COUNTRY HOUSES IN KENT

Knowlton Court, Kent

• Sleeps 38 people in 19 luxury ensuite bedrooms
• Excellent entertaining space – Grand Dining Room, Drawing Room, Billiard Room, Boudoir and Great Hall 
• Set in the heart of a 1,900 acre working farm and agricultural estate
• Under 1 hour to London by train
• Check availability here

The Garden of Eden

Kent is often known as the Garden of Eden and we are lucky enough to have two fabulously grand properties for our guests to stay in.  We only work with the very best manor houses in Kent which offer luxurious accommodation for large groups.  We have similar country houses in Hampshire and manor houses near London.

Countryside 

The countryside in Kent is beautiful and varied.  From the Kent Downs (an Area of Outstanding Beauty) featuring chalk hills, ancient woodland and scenic valleys, to the apple orchards, hop gardens and vineyards with traditional oast houses dotting the landscape, the views are spectacular.  There are many quaint villages with historic buildings and antique shops, the village of Chilham, the home of Chilham Castle, is picture perfect with Tudor buildings and a medieval square.  If you enjoy walking, there are picturesque country walks as well as woodland and nature reserves to explore.  The River Medway, River Stour and River Darent flow through Kent where you can take boat trips and enjoy riverside walks.

Coast

The Kent coast, which stretches along the south eastern edge of England, is best known for its white chalk cliffs, historic towns, and sandy beaches.  It is a diverse and picturesque region with a mix of natural beauty, maritime heritage and seaside charm.  

Canterbury

Canterbury is a medieval walled city that has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1,000 years.  Probably the most famous part of the city, is Canterbury Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England.  Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170 by four Knights who believed they had been ordered to do this by King Henry II.  King Henry undertook a pilgrimage of forgiveness for his murder, walking barefoot to Canterbury Cathedral.  Since then, and even until today, Canterbury has been welcoming pilgrims from all over the world.  The Cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows and gothic architecture as well as a vibrant religious history. 

For those looking for retail therapy and some gastronomical feasts, there is a good mix of independent and high street retailers along with award-winning restaurants, breweries and cafes.  The River Stour runs through the city offering scenic boat trips and riverside walks.

Whatever your requirements are, please do get in touch as we have other secret gems which might be suitable for you and which are not listed here.

Tour a Vineyard in Kent

English wine is becoming increasingly popular and Kent is possibly one of the most dynamic wine producing regions in the World.  Whilst guests are staying at one of our country houses in Kent, a visit to the award winning Chapel Down Winery is a must for those interested in wine and the production of it.  Also, Simpsons’ Wine Estate near Canterbury and just 15 minutes drive from Knowlton Court, is well worth a trip.  This husband and wife team have been producing award-winning wines in France since 2002.  Attracted by the chalk soil in the Garden of England they decided to put down roots for their UK vineyard in Kent, and have been growing vines there since 2014. 

Play Golf at a Championship Course

Royal St George’s in Sandwich is one of the greatest golf courses in the World (just 15 minutes drive from Knowlton Court and 40 minutes from Chilham Castle) and is delighted to welcome visitors.  It has hosted The Open, PGA and Amateur Championships as well as Walker and Curtis Cups.  Princes Golf Club in Sandwich is 50 minutes drive from Chilham Castle and just 25 minutes from Knowlton Court and offers 27 holes of championship links golf.  Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course in Deal and Barham and Kingsdown in Canterbury are also nearby and well worth playing.

Explore Leeds Castle 

Leeds Castle is a beautiful castle with stunning gardens, a moat and a maze. It provides a fabulous day out as well as being a romantic break if you choose to stay there as well.  There are 500 acres of grounds to explore with gardens and wildlife to enjoy and inside the castle you can discover 900 years of the history of Leeds Castle and those who have lived there. 

Visit Dover Castle

Dover Castle is another medieval castle situated above the White Cliffs of Dover on the coast overlooking the English Chanel towards France.  With huge defensive significance, having been built in the 11th century, it is sometimes known as the ‘key to England’.  There are secret underground tunnels that were created in medieval times, expanded during Napoleonic times and which were very influential during World War II.  There is also a Roman lighthouse which is one of the oldest surviving Roman structures in Britain. 

Spend a morning at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham 

A fun place to visit to explore historic warships, museums, and film locations.  A maritime heritage site in Kent, the Historic Dockyard Chatham displays over 400 years of Royal Navy history.  Built in the 16th century, it was one of Britain’s most important naval dockyards until it finally closed in 1984.  If you visit today, you will find a museum and visitor attraction with historic ships along with working dockyard buildings.