Holiday Cottages in Kent
Thomas Paine's Cottage
Sandwich
This - amongst the many historical holiday cottages in Kent - is a find for anyone interested in early American history.
Built around 1670, with beams which were once sailing ships spars, this cottage was once home to Thomas Paine, a founding father of the U.S.A. and contains a collection of Revolutionary War literature including works by Paine.
If you like to get close up and personal with your history, then stip into the beamed living room and take your place in the small library area - just as Thomas Paine will have done 250 year ago.
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| Sitting Room | Secluded Courtyard Garden |
Facilities
Holiday cottages in Kent come very well equipped. Despite its age, Thomas Paine's house offers you all the amenities of the 21st centutry. Linen and towels are included in the rental, as is electricity and gas central heating, plus the first load of fuel for the woodburner. Further logs can be obtained locally. There is a public carpark just 25 yards away and the owners provide permits to visitors, along with a welcome pack.
Thomas Paine's Cottage has a beautiful, south-facing walled garden with furniture, to allow you to enjoy England's balmy summer evenings.
Inside, the property provides TV & DVD, CD player, an electric range, microwave, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and Wi-fi.
Thomas Paine's Cottage is a non-smoking property.
Check availability and book your stay at Thomas Paine's Cottage
History on your Doorstep
Kent is not just England's garden, it's a treasure trove of history, too. From prehistoric times onwards, Kent has often been the entry port to England. So monuments here go way back. Here are a few attractions that should make it onto your must-see list when you're staying in one of the many wonderful holiday cottages in Kent.
Canterbury
Not just England's spiritual home, but a beautiful city in its own right with two Norman castles (I challenge you to find them!), wonderful little alleyways and streets to explore, great shopping, even better food and - of course - Canterbury Cathedral with all its marvels.
Dover Castle
This makes a LOOOONG day out, but is totally worth it. At Dover, you can really see history as a cake of many layers. From a prehistoric fort to WWII underground tunnels, Dover has it all. And now, it also has an amazing exhibition showing how the Great Tower would have looked during the times of one of England's most tempestuous kings: Henry II.
Chatham Dockyards
Ever stepped into a submarine? It's cramped - more cramped than you can possibly imagine. But is it any better on an old sailing ship? How many miles of rope does it need to hoist the sails? How many bullets and cannon balls should you take with you when you sail to America? Where do you sleep and what do you eat? If you're holidaying with children (and even if you don't), you'll be totally blown away by the dockyard.
Days Out and Things to Do
Holiday cottages in Kent make a great base for exploring. A short stroll from the Forge leads you to the heart of the unique medieval town of Sandwich, where Strand Street presents the longest stretch of timber framed buildings in the country! It's also a lovely place for a leisurely lunch with many pubs, small restaurants and cafes.
If you feel a little more adventurous, take a boat trip from Sandwich Quay along the River Stour to Richborough Roman Fort and explore the Roman gateway to Kent. Or visit the National Nature Reserve and Bird Observatory at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Kent Coast.
If you have more time on your hands, Whitstable and its oyster fisheries are not far away, or you could go antiques-hunting in Tenterden.
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