Explore

Activities for everyone

Situated in the garden of England, there is plenty to explore on our doorstep including majestic castles, glorious gardens, picturesque vineyards, quaint villages and historic towns.

For those wanting to venture further afield, direct trains to London in under an hour are available from Staplehurst station. Or if you are feeling more adventurous, why not take the train to Dover and jump on a ferry for a day trip to France!

Whether you are looking for a peaceful tour through the Kent countryside or an action packed adventure, there are activities available to suit the whole family within a short drive of the Hoppers’ Hideaways.

Steeped in history

The nation’s most stunning castles and majestic buildings steeped in intriguing history can be found in the Kent and East Sussex countryside.

Immerse yourself in the rich literary history of the region by visiting the homes of renowned authors and statesmen. Delve into the world of Rudyard Kipling at Bateman's, where the writer found inspiration for his timeless tales. Step into the shoes of Sir Winston Churchill at Chartwell, where his legacy is preserved in every corner.

Spend the day visiting National Trust properties such as Bodiam Castle and Scotney Castle, where the walls whisper stories of knights and nobility. Or escape into the fairytale setting of Leeds Castle, named the loveliest castle in the world, which offers activities that will keep the whole family entertained.

the Garden of england

It is easy to see how Kent gained it’s name as ‘the Garden of England’ when you take a look at the numerous beautiful gardens on offer in this county.

Discover 200 acres of superb classic parkland and colourful gardens with far reaching views over the hills, woods and fields of the picturesque Kentish Weald at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Or visit the former home of Henry VIII, Penshurst Place and Gardens, to enjoy a variety of gardens across the estate, each with their own season and colour.

Pashley Manor also host annual events including the Tulip Festival in spring and Rose Week in June. These events see garden enthusiasts and visitors from near and far attending so it is worth booking tickets in advance if you’d like to enjoy these beautiful floral displays.

TRY A TIPPLE

Home to some of the leading wine producers in the country, Kent has an array of picturesque vineyards and exciting distilleries to explore.

We recommend walking to Balfour Vineyard and sampling some of the award-winning wines, beers and ciders, followed by lunch in their newly opened restaurant The Winemakers’ Kitchen. Alternatively for wine enthusiasts who enjoy sampling a range of wines and visiting multiple vineyards in one day, we recommend booking a shared or private tour with Wine Tours of Kent.

If wine isn’t your thing, or if you just fancy something a little stronger, a visit to Anno Distillers in Marden, home to the world’s strongest gin, is not to be missed. Here you can tour the distillery and have a go at creating your own concoction to takeaway with you as a souvenir from your trip to Kent!

Get active in nature

Whether you’re young, or young at heart, there are plenty of activities in the great outdoors to get your blood pumping!

Hire a kayak a paddle down the calm river or board a river cruise from Bodiam Boating Station for a day out on the water. For those who prefer to be in the water instead, test your skills on the Aqua Park at Bewl Water.

If being amongst the trees is more your thing, then hire a bike and cycle through Bedgebury Pinetum, home to a world-leading collection of conifers. Or if you are feeling more adventurous, enjoy being suspended from the trees instead and Go Ape!

If you are feeling more competitive, enjoy a round of golf at Chart Hills Golf Club or race your friends in a go-kart around the award-winning circuit at Buckmore Park

Walks available from our doorstep

Whether you are looking for a short stroll followed by a glass of wine at Balfour vineyard, or are looking to work up an appetite for a pub lunch at The Goudhurst Inn or The Milk House, there are options for everyone.

Our favourite places for walking include Sissinghurst Castle on a summer’s evening followed by a cream tea, and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with a Knoops hot chocolate in hand to keep us warm during a windy beach walk.

Suggested walks can be found in the guidebook but we are happy to recommend others or plan bespoke routes to suit your requirements.

Indoor activities at the ready

The British weather can never be relied on, but fear not, there are plenty of indoor options available should the heavens open!

For adults, why not enjoy some retail therapy at Ashford Designer Outlet, learn the art of chocolate making at Temper Temper Chocolate, unleash your creative side at paint your own studio Slap’n’dash or treat yourself to a spa treatment at Bloomsburys Spa.

For energetic kids who need to burn some energy, take them trampolining at Gravity in Maidstone, climbing at Clip ‘N Climb in Tonbridge, swimming and racing down the waterslides at Larkfield Leisure Centre or bowling and to the arcades at Hollywood Bowl in Tunbridge Wells.

quaint VILLAGES AND HISTORIC TOWNS

Picture perfect postcard villages and historic towns with stone bridges over tranquil rivers can be found across Kent.

Cranbrook, known as the Capital of the Weald and the smallest town in Kent, is just a 5 minute drive from us and is near to Sissinghurst Castle. It has it's own museum as well as one of the finest smock mills in the UK. We love the bakery and the dog friendly café Arthur's (named after the owner's Spaniel!)

Larger towns such as Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells; the only spa town in South East England, are 25 minutes away. They feature a selection of boutiques, specialist independent shops, high street shops, bars and cafés, as well as beautiful parks and open spaces.

There’s more to see just a short journey away

If you fancy making a day of it, and want to explore more of Kent and the surrounding area, then you are conveniently placed to do so when staying at The Hoppers’ Hideaways.

Explore the fortified hilltop town of Rye, with it’s cobbled streets lined with untouched historic buildings, unique shops and galleries, or visit Canterbury, a UNESCO world heritage site with a glorious river for an afternoon punt and a picnic!

Take the train from Staplehurst (just a 5 minute drive away) to London, and enjoy the wealth of attractions, galleries, museums, theatres, restaurants and shops, that the capital city has to offer. Or, catch the train in the opposite direction, and head to Dover, where you can then catch the ferry to France.

PACK SOME LUNCH, AND VENTURE OUT FOR THE DAY

They say the early bird catches the worm, so why not get up early and venture slightly further afield to enjoy some unique attractions.

For history lovers, take part in a guided tour of Chilsehurst Caves or the Ramsgate Tunnels, or test your sea legs on a Cold War submarine at Chatham Dockyards and learn about warship construction and the history of the maritime world.

For children and adults alike, jump on a safari vehicle and catch a glimpse of many rare and endangered animals at Kent’s biggest wildlife park, Port Lympne, or hop on the Bluebell Railway and experience the thrill of getting up close to a working steam locomotive as you travel through the Sussex countryside.