Accessible Abodes
With its rolling countryside, historic towns and stunning coastline, Kent offers many inclusive experiences explicitly designed for people with restricted mobility, including wheelchair users. Accessibility is at the heart of Kent’s charm, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of physical abilities, can enjoy an enriching break without feeling excluded from planned activities. Whether planning a romantic getaway, family gathering, or pursuing special interests, The Garden of England offers increasingly accessible attractions and accommodations that cater to everyone’s needs.
By Yolanda Barker – Academy of Disabled Journalists Student & National Campaigner for the MS Community
The thought of planning a break can be challenging when you have additional needs, but Kent has some excellent accessible abodes that will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is both comfortable and fulfilling. Here’s some inspiration.
For History Lovers: Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Imagine strolling the regal grounds where King Henry VIII’s infamous second wife Anne Boleyn spent her childhood. Surrounded by glorious Kent countryside, the Grade 1 listed Hever Castle’s luxury five-star bed and breakfast accommodation offers sumptuous rooms in the Tudor-style wings attached to the castle. Accessible rooms are in the Astor Wing, where you can immerse yourself in Tudor grandeur while enjoying the thoughtfully designed, accessible comforts of a well-furnished wet room with assistance rails and room for a wheelchair. The helpful staff and access to the breakfast room ensure a seamless stay and an excellent choice for all guests.
For lunch, the step-free Moat Restaurant can be accessed from the gardens. It offers takeaway and table service and a delicious menu to tempt all hearty Tudors to dine in comfort and style. Alternatively, The Waterside Bar Restaurant and Terrace at Hever Castle Golf Club is a short drive away and offers lunch or afternoon tea. Dine on the terrace overlooking the lake and enjoy views of the Kent Weald countryside. Opposite the entrance to Hever Castle sits the King Henry VIII, a truly English pub with oak beams and an open fireplace. On this site since 1597, the fully accessible watering hole offers a tempting array of excellent quality food and drinks in a quaint, traditional setting.
For Country Opulence: Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham
When seeking refined elegance in the Kentish countryside, Chilston Park Hotel offers an opulent escape steeped in history. This Grade 1 listed Georgian country manor house boasts unique styling, historic antiques and an abundance of charm. The original features adorn each bedroom and are at the heart of the manor house.
Arriving and parking at the entrance and then being greeted by accessibility-aware staff starts your stay with a level of understanding and appreciation, which means any requirements will be dealt with calmly and seamlessly. For visitors requiring accessible accommodation, Chilston Park provides thoughtfully designed rooms that maintain the hotel’s sophistication. The spacious rooms offer a fully adapted bathroom, step-free access and wider doors to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.
Beyond your room, the grandeur continues. The picturesque 22-acre estate, with its lakes, woodland walks and tranquil gardens invites guests to leisurely explore, with accessible paths and resting spots to gather thoughts and admire the scenery. The hotel’s restaurants include Culpeper’s, led by head chef Ali Altuntas who champions local ingredients on his vibrant modern British menu, and The Marble Lounge, a step-free option for a chilled glass of Champagne or a fresh coffee with a scrumptious afternoon tea.
For Family Fun: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, Hythe
Imagine waking up and opening the doors to find you are nestled in a wild animal reserve, watching over the rhino paddocks and beautiful far-reaching views. For the full family experience, the fully adapted Tree House allows each party member to relax at their leisure. With two bedrooms, these ground-floor accommodations are positioned amongst the trees, allowing superb wheelchair access. Included in your stay is the use of a golf buggy should this be an easier way to get around the reserve.
Join the accessible safari truck for an adventure through South America, Asia and Africa where you’ll spot bears, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, camels and more. Home to over 900 rare and endangered animals, your break will be packed to the brim with accessible exploration; Port Lympne recognises that areas of the 600-acre site have steep inclines, so they offer bookable wheelchairs, or you can request accessible minibus assistance.
Although the Tree House is a self-catering accommodation with an accessible kitchen, if dining in style is in order The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar offers a modern twist on classic dishes packed with flavour using homegrown ingredients, and Babydoll’s Wood-Fired Pizza restaurant offers authentic Italian cooking in an informal family-friendly setting. All of the reserve’s restaurants are accessible both for access and toilets.
For Artistic Flair: No. 42 by Guesthouse, Margate
If you’re seeking coastal luxury with impeccable accessibility, No. 42, Margate is the epitome of elegance. Overlooking Margate’s sandy beach, this boutique four-star hotel oozes contemporary sophistication with classic seaside charm, offering you a sanctuary to unwind in while immersing yourselves in the vibrant local cultural scene. The accessible room at No. 42 does not compromise on style, featuring a fully accessible wet room and spacious layout, ensuring every guest receives the same level of comfort.
Devoted to respecting what thrives in the Kentish land and the nearby North Sea, Pearly Cow is the hotel’s accessible on-site concept restaurant that serves classics, interpretations, sharing dishes and divine desserts, while The Lounge Bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere alongside a tempting menu of tasty food, all within the easy-to-access bar with accessible toilets nearby.
Nearby, the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary gallery is a short stroll away, showcasing contemporary and historical art. As a fully accessible venue, everywhere is inclusive. Thoughtfully stocked sensory and gallery bags are equipped with various tools to help you unlock your curiosity while responding to the artwork and exhibits of well-known artists. It is a genuinely welcoming experience where bookable audio tours for visually impaired visitors allow everyone to soak up the culture.
For Rustic Romance: The Goat Shed, Hadlow
In the picturesque village of Hadlow lies a unique accessible retreat with a charm of its own. Once home to its namesake animals, The Goat Shed has been thoughtfully transformed into a blissful haven where accessibility meets rustic elegance. This characterful conversion retains the countryside soul while offering modern comforts designed with accessibility at its heart.
Wide sliding doors and a gentle ramp welcome you into this cosy sanctuary, where every detail has been considered. The spacious interior boasts an open-plan design that allows freedom of movement without sacrificing the intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape. Consideration has been given to the generously sized wet room, meaning any personal needs can be taken care of quickly. Additionally, the enclosed rear garden provides a private oasis. Wheelchair users can easily access the sitting area, which is perfect for morning coffee as you plan your day or for watching the sun go down with a BBQ and a bottle of wine.
A self-catering and pet-friendly property, The Goat Shed offers a well-equipped kitchen where you can rustle up a delicious meal without leaving your retreat and Hadlow Village boasts several charming eateries within easy reach. The pretty, white-weatherboarded The Rose Revived restaurant has a well-considered layout with level flooring, wide aisles and a variety of seating options meaning you can sit near the fire or the bar to enjoy a tasty menu including a hearty daily carvery.
For City Vibes: ABode Hotel, Canterbury
In the heart of Canterbury’s historic city, ABode Canterbury offers a haven of luxury and style, perfect for an indulgent escape. Located within ancient city walls and just a short walk from the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, this exquisite hotel seamlessly blends history with contemporary elegance. Each individually designed bedroom offers modern bathrooms and accessible facilities; guests can expect comfortable wheelchair-accessible rooms with step-free access and spacious layouts.
Being in the heart of such a vibrant, cultural city means a wealth of attractions to explore. Start by admiring the exquisite architecture of The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, then take the step-free entrance and lift to the library and museum galleries to discover artwork, animals and treasures from Asia, Africa and India. Canterbury Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece that’s not to be missed; the building is accessible, with step-free access, wheelchair loans, accessible toilets, induction loops and guided tours tailored for guests with disabilities. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds a unique place in England’s history and is now a spiritual and cultural hub that even holds silent raves!
When hunger strikes, indulge in a culinary journey at Brasserie ABode where gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients are served in a fully accessible, elegant setting.
For Group Getaways: Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne
Perfect for a pamper weekend, a group getaway with friends or a relaxed stag or hen do, Hempstead House Hotel and Spa offers country house chic. Staying in the Ashby Suite offers four people luxurious ground-floor accessible accommodation with an ample kitchen and contemporary dining area, and a 50” TV and comfy lounge completing the ultimate pamper package.
The Ashby Suite allows self-catering, perhaps for a late breakfast or late-night snack, and breakfast served in the Lakes Restaurant is accessible by a ramp on request, but the hotel’s crowning glory is undoubtedly the Aquamanda Spa, an accessible sanctuary of wellbeing where skilled therapists offer rejuvenating facials, tension-melting massages, aromatherapy sessions and nourishing heat wraps. Each treatment can be adapted to accommodate varying mobility levels, ensuring the therapeutic benefits of touch are available to all guests.
The spa’s facilities extend to a fully accessible indoor swimming pool where you can swim or bob about leisurely with friends, although it’s worth noting that the hoist requires pre-booking. For any fitness fans amongst the party, the fully equipped gym with accessible equipment will provide a much-needed energy boost.
For more Kent stay inspiration, click here to read our most recent issue.
