FREE
www. insidekentmagazine. co. uk insideKENT
PUBLISHER: Adam Ready, adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk EDITOR: Samantha Ready, insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITORIAL: Deputy Editor: Polly Humphris Features Writers: Mia Chapman, Charlie Bond
OPERATIONS: Operations Manager: Karlene Gannon
DESIGN: Design Director: Lorna Morris Designers: Melanie Johnsson, Gemma Andrews, Nic Craig
SALES: Sales Manager: Jerry Barrett, jerry @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk Senior Account Manager: Alex Perseval Sales & Admin Account Executive: Jade Wynter
SIDEWAYS ACADEMY: Digital Marketing Apprentice: Sophie Shorter
Contributors: Bathroom Mountain, Carol Ford, Florrie Gannon, Ian Tomlinson, Jodie Gilbert, Jo Ginn, Leah Stevens, Magdalena Gierasinska, Neil Miller, Rachna Bassi, Rick Schofield, Tayla Exter
Cover: © Lois Brown for Chilston Park Hotel
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Sideways Studios, Unit 3 Eden Business Centre, South Stour Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RS
www. sidewaysmedia. co. uk For general enquiries, please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk or 01233 226519
For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
For all editorial enquiries, press releases or news stories, please contact insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
WELCOME
February is a fab month; short, sweet( much like myself, naturally) and positioned to remind us just how much there is to love in the Garden of England … and trust us, there’ s a lot. From cosy corners and unforgettable meals to indulgent escapes and big life celebrations, this issue is all about the things we love most- and about celebrating them properly.
We begin with the iK Love List, where the team share their top picks for days out, dining spots and must-see places across the county. Consider it your insideKENT insider guide to falling a little bit more in love with Kent this month.
If you’ re craving connection- with nature, with each other, or simply with yourself- our Elemental Escapes feature is full of sensory-rich staycations inspired by earth, air, fire and water. Think grounded countryside retreats, coastal calm, fireside comfort and restorative spa waters- all designed to reset the senses.
Food, of course, takes centre stage too, with intimacy very much on the menu. Supper Clubs champions the rise of informal, intimate dining experiences where food brings people together in meaningful and memorable ways, while Intimate Dish rounds up Kent’ s very best private dining rooms- perfect for dinner à deux, milestone moments or quietly spectacular celebrations.
And speaking of celebrations, surely none are bigger than a wedding( or a certain wedding awards perhaps?). Our much-loved annual Wedding Special returns, shining a spotlight on 2026’ s top wedding trends alongside some truly standout Kentish venues, ready to inspire nearly-weds at every stage of their planning journey. You’ ll also find out more about the movers and shakers across the Kent wedding industry as the eagerly anticipated winners of the Kent Wedding Awards are announced- we can’ t wait to celebrate with them!
At home, we’ re going BIG, tackling the big four decor areas with the trends shaping kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and gardens for the year ahead. If you’ re dreaming of a refresh in 2026, this is your starting point.
If the grey skies( and the eternity that was January) has you craving your next holiday, fear not as we bring you reviews of a London break at Melia White House, an incredible couples’ retreat at Coworth Park and an unrivalled escape to CV Villa’ s stunning Villa Delfina in Nerano on the Amalfi Coast- each offering a different flavour of romance and indulgence.
© Copyright 2026. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’ s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.
And finally, it’ s time for a little self-love. Our Luxe List highlights Kent’ s most indulgent spa days and beauty treatments- the perfect reminder that looking after yourself isn’ t a luxury, it’ s essential. And yes … You’ re totally worth it!
Happy month of love, Kent!
Samantha
EST. 2010 NOVEMBER 2025
DAYS OUT / DINING / ARTS + CULTURE / GETAWAYS / EVENTS
the christmas build-up begins
KENT SHINES WITH SEASONAL SPARKLE
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE // KENT’ S FESTIVE BUCKET LIST LUXURY WINTER BOLTHOLES // SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION
SUBSCRIBE!
For digital or print copies and never miss an issue. insidekentmagazine. co. uk / subscribe samjready insidekent
www. insidekent. co. uk • 9