KENTSTAYCATION
Hygge Hideaways cont...
Play: Leeds Castle is only a short drive from The Pepper Box Inn and is ideal if you’ ve got the whole family in tow. However, if you’ re after a more grown-up day out, from the pub you could venture for just eight minutes and land at Wildshark Vineyard – a hidden gem where you can enjoy tours, tastings and more.
The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne thechaser. co. uk
From seafood platters to pies with lashings of gravy, you’ ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating at The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne. This lively pub boasts plenty of traditional features such as high vaulted ceilings and impressive fireplaces.
Stay: The Chaser Inn doesn’ t have accommodation on offer, but there’ s plenty of places you can stay nearby. You can’ t get much more traditional( or Kentish!) than an oast house and Bear Manor Oast is a luxurious and family friendly option. The roundel oast house is built over two floors and is totally self-contained with its own private entrance and parking on the drive.
Play: Situated opposite Shipbourne’ s village green, The Chaser Inn is ideally placed for you to explore the local area, whether that’ s the village itself or further afield. National Trust’ s Ightham Mote is only two miles away, and is a popular choice for anyone visiting the area. The nearest town is Tonbridge, where you’ ll find plenty of shops and eateries too.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable thepubonthebeach. co. uk
Right on the beach, this Victorian inn has everything you need for a cosy coastal experience. With an extensive drinks menu serving up Whistable’ s very own beverages including gin and lager, you can while away the hours with incredible views while staying warm next to the roaring fire.
Stay: Whitstable is home to a number of quirky hotels and houses to stay in. The Fisherman’ s Huts are one-of-a-kind beachfront boltholes that marry cosy and cool perfectly. Or, stay in the historic Marine Hotel with sea views and boutique bedrooms.
Play: Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Whitstable; the summer crowds have gone but the town is still thriving. Known for its oysters, no trip to Whitstable is complete without sampling the local fare down at the harbour.
Sunnier autumn days can be spent on the beach and on cooler days you can enjoy a bike ride along scenic coastal paths, like the very aptly named Crab & Winkle Way.
King Henry VIII, Edenbridge thehenryhever. co. uk
This cosy half-timbered pub is an excellent autumnal escape thanks to its roaring fires and tudor decor. The pub has won awards for its food and is just a short walk from Hever Castle, so it’ s ideal for those spending an historic weekend away.
Stay: History buffs or those looking for a unique experience might fancy a night at the iconic Hever Castle, with its five-star luxury rooms in the Astor and Anne Boleyn wings of the building. Elsewhere, there’ s self-catering holiday properties where you can enjoy the local area in a home-fromhome setting.
Play: The pub is perfectly situated so that you can visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, but there’ s so much more to do locally in autumn. Edenbridge’ s historic high street with its medieval architecture isn’ t one to be missed and those interested in local history can pay a visit to the Eden Valley Museum. The area also has plenty of pathways for countryside strolls and the stunning landscape lends itself well to the surrounding autumnal colours that really come into their own at sunset.
HEVER CASTLE
THE OLD NEPTUNE
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