There are few more scenic parts of the UK than the southeast county of Kent, where you’ll find a wide number of glamping sites offering outdoor adventure with a dash of luxury.
(Photo: Chitty Chitty Glamping)
With its distinctive oast houses where hops are dried for beer production, endless orchards and even a burgeoning sparking wine scene, it’s easy to see why Kent is nicknamed the Garden of England. And for those keen to really get close to nature, across the county’s vast swatches of picturesque countryside are an abundance of campsites, including several ‘glamping’ venues where you can sleep under the stars while enjoying many of the trappings of a luxury hotel. We’ve picked out 5 of Kent’s most unique glamping sites below.
Chitty Chitty Glamping
Take a walk or bike ride through the surrounding countryside, make friends with the resident ponies, look out for barn owls, woodpeckers and hedgehogs, or simply sink into your hot tub and unwind with a glass of bubbly at this gorgeous glamping site, set on a family-run retreat in the village of Chislet near Canterbury. Part of an area of outstanding natural beauty, the site, reached via a quiet country lane features four luxury bell tents, each with a kitchenette and private patio, and some with a hot tub kept toasty by a wood-burning fire. Inside the tents, which sleep up to 4, you could easily be in a boutique hotel room, with their king-sized beds (two singles can be added), tasteful furnishings, snug rugs and even those all-important USB charge points. There are also two shared shower and toilet rooms. Nearby, keen anglers can try their luck at two well-stocked lakes and for dining out or a traditional ale there are two country pubs within easy walking distance.
Book at Chittychittyglamping.com
Honnington Farm
(Photo: Honnington Farm / Courtesy Booking.com)
Set amid 500 acres of countryside outside the small town of Southborough, close to Tunbridge Wells, Honnington Farm features four cosy, stylish glamping pods, each with en-suite wet rooms, kitchenettes and outdoor fireplaces. Surrounded by lush greenery and dense woodland, the views simply take the breath away, while communal amenities including a table tennis table, a children’s playground and a picnic area add to the appeal. Nearby attractions include Ightham Mote, Hever Castle and the urban grandeur and charm of Royal Tunbridge Wells, all of which are a short drive away.
Woods Meadow
Situated on a family-run farm close to the quaint market town of West Malling, Wood Meadow comprises four high-spec luxury holiday lodges overlooking a grassy meadow and fields and woodland beyond. A dedicated children’s woodland exploration area invites kids to explore nature in a fun and safe setting. Each lodge sleeps up to six people and is equipped with a kitchenette, toilet and shower, while outside guests can make use of a fire pit for BBQs and a decking area with outdoor furniture and bucolic views. For maximum loading and unloading convenience, there are also parking spots adjacent to every lodge.
Knight’s Glamping at Leeds Castle
(Photo: Knight’s Glamping at Leeds Castle / Courtesy Booking.com)
There can be few more unique glamping experiences than sleeping in the grounds of a bona fide feudal castle. Situated in north Kent, the Grade II-listed Leeds Castle is most famous for being a one-time residence of Henry VIII, who used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. And what better way of immersing yourself in such rich royal heritage than by spending the night among it? The venue’s spacious Medieval-style tents offer just that opportunity, with all guest stays including complimentary daytime entry to the castle, as well as out-of-hours access to the seasonal gardens, grounds, parkland and children’s play areas. Each tent features chests of drawers, reading lamps and tea/coffee-making equipment, along with free use of cast iron griddles over an open fire pit – perfect for re-enacting how Medieval knights would have eaten before battle.
The Woolpack
If there’s one amenity missing at most glamping sites, it’s a sit-down restaurant. That’s where The Woolpack, located outside bustling Maidstone, comes into its own as it’s set on the same site as a fully-fledged 16th-century country pub. Here glamping guests can tuck into classic British fare and ales from Kent-based Shepheard Neame, the UK’s oldest brewery. As for the glamping facilities, you’re assured the pinnacle of comfort in their sumptuous pods, which have been constructed out of natural pine and are well-insulated for those cold winter nights. Inside, you’ll find beds that accommodate up to 4 guests, an ensuite shower, USB sockets and picture-postcard vistas across the Weald of Kent. For those keen to cook, there are also camping stoves available for hire.