Hygge Hideways: Kent’s Cosiest Autumn Staycations
The Garden of England is glorious in any season, but autumn is when it really comes alive. As the crowds dissipate from the county’s most popular tourist hotspots, the towns and villages of Kent settle into a more relaxed pace of life – it’s the perfect time to explore some of the county’s snuggest gems.
The White Hart, Newenden
Right on the Kent/Sussex border you’ll find this welcoming 16th century inn, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. With an inglenook fireplace, authentic beams and plenty of character, this pub oozes cosy charm. Food’s available every day, dogs are welcome and if the sun’s shining there’s a spacious garden to the rear where you can enjoy a homemade meal and a drink while admiring the views out over the river Rother and beyond.
Stay: The pub boasts boutique cosy rooms, so you can set up camp upstairs and emerge for a hearty breakfast the following morning. The village also has a number of stylish Airbnbs and there’s multiple camp and glampsites around too.
Play: Cross the bridge by the adjacent cricket field you’ll find The Lime Wharf Cafe and Bodiam Boating Station, where you can take a trip up the River Rother on a paddleboard, enjoy a river cruise to Bodiam Castle or simply just visit the cafe for outstanding breakfasts, lunches and cocktails.
The Sun Inn, Faversham
Right in the heart of Faversham, you’ll find the Sun Inn. Dating back to the 14th century, it is brimming with original features, and serves up delicious food and drink along with a slice of nostalgia. The dishes here are crafted with fresh ingredients using local suppliers, and there’s an impressive drinks selection too. As part of the Shepherd Neame group (which hails from Faversham), there’s of course some locally brewed beers along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
Stay: The pub has some seriously stylish accommodation onsite – think roll top baths, wooden beams and gorgeous cosy touches. The 12 boutique rooms at The Sun Inn include everything from exquisitely decorated feature rooms, to expansive family rooms, so everyone is catered for.
Play: Thanks to being situated right in the heart of Faversham, visitors to The Sun Inn can step right out into the market town and enjoy what it has to offer. From stylish boutiques to medieval streets, it’s a town that’s bursting with history and charisma.
The Pepper Box Inn, Harrietsham
The Pepper Box Inn is a charming, 15th century country pub with low timbered ceilings and beautiful inglenook fireplaces. Situated on one of the highest points overlooking the weald of Kent, there are outstanding views that look particularly spectacular in autumn.
Stay: Although there’s no accommodation at the pub, the surrounding area has a number of places to stay. In nearby Grafty Green there’s the quirky Who’d A thought It with its Champagne bar and themed suites. Less than three miles away there’s also Chilston Park Hotel, or in Harrietsham there’s the ever-popular Stable Oak Cottages which include hot tubs and plenty of ways to relax and enjoy your countryside surroundings.
Play: Leeds Castle is only a short drive from The Pepper Box Inn and is ideal if you’ve got the whole family in tow. However, if you’re after a more grown-up day out, from the pub you could venture for just eight minutes and land at Wildshark Vineyard – a hidden gem where you can enjoy tours, tastings and more.
The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne
From seafood platters to pie with lashings of gravy, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating at The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne. This lively pub boasts plenty of traditional features such as high, vaulted ceilings and impressive fireplaces.
Stay: The Chaser Inn doesn’t have accommodation on offer, but there’s plenty of places you can stay nearby. You can’t get much more traditional (or Kentish!) than an oast house, and Bear Manor Oast is a luxurious and family friendly option. The roundel oast house is built over two floors and is totally self-contained with its own private entrance and parking in the drive.
Play: Situated opposite Shipbourne’s village green, The Chaser Inn is ideally placed for you to explore the local area, whether that’s the village itself or further afield. National Trust’s Ightham Mote is only two miles away, and it’s a popular choice for anyone staying or visiting the area. The nearest town is Tonbridge where you’ll find plenty of shops and eateries too.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable
Right on the beach, this Victorian inn has everything you need for a cosy coastal experience. With its extensive drinks menu serving up Whistable’s very own beverages like gin and lager, you can while away the hours with incredible views while staying warm next to the roaring fire.
Stay: Whitstable is home to a number of quirky hotels and houses to stay in. The Fisherman’s Huts are one-of-a-kind beachfront boltholes that marry cosy and cool perfectly. Or, stay in the historic Marine Hotel with sea views and boutique bedrooms.
Play: Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Whitstable; the summer crowds have gone but the town is still thriving. Known for its oysters, no trip to Whitstable is complete without sampling the local fare down at the harbour. Sunnier autumn days can be spent on the beach, and on cooler days you can enjoy a bike ride along scenic coastal paths, like the very aptly named Crab & Winkle Way.
King Henry VIII, Edenbridge
This cosy half-timbered pub is an excellent autumnal escape, thanks to its roaring fires and tudor decor. The pub has won awards for its food, and it’s just a short walk from Hever Castle too, so it’s ideal for those spending an historic weekend away.
Stay: History buffs or those looking for a unique experience might fancy a night at the iconic Hever Castle, with its five-star luxury rooms in the Astor and Anne Boleyn wings of the building. Elsewhere there’s self-catering holiday properties where you can enjoy the local area in a home from home setting.
Play: The pub is perfectly situated so that you can visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. But, there’s so much more to do locally in autumn. Edenbridge’s historic high street with its medieval architecture isn’t one to be missed, and those interested in local history can pay a visit to the Eden Valley Museum. The area has plenty of pathways for countryside strolls, and the stunning landscape lends itself well to autumnal colours.
The Bull, Benenden
The Bull at Benenden is situated in the heart of the classic village of Benenden, and dates back to the 17th century when it was built as a private residence before becoming a public house. The pub features inglenook fireplaces, traditional decor, antique furnishings and everything you need for the perfect autumnal ambience.
Stay: Just a stone’s throw from the pub, you’ll find Bloom Stays’ Lower Standen Farmhouse. This luxurious 17th-century self-catering country retreat not only has a gorgeous open fireplace, it’s also got plenty more nooks and crannies in the sprawling nine-bedroom home. There’s even a hidden heated swimming pool in the grounds – perfect for taking a toasty dip after an afternoon of strolling in the nearby Wealden countryside.
Play: Just three miles from Benenden is Biddenden Vineyard where you can do daily tours and sample some of Kent’s best wines. The towns of Cranbrook and Tenterden are each just a short drive away, or you could pay a visit to Sissinghurst Castle, which is In the village itself there’s the quintessential village green with 12th-century St. George’s Church overlooking it. The Grade I‑listed building is known for its impressive architecture and rare ring of twelve bells. In fact, it’s second only to Canterbury Cathedral in parish bell collections.
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