Take a look at this list of really interesting places
to visit during your stay......
Lenham Village: (9 mins)
Lenham is our next village along the A20 and well worth a visit. It has a classic central square surrounded by quirky shops,
tea rooms, pubs, excellent Fish & Chip shop, Chinese restaurant, antique shops, beautician, post office,
village store and much more. A real Kentish Village!
Leeds Castle: (10 mins) www.leeds-castle.com
Described as "the loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England's medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion and an elegant 20th century retreat. The Castle and its grounds hold a wealth of attractions, including: the Castle tour; the Knight's Realm Playground; the Maze; Go Ape Tree Top Adventure; Segway Tours; and simply enjoying the gardens and grounds. Tickets on sale at the gate.
Visit our new Kentish Vineyards - right on your doorstep
Wildshark Vineyard (5 mins) www.wildsharkvineyard.co.uk
Right here in Harrietsham, a brand new eco-friendly vineyard offering tastings and tours.
Westwell Wine Estates (15 mins) www.westwellwines.com
Just along the A20 past Charing, a winery with a shop. tours and tastings.
The Chapel Down Winery (40 mins) www.chapeldown.com
Established in 2001 Chapel Down is England’s leading winemaker. Restaurant and tours.
Tenterden Vineyard, Small Hythe, Tenterden, KENT, TN30 7NG – 15 miles
.
The Big Cat Sanctuary (20 mins) www.thebigcatsanctuary.org
Set in the heart of the countryside at Smarden The Big Cat Sanctaury has excellent conditions for the breeding
of endangered cats, both large and small. They offer a wide range of amazing experiences
and by visiting you really will be helping with big cat conservation.
Chatham Historic Dockyard: (30 mins) www.thedockyard.co.uk
From the Tudor Spanish Armada to the Falklands crisis, ships built, repaired and manned for 400 years.
Chatham Dockyard secured and maintained Britain's command of the world oceans. With 80 acres of history to explore you really have to check out the website to plan a visit – there really is so much to see.
Historic Rochester and Castle & Cathedral: (30 mins)
Historic Rochester with its castle and Cathedral is well worth a visit. Be ready for lots of information about Charles Dickens and try not to miss The Royal Engineers Museum ( websites: www.rochestercathedral.org www.re-museum.co.uk)
Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens (30 mins)
Sissinghurst is a beautiful castle and gardens in the Weald of Kent in England.
Biddenden Rd, Cranbrook TN17 2AB – 11 miles
OTHER CASTLES AND STATELY HOMES: Godinton House (20 mins), Ightham Moat (35 mins)
Knowle House (45 mins), Quex Park (50 mins), Chartwell - home of Winston Churchill (50 mins), Penshurst Place (55 mins)
Port Lympne Wild Animal Reserve: (37 mins) www.aspinallfoundation.org
One of the largest wild animal parks in the UK, with plenty of 600 acres of wide-open spaces for the animals to roam. A world leader in breeding rare and endangered species, committed to conservation. Animals include gorilla, tigers, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and a huge variety of primates. If wild animals are your thing also consider Howletts Wild Animal Park (44 mins),
Canterbury: (40 mins)
There is so much to see and do in Canterbury beyond the cathedral. Wander through the large pedestrianised shopping area which contains many boutique, family owned specialist shops as well as more mainstream high street brands. Visit the Canterbury Tales to learn about medieval life based on Chaucer’s famous stories (www.canterburytales.org.uk); take a guided river tour to learn about the hidden history of Canterbury (www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk); or join a ghost walking tour (www.canterburyghosttour.com). There are many good venues to eat and drink. One of our favourites is La Trappiste on Sun Street which has great food and choice of over 200 Belgian beers.
Whitstable: (45 minutes)
This is the quirkiest town on the north Kent coast, a veritable treasure trove of little independent shops, a real working harbour, great shingle beaches, top quality restaurants (try Wheelers, if you can get a table. www.wheelersoysterbar.com ), and walks galore. The Sportsman, Seasalter: gastro pub with a Michelin star and a great reputation is nearby (01227 273370) as is Jojo’s: meat, fish and meze restaurant at Tankerton near Whitstable (01227 274591)
Folkestone: (45 mins) www.folkestone.ukfossils.co.uk
Hunt for Jurassic ammonites and belemnites in the Gault Clay on the beach foreshore at Copt Point. Tide dependent: better at mid/ low tide. Eat fish and chips beside the old Folkestone harbour. The Harbour arm is a wonderful day out, with shopping area, kiosks on the beach. Beachfront eateries and cocktail bars. Little Rock is a definite visit or its larger restaurant Rock Salt or you can enjoy the harbour walks and just grab some fresh seafood, or hot fish and chips and sit admiring the view.
Margate and the Turner Gallery: (60 mins)
Another of Kent’s iconic seaside towns which is enjoying a renaissance since the opening of the amazing Turner Contemporary gallery and the new independent galleries and shops that have sprung up around it. Not to mention the newly re-opened Dreamland amusement park.
Rye & Camber Sands: (50 mins)
Rye is an amazing village preserved in time. Amazing historical houses and a fascinating array of specialist shops and restaurants. 50 mins by car or you can take the train from Harrietsham via Ashford.
Camber Sands is the famous beach nearby, miles and miles of beautiful sand.
KENT STAYCATION MAGAZINE
We have left a copy of ‘Kent Staycation', in the house for your use.
It really does list almost every attraction in this area.
If you are looking for something to do or see then just flick through the magazine,
it is packed with suggestions!!
ENJOY LOOKING ROUND OUR PART OF KENT!