KENTSTAYCATION
Fit for Royalty cont...
EASTWELL MANOR
LEEDS CASTLE
F or centuries, our grand Garden of England’ s close proximity to Europe and its life-affirming attributes of neverending countryside and coast has meant that a wealth of royalty and esteemed nobles, alongside their majestic castles and grand estates, have ensured Kent’ s rich tapestry of progression and splendour is one to be proud of.
As 2025 marks the 20th wedding anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla, Kent is bursting with pride for the esteemed royal connections that make up much of the long-standing heritage we are best known for today. As well as raising a toast to the special occasion, we are looking back upon years of colourful tales to discover some of our most heralded links and understand how they have been adoringly nurtured so visitors can immerse themselves in history and exploration brimming with luxury and comfort.
Luckily for us, stepping into the shoes of Kent’ s famous inhabitants has never been easier or more inviting. Who doesn’ t dream of an unforgettable getaway complete with extravagant four-poster beds, silksoft linens, roll-top baths and all of the elegance and opulence that comes with such a stay? Boasting outstanding service, heaps of charm and sweeping surroundings, here are our very top picks for spectacular Kent staycations that are fit for royalty.
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Connected to Anne Boleyn: Hever Castle, Edenbridge hevercastle. co. uk
Nestled amongst 125 acres of blossoming countryside, the romantic, double-moated, 14th-century Hever Castle is best known for being the childhood home of one of Britain’ s most famous queens: Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and the mother of Elizabeth I.
Today, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the castle’ s 600 years of history with a royal staycation unlike any other. Retreat to one of the 27 Visit England-rated five-star gold bedrooms in the Tudor-style Astor Wing or the Anne Boleyn Wing, and delight in the glorious period features, striking decor and showstopping grandeur that awaits you. Indulge in a delectable breakfast feast in the Tudor dining room and take the opportunity to walk the atmospheric castle halls on an educational guided tour.
Guests are also invited to view the renovated Anne Boleyn Apartment, which has been passionately refurbished to its former glory. Recounting an intriguing past from her early childhood to her pivotal courting days with Henry VIII, Anne’ s story is proudly displayed, enchanting visitors with its mesmerising recreations that capture the castle as it once was all those years ago.
Connected to seven medieval queens, King Henry VIII and Lady Olive Baillie: Leeds Castle, Maidstone leeds-castle. com
When searching for a staycation that combines oodles of medieval charm with the glitz of classic 1920’ s glamour, splendid Leeds Castle should be at the very top of your list. With an extremely impressive list of former inhabitants that includes Queen Margaret of France, Queen Catherine of Valois, King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, this beguiling landmark is aptly coined‘ Her Castle’, a nod to the visionary and strong women who each made their mark on the castle’ s history during their time there.
In 1925, Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Baillie, while on the hunt for a Kentish country retreat, was struck by the wonder that is Leeds Castle and set out to restore the estate to its full potential. Soon becoming a lavish hospitality offering for leading statesmen, European royalty and film stars, its aweinspiring architecture is still marvelled at by some 600,000 yearly visitors.
While an array of unique accommodation offerings are located throughout the grounds, if you are eager to feel truly immersed in times gone by, a stay in the castle’ s State Bedrooms- that were once occupied by the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, no less- promises