Wild Woodland Retreat

This is a tiptop spot to get out for a trot – as well as the lovely walk into the village, the footpath by the meadow leads to the forest of Park Gate Nature Reserve or the tearooms of the Lord Whisky Sanctuary in about half an hour, or to Stelling Minnis Common and windmill in 40 minutes or so. Park Wood, Westwood, Madams Wood and Covert Wood are also easily accessed for more country strolls. If you’re feeling particularly lively, you can walk all the way to historic Canterbury in a couple of hours (although you’re welcome to choose the 20-minute drive instead to save your energies for wandering around the cathedral, the Roman Museum and the city walls). Seeking some sea air, you can either head south for half an hour or so to the sands of Folkestone and Dymchurch (plus a nostalgic ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway) or aim north for Whitstable (40 minutes) or Margate (50 minutes). For beasts somewhat more exotic than those seen on site, take your pick from a trio of wildlife parks: Howletts Wild Animal Park, Port Lympne Reserve and Wingham Wildlife Park are all around a 20-minute drive away.