insideKENT Magazine Issue 175 - November 2026 | Page 65

KENTSTAYCATION

Seasonal Staycays cont...

FOR THE FESTIVE FAMILY THE FESTIVE FOODIE

The White Lion, Tenterden whiteliontenterden. com

If you’ re looking for a family staycation where you can step straight into a picture-perfect Kentish Christmas, make your way to The White Lion, tucked amongst the Georgian and Victorian buildings of Tenterden’ s historic High Street. During winter, this magical town takes on a festive glow, with tree-lined avenues wrapped in twinkling lights and boutique shops dressed for the season. The White Lion is no exception. Step inside the medieval Wealden hall house and you’ ll find a 500-year-old property distinguished by low wooden beams, roaring fires and a canopy of twinkling lights leading upstairs towards 14 characterful bedrooms.

For families, the Family Comfy room offers a plush super-king-size bed alongside pull-out beds and space for a cot, plus an en-suite shower room, Nespresso coffee machine and festive snack basket. Just a 10-minute walk away, the Kent and East Sussex Railway( kesr. org. uk) offers a magical day out for little ones. Through November and December, families can climb aboard the Santa Special 2026 experience for a 75-minute journey through the Kent countryside, complete with a visit from Father Christmas and a special gift to take home before returning to the seasonal magic of Tenterden.

Love Letter Cottage, Dargate bloomstays. com

For a quieter family escape, Love Letter Cottage offers a festive bolthole balancing countryside calm with plenty of seasonal magic. Set in the picturesque hamlet of Dargate, near Canterbury, the cottage provides a cosy base for families to unwind between festive adventures.

A love letter to Kent’ s rural countryside, the cottage dates back to the 16th century and has lived many lives, including a stint as the village post office, hence its charming name and festive red front door. Today, it is a peaceful retreat adorned with rustic beams, old brick fireplaces and Christmas decorations. A Christmas tree in the living room adds to the charm, while two large bedrooms provide a welcoming place to settle in after exploring. Outside, a private hot tub overlooks the surrounding orchards and conservation area.

For a festive family day out, Faversham is just a 12-minute drive away. Its Market Place comes alive at Christmas with a sparkling tree and festive window displays. Visit in late November for the annual light switchon and Faversham Charter Market, where seasonal stalls offer handmade crafts, hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows and warming mulled cider- excited children may even spot Father Christmas making an appearance.

The Marquis of Granby, Alkham marquisofgranby. co. uk

This countryside retreat embraces Christmas with all the warmth and charm of a traditional country pub. Nestled in the hamlet of Alkham in East Kent, The Marquis of Granby offers a cosy yet upscale escape, fitted with 10 beautifully individual bedrooms dressed for the festive season. Each room has been thoughtfully designed for relaxation, equipped with plush queen-size beds and roll-top copper baths, providing the perfect place to unwind after a winter’ s day exploring the Kent countryside.

However, the real showstopper is the festive menu, which is centred around local produce and seasonal ingredients. The set menu brings together comforting Christmas flavours with a touch of indulgence, with starters including intensely flavoured smoked ham hock and duck terrine paired with sweet brioche toast and apple and pear chutney, while mains include a classic roast breast of turkey accompanied by orange and cranberry stuffing, honeyroasted carrots, buttered sprouts and crisp roast potatoes. To finish, there’ s a quintessential Christmas pudding packed with warming spices and rich festive flavours, served with brandy custard for an indulgent finale.