KENTSTAYCATION
Room for Two cont ...
HEVER CASTLE OAST APARTMENT
PERFECT FOR … A LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE
The Astor Wing at Hever Castle hevercastle . co . uk
Designed in Tudor style by William Waldorf Astor in 1903 , the Astor Wing of Kent ’ s beloved Hever Castle allows its visitors to step into the past with buildings of magnificent oak panelling , ornate fireplaces and antique furnishings . All bedrooms within the Astor Wing are en-suite and individually styled , with some containing roll top baths , four poster beds and walk-in showers . The most recent addition is the Willow Suite , a spacious first-floor suite that boasts fine fabrics , period furnishings and a large walk-in rainfall shower for guests to enjoy before their complimentary breakfast served from 9am onwards .
With tickets to the castle and gardens included with each stay , couples are encouraged to explore Hever Castle ’ s 125 acres of grounds where they ’ ll be met with challenging mazes , lakeside walks and award-winning gardens . Between 12 February and 2 March , the Snowdrop Walk 2025 will feature around 150,000 snowdrop bulbs that have been planted throughout the gardens including blossoms of camellia , quince , daphnes and early daffodils . To be truly immersed in the Scented Garden this February , guests should follow the path leading to the Water Maze , right at the beginning of Faith ’ s Garden .
PERFECT FOR … HOME COMFORTS
The Marquis of Granby , Alkham marquisofgranby . co . uk
Sometimes the most romantic getaway is the one where you feel transported to another place and yet somehow right at home . One such venue is The Marquis of Granby , an award-winning gastropub in the stunning village of Alkham . With 10 traditional rooms full of character for guests to escape to , it ’ s a quintessential country retreat perfect for couples looking to explore the very best of East Kent ’ s welcoming hospitality . Nestled at the rear of the hotel is the Sir Thomas Berridge suite , with floor-to-ceiling feature windows offering picturesque views over the village church and valley . With all the comforts of home , this suite combines vintage chic with modern amenities including a luxurious roll top bath and floating shower .
A foodie ’ s dream , The Marquis of Granby serves classic pub food alongside premium dishes , always using the most local and seasonal produce on each plate . For breakfast , guests can order exceptional dishes such as banana and honey bread with vanilla yoghurt or a Marquis full English to fuel up for a day exploring the Kentish countryside . A short drive from the South Foreland Lighthouse and Dover Castle , there are plenty of adventures for couples to enjoy in and around the village .
PERFECT FOR … A LITTLE PEACE AND QUIET
Oast Apartment , Sevenoaks coolstays . com
Situated within the rondel of a renovated oast house , the Oast Apartment is a perfect spot for a romantic break with uninterrupted views of the blissful Kentish countryside . This unique apartment features a circular bed and jacuzzi bath as well as a cosy living area with an electric projector screen for couples to enjoy all of their favourite movies . Light and bright with a stunning vaulted ceiling and traditional timbers , the apartment features original exposed brick as well as internal stained glass windows . In the living space , underfloor heating and LED adaptive lighting add to the relaxing atmosphere of the Oast Apartment , where colourful and eclectic decor meets a blissful oasis of quiet .
The apartment ’ s patio doors offer uninterrupted countryside views , opening onto a Juliette balcony where couples can enjoy the fresh air accompanied by a good book and a glass of something special . With treetop views from the seven-foot bed and a bubbling jacuzzi in which to enjoy a relaxing soak , couples will find themselves marvelling at the true romance of a paradisical escape from the everyday . If some time in the outside world is required however , the Oast Apartment has two excellent pubs within walking distance , as well as miles of outdoor trails to explore .
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