5 More Great Places to Visit in Kent

Here's another of our top 5 things to do in Kent

1. The Little Old Toll House

Tucked away on a small island just off Allington Lock in Maidstone lies on of the sweetest cafés in Kent. The Little Old Toll House provides delicious, sweet treats all freshly prepared for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of a riverside café. From Paninis, sandwiches and cakes to teas, coffees, and milkshakes it really does cater to everyone’s desires. With the beautiful spring summer weather coming to Kent this is the perfect place for an alfresco lunch with seating based outside looking out over the river. There is plenty of options from sitting in the shade to being out in the sun. even if it does become chilly – which is unsurprising with the English weather to staff are more than happy to provide blankets to keep you and your pooch warm. With the holidays coming up The Little Old Toll House is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxed alfresco lunch with your family, friends or even just you and your pup. On the top of our list this year!

1. Smoke & Cured at the Harrow

Another gem on the outskirts of Maidstone is this beautiful historic pub in the village of Ulcombe. The gastro pub has a relaxed but exclusive style, and it complements the area perfectly, serving a sophisticated, unique, and seasonal family menu utilising home grown and local produce. No two visits will be the same with the menu changing fortnightly and several events and deals that take place all year round. This pub is more than a summer treat in the sun but also for a cosy winter’s night. Each Saturday you can enjoy live music whilst taking advantage of their sharing steak offer of 2 8oz fillet steaks and a bottle of selected wine for the excellent value of £70. The perfect opportunity for a luxurious date night without break the bank! Then the following day, each Sunday, the Harrow play some of your reggae favorites whilst being able to enjoy a Sunday roast. Even if the weekend is not the ideal time for you during the week there is still plenty to enjoy with coffee and cake each Thursday as well as Burger Friday. The options are truly endless. We could go on about the Harrow all day, but words cannot do the pub justice. Get yourself down to Smoke & Cured at the Harrow and let them know you discovered them on What’s on in Kent.

1. The Hook & Hatchet

Next up there is the Hook & Hatchet Inn based in the quiet countryside of Hucking on the outskirts of Maidstone, with several activities to take part in and amenities to take advantage off, beyond the amazing bar and dining room which has a wide selection of beers, ales, and spirits as well as homemade pub food. This country pub really does go above and beyond with being a very dog friendly pub that hosts regular events for them with waggy Wednesdays, what’s better than a socialisation class with a pint. They also have areas for horses to be tied up and watered, so even if you decide to have a drink break whilst on a hack, your horses will have the same service (but for them its free). However, the Hook & Hatchet is more than just food and drink it is also the perfect hub for regularly events. With bingo taking place fortnightly, to monthly mic nights and music quiz. There is always something to do at the beautiful little pub. They also have live music regularly so always check the What’s on in Kent App to see what’s going on.

1. The Kings Head Staplehurst

If you are looking for somewhere to go after a busy day, the Kings Head is the perfect place to go. The traditional Kentish pub holds centuries of history within its walls form the listed features to the classic décor, it really is a step back in time. The village pub has even hosted writer Charles Dickens and comedian Harry Hill. Not something you can say about just anywhere. The character of this pub is evident in the walls and really is a cosy place to enjoy a beautiful cooked homemade meal. However, that isn’t the real attraction to the pub, the food is something else entirely. With over 30 main courses made from locally sourced, seasonal produce you will never run out of options. With the true highlight of the pub being the exceptional Sunday lunch. As well as serving good food and drink, the pub is dog friendly and has a pool table and also has live music and special events, so do check the What’s on in Kent App to see what’s going on.

1. Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa

If you are travelling for business or leisure the Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa is perfectly situated to explore the scenic surroundings of Kent. This charming four-star hotel ensures guests have access to everything they could possibly want and need from 24-hour room service to a few spa treatments as well as number of facilities to make sure everyone is comfortable including an indoor swimming pool. The Hotel and Spa also has several offers from Gin Tasting experiences to a couples retreat spa packages, all the way to afternoon tea on its own or with a handful of spa experiences. There really is selection of things for you to do this spring – summer period, take the time to treat yourself and relax. Self-care would no longer be a chore but something that is easy to take advantage of. This well-rounded location is even available for events from weddings to meetings and possibly anything else that may be in the diary’s this year. So if you are looking to book, don’t forget to let them know you discovered them on the What’s on in Kent.