The urban guide to the countryside -
Little Black Book
Accommodation
Elmley Nature Reserve
Muddy says: Who needs to leave the country for a safari holiday when you have Elmley Nature Reserve waiting in Kent for you - the only National Nature Reserve in England where you can spend the night.
The Bull at Brenchley
This wonderfully, quirky Victorian English pub has been converted into fabulous, 5-star luxury self-catering accommodation for up to 16 people in the pretty village of Brenchley (10 mins from Tunbridge Wells). I'll get my bag!
The Salutation
Muddy says: The Salutation, is a stunning country-house sitting in the heart of Sandwich, a pretty town on the Kent coastline. The location, elegance and warmth of the place make it the perfect escape whatever the weather.
The Cave
Muddy says: A brand new, sleek destination hotel, within minutes of Canterbury and less than an hour from London. Perfect for a relaxing mini-break, golf weekend or a delicious dinner.
Hever Hotel
Muddy says: situated in the beautiful village of Hever only a minutes’ walk away from the historic Hever Castle and Hever Castle Golf Club. With a wonderful restaurant and spa on site - and great transport links - Hever Hotel is a getaway gem.
The Potting Shed
Muddy says: Situated in Langley, just south east of Maidstone, The Potting Shed is a rather handsome pub with stylish interiors - and down-to-earth, decent pub fare. With a stunning beer garden and high vaulted ceiling, it's the ideal destination for a party gathering / large family group kind of get together.
The King’s Head, Wye
Muddy says: This country pub with rooms offers exceptional food and a fresh modern vibe. Sitting in the pretty historical village of Wye, with lovely walking nearby in the North Downs, it makes a great weekend getaway...
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Muddy says: If you live anywhere in the Kent or East Sussex area and haven't yet visited Port Lympne Reserve then you're missing a trick. Kent's only safari experience is well worth a visit...
Samsara
Muddy says: A magical retreat, located deep in the Kentish countryside, built with your relaxation at the forefront of their minds. A big hellllllo (and exhale of air) to Samsara - the place in Kent to go to unwind and reconnect with yourself
The Milk House
Muddy says: This stylish eatery offers mouth-watering roasts and fab boutique summer festival. Stay in one of its beautiful bedrooms and explore Sissinghurst Castle.
The Red Lion Stodmarsh
Muddy says: Ticks all the boxes for a quintessential English pub - all year round - with tip top food and stunning rooms to match
The Dog at Wingham
Muddy says: A friendly, stylish, foodie pub perfectly for both walkers and family fun at Wingham Wildlife Park. Oh and it won Best Destination Pub in the Muddy Awards 2018.
Kent Cottage Holidays
Muddy says: Enjoy something completely unique and spend the night in a Treehouse Hideaway or in the Enchanted Faraway - experience Kent in a way you might not have before!
The Leicester Arms Hotel
A brilliantly located pub in the heart of Penshurst village, with a view of the entrance to Penshurst Place from the front and stunning fields from the beer garden at the back. Offering decent grub and boutique bedrooms - it's one for over-nighters and locals alike...
Bonnington Cottage
Muddy says: A quintessential English cottage set within the grounds of Goodnestone Park - perfect for a break with the family or a cosy bolt-hole for two!
Lingfield Park Resort
Muddy says: Lingfield Park is more than just a racecourse – it is a leisure resort offering racing, a 4* Marriott Hotel and spa and a championship 18-hole golf course.
7 Longport & Love Lane
Muddy says: Whether you want a romantic weekend away with your other half or somewhere fun to getaway with a bigger group these cool, quirky cottages right in the heart of Canterbury offer fabulous, flexible space...
Stede Court Private Fitness Retreat
Muddy says: Stede Court is an exclusive luxury fitness & wellbeing retreat, set in seven acres of beautiful gardens and woodland, near picturesque Biddenden. Run by Kathryn Freeland, who has over 20 years experience training private clients and celebrities including Cate Blanchett and Claudia Winkleman. Fitness bliss.
Goodnestone Park
Muddy says: Goodnestone Park is a stunning, privately owned stately home and garden near Canterbury. You can hire the whole house for that truly special function or weekend with friends. There's a reason it was a favourite of Jane Austen and the producer of Downton Abbey!
One Warwick Park
Muddy says: The perfect nesting spot for a night out, a stone's throw from The Pantiles and more importantly the train station. You're next sleepover is sorted.
Green Farm Spa
Muddy says: Stay in the Holiday Barn, have a spa day or try some Yoga! If you're looking for a countryside retreat, Green Farm Spa is the perfect place to relax.
Who’d a Thought It, Grafty Green
This place will not be to everyone's taste... but if you like eccentricity, total escapism and bling then this quirky boutique stay could be for you!
The Duke William, Ickham
Muddy says: Owned by Mark Sargeant, ex right hand man to Gordon Ramsay, this cosy pub has everything from a perfectly picturesque beer garden to top notch food.
The Gallivant
Muddy Says: A little taste of California just over the border in East Sussex, this restaurant with rooms opposite Camber Sands is a gem for fine dining or a cheeky getaway.
Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells
Muddy says: There are plenty of Hotel du Vins in the UK but this venue in Tunbridge Wells is full of enough local character and charm that it feels like a stand-alone venue.
Kent and Sussex Holiday Cottages
Looking for a romantic getaway for two, a short break with friends or a holiday for all the family? From fisherman’s cottages and seaside houses to country cottages, barn conversions and oast houses, the team at Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages will be able to find you the perfect holiday home. With over 250 self-catering […]
