KENTSTAYCATION Seasonal Staycays cont...
THE FALSTAFF
© Hythe Imperial
HYTHE IMPERIAL
FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPER THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Falstaff, Canterbury thefalstaffincanterbury. com
Found at the centre of Canterbury’ s ancient city streets, The Falstaff is just a short walk from Canterbury West station, allowing guests to step off the train and check in close to the magic of its twinkling High Street. The four-star hotel combines medieval character with a refurbished modern interior, offering 50 individually designed rooms and suites. These range from cosy doubles with colourful wallpaper and exposed wooden beams to junior suites with freestanding roll-top baths made for soaking away the day- plus extra space for those Christmas shopping bags.
Step outside your room and the festive feeling continues. Christmas bows, twinkling lights and decorated trees line the historic interiors, leading onto Canterbury’ s High Street that glows beneath festoon lights strung towards the city’ s renowned Christmas Market. Running from 12 November to 24 December, it stretches across Whitefriars, St George’ s Street and into the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral.
Traditional wooden chalets offer plentiful opportunities to get ahead with Christmas shopping, selling handcrafted ornaments, knitted winterwear and locally produced food and drink. Browse artisan cheeses, homemade chutneys and local ales, or simply soak up the atmosphere while searching for something different to place beneath the tree.
The Gate House, Alkham bloomstays. com
Cradled within the peaceful Alkham Valley, just a stone’ s throw from Folkestone, The Gate House brings a feeling of understated luxury to the quieter winter months. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, the house takes on an especially cosy character at Christmas, with a warming timber roof and diamond-leaded casement windows bringing its Tudor Revival architecture to life. In its rooms, roll-top baths overlook the ornate gardens, while downstairs, a sitting room centred around a log-burning fire provides the perfect spot to retreat on colder winter evenings.
For a festive day out, head to Folkestone Harbour Arm( folkestoneharbourarm. co. uk), where the Festive Marketplace brings together local businesses from across the county. Beginning on Friday 13 November, the annual light switch-on will illuminate the harbour, with a central Christmas tree providing the focal point for an evening of celebrations.
Browse local crafts, handmade gifts and sweet treats, from rich hot chocolates to Bombo Doughnuts, known for their pillow-soft treats and seasonal winter flavours. Soundtracked by live music and carol singing, Folkestone Harbour Arm becomes a little Christmas oasis on the Kent coast and is a chance to pick up something special while soaking up the festive spirit.
Hythe Imperial hytheimperial. co. uk
If your idea of Christmas begins with a little sparkle, a three-course feast and dancing until the small hours, Hythe Imperial is ready to bring the party this winter. Set beside the Kent coast, this 146-year-old hotel combines Victorian grandeur with a lively festive atmosphere, making it perfect for turning a Christmas night out into a staycation. Its 92 bedrooms range from classic rooms with double beds, walk-in showers and seaside views to deluxe rooms with king-size beds, lounge areas and complimentary drinks.
Then it’ s time to dress up and head downstairs. Hythe Imperial’ s Coast Restaurant Festive Party Nights take place on 4, 11 and 18 December, beginning with an arrival drink before a three-course Christmas feast. The menu brings together festive favourites from smoked salmon roulade with lemon and dill dressing to roasted turkey with pigs in blankets, sage and cranberry seasoning, plus all the trimmings.
Dessert options include dark chocolate tart with white chocolate sauce and raspberry sorbet before the tables give way to the dancefloor. The resident DJ takes over with festive favourites, before guests can simply head upstairs afterwards- no taxi scramble or cold journey home required- for a restorative slumber before waking up to a hearty breakfast served either in the restaurant or in-room for added indulgence.
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• www. insidekent. co. uk