KENTSTAYCATION
SEASONAL STAYCAYS
THERE IS A PARTICULAR MAGIC THAT COMES WITH SPENDING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD AWAY FROM HOME; WHILE THE FESTIVE SEASON CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, IT DOESN’ T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL, AND A CHRISTMAS STAYCATION OFFERS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE THE PLANNING BEHIND AND SIMPLY UNWIND. IF YOU’ RE DRAWN TO THE CHARACTERFUL MAGIC OF KENT’ S FESTIVE TOWNS AND VILLAGES, THIS SEASONAL SHORTLIST OFFERS PLENTY OF INSPIRATION FOR A RELAXING ESCAPE; CHECK IN AND DISCOVER WHAT YOUR IDEAL VERSION OF FESTIVE FUN IS THIS CHRISTMAS.
FOR A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY
© Boys Hall
Boys Hall, Ashford boys-hall. com
Some hotels put up a Christmas tree; others, such as Boys Hall, turn the festive season into an experience in its own right. This year, the 17th-century Jacobean manor house is opening its much-loved doors for an exclusive three-night Christmas stay, taking care of the cooking, cleaning and planning so guests can simply settle in and enjoy the magic of the season.
Arrive on Christmas Eve to a glass of spiced mulled wine before curling up beside the crackling fire for a celebratory afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, soft sponge cakes, steaming herbal tea and a glass of bubbly. As evening falls, twinkling lights and beautifully dressed Christmas trees bring the historic house to life, while nine en-suite bedrooms, with original oak beams, four-poster beds and roll-top baths, provide a suitably indulgent retreat before the big day.
Christmas morning begins with English sparkling wine before guests gather downstairs for a spectacular five-course feast, serving seasonal favourites from roasted meats and crisp potatoes to locally sourced cheeses and chutneys. Kentish wines, including Chapel Down Brut Reserve and Simpsons Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir, add another local flourish to the occasion.
With no washing-up in sight, the afternoon is reserved for slowing down. Retreat to Boys Hall’ s bespoke wellness spaces, where a traditional wooden sauna, wild swimming pond and plunge pool invite guests to embrace the crisp winter air, unwind and, for once, let Christmas take care of itself.
BOYS HALL www. insidekent. co. uk •
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