KENTSTAYCATION
T he Garden of England is glorious in any season, but autumn is when it really comes alive. As the trees turn to hues of red and gold, the countryside transforms into a captivating backdrop of seasonal beauty. As the crowds dissipate from the county’ s most popular tourist hotspots, the towns and villages of Kent settle into a more relaxed pace of life – which is why it’ s the perfect time to explore some of the county’ s cosiest gems.
From beachfront boltholes to village inns, if you’ re looking for a roaring fire, a seasonal stroll and the chance to wake up in some of the county’ s most treasured places then read on to discover the best staycays to fall for this autumn …
The White Hart, Newenden thewhitehartnewenden. co. uk
Right on the Kent / Sussex border you’ ll find this welcoming 16th century inn, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. With an inglenook fireplace, authentic beams and plenty of character, this pub oozes cosy charm.
Food is available every day, dogs are welcome and if the sun’ s shining there’ s a spacious garden to the rear where you can enjoy a homemade meal and a drink while admiring the views out over the River Rother and beyond.
Stay: The pub boasts boutique cosy rooms, so you can set up camp upstairs and emerge for a hearty breakfast the following morning. The village also has a number of stylish Airbnbs and there’ s multiple camp and glampsites around too.
Play: Cross the bridge by the adjacent cricket field and you’ ll find The Lime Wharf Cafe and Bodiam Boating Station, where you can take a trip up the River Rother on a paddleboard, enjoy a river cruise to Bodiam Castle or simply just visit the cafe for outstanding breakfasts, lunches and cocktails.
The Sun Inn, Faversham sunfaversham. co. uk
Right in the heart of Faversham, you’ ll find The Sun Inn. Dating back to the 14th century, it is brimming with original features and serves up delicious food and drink alongside a slice of nostalgia. The dishes here are crafted with fresh ingredients using local suppliers, and there’ s an impressive drinks selection too. As part of the Shepherd Neame group( which hails from Faversham), there’ s of course some locally brewed beers along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
Stay: The pub has some seriously stylish accommodation on-site – think roll top baths, wooden beams and gorgeous cosy touches. The 12 boutique rooms at The Sun Inn include everything from exquisitely decorated feature rooms to expansive family rooms, so everyone is catered for.
Play: Thanks to being situated right in the heart of Faversham, visitors to The Sun Inn can step right out into the market town and enjoy what it has to offer. From stylish boutiques to medieval streets, it’ s a town that’ s bursting with history and charisma.
The Pepper Box Inn, Harrietsham thepepperboxinn. co. uk
The Pepper Box Inn is a charming, 15th-century country pub with low timbered ceilings and beautiful inglenook fireplaces. Situated on one of the highest points overlooking the weald of Kent, there are outstanding views that look particularly spectacular in autumn.
THE SUN INN
Stay: Although there’ s no accommodation at the pub, the surrounding area has a number of places to stay. In nearby Grafty Green there’ s the quirky Who’ d A thought It with its Champagne and Oyster Bar and themed suites. Less than three miles away there’ s also Chilston Park Hotel, or in Harrietsham there’ s the ever-popular Stable Oak Cottages which each include hot tubs and plenty of ways to relax and enjoy your countryside surroundings.
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