Canterbury Escape Off The Grid

The Kent Downs AONB is crossed with footpaths through ancient woodland and dotted with historic villages. For inspiration, check the local map in the cabin. If you’d like to add a goal to your walks, make for Simpsons Wine Estate (an hour’s stroll) for tasting and buying; booking ahead is advised. And, of course, Canterbury (20 minutes’ drive) has one of the most famous cathedrals in the UK. Scene of a grisly murder in 1170, it is well worth a visit for its exceptional (largely) Gothic architecture, intricate choir screen and peaceful cloisters. After that, linger awhile in the city, taking in St Augustine’s Abbey and the eccentric half-timbered museum at Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. Another slice of history is over at Leeds Castle (45 minutes), where you can easily speed a day with tours of sumptuous rooms, falconry displays, fragrant gardens and a lakeside golf course. Dover (25 minutes) is home of England’s biggest castle, where you can look out at views of the English Channel, nose around the military museum and explore the labyrinthine tunnels from World War II. Afterwards, have a stroll along St Margaret’s Beach (half an hour) to admire the soaring landmark White Cliffs of Dover.