KENTSTAYCATION
Happy Glampers! cont...
For the foodies, the wine-lovers, the ones who plan their stay around the best local restaurants- these spots will leave you hungry for more. And the best part? You won’ t have to drive home!
Stone Pit Meadows, Sandhurst stonepitmeadows. co. uk
An off-grid hidden gem, Stone Pit Meadows is set amongst 40 acres of rolling vineyards- and yes, that means wine! Perfect for a relaxed escape with a loved one or friend, this luxury spot offers peaceful stays surrounded by ancient woodland, vines and wildflower meadows, plus access to a stunning wild swimming pool.
The real treat? Exploring the local wine country. Just a short drive or taxi away, you’ ll find top vineyards like Chapel Down- known for world-class wines and vineyard tours( Wednesday to Sunday). Book a table at the Swan Wine Kitchen at Chapel Down for a truly special meal, or visit Biddenden Vineyards, Kent’ s oldest vineyard in fact, with 11 grape varieties and private or group tours. For local eats, try The White Hart in Newenden or Lime Wharf Café at Bodiam Boating Station. Then unwind with a bottle by the firepit under the stars.
Woolton Farm, Bekesbourne wooltonfarm. co. uk
For wine and cider lovers, Woolton Farm offers the perfect countryside retreat. Stay in one of their charming bell tents, which are tucked away in the gardens behind The Barn where you’ ll find handcrafted cider, awardwinning English wines and delicious wood- fired pizza. Each tent comes furnished with a double futon, pillows and quilts for a cosy night under the stars.
Prefer to camp your own way? Ellen’ s Meadow is a peaceful, spacious area backing onto strawberry fields and open meadows just 200 yards from The Barn. Whether you’ re out for a relaxing weekend or just passing through, stop by The Barn for coffee, cake and a browse in the farm shop. With its laid-back charm and locally sourced menu, it’ s the perfect place to slow down and savour Kent’ s natural bounty with a few drinks involved too, of course. Food lovers can also take a trip to neighbouring Bishopsbourne for a stop at Gilda, Kent’ s famous bakery, or for something a little more special THE PIG- at Bridge Place is just a stone’ s throw away along with Michelin-starred The Bridge Arms- an unmissable foodie spot.
For the families, for the ones who need to keep everyone entertained and for those seeking adventure and a whole lot of fun- here’ s a round-up of glamping sites for the entire family...
Turners Folley Field, Ash; glampinginkent. com
Perfect for digital detoxers in search of a true switch-off, this electricity-free glampsite stretches across seven-and-a-half acres of apple and pear orchards surrounded by outstanding mature trees, native plants and wildlife. But perhaps the site’ s most appealing feature is its location in terms of family activities. If you’ re a fun-loving bunch in search of activities galore, this is the weekend excursion for you located just a
10-minute drive from Betteshanger Country Park and packed with fun for all ages. Activity choices include‘ Battle Zone’ archery, forest school and traditional archery, cycling, fossil hunting, survival school, nightlining and frisbee, so there’ s no shortage of things to do here. You can also add to that a network of walking trails, running routes, a Mining Museum and- for the bold and brave adrenaline junkies- Whitemills Wake Park. Whether you’ re a pro boarder or a curious first-timer, this watersports gem offers an experience for everyone and comes complete with a very impressive aqua park.
Fallow Fields Camping, Dymchurch fallowfieldscamping. com
With activities in abundance for the kiddos and a gin bar to keep the adults happy, Fallow Fields Camping is made for families- and what’ s more, you can enjoy the best of the Kent coast too. Choose from one of the sites at Selson Farm or Lathe Barn, both offering plenty of opportunities for local adventure! Situated in Dymchurch, Lathe Barn( brand new for this year!) offers a whole array of on-site activities including bushcraft, archery, crafts and yoga. A nostalgic seaside day out in Dymchurch, complete with arcades, the funfair and a beach visit( if the weather plays ball!), should definitely be on the cards. But, the fun doesn’ t stop there! Head to Port Lympne, Kent’ s breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals, for a wild safari day. Little ones will love an adventure on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. And you could finish with a trip to Dungeness- Kent’ s beautiful shingle desert.
WOODS MEADOW GLAMPING
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