Venture onto the 40 acres of farm woodlands, where scenic trails and picturesque glades beckon you to reconnect with nature. Ideal for family walks or a morning jog (wellies, waterproofs, and umbrellas in the hall cupboard). You can even enjoy an old-fashioned picnic at our picnic spot using our wicker hampers and cool boxes. Admire the horses in their paddocks and in the woodlands let kids and dogs run free. Roam further afield on local footpaths and enjoy one of our guided walk maps to admire the countryside, the spectacular views over Kent, or just follow paths to our local pub without needing the roads or the car.
In the area around the estate we are blessed with an amazing variety of top-quality country pubs, gastro pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes, plus, a variety of nationally recognised attractions and entertainment options, including several new Kentish vineyards, all within easy reach by car. Even London is just over an hour by train from the main line station in the village.
The house is perfectly located in a wonderful, quiet, calm country spot yet so close and accessible to the M20, good rail links to London, and the towns of Maidstone, Ashford and Canterbury. If the coast is calling Harrietsham is within a 45 minutes’ drive of some major beaches.
Key attractions:
Leeds Castle: (10 mins) www.leeds-castle.com
Described as "the loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England's medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion and an elegant 20th century retreat. The Castle and its grounds hold a wealth of attractions, including: the Castle tour; the Knight's Realm Playground; the Maze; Go Ape Tree Top Adventure; Segway Tours; and simply enjoying the gardens and grounds. Tickets on sale at the gate.
The Big Cat Sanctuary (20 mins) www.thebigcatsanctuary.org
Set in the heart of the countryside at Smarden The Big Cat Sanctaury has excellent conditions for the breeding of endangered cats, both large and small. They offer a wide range of amazing experiences.
Chatham Historic Dockyard: (30 mins)
From the Tudor Spanish Armada to the Falklands crisis, ships have been built, repaired and manned at the Dockyard for 400 years. Chatham Dockyard secured and maintained Britain's command of the world oceans. With 80 acres of history to explore you really have to check out the website to plan a visit – there is so much to see.
Historic Rochester and Castle (30 mins)
Historic Rochester with its castle and Cathedral is well worth a visit. Be ready for lots of information about Charles Dickens and try not to miss The Royal Engineers Museum
Port Lympne Wild Animal Reserve: (37 mins) www.aspinallfoundation.org
One of the largest wild animal parks in the UK, with 600 acres of wide-open spaces for the animals to roam. A world leader in breeding rare and endangered species, committed to conservation. Animals include gorilla, tigers, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and a huge variety of primates. If wild animals are your thing also consider Howletts Wild Animal Park (44 mins),
Canterbury: (40 mins)
There is so much to see and do in Canterbury beyond the cathedral. Wander through the large pedestrianised shopping area which contains many family owned specialist shops as well as more mainstream high street brands. Visit the Canterbury Tales to learn about medieval life based on Chaucer’s famous stories (canterburytales.org.uk); take a guided river tour to learn about the hidden history of Canterbury (www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk); or join a ghost walking tour (www.canterburyghosttour.com). There are many good venues to eat and drink. One of our favourites is La Trappiste on Sun Street which has great food and choice of over 200 Belgian beers.
Whitstable: (45 minutes)
This is the quirkiest town on the north Kent coast, a veritable treasure trove of little independent shops, a real working harbour, great shingle beaches, top quality restaurants (try Wheelers, if you can get a table. www.wheelersoysterbar.com ), and walks galore. The
Sportsman, Seasalter: gastro pub with a Michelin star and a great reputation is nearby (01227 273370) as is Jojo’s: meat, fish and meze restaurant at Tankerton near Whitstable (01227 274591)
Folkestone: (45 mins) www.folkestone.ukfossils.co.uk
Hunt for Jurassic ammonites and belemnites in the Gault Clay on the beach foreshore at Copt Point. Tide dependent: better at mid/ low tide. Eat fish and chips beside the old Folkestone harbour. The Harbour arm is a wonderful day out, with shopping area, kiosks on the beach. Beachfront eateries and cocktail bars. Little Rock is a definite visit or its larger restaurant Rock Salt (www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk) or you can enjoy the harbour walks and just grab some fresh seafood, or hot fish and chips and sit admiring the view.
Nearby Pubs.
This area is so well supplied with excellent pubs it is only worth mentioning those nearby.
The Ringlestone. www.theringlestone.co.uk 01622-290300 (5 mins)
A beautiful Grade ll listed building dating back to 1533, now a free-house country pub and restaurant run by Dalton and Paulo who present a menu based on artisan methods of whole carcass butchery, dry curing, smoking and preserving. A lovely walk from the house over mainly footpaths (30 mins).
The Hook & Hatchet. www.hookandhatchetpub.co.uk 01622-880272 (13 mins)
This is a hidden gem in a lovely valley in Hucking. Set all alone and surrounded by thousands of acres of public woodlands on the Hucking Estate (great for dogs and kids, miles of well signed footpaths) the Hook offers great pub food, regular music events and excellent beers. A real locals free-house country pub lovingly run by Sharon and Alan.
The Dirty Habit. www.elitepubs.com/venue/the-dirty-habit/ 01622-880880 (9mins)
A great pub in Hollingbourne with a nice and varied menu and an excellent pizza oven. Another lovely walk (50 mins along the historical Pilgrims Way).
The Windmill, www.thewindmillhollingbourne.co.uk 01622 889000 (10 mins)
In Hollingbourne village near Leeds Castle: gastro pub, ideal for Sunday lunch
Percival’s Rest. www.percivalsrest.com 01622-587518 (4 mins)
The village pub in Harrietsham. A nice pub a mile down the road from the house
The Pepperbox Inn www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk 01622-842558 (10 mins)
Another real country pub, set up the top of Windmill Hill this is a 15th century pub with beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces. Run by the same family since 1958 it is just what you’d expect from Kentish country pub.
Selected local Restaurants
The Taste of Bengal: (5mins) 01622-859461. Good Indian Restaurant in Harrietsham Village offering take-away.
The Chequers Fish and Chips: (7 mins) 01622 859878 Really good local fish and chips in Lenham market square
Chopstick & Bowl Chinese Restaurant. (7 mins) 01622-858416 Our local Chinese Take-away in Lenham village..
Local Food Shops
Co-op - (4 mins) There is a good sized Co-op in the village and a small Mace store opposite.
M&S Food - (5 mins) At the service station between Harrietsham and Lenham.
Tesco Express – (13 mins) Bearsted near Maidstone. ME14 4NE
Tesco Superstore – (18 mins) – Maidstone ME14 5TQ
Sainsburys Superstore – (18 mins) – Maidstone ME15 6SF
Waitrose - (20 mins) - Ashford TN23 3RT
For more recommendations on things to do and see check out our travel guides on Maidstone & West Malling, Canterbury, and Tunbridge Wells.