Kent


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://broomepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broome Park Hotel</a> is a grand 17th‑century, Grade I‑listed country house hotel in Barham, located just outside Canterbury. Originally built between 1635 and 1638, Broome Park has evolved from a private estate and former country residence of Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, who became the face of the First World War when he appeared on the ‘Your Country Needs You’ poster.</p>



<p>Set within a sprawling 250‑acre estate, Broome Park is known locally for its 18-hole parkland golf course which winds around the estate with scenic valley views. You will also find 22 luxurious suites in the mansion house alongside 14 self‑catering woodland lodges which are ideal for groups or families who can take advantage of the hotel’s facilities whilst also using it as a launchpad to explore the local area.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-8-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It is a house steeped in history and has seen many guises over its time. Fun fact, the estate was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and used as a military hospital. In the months leading up to D Day, Broome Park was a garrison for the Canadian army tank regiment with tanks rumoured to still be buried under the current golf course.</p>



<p>The Vaults wellness sanctuary is the latest development having opened earlier this year and is headed up by Lottie and her magical healing hands and we are not exaggerating.</p>



<p>Lottie is a highly experienced therapist and a well-known name in the local wellness scene, having previously worked at the acclaimed Haeckels in Margate for the past five years so if you are burnt out post the summer holidays, you need to see Lottie PDQ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<p>Nestled 2 miles off the M2/A2 on the edge of Barham, Broome Park is a twenty-minute drive from Canterbury West station and about an hour from Gatwick Airport, so you are well connected plus there is plenty of free parking which is an additional perk.</p>



<p>It’s a particularly beautiful part of Kent with Simpsons wine estate right next door plus you have easy access to other local landmarks such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Westgate Towers, and Dover Castle so you can base yourself at Broome Park and use it as a launchpad to explore the local area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116942" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s an element of Downtown Abbey grandeur with the sweeping drive and historical setting, so it is an impressive place to visit for your treatments. The vibe is relaxed and down to earth as it is more golf club than boutique hotel. If you linger on for food, you can expect to find safe classics, like Coq au Vin or burgers, rather than haute cuisine.</p>



<p>The Vaults is a recent addition to Broome Park, so it is still work in progress, as it is tucked away in the vaults of the building. You may need to squint a little as the paint on the walls need some TLC as you approach the treatment room but, in a way, this makes Lottie’s space extra special as on a rain-drenched day, it felt like the perfect cocoon to shelter away from the grey weather outside.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-12-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The focus here is very much on wellness so this is not the place for beauty maintenance such as manicures and waxing. The onus is on restorative treatments with Lottie’s expertise lying in Swedish massage and her Signature Hydration Facial, so you are in very safe hands here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experience">THE EXPERIENCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Whilst the Summer of 2025 has surpassed all others with endless sun and fun, it still comes with the eternal work and parenting juggle so an appointment with Lottie was well-needed post 1st&nbsp;September.</p>



<p>Lottie is so calm and likeable, you almost feel like you have made a new friend rather than a therapist, plus I rather coveted her cool denim dress. It makes a refreshing change from the generic white coat spa brigade and brings that personal touch home. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The room feels homely too with fresh flowers and candles greeting you alongside cool rattan furniture and white linen draped over the therapy bed which can be adjusted to mould around your body. You literally breathe a sigh of relief before you even sit down. </p>



<p>&nbsp;I was signed up for the Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage with the Kelsey Express Facial with a relaxing&nbsp;foot soak to kick-start the treatment. There is something very nurturing and mother-like about someone washing your feet as Lottie filled a large ceramic urn with warm water tumbling dried hops and raspberry leaves into the mix known for their calming qualities as well as being beneficial for women’s hormones. If you need to feel that someone needs to look after you after the Summer juggle, this one is for you.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116940" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-the-vaults-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I had arrived with a bad back conundrum after a bold badminton move at a friend’s garden party (it was not a pretty sight) and Lottie does possess magical healing hands as she needled her way into the grooves of my back within the massage to unlock the aches and pains. You can choose to minimize the pressure of course for a more relaxing massage but my body really benefited from Lottie’s intuitive and firm hands.</p>



<p>In line with Lottie’s Haeckels background, she is drawn to natural products and favours locally grown brands such as Castle Farm for their award-winning lavender products and Kelsey which she used for my facial. Kelsey has been produced in Kent and working with hand-picked experts, they have formulated an exclusive ‘raspberry first’ skincare range as raspberries are particularly packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I left feeling stronger and taller, with a fresher and brighter face, and ready to tackle any homework/school kit/friendship challenge that the new term might potentially throw my way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116547" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We have not stayed at Broome Park (yet) but there is a mix of accommodation options, from classic to more practical. Inside the Grade I-listed mansion, there are 22 individually named suites – like Kitchener and Charles II – fitted out with modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs and lounge areas.</p>



<p>For those preferring more space or a self-catering setup, the 14 woodland lodges come with two bedrooms, kitchens, and private garden access, ideal for families or longer stays. You’ll also have access to amenities including an indoor pool, gym, squash and tennis courts and snooker so plenty of fun for all age-groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weddings-amp-events">WEDDINGS &amp; EVENTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/broome-park-hotel-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Broome Park offers a variety of ceremony and reception spaces – including the Georgian Room and Chinese Room – along with exclusive-use packages and on-site lodging for guests, so you can see why it is a popular spot for people who want a one-stop-shop in a historical setting.</p>



<p>It is also worth noting that Broome Park hosts corporate meetings, conferences, celebrations, and seasonal events if you are looking for a new venue for your next work do. The hotel also runs seasonal programming – like Easter egg hunts and Christmas party nights – ensuring a lively events calendar throughout the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1315" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-116949" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea-800x701.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea-1000x877.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea-400x351.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/broome-park-hotel-afternoon-tea-768x673.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Broome Park Afternoon Escape sounds like the ideal hibernation plan as you can indulge in a thirty-minute treatment before heading upstairs for a sumptuous Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco for £65.</p>



<p>We also like the idea of the Couples Massage Workshop where you learn how to perform a massage on your partner, and vice versa, which sounds as though it has very long-lasting benefits. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict-nbsp-nbsp">THE MUDDY VERDICT&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR?</strong>&nbsp;Holistic treatments in the extremely capable hands of someone who truly knows her craft. You could go solo or take your beloved for the Couples massage workshop.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR?</strong> If you are looking for the full bells and whistles spa experience, Broome Park Hotel is not quite there yet but watch this space as a state-of-the-art spa with indoor and outdoor pool is in the pipeline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>A Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage with the Kelsey Express Facial (60 minutes) costs £85 and £20 for the foot soak and foot massage treatment.</p>



<p><em>The Broome Park Estate, Canterbury Road, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6QX, <a href="https://broomepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broomepark.co.uk</a>, <a href="mailto:mailto:reception@broomepark.co.uk">reception@broomepark.co.uk</a>, 01227 831 701</em></p>


Review: Broome Park & Vaults, Canterbury

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