KENTSTAYCATION
Beautifully Boutique cont...
UPDOWN FARMHOUSE
NO. 42 BY GUESTHOUSE
Park proves an excellent spot for some fresh seaside air and a delicious picnic, with flowerbeds and sweeping views of some of Ramsgate’ s most beautiful natural scenery.
No. 42 by GuestHouse, Margate guesthousehotels. co. uk
A stunning Victorian property that sits elegantly above Margate’ s Main Sands, No. 42 is home to 21 guest rooms and lookout suites that pair original features with all the modern amenities that visitors might need during a weekend away. Within one of their largest rooms, guests can enjoy sea views over their very own private balcony in a space equipped with a comfy king-size bed, freestanding bath and separate shower.
Beyond this seaside haven, Margate is home to a host of attractions from the intriguing Margate Caves and Dreamland amusement park to The WonderWorks model train museum and Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. When in need of sustenance after a long day of exploring, visitors will find some wonderful restaurants nearby including Bottega Caruso for authentic southern Italian food, The Greedy Cow for light bites and famously towering sandwiches, or The Bus Cafe, a double-decker London bus now converted into a cafe for a more experiential bite to eat. Those who love vintage shopping are also in luck as Margate is home to hidden gems such as Brueuer & Dawson’ s clothing shop, Brocante for their range of eclectic antique furniture, and Cliffs, which is a cafe, yoga studio, hair salon and second-hand record shop combined.
The Stables, Updown Farmhouse, Deal updownfarmhouse. com
A beautiful 17th-century former farmstead on the outskirts of Deal, Updown Farmhouse has been lovingly updated to feature 10 luxurious rooms for overnight stays alongside their conservatory that’ s open to the public throughout the week. For those looking to enjoy a little peace and quiet on a solo trip in Kent, Updown’ s stable rooms are an excellent choice and Room Eight in particular- a symphony of deep reds and ambers that radiates tranquility- features a king-size bed, walk-in shower and terrace access with a stunning view of the garden. A run of compact rooms that open straight out onto the gardens, The Stables provide solace from the main house, where guests enjoy their morning breakfast.
Less than a 20-minute drive east, visitors can explore Deal’ s pebbled beach and promenade, with its historic fishing boats and white huts on display that make a scenic backdrop for a relaxing stroll along the shoreline. Close by is Deal Castle, a historic fortress with interactive exhibits, and Betteshanger Park where visitors can cycle through one of Kent’ s most outstanding outdoor spaces. Open seven days a week, Betteshanger also hosts a variety of activities in its 250-acre country park such as archery, fossil hunting, geocaching and even a military fitness course to test your endurance skills.
Boys Hall, Ashford boys-hall. com
A 17th-century house with nine unique bedrooms, and a remarkable boutique restaurant, Boys Hall is one of Kent’ s most luxurious places for an epicurean getaway.
With plenty of fireplace armchairs to sink into and recharge, the welcoming atmosphere of Boys Hall makes it fit for a weekend( or longer!) away indulging in all the very best produce-driven dishes the county has to offer. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, soak up the sunshine on the outdoor terrace or dine in the main restaurant on dishes that highlight fresh, local, seasonal produce. With plenty of expert pairings selected from their wine cellar, creatively crafted cocktails and Kentish vintages, relaxed refreshment can be enjoyed at any time of day.
In the evening, guests can head to one of nine character-filled bedrooms, each individually designed with super-king luxury beds, pure cotton bedlinen, roll-top baths and views overlooking the gardens. Large and luxurious, the Bishop’ s Quarter is a super-suite featuring 16th-century panelling, stone mullion windows and a complimentary
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