KENTSTAYCATION
ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE KENT HIGH WIELD
During the day, guests are encouraged to explore the landscape, with plenty of lowimpact routes to cycle across and benches near the car park to picnic on in the summer sun. For those looking to venture a little further afield, the Barton’ s Point Coastal Park nearby features a 40-acre section of the Sheppey Cycle Route and is equally popular for birdwatchers, walkers and cyclists.
THE PIG- at Bridge Place, Canterbury thepighotel. com
Tucked away near the historic village of Bridge, Kent’ s PIG hotel combines a renovated rock‘ n’ roll vibe with everything that’ s quintessential for a luxurious countryside stay. Home to a unique mix of characterful bedrooms, private lodges and cabins in close quarters with nature, newest of all are their two Stream Wagons, which guests will find just a short walk from the main house in a secluded spot within the water meadow. Past the picturesque kitchen garden and willow trees, the Stream Wagons feature double beds, en-suite bathrooms and peaceful outdoor terraces.
Right on the doorstep of THE PIG is Elham Valley, a chalk-clad route leading from the historic cathedral city of Canterbury to the coastal town of Hythe. Perfect for a picturesque cycle through some of Kent’ s most serene woodlands and meadows, cyclists can join the path on Station Road and head south across the Wye Downs to make the most of the journey’ s scenery.
Cart Lodge, Blackham, nr Tunbridge Wells bloomstays. com
Situated on the East Sussex / Kent border, Cart Lodge is a beautifully renovated holiday home ideal for couples or small families. With an open-plan air of tranquility, the living room hosts a cosy seating area and woodburning stove for those who might otherwise miss their at-home comforts. With a breakfast bar overlooking the garden, guests can cook up a storm in the kitchen before heading out for an adventure to the nearby city of Tunbridge Wells.
Lying within the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscape is home to picturesque towns and villages, rolling hills, ancient woodland and open heaths with cycling trails galore. From Cart Lodge, guests can make the most of a day out by cycling north alongside the River Medway either to Penshurst Place and Gardens just 4.7 miles away, or 5.4 miles slightly west to Hever Castle. Averaging between 30 and 45 minutes, both journeys are great routes for a mid-morning cycle that concludes with a picnic lunch amongst some of Kent’ s most iconic grounds.
North Stable, Ashford coolstays. com
A beautiful, budget-friendly Kentish retreat in a stylishly converted stable, this accommodation is perfect for small families or groups of friends looking to explore the Kentish countryside on two wheels. Fit with reclaimed wood features, calming earthy colours and cosy textiles, North Stable is a sociable and welcoming space with an openplan living, dining and kitchen area. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a complimentary welcome pack of hot chocolate, biscuits, tea and coffee before embracing the fresh air in the picturesque courtyard and garden.
Throughout the borough’ s towns and surrounding countryside, Ashford is home to a total of 294 cycling routes to explore. Linking Singleton in the west and Little Burton in the east, Ashford’ s Green Corridor follows National Route 18 of the National Cycle Network, forming a 7.6 mile route across the town’ s beautiful woodlands, rivers and parks.
Wave Cottage, Sandgate bloomstays. com
Set right on the seafront overlooking Sandgate’ s promenade, Wave Cottage is the perfect accommodation for those who enjoy a gentle cycle by the seaside and want to bring along a four-legged friend, too. With two bedrooms that sleep up to four, Wave Cottage features a comfortable sitting room with picturesque sea views as well as a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare comforting meals. Outside, a patio with tables and chairs provides a serene spot for both late-night dining and watching colourful coastal sunsets.
In the morning, guests can unwind on the patio and watch the ships sail by before heading over to Yaps Cycle Cafe for a slice of freshly made cake with coffee. A location that also provides bike services such as puncture repair and replacement parts, visitors can ensure that their bikes will be in the very best condition for the journey ahead. An ever-popular route for cyclists, the Sandgate Martello Tower and Coast Trail is a 2.9km circular route that takes just under an hour to complete. Across hilly terrain with a final flatter stretch on the promenade, cyclists will get to enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and its wildlife before heading back to Wave Cottage for a well-earned rest.
Kits Coty Glamping, Aylesford kitscotyglamping. co. uk
A five-star, award-winning sustainable glamping spot situated between Maidstone and Chatham, Kits Coty Glamping is the ideal location for cycling enthusiasts in Kent. Having won VisitEngland’ s Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year award in 2024, Kits Coty Glamping encourages families to unwind in their peaceful accommodation and experience nature at its finest. Within their enchanted woodland-themed cabin, Gretel, families with two adults and two children( 12 and under) will be greeted by hanging ivy, fairy
www. insidekent. co. uk • 55