Are you ready to experience something a little extraordinary during your next staycation? We’re talking about those bucket-list, wow-worthy locations that look like they’re pulled from the pages of glossy magazines or from your favourite celebrity’s Instagram account. You don’t need to head to some far-flung location for your amazing staycation locations, as Kent is full to the brim with some 5 star spots that you wouldn’t believe are right on your doorstep. From beachside holiday homes with a seriously stylish interior to amazing hotels where you can sleep under the stars, or literally being the Queen of the Castle for a night, we’ve got some amazing spaces ready for you to book.
In celebration of #EnglishTourismWeek23, we're shouting out from the rooftops about the amazing people, businesses, experiences, and (incidentally) places to stay in Kent! Showcasing the variety, quality, and value of spots throughout the county, this is the perfect time for us to celebrate our favourite things to see and do here. Read on and discover just what this beautiful corner of the world has to offer for your overnight stay...
Historical Haunts
Leeds Castle
Whether you choose the spacious Keeper’s House with its beams, inglenook, aga and exposed brickwork or the wisteria-covered Battel Hall’s sumptuous drawing rooms and oak-panelled dining room (if ever there was an excuse to dress for dinner, this is it), Leeds Castle has been hosting the rich and famous for 100 years, so you’ll know you’re in the best hands to be treated like royalty. But if you fancy a cosy hideaway for two, it’s got to be Weir Cottage with its exposed beams, king-sized bed and firepit. And, because we know we’re not the only ones who gained a four-legged friend this year, we’re pleased to say it’s dog-friendly too!
Hever Castle
Waking up in a castle has to be one of those bucket list goals, right? And for those history lovers and period drama obsessives, you couldn’t ask for a more fairytale castle than Hever Castle. Though it’s not exactly home to the most fairytale story (hello, childhood home of Anne Boleyn!) this castle offers indulgent and luxurious Tudor-style with sumptuous fabrics, rich panelled walls, beautiful roll-top baths and crisp linens. Spend your days delving into 700 years of Hever history, taking in the magnificent moats, challenging mazes and award-winning gardens, before heading back to the hotel for an evening of luxury and elegance. Fit for a Queen indeed…
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Rest your head in the land of a World UNESCO Heritage site at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. Literally within the grounds of the Mother of the Anglican Church sits this beautiful spot, hidden within the cathedral grounds but right next to the heart of the buzzing and exciting city. When the Cathedral lights up at night, you’ll get quite a view of one of Kent’s most iconic shots from your room…
Priest’s House
Did you know that you can not only visit, but also stay the night at many of National Trust's amazing properties? For the peaceful, idyllic stay of your dreams, you have got to check out Priest’s House, believed to be part of the Elizabethan mansion that once made up Sissinghurst Castle. Spend the morning exploring Sissinghurst and its rich history, before heading further afield to sample tasty food, take relaxing walks, and soak up the beautiful Kent countryside.
Scotney West Lodge
Nestled in National Trust's beautiful Scotney Castle, with its 14th century moated castle, Victorian country mansion, and romantic garden, you’ll find the Scotney West Lodge. Sleeping 4 (plus the four-legged members of the family!), the house offers a cosy yet spacious spot for this year’s family retreat. With a private garden, decking area for dining, log burner, and 780 acres of surrounding woodland to explore, we’re most certainly adding this to our list of must-stays.
Seaside Snoozing
No 42 Guesthouse
Coming to the sunny seaside town of Margate this summer is the highly anticipated No 42 Guesthouse. A beachfront stay in a beautiful Victorian building awaits, with the added bonus of never-tried-that-before dishes in their restaurant, a rooftop with unbelievable views, and a heavenly spa all in one spot. Keep an eye out on their page for opening dates and get yourself booked in! You might just need to stay an extra night to fit in all that Margate has to offer, from the modern art at Turner Contemporary to exploring locations as seen in Sam Mendes’ 2023 Empire of Light!
Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Sitting proudly at the gateway to England from Europe on Dover’s beachfront, the Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel and Spa is the ideal base for the local area. Imagine starting your stay by dining at the in-house Marco Pierre White restaurant followed up by a much-needed spa treatment. After being set up perfectly for a day of getting out into the local White Cliffs Country natural habitat, venture to the iconic White Cliffs themselves to Samphire Hoe right next to Dover.
Whitstable Fisherman’s Huts
For a real taste of the great British seaside, head to the Fisherman’s Huts in Whitstable and enjoy a weekend of quirky coastal living. Browse Whitstable’s independent galleries and shops by day, indulge in a Fish and Chip supper on your doorstep and watch the sun go down over a cold bottle of Whitstable Bay lager. Formerly storage for cockle farmers, the huts have now been renovated into luxury, modern and fresh accommodation and create the perfect base for a unique seaside break.
Nights with Nature
Port Lympne
For the wild at heart, your East Kent adventure needn't stop when the sun goes down. Kent’s very own world-renowned animal conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation, has a vision to halt the extinction and further endangerment of animals in the wild. Whether you choose a cosy, heated wooden camping pod, a staycation in the sky within a luxury tree house or a family safari tent, you’ll be sure to capture all the stunning views and amazing habitats within Aspinall's impressive Port Lympne Reserve, near Folkestone.
Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts
The wide skies of Romney Marsh are the perfect antidote to busy city life and views of pavements and rooftops. Switch off and unwind in one of these bespoke shepherd's huts complete with kitchen, Romney Marsh lanolin toiletries and snuggly Romney sheep fleeces. Roast marshmallows over the firepit, read, take strolls through the marsh and cosy up on your very own farm staycation.
Caracol Camping
In need of a moment of peace and quiet - or maybe a whole weekend of it? Sitting in the heart of the High Weald of Kent & Sussex, Caracol Camping offers an unforgettable night underneath the stars in your very own tent. Equipped with a BBQ and firepit, spend the evening sat with loved ones, eating tasty food, and taking in the amazing calmness of the outdoors. With Royal Tunbridge Wells right nearby, you can enjoy a stay filled with slow ambles, independent shop browsing, and (most importantly) locally sourced food and drink on your visit.
Bloomsbury’s Biddenden
Calling all eco-warriors! Bloomsbury's Biddenden, tucked away in the gorgeous countryside, is the perfect spot for a night of relaxing within nature, made that bit better by its sustainability credentials. When spending the night in one of their yurts, you can expect solar-powered toilet and shower facilities, hot tubs, underfloor heating, and therapeutic massages all on site – if this is camping, sign us up! Or choose from one of their secluded lodges and sleep well knowing that you’ve got all the comfort and luxury you need, without costing the planet.
Elmley Nature Reserve
If you want nothing more than to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unplug from the world, Kent has the perfect spot for a digital detox. Elmley Nature Reserve has been a source of inspiration and tranquility to visitors for many years, but today offers a much more luxurious experience for adventurers wanting to get away from it all. Spend the night in a plush converted shepherd’s hut, and gaze at the peaceful scenery from the comfort of your bed. The nine to five grind will seem so very far away as you sleep on the only nature reserve you can stay on in the UK…
Quex Livery Glamping Holidays
Set within the grounds of Quex Park, Quex Livery Glamping offers the chance to stay in an Instagrammable bell tent with your very own firepit, comfy bedding, electricity and even a choice of homemade cake. Set in 25 acres of countryside, we wouldn’t blame you if you chose not to leave, but The Isle of Thanet’s blue-flag awarded beaches are just up the road for the perfect seaside day out.
Home away from home
Keepers Cottages
With self-catering locations across East Kent, Keepers Cottages' locations are spot on for exploring White Cliffs Country. They offer everything from small fisherman’s cottages to larger detached houses across Deal, Kingsdown and Sandwich. So pack your bags and get ready for the stay of your dreams!
Bloom Stays
Bloom Stays specialise in finding those awe-inspiring spaces so you can do a one stop shop for your next accommodation during your time in Kent. The team's keen eye means you can be sure that only the most amazing properties are on their roster. From beachside abodes in Dungeness straight out of a Grand Designs episode, to waking up with sparkling sea views in Sandgate, or retreating to the quiet countryside with their large family homes (and some are ready with a pool for those hot summer weekends!) you’ll find a spot for you…
Getting Here
Southeastern
With Southeastern, getting around Kent has never been easier. Forget the stress of stopping for petrol, misjudging which turns to take, and struggling to find that last parking space, and travel by train this year. Sit back, relax, and watch the rolling countryside pass you by as you make your way to one of the best spots in the county for your dream overnight stay.
