The most romantic hotels in Kent for a chic mini-break
Coastal cool, sea views, epic rural settings and a burgeoning foodie scene – the best romantic hotels in Kent have all the ingredients couples need for a luxe getaway. In the staycation stakes, Kent makes a great alternative to hotspots like the Cotswolds and Scotland, with plenty of exciting places to check in to.
If you're looking to make grand gestures, fairytale castle hotels and country-manor-house escapes make it easy to do; take moonlit walks and boat trips on the lake at Hever Castle or cosy up in front of crackling fires at Eastwell Manor or Chilston Park.
For some clean-lined contemporary-chic, head to Rocksalt Rooms in Folkestone and enjoy a food-fest with ocean views. Slap-up feasts are a given at this seafood restaurant with rooms. Foodies will also love The Duke William in Ickham, a cool local pub with rooms that has reportedly pulled in A-listers as well as mere mortals with a taste for the finer things in life.
Over in Hythe, you can sleep under the stars at Kent's very own 'savannah' at the luxurious Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, which offers a magical safari experience, including the chance to stay in a 'bubble' for the night – uninterrupted views of the surroundings and glimpses of the resident wildlife guaranteed. And near Ashford, you can stay in a hotel with a staggering 400 years of history, Boys Hall.
We've rounded up the best romantic hotels in Kent below for some seriously stylish quality time together. Go on, treat yourselves to a perfect mini-break for two at these magical and memorable spots in Kent.
Boys Hall, Ashford
Its name may conjure images of draughty single-sex educational spaces, but Boys Hall is a far cry from the classroom. It’s actually a grade II-listed manor that was built in 1616, named after its previous aristocratic proprietors Thomas and Margaret Boys, and now transformed into a luxury hotel. The Jacobean manor has had a storied past – over the centuries, notable guests have included King Charles I and the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. Back in the Seventies, medieval gold coins were discovered under its floorboards (they’re now in the British Museum); and the tunnels in the cellar were once used by smugglers.
On the off chance your next stop is Paris, you’ll be pleased to hear Ashford International is less than 10 minutes away by car.
The Rose, Deal
The town of Deal – which is between Dover and Ramsgate on the Kent coast – has become almost as popular as Margate with people fleeing the capital. If you’re tempted, you can try it out for the weekend, with a romantic break to one of its most stylish boutique hotels, The Rose. It’s in a building that dates back a couple of centuries, but with interiors that are firmly in the 20th, if not 21st century: mid-century furniture, antiques and plenty of patterned wallpaper.
Away from the hotel’s chic interiors, you can unearth vintage treasures in Deal’s many boutiques, shop for vinyl in the independent record stores and enjoy the town’s vibrant arts scene. It’s also home to Deal Castle, commissioned by Henry VIII and one of the finest Tudor artillery forts in England.
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells
From its lofty setting, this romantic hotel in Kent lives up to its name, promising a welcome refuge to guests. A stay at The Beacon is the perfect way to explore the Garden of England without having to venture very far – from the balconies and terraced lawns, you’ll be able to admire the Kent countryside and its expanse of greenery. Even the address is charming – it’s on Tea Garden Lane, at the edge of the town centre and the aptly named Happy Valley. The grounds are also home to three spring-fed lakes.
There are rooms in the Arts & Crafts main building, but for peak romance, book the Summer House, which has its own hot-tub-enhanced terrace overlooking the Happy Valley. The cosy cabin also has a kitchenette, seating area and a super-king-size bed, plus a Roberts radio. Disclaimer: you may struggle to leave.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
What could be more romantic than a stay at a historic castle hotel? Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and you can sleep in an Edwardian wing named after her, attached to the ancient building.
Imagine moonlit walks through the Italian garden, boat trips à deux on the lake, or stealing a kiss on the impressive drawbridge.
Take a break from reality and cosy up in front of the roaring fire in the sitting room, tuck into afternoon tea in the breakfast room, then slink off to your luxurious four-poster bed.
If you book while the castle is closed to the public, you'll even enjoy a private tour.
No 42 by GuestHouse Margate
A relatively recent addition to the Margate hotel scene, No 42 by GuestHouse is a favourite from the hospitable brothers behind the rapidly expanding group (whose surname, aptly, is Guest). The 21-bedroom Victorian property is right on the shore, with a rooftop bar for romantic views of Margate and Thanet – equally good views await in the seafront-facing rooms, especially those that have a balcony.
The hotel also has a restaurant overlooking the water, plus a wellness space called the Field Trip, which will dispense treatments as well as snacks.
Rocksalt Rooms, Folkestone
Everything about Rocksalt is designed to woo, from the soul-stirring views over Folkestone's harbour to the mouthwatering seafood plucked from the water by local fishermen.
Indeed, the contemporary restaurant with its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, coastal vista and top-notch fare is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Enjoy a post-dessert stroll under the stars along the harbour before heading to the king-size bed in your ultra-cool modern room, with exposed brick details. Wake up with the seagulls singing and the salty sea air refreshing your spirits.
The Falstaff, Canterbury
In a 15th-century building in Canterbury, the Falstaff has lots of romantic (and historic) charms, with original beams and sloping ceilings in the bedrooms, and plenty of cosy corners in which to enjoy some quality time together.
The coaching inn dates all the way back to 1403, with the slightly more recent addition of an assortment of velvet armchairs in various colours, a cocktail bar and regular bottomless brunches. It’s within minutes of the high street, which leads to the cathedral for an especially scenic stroll.
Eastwell Manor, Ashford
Hotels don't get much more romantic than this ivy-clad manor house, set in 62 acres of outstanding Kent countryside. It promises a blissful rural retreat, while being just an hour and a half by car from London.
The grand country pad, which is managed by Champneys, is accessed by a long, winding drive. As befits the brand, Eastwell Manor is a wellness destination where you can blend romance with pampering at the impressive onsite spa.
The manor rooms channel modern country interiors, while the two shepherd's huts with cosy wood-burning stoves make the perfect intimate bolthole. Take mist-shrouded walks around the grounds and kick back with cream-topped scones in front of a crackling fire.
Albion House, Ramsgate
If it's design-led decor, a super-stylish bar and sea views you're after, this romantic hotel in Kent has got you covered.
The boutique vibe at Albion House doesn't fall into any coastal interior clichés – instead, it offers bold colours and cool artwork, with the odd striped nod to seaside chic.
Choose a suite for a wraparound balcony and sea views. You can make the most of long, lazy mornings, with an à la carte breakfast. In the evening, head to the buzzy bar and enjoy a cocktail on sink-into soft chairs with an ambient candlelit glow.
The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
This 16th-century pub is a dreamy bolthole that's perfect for escaping urban life.
In the morning, the breakfasts feature local hens' eggs, Kent sourdough and yoghurt from a nearby farm, while slap-up seafood dinners won't disappoint come dinner time.
The beautiful beach of Camber Sands is just a short drive away from The Woolpack, so you can enjoy a sandy stroll before snuggling up with a fireside G&T at the inn.
Decor is quirky and shabby chic: dairy urns for bedside tables and old rowing oars as wall art, while some rooms boast roll-top baths. It's the ideal cosy cocoon for couples.
The Duke William, Ickham
Low ceilings, industrial-style lighting and moody grey interiors create a cosy, contemporary atmosphere in this idyllic local pub with rooms.
The Duke William has the Hollywood seal of approval –it's said to have been frequented by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during their marriage – and it's not hard to see why. Great grub is guaranteed and the ambient restaurant boasts a warming open fire in winter.
Rooms are modern and stylish, in neutral tones, promising a cool sanctuary to relax in with a content belly and a head full of fresh air.
The traditional village of Ickham offers country walks aplenty, while Canterbury is just a 20-minute drive away if you fancy a culture fix. But our advice? Stay put in your chic rural retreat.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Canterbury
A stylish lodge in the grounds of one of the UK's most impressive cathedrals, you say? Romance certainly isn't dead.
The Canterbury Cathedral Precincts are a Unesco World Heritage Site, home to the oldest church in the English-speaking world, as well as the cathedral itself and the St Augustine's Abbey ruins.
At the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, you can enjoy a glass of fizz in the pretty gardens, wake up to views of the cathedral in your bedroom, and discover the extensive library.
While you feel like you're in an oasis of calm, buzzing Canterbury and its array of restaurants are just a swift walk away. This will be a romantic city break with a difference.
Chilston Park, Lenham
Looking for an authentic country-house getaway? Call off the search: Chilston Park is just the ticket, with its traditional decor of pelmets in the bedrooms and Chesterfields in the breakfast room.
The romance starts immediately, with a long, winding driveway leading up to the majestic building. Wander around the 22 acres of picture-perfect parkland, enjoy generous afternoon teas, and play games of giant chess on the lawn. The romance is in every nook and cranny of the building, which dates back to at least 1100AD.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Hythe
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent's largest wild animal park, set on a huge 600-acre site and home to more than 900 animals. The 75-plus species in residence include black rhinos, gorillas, giraffes, tigers, lions, leopards and bears.
The reserve offers a luxury safari right here in the UK that's perfect for couples. You can stay in a range of unique accommodation, from the luxurious boutique hotel to a romantic night under the stars in a 'bubble' pod with panoramic views.
You could also snuggle up together in a cosy shepherd’s hut in the woods or sleep within a whisker of the tigers or lions in the luxury lodges on the reserve for an unforgettable stay. Explore the many beautiful sites around the grounds, including the beautiful Moroccan Courtyard for afternoon tea. A truly unique and magical experience.
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