Our properties sit in the heart of the Kent countryside — Hollingbourne and Bearsted are two of the county's most beautiful and characterful villages, within easy reach of some of England's finest attractions. Whether you're after a castle, a country walk, a vineyard tour or simply a pint by the fire, you won't be stuck for things to do.
Here's our personal guide to making the most of the Garden of England during your stay with The Kent House Collection.
Must-See Attractions
These are the headline acts — the places that make Kent truly special and that guests come back raving about.
Leeds Castle
One of the most visited and most beautiful castles in England, Leeds Castle sits on two islands in a lake surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and formal gardens. With a history stretching back over 900 years, it has been home to six medieval queens and a palace for Henry VIII. Enjoy bird of prey displays, maze, grotto, golf and seasonal events throughout the year.
~6 miles from both properties · leedscastle.comKent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Right on your doorstep. The Kent Downs AONB covers 878 square miles of stunning English countryside — rolling hills, ancient woodland, chalk downs and far-reaching views. Hollingbourne sits at the foot of the North Downs with direct access to some of the finest walking and cycling in the south east. The famous North Downs Way long-distance trail passes right through the village.
Walkable from both propertiesThe Pilgrim's Way
One of England's most ancient routes, the Pilgrim's Way runs from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral along the foot of the North Downs. A section passes through Hollingbourne, making it the perfect starting point for a walk steeped in centuries of history. The 6-mile Hollingbourne West Lost Landscapes circular walk takes you past the ancient manor of Ripple and back along this iconic route.
Starting from Hollingbourne villageHush Heath Estate & Winery
Set in 400 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Hush Heath Estate is one of England's finest vineyards — producing award-winning still and sparkling wines. Take a guided tour through the vineyard and winery, finishing with a tutored tasting. Their restaurant, The Tickled Trout, serves a seasonal menu with an Italian twist and, naturally, excellent local wines.
~20 mins from both properties · hushheath.comRiver Medway Cruise — Kentish Lady
Step aboard the Kentish Lady riverboat in Maidstone for an hour-long cruise along the beautiful River Medway. Pass the medieval Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone's oldest pub, and Allington Castle — where Henry VIII used to meet Anne Boleyn. A wonderfully relaxed way to see the county town from a different angle.
~15 mins from both properties · Maidstone town centreWalks, Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Kent's countryside is some of the finest in England — perfect for long walks, cycling and simply breathing it all in.
Mote Park, Maidstone
One of the largest public parks in the south east, Mote Park spans over 450 acres with a beautiful lake, wildlife trails, adventure playground and wide open spaces for picnics. Hire a paddleboat on the lake in summer or simply enjoy the peaceful walking trails. Free to visit and perfect for families.
~15 mins from both propertiesElectric Bike Tours of Kent
Explore the Kent countryside on an electric bike — either self-guided or as part of an organised group tour. Well-thought-out routes take you through orchards and oast houses on the Wealden Tour, through gardens and blooms on the Kent Garden Route, or on a scenic vineyard adventure. A brilliant way to see the countryside without the hills defeating you.
Tours departing from Maidstone areaLen Valley Nature Walk
A beautiful 12-mile trail through typical English countryside along the River Len. Spot wildlife including deer and badgers as you walk through some of Kent's most unspoilt natural scenery. A peaceful escape that starts right on the doorstep.
Accessible from Maidstone · FreeKent Life Heritage Farm Park
A wonderful 28-acre attraction combining a working farm with a vintage village preserved across different eras of Kent history — from a wartime cottage to a 16th-century farmhouse. Meet the animals, see the last still-working coal-fired oast house in Kent, and enjoy the adventure playground. Perfect for families with young children.
~15 mins from both properties · kentlife.org.ukLocal Pubs & Restaurants
Kent does the classic English pub exceptionally well — and there are some real gems within walking distance of both properties.
🍺 The George Inn, Leeds
A wonderful 1652 coaching inn in the village of Leeds — right next to Leeds Castle. Cosy and full of character, with great food, real ales and a lovely garden. Perfect for lunch after a castle visit.
Leeds village · ~10 mins from both properties · near Leeds Castle🍺 The Oak on the Green, Bearsted
Overlooking the beautiful Bearsted village green, The Oak is a lovely spot for a drink or a meal with views across the quintessential English green.
Bearsted village green · walking distance from Betty's Cottage🍺 The White Horse, Bearsted
A stylish pub on Bearsted village green serving real ales, fine wines and a seasonal menu of light bites and three-course meals. A local staple.
Bearsted village green · walking distance from Betty's Cottage☕ Fed on the Green, Bearsted
A lovely local café right on Bearsted village green — perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. Great coffee, homemade food and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.
Bearsted village green · walking distance from Betty's Cottage🐟 Fish on the Green, Bearsted
A brilliant local restaurant on the green in Bearsted — highly recommended for a proper dinner out during your stay. Great food in a lovely village setting.
Bearsted village green · walking distance from Betty's Cottage🍽️ The Tickled Trout, Hush Heath
Part of the Hush Heath Estate, this restaurant serves a seasonal Italian-influenced menu with outstanding local wines from the estate vineyard.
~20 mins away · hushheath.comBearsted Woodland Trust Walk
If you're staying at Betty's Cottage and have been to the café or The Oak on the Green, this walk is the perfect way to round off the morning or afternoon.
Bearsted Woodland Trust
A beautiful and peaceful woodland walk right on the doorstep in Bearsted — managed by the Woodland Trust and free to visit. Perfect after a coffee at Fed on the Green or a lunch at The Oak on the Green. The combination of the village green, a good meal and a stroll through the woods is one of the loveliest ways to spend a morning or afternoon in the area. Ideal for all ages and a lovely way to stretch your legs surrounded by nature.
Walking distance from Betty's Cottage · FreeMaidstone Town Centre
Just 15 minutes away, Maidstone is Kent's county town — packed with history, culture, shopping and riverside charm.
Maidstone Museum & Archbishop's Palace
Maidstone Museum is one of the finest regional museums in England — free to enter and home to an impressive collection of art, natural history and local history. Nearby, the 14th-century Archbishop's Palace sits on the banks of the Medway and is one of the finest medieval buildings in Kent.
~15 mins from both properties · Free entry to museumShopping & Fremlin Walk
Maidstone town centre has a great mix of high street shops, independent retailers and restaurants. Fremlin Walk is a lively shopping and leisure centre often featuring live music, street performers and pop-up events at weekends. A fun afternoon out whatever the weather.
~15 mins from both properties🦉 Tips from your hosts
- Leeds Castle is best visited on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds — and early morning is magical when the mist sits over the lake
- In Bearsted, start with a coffee at Fed on the Green, then lunch at Fish on the Green or The Oak on the Green, then walk it off in the Bearsted Woodland Trust — a perfect half day
- The Oak on the Green and The White Horse are both on the Bearsted village green — walking distance from Betty's Cottage
- Combine a visit to Leeds Castle with lunch at The George Inn in Leeds village — a classic Kent day out
- The Bearsted village green market runs on the first Sunday of every month — perfect if your stay includes a Sunday
- Book the Hush Heath winery tour in advance — it sells out quickly in summer
- The North Downs Way directly from Hollingbourne village offers some of the best views in Kent — head up at golden hour
- Maidstone is easily reached by train — Bearsted and Hollingbourne both have stations with direct services
- For families, Kent Life is brilliant for a full day — combine it with a Medway cruise for a perfect day out
Ready to explore Kent?
Book one of our three exceptional holiday retreats and use this guide to plan the perfect trip. Direct bookings only — no platform fees.
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