Escape The Everyday: 8 Unique Places To Stay In Kent
- Rose Armstrong
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
In Kent, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful places to rest our weary head after exploring all the Garden of England has to offer.
From glorious hotels like Ashdown Park Hotel, The Spa Hotel (have you visited the new Wellness Suite that re-launched last year?) and yes, we’ll be queueing up to stay over at The Pig in Groombridge when it opens later this year.
But if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, a bit more out of the ordinary, we’ve scoured the trees and waterways of the county to find you the most intriguing staycations and unique places to stay in Kent.
Perfect for: Romantics, glampers, and switching your phone to airplane mode
What makes it unique: Six sleek, eco-friendly domes hidden in woodland, offering the thrill of sleeping under the stars with the comfort of proper beds and warm interiors. Wake up to deer strolling past your dome, countrywide panoramic views and keeping toasty by the log burner or soaking in the hot tub. On site, feel the heat in the Finnish sauna, a swim in the heated outdoor pool or feel exhilarated with an outdoor cold plunge shower. This is a perfect opportunity for that much-needed digital detox so surrender to the stillness of Luna Domes and notice how you’re breathing easier and deeper without even trying.
What’s nearby: Get lost along forest trails in the 20 acres of wild woodland around Hoath House grounds and spot the residents with deer, birds of prey and pheasants occupying the land.
Perfect for: star-gazers, creatives, and anyone who still believes in fairytales
What makes it unique: A whimsical treetop hideaway for two that feels lifted straight from a children’s book - playful, elevated and deliciously removed from everyday life. Fall asleep under the stars - literally - thanks to a glass domed ceiling above your bed. Pack a sketchbook or your journal and let the magical surroundings inspire you. Cook a hearty breakfast over the little wood burning cooking range or toast marshmallows on the BBQ. The secluded garden features a twin open air hot water shower if you’re feeling brave and a wood-fired hot tub to relax the night away.
What’s nearby: Whitstable’s oysters and beaches, Canterbury’s historic streets, and plenty of inspiration for dreamy winter wandering. Located near to the popular Druidstone Wildlife Park or hop in the car and find wonderful coastal walks and beaches 15 minutes away.
Perfect for: soulful stays, quiet reflection and architecture lovers
What makes it unique: A striking former church thoughtfully reimagined into a one-of-a-kind place to stay, blending original features with calm, contemporary comfort. In the Weald of Kent and surrounded by hop gardens, orchards and woodlands, this converted church includes three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and plenty of entertaining space to spread out, including a subterranean snug and TV room. If quiet reflection is what you’re after, soak in the tub looking out of stained glass windows to stunning views. A short stroll away you’ll find the village shop with a deli and bakery counter and your local pub, The Gun and Spitroast. Suitable for adults and teenage children.
What’s nearby: Horsmonden village, beautiful vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands. Outdoor venues Bewl Water and Bedgebury Pinetum are the perfect days out for walks, cycle rides and, for the more adventurous, Go Ape. There’s also a few National Trust properties in the area; Scotney Castle with its pretty castle ruins or Sissinghurst Castle with its famous gardens – both around 15 mins drive away.
Perfect for: nature lovers, bookworms, and fans of cosy corners
What makes it unique: Earthy, cosy and beautifully blended into the woodland, this hobbit-style retreat is grounding in every sense — curved walls, warm tones and birdsong mornings. Discover this abode hidden along a woodland pathway and under festoon lighting, and retreat indoors to slip into the slipper bath and king-sized bed. Outside there’s a split-level seating area, so while away the time counting cows, stargazing around the fire pit, or grab a bottle of wine from a wine cooler and head to the hot tub.
What’s nearby: Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, a hop and skip from nearby Whitstable and Canterbury, and peaceful forest walks right on your doorstep.
Perfect for: design lovers, rule-breakers, and those who like a story with their stay
What makes it unique: A former police cell transformed into a clever, characterful boutique space — moody, memorable and surprisingly luxurious. With room for two cellmates - and that’s one bunk bed each to be clear - the reviews call out the attention to detail, and what a fun, humorous and, surprisingly, cosy stay Penny Rope offers. If you want to make a break from your cell, head to the private walled garden with all-year-round BBQ.
What’s nearby: Walking distance to Margate’s Old Town, Turner Contemporary, independent shops, sea air and excellent places to eat (once you’ve done your time).
Perfect for: countryside decompression, long walks and food lovers
What makes it unique: A beautifully converted barn wrapped in rural calm — all soft textures, never-ending views and space to properly slow down. Sleeping six guests across 3 bedrooms (1 King and 2 twin-rooms), this spacious dwelling is set within 45 acres and boasts 4.98/5 reviews. Built on eco-friendly principles with smart technology, the beautiful living sedum roof is loved by bees (hence the name). A perfect venue for cooking up a feast in the large open-plan kitchen and dining area, with open fields and skies surrounding this private holiday lodge.
What’s nearby: Kent Downs walks, cosy village pubs and wide skies that make this time of year feel gentler. Ten minutes drive from the Channel Tunnel, Hythe, Folkestone and Canterbury, there’s plenty to explore.
Perfect for: sea legs, novelty seekers and being rocked gently to sleep
What makes it unique: Staying afloat brings instant perspective — this characterful and beautifully restored Dutch barge offers a gently different pace, with cosy interiors and canal and harbour views. Moored in the medieval town of Sandwich, pets are welcome aboard this 100 year-old spacious barge which sleeps four. Catch a sunset up on deck with a steaming hot fish & chips takeaway from just 2 minutes walk. A perfect chance to watch the world - and the ducks - go by.
What’s nearby: Sandwich’s historic streets and architecture, check out the quirky roads of No Name Street and Holy Ghost Alley! Also known for its all year round festivals, concerts and events plus town trails, walks, and cycle rides. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs as soon as you step off the gangplank. A short drive away is Whitewalls Aqua Park, the pirate seaside resort of Deal, the majestic Dover castle and magical Roman fort at Richborough.
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Sometimes, the antidote to winter fatigue isn’t another to-do list or resolution — it’s a change of scenery. A night beneath the trees. A morning by the water. A space that feels intentionally different from everyday life.
These unique stays across Kent remind us that rest can be playful, reflective and quietly restorative. As we edge closer to Spring and the year stretches ahead, perhaps the most conscious choice is allowing yourself to step away — even just for a night — and return feeling lighter, clearer and more grounded.
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