KENTSTAYCATION
THIS SUMMER, KENT’ S MOST BEAUTIFUL RURAL ESCAPES AWAIT, FROM SHEPHERD’ S HUTS AND CONVERTED BARNS TO HIGH-END FARM HOTELS FIT TO CHASE ANYONE’ S TROUBLES AWAY. FEATURING ACCOMMODATION WHERE COUNTRYSIDE CHARM MEETS MODERN COMFORT, HERE ARE THE VERY BEST GETAWAYS ACROSS THE COUNTY, EACH RIPE FOR YOUR VERY OWN RURAL ADVENTURE.
The Hop Farm, Tenterden bloomstays. com
Nestled within the Kentish countryside, The Hop Farm features four cosy cabins within the grounds of McCann’ s Brewery, a wonderful spot for groups of friends and couples looking to enjoy a peaceful countryside break. Overlooking the hop fields and wildflower meadow beyond, the cabins each have their own decked terrace and hot tub to enjoy under the rising sun or star-filled sky. Though the cabins are decked out with kitchen essentials to cook up a delicious meal, guests can also order takeaway wood-fired pizzas to their cabins from the on-site Hop House and Kitchen for a stress-free lunch or dinner.
Available at an additional cost, guests can book Brewery and Hop Tours every Wednesday at 6pm, or on the first Saturday of each month from 12pm. With 24 taps of classic bitters, pale ales and limited edition brews, their dedicated brew team is committed to inviting visitors into the world of Kentish hop farming. For a peaceful day out in the local area, guests can venture to The Garden Eatery at Bloomsbury’ s for ethically sourced dishes crafted from local ingredients( bloomsburysbiddenden. com) or head to Hartley Farm Shop in Cranbrook to browse their selection of freshly baked sweet and savoury treats( hartley-farm. co. uk).
Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse sissinghurstcastlefarmhouse. co. uk
A luxurious five-star bed and breakfast that has been lovingly restored by the National Trust, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse is nestled within the estate of the renowned castle that was once home to the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West. Featuring nine bedrooms within the farmhouse, each has been individually decorated, with features such as original fireplaces, super-king-size beds and double-aspect windows that boast exceptional views across this manicured stretch of the Kentish Weald. Just 50 metres away, guests can explore the world famous gardens of Sissinghurst Castle during their stay, or venture further for a woodland walk around the 300-acre estate. At the Old Dairy Cafe, guests can indulge in hot and cold drinks, tasty light bites and cakes before navigating the second-hand bookshop and plant shop to stock up on some souvenirs.
THE HOP FARM
Though Sissinghurst is home to plenty of walking trails, for those who would like an adventure further afield, Pashley Manor Gardens( pashleymanorgardens. com) in Ticehurst is just a short drive away with stunning borders of tulips, roses and dahlias, as well as sculpture and art exhibitions. Near to Sissinghurst Castle is also the historic market town of Cranbrook or the local pub The Milk House( themilkhouse. co. uk), where
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