All those days at home spent dreaming of fancy nights away and days out exploring new areas are finally behind us - now that it’s finally time to get out and experience things in real life again, the saying ‘treat yourself’ has never been more appropriate! Whether you’ve been lusting after a beautiful retreat to the countryside, a stay at the castle or enjoying a drink that’s so much more than your homemade tipple, we’ve got the ultimate treats for you to experience right here in Kent.
Picture Instagrammable bell tents, outside yoga in the peaceful countryside, therapeutic massages on site and drinks around the firepit – Bloomsburys Biddenden is the ideal escape for a care-free, eco-friendly hideaway in the countryside, perfect for a retreat for two or a wholesome weekend with your friends. Ride electric bikes through the picturesque villages and head back to your tent for smores on a roaring fire... This retreat will be sure to restore some zen and secure some pretty stellar snaps for Instagram!
Take your G&T experience to the next level with the help of UNESCO World-Heritage site and Mother of the Anglican Church, Canterbury Cathedral. Sure, it might seem like an unlikely pairing, but brewing and distilling is in this magnificent building’s history, as the monks of the Cathedral have brewed their own beer on this site for hundreds of years. Thanks to the revival of the cathedral’s herb garden, you can now experience a tour with their head gardener walking you through the herbs and then a distilling experience with your hand-picked botanicals at nearby gastropub and home of Canterbury Distillers, The Foundry.
In the stunning old Victorian pumphouse on calm Chatham marina sits Copper Rivet Distillery, one of the only distilleries the country with a full grain to glass experience. Whiskey drinkers needn’t go further north for delectable scotch thanks to their new Single Malt Whiskey which you can try on a tour and tasting experience. Finish off your afternoon with a meal in their plush new Pumproom restaurant for a luxurious but informative experience!
Do you know your rye from malted sourdough? Locals know that Docker Brewery supplies some of the best sourdough bread to our favourite lunchtime establishments all over East Kent, and whether it’s their classic house sourdough or an artisan baguette, bread lovers will fall in love at the bespoke bakery on Folkestone’s cool and creative Harbour Arm.
Imagine the sun rising over the peaceful marshes from the comfort of the scandi-inspired interior of your shepherd’s hut, roaring log fire in the background and breakfast delivered to your door… are we in heaven? No, we’re spending the night at the special Elmley Nature Reserve – the only nature reserve in the UK you can stay the night in, and trust me, you won’t want to leave this exceptional spot.
We’re the Wine Garden of England, didn’t you know, so what better way to treat yourself in Kent than a luxury Wine Tour around some of Kent’s most prestigious vineyards? From the vines that produce the delectable sparkling wines at Gusbourne to the light and spacious tasting room at Hush Heath, you’ll learn about how Kent’s chalky terrain affords us the conditions to make sparking wines that rival that of the most well-known wine destinations in the world. Sample award-winning bubbly through the day and stay local in one of our stunning close-by accommodation spots, and we think you’ve got a pretty incredible weekend lined up…
Are you a budding Nigella or a wannabe Gino? Kent Cookery School can take you from amateur to celebrated home chef with their spectacular array of classes covering everything from homemade pasta to Thai street food and Parisian specialities. Spend the day getting stuck in and learning with their helpful and knowledgeable teaching that also makes the perfect date night activity.
Forget the online shopping, we all know there's nothing like experiencing the real thing! Peruse 85 luxury designer stores at the newly extended Ashford Designer Outlet and discover the likes of Hugo Boss, Armani, Ralph Lauren and Diesel at outlet prices. Plus, with 14 restaurants to choose from, including Wagamama and Five Guys, make a day of it for the ultimate retail therapy experience.
Who among us hasn’t dreamed of spending the night within stunning castle grounds? There’s no better place to indulge that fantasy than the spectacular Leeds Castle. Used to entertaining royalty from monarchs to Hollywood icons throughout the 20th century, this fairy-tale castle complete with a moat and ample grounds is used to pulling out the red carpet, and make no exception for their overnight guests. With a number of secluded properties on-site with exclusive hire, or fun and quirky glamping experiences without losing that luxury touch, you too could be the king of the castle this winter.
Chutneys and cheeses and treats and tipples, Macknade Fine Foods is a paradise for foodies. Explore aisles bursting with colourful, freshest fruit and veg, jars of sauces to try an exciting new recipe. Every kind of specialist ingredient and local supplier can be found in their farmhouse style food hall. After picking up all you need to cook up a feast in your own kitchen, relax and sit back for a coffee and cake from theirs to enjoy the atmosphere of this peaceful yet vibrant gem.
You haven’t been to Sevenoaks? Let us paint you a picture… quaint historic villages like Chiddingstone and Eynsford are separated by fields of vibrant lavender, rolling hills and independent vineyards. Mount Vineyard produces delicious local wine that you can sample after an amble around the vines and make a night of it in one of their unique glamping experiences or self-catering chic farmhouses like Fairmead Cottage and Taylor House. All this and more is waiting on your doorstep less than 30 minutes from the centre of London…
