Destination of the month: Kent

There’s no better place to celebrate spring than in the Garden of England. You can be a million miles away within a few short hours and there are so many ways to relax. 

It’s surprising how quickly your world view can change: a walk in captivating countryside of the North Downs Way and suddenly your pace of life slows; a day pampering in a spa and your limbs and spirits become magically lighter. Visit in spring to drift with the bluebells at Emmetts and Goodnestone Park Gardens (www.goodnestoneparkgardens.co.uk/) - pure aromatherapy for the soul.

Make time for a long pub lunch in a tucked-away village; dining is a dream when your fare comes straight from Kent’s fresh larder of orchard, vineyard, farm and sea. Relish quintessential England in a pint of Shepherd Neame hop-filled ale, a plate of Romney Lamb or juicy Whitstable Oysters. Pub walks combine the twin rewards of dawdling and dining. Begin and end your foray through Perry and Conduit woods at the Rose and Crown, Selling. Lunch washed down with a pint of Goacher’s mild from Maidstone is a fitting finale.

Sometimes, nothing short of complete pampering of mind, body and spirit is what you need to revitalise.  Where better to start than with some pure ‘me’ time at the Royal Day Spa (www.royal-dayspa.co.uk/) in Royal Tunbridge Wells, which brings the town’s therapeutic traditions bang up to date. And do stay to soak up the atmosphere of this elegant town: at the boutique Hotel du Vin (www.hotelduvin.com/), you can now avail yourself of in-room treatments.
So relaxing, so close, so Kent.

For more information and to book your next trip to Kent see www.visitkent.co.uk

Want to win your own relaxing break to Kent? Click here to find out more and enter!

Ideas and offers for the forthcoming weekend in Kent

Football crazy?

Be part of An Audience with Jimmy Greaves this Friday at the Woodville Halls in Gravesend. The former Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham and England International striker (not to mention legendary pundit), Greavsie will recall his experience of events from over twenty years as a professional footballer, all delivered with his unique comic timing. At the end of the second half, he will take questions from the audience.
Stay at the Best Western Manor Hotel on the Friday night from only £74.50, or why not make a weekend of it from just £149? (Prices are per room, based on two people sharing. This is a room only rate).

A first for Leeds Castle

Horses compete in Leeds Castle’s first equestrian event, with dressage, equestrian and display rings. Alongside the Horse Show is a Country Fair, featuring gardening stalls and country crafts in a marquee on the Cedar Lawn. Stay at the Hilton Hotel in Maidstone. Some great deals are available this weekend: two people sharing a room from £219 for Friday and Saturday night.

See our previously featured destinations