Holiday Cottages in KentThe first time we took the tandem to Kent for a holiday we were surprised by its variety. And by the feeling of remoteness ... something we definitely did not expect barely an hour out of London. But Kent is also a very varied county. There's the long coastline with beautiful old villages and towns like Whitstable and Sandwich, which seem to doze peacefully surrounded by orchards and vegetable plots. There are old-fashioned seaside resorts like Deal, Margate or Herne Bay. The rolling hills of the Weald stretch across the centre of the county, while land, sea and sky blur into one when you cycle the Romney Marshes. There are castles, fine houses and idyllic gardens galore to explore. And then there are truly beautiful towns with long and exiting histories. And as for places to stay: holiday cottages in Kent can be anything you want. You want to stay in a lighthouse? Kent's got it. You want a thatched romantic hideaway? It's got that, too. So here's a small selection of cottages to give you a taste...
Or check out holiday cottages in all of Kent.
 If you always wanted to stay in a lighthouse, here's your chance. This is a glorious holiday retreat for a large family or group of friends. After all, there are not many holiday cottages in Kent - or anywhere else for that matter - where most of the rooms have sea views! But exceptional views are only one side of what makes this property special. The enclosed garden has direct access to the cliff path that leads to the beach. And if sea-bathing is not to your liking, then the Lighthouse also has a sheltered, heated outdoor swimming pool.
There's plenty to do away from the Lighthouse, too. Herne Bay is great for playing on the beach, windsurfing, sailign and jet skiing. You can explore the ruins of a Roman fort and Saxon church in Reculver Country Park. Or take a trip to Canterbury to explore the cathedral and the two Norman castles and soak up the atmosphere of this lovely town. Check availability and prices for The Lighthouse, Herne Bay
 This is as "Kent" as it's possible to get. Five miles from Sandwich and seven miles from Canterbury, this 300-year-old cottage stands in a large garden one the edge of a small village.Low ceilings and beams proclaim its age, but apart from that it's cosily furnished to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
But the area is also great for walking. There are countless trails and footpaths and even a vineyard trail for you to explore. The small medieval town of Sandwich makes an ideal place to stop for lunch or afternoon tea. Whitstable with its oyster fishery is not far away. Howletts 90-acre animal park (home to the UK’s largest group of African elephants) is also close by. Check availability and prices for Hambleton Lodge, Staple
 Mistways is a real 'chocolate box’ of a holiday cottage. Overlooking farmland it makes an ideal base for walking or cycling, and being on the edge of Ham Fen makes it great for bird watchers, too. If you love beams, you'll be very happy here and the inglenook fireplace will cosy up the lounge nicely if the weather's not playing ball. This is Kent at its finest with walking and cycling straight from the door.
Sandwich is 2 miles away and great for a day's exploring. (See if you can spot the road sign reading "Ham Sandwich"!) About 5 miles away is Deal, a seaside resort with old-fashioned charm and a lovely beach. Market day in Deal is Saturday, but many of the fruit and vegetable growers in the area also sell freshly picked goodies right by the roadside! Spend a day exploring Canterbury, or drive down to Dover to explore the truly magnificent castle. But for me, this part of Kent is all about relaxation. So go ahead, relax!
 I'm sure you'd agree that few cottages look more 'chocolate box' than this one!Wysteria Cottage is a pretty converted coach house in the grounds of the owners’ Georgian house. It has its own small garden and cosy rooms. A narrow road leads from the cottage into the village and from there through the Weald of Kent and towards the spa town of Tunbridge Wells. The area is famous for its many historic houses and gardens. You can explore Sir Winston Churchill's home, Chartwell, or wander the gardens at Sissinghurst. Hever Castle and Leeds Castle are within easy driving distance, as is the beautiful Ightam Moate.
 Kent is famous throught England for growing hops and oast houses were the places the hops were taken to be dried and processed.This holiday cottage is a beautifully renovated, detached oast house. The top quality modern finish and furnishings make a delightful contrast to the outside of the house and the village it stands in.
There's much to do in this part of Kent. Sissinghurst, Scotney Castle, Leeds Castle, Ightam Moate and Hever Castle make wonderful days out. There are vineyards and ciderworks at Biddenden and if you love steam trains, then there's the Kent and Sussex Steam Railway to make your day. On top of that, there's walking and cycling ... or just sitting quietly in a picture perfect pub and watch the world go by. Check availability and prices for The Oasthouse, Smarden
 The ancient city of Canterbury attracts thousands of visitors every year... and has done so since the 12th century. Many came as pilgrims to pray at the Shrine of St Thomas a Becket, but many also came to explore the city. And many more still come every year. Besides the famous cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, Canterbury also boasts two Norman castles, museums, shops and truly beautiful houses. This holiday home is one such: an elegant Georgian town house, spanning five floors.
This is city living at its finest. A place to rest weary feet after too much sightseeing. Yet still close enough to allow for some evening exploration of the many friendly restaurants and bars. And - of course - Kent's beautiful countryside is right on your doorstep. Check availability and prices for Oaten Hill House, Canterbury If you've never been to Kent before, the variety of this country will surprise you. From coast to castles, from ancient woodlands to beautiful gardens... Kent is a place worthy of closer scrutiny. I've tried to select holiday cottages in Kent that reflect this variety, but if you didn't see anything that appealed to you, just click the link to check out holiday cottages in all of Kent. I'm sure you'll find something that will make you go WOW!
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Inside, the Lighthouse is equally well equipped. Large spacious rooms allow everyone to spread out and the views are simply outstanding - especially if you climb right to the top.
This is a wonderful part of Kent to explore by bike (or tandem!) and the cottage owners thoughtfully provide two adult cycles when you rent the cottage.
Smarden, in the Kentish Weald, is a wool village dating back to the 14th century. The half-timbered houses and white weatherboard houses in the village hint at Smarden's long history and provide a delightful backdrop for a holiday.
It's been thoughtfully renovated and furnished to a high standard, even offering a walled garden right in the centre of town. 
