Who remembers the days of early starts, groggy arrivals into work, 8 hours at the desk, and slow commutes back home? One thing we’ve certainly learnt over the past few years is just how flexible the world of working can be, and we’re here to embrace it! Leave behind the slow afternoons, aching back, and creative block, and bring some excitement to your workdays. With so much happening in Kent, the county is a must visit on the list of workcation destinations this year. Spend the day with friends in coworking spaces, take a break with a stroll through an art gallery, wind down in the evening with a cocktail on the beach…however you choose to spend your workcation this year, just remember to relax!
All in Ashford
Just minutes from Ashford International train station, Hampton by Hilton is the perfect place to stay overnight for this year’s workcation. Get into that proactive headspace with a complimentary hot breakfast and a workout in their fitness centre. Your day will go by in a breeze as you set up in one of their comfortable yet practical rooms, equipped with great Wi-Fi and desk space. If you fancy a break, pop out to the Ashford Designer Outlet, where you can browse over 100 stores and save up to 60% on your favourite designer brands, and enjoy a delicious meal all in one place. In the evening, you’ve got a great choice of bars to choose from, but our favourite has got to be Curious Brewery, where you can sample a fantastic range of sours, IPAs and lagers in this award winning, independent spot. If you’re looking for a particular adventure, take the afternoon off and head down the road to enjoy one of UK Electric Bike Hire’s many countryside tours. Our favourite has to be the Kent Vineyard’s Tour, where you can experience the range of our wonderful garden’s grape ferments!
Notes in nature
For those larger work events, you can’t miss out on heading over to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, where you and guests will have the workday of a lifetime, surrounded by acres of nature and 75 species of wild animals. The Mansion, where pivotal figures from the art world used to gather, you can choose from several indoor and outdoor spaces for corporate events, all beautifully decorated with every detail in mind. You and the team will be bursting with creativity as you step into the stunning drawing rooms, ornate terraces, and breath-taking gardens at Port Lympne. Stay the night at the hotel and sleep well knowing that you’re contributing to the ongoing conservation work that protects many endangered species.
Meetings in Margate
Recently opened in Margate, the Selina sits on the beautiful Margate coast, nestled right amongst the creative buzz of the seaside town. With a brilliant coworking space, CoWork, you can sit back and become inspired by your surroundings while getting on with the day’s to do list. Use the Selina as a workcation base and get the chance to explore the area in your downtime. From the new Sonia Boyce exhibition at the Turner Contemporary to the grassroots music community space at Whereelse?, your creativity will be flowing by the time you’re done with Margate! Or, if you’re feeling a bit more active, then head down the coast for some Nordic Walking in Ramsgate, or explore the wider area with Col’s Kent Bike Tours. End the day back at the hotel, stroll along the beach, and treat yourself to a refreshing coastal cocktail.
Creative in Canterbury
Fancy a modern take on the classic Canterbury break? While we love the history of the city that shines throughout, from the grand Cathedral to every little side street, we can’t avoid the new and vibrant spots popping up here and there. One of our favourites, and it just so happens to be the best place for coworking in Canterbury, is Fruitworks. Sat atop both Fond Coffee and The Foundry (home to Canterbury Brewers and Distillers), you’ve got your daytime and evening drinks sorted. Spend the day in the airy, colourful rooms of the coworking space, heading down for a fantastic coffee in a café with a great atmosphere. Once the day’s work is done, treat yourself and head to the Foundry to sample some of the fantastic, made-on-site drinks. Have a bite to eat with your tipple or wander through town to one of Canterbury’s independent spots, like Café des Amis for some Mexican and Mediterranean dishes, Posillipo for some Italian cuisine, or The Goods Shed for a bit of locally picked produce. Make your workcation an overnight trip and choose from some amazing accommodation – whether it be a city centre stay at the ABode, or a countryside retreat in one of Bloom Stay’s properties, there’s a place for any workcation checklist.
To do lists in Tunbridge Wells
Immerse yourself in the world of arts and creativity as you spend time working at The House in Tunbridge Wells. With office space, dedicated desks, or a more flexible hot desk setup, there’s something here to suit everyone’s needs. Dotted around the house, you’ll find works from local artists, so you’re sure to get into that perfect creative headspace for a day of work. Plus, with access to a kitchen and garden, you’ll feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home, with some much-needed space for green time. With post-work yoga sessions, evening drinks, and ongoing events, you can make your workcation as relaxing as can be! On your breaks, pop out just 2 minutes down the road to the inspiring Amelia Scott Arts Centre, where you’re sure to find an event to tickle your fancy. For some evening entertainment, the Trinity Arts Centre is always full of live theatre, comedy, music, and film showings, so choose through their selection, sit back, and enjoy!
Folkestone fun
Set in the heart of the Creative Quarter of Folkestone, The Workshop is waiting for you, co-workers, and friends to spend the day sharing ideas, enhancing your productivity, and making the most of your time. Take advantage of the meeting spaces and desks, great Wi-Fi, and (most importantly) close proximity to the coastline. Pop out to the Creative Quarter on your break to soak up the local talent of the area, exploring the arts, entertainment, food and drink on offer. Then, in the evening, take a stroll down the Harbour Arm for everything from tasty tacos to cooling cocktails. Plus, at the Harbour Arm Screen, you can sit back and enjoy live sports, modern movies, or your favourite classics. Looking for somewhere to stay to make the most of that seaside vibe? Choose between any of Folkestone’s great overnight stays, from the luxury at The View Hotel to the comfort of The Clifton.
Meetings in Maidstone
Coffee on tap, comfortable seats, and communal areas. Sound enticing? The WonderHub in Maidstone is all about finding that perfect balance between an engaging and comfortable working environment. Just a short walk from Maidstone East and Maidstone West train stations, you can arrive at the hub and set up for the working day as quickly as you can say “I love coworking”! Catch the bus over to Mote Park for an early afternoon stroll, or sample some of the local food and drink in the nearby area on your lunch break. Just a 2 minute walk from Maidstone Distillery, your workcation wouldn’t be complete without a tour, gin making experience, or cocktail masterclass from the experts! If you don’t fancy travelling back home, stay nearby at The Village Hotel, where you can enjoy luxury and comfort all in one place.
Wilder working
Lucky for you, wherever you may choose in Kent for your workcation destination this year, there’s always a Wilder Kent Safari nearby. Truly experience the surrounding nature on one of these fantastic explorations of the outdoors, led by experts in the field who are sure to get your mind engaged and open. Allow yourself to fall right back into your natural roots as you embark on a safari, seeing just how much Kent has to offer wherever you may be.
