KENTSTAYCATION
Pubcaytion cont...
THE ROSE THE WOOLPACK INN
Mornings at The Rose begin with a complimentary breakfast, cooked fresh to order. Tuck into homemade granola and yoghurt, locally sourced meats and homemade bread with salted butter, before grabbing an afternoon coffee and one of the hotel’ s light, fluffy homemade madeleines.
Then, it’ s time to head out and explore. One of the best ways to see the coastline is the 10-mile walk from Deal to Dover, taking around three hours along the coastal footpath. While making your way towards Dover, take in sweeping views across the English Channel and the iconic White Cliffs before arriving at Dover Castle( englishheritage. org. uk), famously known as the‘ Key to England’.
Explore the castle’ s centuries of defensive history, both above and below ground, including its wartime tunnels, interactive displays and guided experiences that brings its past to life. Then, after a day spent walking, exploring and taking in Kent’ s coast, head back to The Rose for a well-earned nightcap; the ideal way to wind down.
The Woolpack Inn, Chilham woolpackchilham. co. uk
Bringing more than 600 years of old-world charm to your stay, The Woolpack Inn sits in the picture-postcard village of Chilham, where the historic market square and timber-framed Tudor houses offer an insight into medieval Kent. Staying here makes it easy to feel as though you’ ve stepped back to a time gone by.
It’ s also a particularly good choice for those travelling with fourlegged friends. The Woolpack welcomes both dogs and their owners across its 14 hotel rooms, each with double beds and en-suite showers. Three of the dog-friendly rooms are on the ground floor, giving easy access to the garden, while there are also options for solo travellers and a family suite with access to the outside patio where you’ ll find the inn’ s ancient olive tree, which is over 600 years old!
Of course, no pub stay would be complete without a drink at the bar. Part of the Shepherd Neame group, Britain’ s oldest brewer, The Woolpack serves carefully maintained cask ales from traditional hand-pull pumps. Settle in with a pint and soak up the old-world surroundings for a proper taste of Kent and a fitting way to end a fabulous day.
The Five Bells Inn, East Brabourne fivebellsbrabourne. co. uk
If you’ re after the quintessential English countryside pub experience, The Five Bells Inn delivers it in spades. Set within 16th-century walls, the pub is full of English character, with low-lying wooden beams, roaring fires and the kind of cosy atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening earlier than usual. Attached to the main building are four bespoke bedrooms, thoughtfully designed as peaceful retreats for couples and adults looking for a taste of ultimate relaxation.
Choose from Ortega, Bacchus, Fuggle and Golding; each suite is named after Kentish hops and grapes and has its own distinct character. Inside, plush double beds and luxurious shower rooms make for a comfortable stay, while the views across the rolling hills of Kent’ s North Downs make these rooms even more special.
Just a few steps away, the award-winning restaurant awaits. Previously named Kent Pub of the Year at the National Bar Awards and nominated for the Good Food Guide’ s 100 Best Pubs 2026, it’ s safe to say the food is a big part of the experience here. Breakfast is included with your stay and is almost entirely made using local Kentish produce. Fish is caught by the local Folkestone Trawlers, Bakery, and the pub’ s very own farmstead at Mill House adds extra Kentish charm.
The George Hotel, Cranbrook thegeorgehotelkent. co. uk
A pub with centuries of stories waiting to be told, The George Hotel dates back to 1300, making it one of Kent’ s oldest pubs and the last remaining pub in Cranbrook. If you’ re looking for a stay steeped in Kentish history, this is the place to be. Over its 700-year history, the building has been a medieval coaching inn and a magistrates’ court for more than 300 years, where, among other accusations, members of the public were once charged with meddling in witchcraft.
Now that October- the month of all things spooky- is underway, there couldn’ t be a better time to experience its centuries-old charm. While The George can’ t promise you’ ll encounter a ghost during your stay, it can promise plenty of character.
78 • www. insidekent. co. uk