .
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge , Canterbury canterburycathedrallodge . org
A unique hotel and conference venue in the idyllic grounds of Canterbury Cathedral , the lodge combines modern luxury with the historic backdrop of the oldest and most iconic church in England . Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD , the cathedral has over 1,400 years of history to explore , which guests of Canterbury Cathedral Lodge can enjoy on peaceful wintry mornings before the grounds open to the public .
With 34 stylish bedrooms offering incredible cathedral views , facilities include ensuite bathrooms , smart TVs and a full English breakfast served to guests in the Refectory Restaurant . For those looking to unwind , the lounge and Campanile Garden provide an air of relaxation to an overnight stay . Just paces away from the bustling streets of Canterbury ’ s city centre , guests can enjoy an afternoon stroll through Westgate Gardens or take a day trip to Wingham Wildlife Park and explore even more of what Kent has to offer this Christmas .
Baillie Hall , Maidstone bighouseexperience . com
A stunning 14th-century manor house , Baillie Hall is the perfect setting for a Christmastime retreat . An oasis of relaxed elegance , Baillie Hall has its very own library , English morning and drawing rooms , and a kitchen and dining room stylishly furnished with British fabrics with the utmost care taken to preserve the house ’ s period features . The wisteria-clad house stands tall in the Kentish countryside , with formal lawns and gardens as well as an elegant terrace to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views this side of The Garden of England .
Guests can play croquet on the lawn , meander through the formal gardens , or watch the sunset from the historic Kentish bower before heading into the welcoming warmth of this classic English country house .
Baillie Hall sleeps up to 10 guests across five spacious bedrooms , in addition to two double bedrooms in the oast house and a self-contained annexe for those looking for a little more privacy with a stay on the grounds . Beyond Baillie Hall , guests can enjoy days out at the nearby Rochester Castle and The Big Cat Sanctuary or enjoy a peaceful stroll through Capstone Farm Country Park before heading to The Curious Eatery for a seasonal meal out .
Eastwell Manor Champneys Hotel & Spa , Ashford champneys . com
Nestled in the heart of the Kentish countryside , Eastwell Manor is a haven of elegance , relaxation and culinary excellence with a unique story more than 450 years in the making . While the original country house was built for Sir Thomas Moyle between 1540 and 1550 , much of the manor was built in the neo-Elizabethan style from 1793 to 1799 . Most famously , Prince Alfred , the Duke of Edinburgh and fourth child of Queen Victoria , lived at Eastwell with his family in the late 19th century , during which time Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor to the grounds . www . insidekent . co . uk • 87