With the warmer weather coming our way, why not take a trip to East Kent for the weekend, exploring our stunning beaches alongside taking a short break from work life by indulging into our amazing accommodations.
Not sure on what to see, eat or do? Don’t worry we have you covered. Here you’ll find a whole variety of accommodation providers, food and drinks options and places to visit on your day out, making your weekend as relaxed as possible.
Days out – Wow! What a choice we have for you. We couldn’t narrow down our top choices for East Kent so why not give you all our favourites.
Col's Kent Bike Tours
Wanting to escape the stresses of daily life? Then take a cycling tour around our most iconic sightseeing locations with Col’s Kent Bike Tours. Take a bike tour around the stunning city of Canterbury and awe at it’s amazing medieval architecture, or ride to the captivating Margate to explore the art and iconic sunset views. But what about those that are interested about the beach, seafood, and boats? Well, why not ride on down to the picture-perfect Whitstable and gaze out to sea with some fish and chips in your hand.
Folkestone Harbour Arm
What once was the old railway terminal in Folkestone is now the well-known Harbour Arm that embraces the towns working fishing harbour. Do you want an Instagrammable location? Then the harbour arm is a top location for that! With market stalls lined up on a Sunday to small business owned restaurants to just a nice gentle stroll along the arm. Located at the end of the arm is a small lighthouse, climb to the top and take in the stunning views of Dover cliffs, Folkestone town or even on a sunny day you should be able to see Dungeness.
Canoe Wild
With the weather looking brighter and the temperatures rising, why not take a guided tour, hire out a kayak or canoe with some friends and relax down the river Stour. But, for those that would like a bit more adventure or creativity, why not try a 2-hour raft building and experience a wet and wild adventure? Will your raft go the distance, or will you submerge under the water?
Eat and drink – Are you a big foodie like me? Try out these locations suggested by the team to enjoy a spot of lunch and why not kick back and relax with a cheeky glass of wine!
Foraging and mushroom growing course
There’s nothing like eating a meal that you’ve had to forage for yourself. From a nature walk through Duncan Down to foraging your own mushrooms to take home and cook, this wonderful and unique experience is designed for beginners and enthusiasts that love nature! But wait there’s more… Head back to the picturesque Whitstable castle for lunch and refreshments along with a 20% off voucher for you to spend on any products on the Urban Farm – its website to memorise your fabulous experience.
Old Kent Market
Once an old cinema, now refurbished into a quirky market for the community with the hopes to regenerate Margate and to celebrate their passion for food, drink, and culture in Kent. Just a 12-minute walk along the beach front from Margate’s train station, why not head over to the food stalls to indulge your stomachs in the outstanding varieties of food. Or head on over to have a drink in the UK’s smallest pub, ‘The Little Prince'.
Simpsons Vineyard
Head on in land away from the beaches and explore the luxurious, Simpsons Wine Estate. Sample their award-winning wines alongside taking a gentle stroll around the grounds, exploring how they grow their own vines. If you like wine as much as we do then why not go for a wine tasting experience. Be guided through a very special tasting array of wines in their elegant glass house tasting room that overlooks their world-class winery.
Port Lympne
What a variety of restaurants Port Lympne offers to their guests and the public. All of Port Lympne’s restaurants take huge pride in sourcing the finest quality, local ingredients. One of the most picturesque buildings has to be the Mansion bar and terrace, with a charming atmosphere and original décor enhanced more by the sea views from the terraces. Looking for something a little less formal? We have you covered. The Bear Lodge restaurant is an informal family dining area with views looking at the spectacled bear habitat and further in the distance you can see the stunning Kent coastlines.
Stay - I bet you’re tired after that drink. Here are our favourite quirky places that we absolutely love!
View Hotel
With just a 3-minute walk from the beach and a 5-minute walk from Folkestone town centre, the View Hotel is one of the favourite hotels to book! Bring your pets along with you on your 48-hour trip and explore the wonders of Folkestone. Located on the leas promenade, this allows you to be able to access a whole variety of activities that are right on the doorstep. Catching the train down? This hotel is only a 15 minute walk from Folkestone central station.
Fisherman’s Huts
Just metres away from the beach in the centre of Whitstable are the Fisherman’s Huts offering sea views providing the perfect setting for a family break or a relaxing getaway. Drop off your things in the accommodation and then head over to the beach to enjoy the rays of sunshine. Look out to sea from the huts to capture their very own oyster beds, only available in Whitstable. There’s nothing better than having a long day exploring East Kent, to then come back with a Whitstable beer and watch the sun go down outside your accommodation.
Cave Hotel
In the past we used to use caves for warmth, shelter and for protection. Today in this modern age we use The Cave Hotel for a luxurious escape. Not only does the exterior of the building look stunning, but the interior will also blow you away, with a glass bridge on the first floor leading you into the amazing firepit restaurant and lounge bar to quench your thirst and to settle your hunger. Want to kick back and relax? Why not chill out in one of the outstanding luxury bedrooms or take a stroll to the hydrotherapy pool and lay back (with a drink or two) in the twelve seater jacuzzi and enjoy the panoramic views over Boughton Golf Club.
Keepers Cottages
Not too sure yet on where you want to visit in East Kent? Head on over to Keeper’s Cottages website to select the best accommodation for you! These cottages are luxury self-catering accommodations, set in charming coastal towns and the beautiful Kent countryside. Why not bring the whole family down and even the family dog with the larger properties being pet-friendly.
Award – winning
The Sportsman: why not treat yourself to a five-course tasting menu filled with seasonal dishes showcasing the local environment.
The Fordwich Arms: Boasting a 1930’s bar and oak panelled dining room again another seasonal pub sourced by local farms and producers.
The Dog: With an array of premium beers, locally brewed ales, wines and spirits, this pub seems like a relaxing place to visit.
The Pig: Home-grown and local produce, what more could you want from a restaurant?
