Beautifully Boutique Getaways
When looking for a place to stay in Kent, memorability, design and individuality are often at the top of the list. Luckily for both visitors and locals, our county offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind escapes to enjoy this summer, as well as iconic attractions, dining spots and hidden gems to visit nearby. From small hotels and luxury guesthouses to unique coastal properties and countryside hideaways, here are Kent’s most beautiful boutique getaways.
A 17th-century house with nine unique bedrooms, and a remarkable boutique restaurant, Boys Hall is one of Kent’s most luxurious places for an epicurean getaway.
With plenty of fireplace armchairs to sink into and recharge, the welcoming atmosphere of Boys Hall makes it fit for a weekend or an entire week away indulging in all the very best produce-driven dishes the county has to offer. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, soak up the sunshine on the outdoor terrace or dine in the main restaurant on dishes that highlight fresh, local, seasonal produce. With plenty of expert pairings selected from their wine cellar, creatively crafted cocktails and Kentish vintages, relaxed refreshment can be enjoyed at any time of day.
In the evening, guests can head to one of their nine character-filled bedrooms, each individually designed with super-king luxury beds, pure cotton bedlinen, roll top baths and views overlooking the gardens. Large and luxurious, the Bishop’s Quarter is a super-suite featuring 16th-century panelling, stone mullion windows and a complimentary bottle of signature Boys Hall brandy. From vineyard tours and floristry workshops to wine dinners and fire cooking, Boys Hall also offers a variety of engaging activities that explore Kent’s rich heritage, each of which can be pre-booked via their website. Close to a variety of iconic attractions, guests of Boys Hall can take a short drive to tour Biddenden Vineyards, explore the Rare Breeds Centre or take a leisurely stroll through Leeds Castle’s historic gardens.
A haven for artistic explorers looking to soak in the very best of Margate’s seaside offerings, The Reading Rooms are as stylish as they are intimate and welcoming. A bed and breakfast just a short walk from the Margate Main Sands, this Grade II listed Georgian town house has two spacious guest rooms, each covering their own floors.
Renovated as a guest house for visitors to enjoy the cultural offerings of Margate, The Reading Rooms’ partitions and layers reveal their original Georgian features, colours and proportions. In the Salon room, guests will be met by a decorative fireplace, antique chandelier, ornate plaster cornicing, underfloor heating, hand-carved super-king-size bed and a cast-iron roll-top bath. In the Attic room on the third floor, guests will find a vaulted ceiling with lime-washed wooden beams, solid oak parquet flooring and three large windows with stunning views over the square. Much like the Salon, the Attic’s en-suite bathroom features a cast-iron roll-top bath, walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries from Ren Skincare. During a stay at The Reading Rooms, guests can venture throughout the artsy hub of Margate to locations such as the Turner Contemporary, the ever-mysterious Shell Grotto or The Theatre Royal for an evening performance in England’s second oldest provincial theatre.
Image by: John Knight
Popular with both Kent locals and visitors from further afield, The Blue Pigeons is a family-run restaurant and hotel located in the picturesque village of Worth. Taking pride in serving delicious, locally sourced seasonal food in a welcoming atmosphere, the Blue Pigeons also offers cosy accommodation for guests to feel truly at home during their stay. Designed for comfort and relaxation, the Bethany Suite on the second floor overlooks the village church and features its very own library. With a super-king-size bed, Smart TV, walk-in monsoon shower with complimentary Pelegrims products and a chaise lounge for guests to unwind in as they read, this room is fit for any guest seeking a truly relaxing break.
Worth itself is a small village nestled on the outskirts of Sandwich in the serene English countryside. A place of peace and tranquility, the village is a great place to explore for those wanting to bathe in the natural scenery by walking, cycling or even horse riding through the fields and woodland. After enjoying a delicious and hearty meal at The Blue Pigeons, guests can explore the local church or indulge in a tailored massage at Lorraine’s Treatment Room before taking a short drive to the nearby historic town of Sandwich to explore a plethora of charming shops.
Built in 1791 and perched along the picturesque Kentish coast, Albion House is a family-owned, 14-bedroom boutique hotel with a rich and colourful history. A stone’s throw from Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, the Georgian building offers breathtaking sea views as well as a relaxed restaurant experience in The Dining Rooms, where only the very freshest coastal ingredients make it into their dishes. Perfect for a romantic getaway that’s a little shorter than the conventional honeymoon, couples can stay in the Little Victoria’s Room, where Princess Victoria once recuperated in 1835. A charming space with high ceilings, elegant Georgian doors and a Regency balcony with gorgeous harbour views, this room is sure to provide guests with a restful night’s sleep that blends modern elegance with historical charm.
With a vibrant cultural scene, stunning coastline and historic architecture, it’s no wonder that Ramsgate is a popular tourist destination for those wanting to explore the coastal south. For a day of adventuring, guests of Albion House won’t have to walk far to reach the Ramsgate Tunnels filled with poignant World War II history, The Micro Museum of retro computers and consoles, or the scenic Royal Harbour Marina which is ideal for a relaxing stroll with a view. On especially sunny days, the King George VI Memorial Park proves an excellent spot for some fresh seaside air and a delicious picnic, with flowerbeds and sweeping views of some of Ramsgate’s most beautiful natural scenery.
Image by: Toby Mitchell
A stunning Victorian property that sits elegantly above Margate’s Main Sands, No. 42 is home to 21 guest rooms and lookout suites that pair original features with all the modern amenities that visitors might need during a weekend away. Within one of their largest rooms, guests can enjoy sea views over their very own private balcony in a space equipped with a comfy king-size bed, freestanding bath and separate shower.
Beyond this seaside haven, Margate is home to a host of attractions from the intriguing Margate Caves and Dreamland amusement park to The WonderWorks model train museum and Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. When in need of sustenance after a long day of exploring, visitors will find some wonderful restaurants nearby including Bottega Caruso for authentic southern Italian food, The Greedy Cow for light bites and famously towering sandwiches, or The Bus Cafe, a double-decker London bus now converted into a cafe for a more experiential bite to eat. Those who love vintage shopping are also in luck as Margate is home to hidden gems such as Brueuer & Dawson’s clothing shop, Brocante for their range of eclectic antique furniture and Cliffs, which is a cafe, yoga studio, hair salon and second-hand record shop combined.
A series of stylish cabins by the shoreline of St Mary’s Bay, CABÜ by the Sea offer luxury accommodation for holidaymakers looking to embrace the very best of the Kentish coast. Eco-friendly and made using reclaimed timber, their cabins range from studios for couples to two- or three-bed accommodation for larger groups and families. Each furnished with interesting books, games and treats, the hideaways have a two-night minimum stay so are ideal for weekend or midweek breaks.
Lying on a natural stretch of grassland between Romney Marsh and the English Channel, CABÜ by the Sea is an intimate retreat with access to miles of stunning coastline. For small groups of friends, their two-bedroom Beach House cabins are perfect for a cosy getaway, featuring cosy log burners, fully equipped kitchens and private decking with access to a gas barbeque for cooking lunches in the summer sun. Other on-site facilities include a large seasonal pool, hot tubs and a sauna, as well as an open-air summerhouse surrounded by beautiful views of St Mary’s Bay. At CABÜ’s Nature Spa, guests can reconnect with their own natural rhythms, with activities such as outdoor bathing and aromatherapy, taking in the freshness of the sea air and watching the clouds float slowly by. For those seeking to venture out across St Margaret’s Bay, the South Foreland Lighthouse and Pines Garden are stunning local hotspots you won’t want to miss.
The Stables at Updown Farmhouse, Deal
A beautiful 17th-century former farmstead on the outskirts of Deal, Updown Farmhouse has been lovingly updated to feature 10 luxurious rooms for overnight stays alongside their conservatory that’s open to the public throughout the week. For those looking to enjoy a little peace and quiet on a solo trip in Kent, Updown’s stable rooms are an excellent choice, and Room Eight in particular – a symphony of deep reds and ambers that radiate tranquility – features a king-size bed, walk-in shower and terrace access with a stunning view of the garden. A run of compact rooms that open straight out onto the gardens, The Stables provide solace from the main house, where guests enjoy their morning breakfast.
Less than a 20-minute drive east, visitors can explore Deal’s pebbled beach and scenic promenade, with its historic fishing boats and white huts on display that make a scenic backdrop for a relaxing stroll along the shoreline. Close by is Deal Castle, a historic fortress with interactive exhibits as well as Betteshanger Park where visitors can cycle through one of Kent’s most outstanding outdoor spaces. Open seven days a week, Betteshanger also hosts a variety of activities in its 250-acre country park such as archery, fossil hunting, geocaching and even a military fitness course to test your skills.
ACROSS THE BORDER…
The George in Rye, East Sussex
A luxury hotel offering relaxing escapes in a historic location, The George in Rye is a reimagined 16th-century coaching inn-turned retreat. With each bedroom a sanctuary of elegance, calm and comfort, accommodation at The George is distinct in character and design. Each equipped with soft linens, large baths and showers as well as bespoke furniture, overnight stays can be anything from compact and comfortable for solo travellers to spacious and bright for couples who want a little more space. The best of both worlds are their Superior Rooms; eclectic and charming with either king or super-king-sized beds. Boasting walk-in showers, freestanding baths, REN products and fluffy bathrobes, each room is truly one of a kind.
Home to the George Grill, where charcoal-fired dishes are served daily from 12pm – 9pm, guests at The George won’t have to venture far for a delicious bite to eat. Serving a modern European grill menu using the very best local ingredients such as freshly-caught seafood from Rye Bay and Romney Marsh lamb, their head chef brings a twist of creativity to each dish. During the summer months, guests can sit within their picturesque Courtyard Garden to enjoy the sunshine alongside their meal and feel right at home within this stunning boutique hotel. For lovers of charming architecture and independent shops, the nearby historic town of Winchelsea is only a short drive away, as well as Rye’s local harbour and the South Downs National Park, which is a beautiful tapestry of rolling hills, rich wildlife and utter tranquility.
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