We hope you'll enjoy browsing our blog, where you'll find a wealth of information about our charming self-catering holiday cottages at Hawthorn Farm: the stunning surrounding countryside, the miles of nearby coastline, and the historic City of Canterbury with its magnificent Cathedral, plus the many picturesque local towns and villages…
In the following Blog articles you'll discover hidden gems, local events, and insider tips to make the most of your stay. Whether you're a seasoned visitor or a first-time guest, we hope our blog inspires you to make the happiest of memories in your holiday cottage, and to explore all that our beautiful corner of the world has to offer.
Your Perfect Winter Getaway
Whilst it can be beautiful and serene, winter can also be a challenging time of year for many. The shorter days and colder temperatures can lead to feelings of low mood and decreased energy levels. Additionally, the season, while joyful for some, can be a source of stress and anxiety for others.
It's so important to be kind to ourselves during this time of year. Sometimes, all we need is an escape from the demands of everyday life - so whether you're dreaming of a cosy retreat, or a snowy get-away-from-it-all adventure, a winter holiday cottage stay in Kent can offer the perfect tonic!
A picture is worth a thousand words
East Kent, with its stunning coastline, historic towns, picturesque villages, orchards and expansive countryside views, offers a wealth of photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
So whether you've got all the kit and take your photography seriously, or whether you like to snap away on your mobile phone to upload images to Instagram, your holiday photos can be a beautiful reminder of your trip!
Here are some tips to inspire your next photography adventure in East Kent and help you capture some stunning memories:
Quick and Easy Dishes for a Perfect Winter Stay
Who says you need to be a "Masterchef" champion to create delicious winter warming meals? With a few simple ingredients and a cosy cottage kitchen, you can create hearty and comforting dishes that will warm you up from the inside out.
Here are a few quick and easy recipes that you can make during your winter getaway:
A Guide to East Kent's Interesting and Quirky Names
Let's face it, the UK is full of quirky, funny and downright strange names! And East Kent is no exception... The iconic "Ham Sandwich" road sign is probably one of the most photographed landmarks in this area.
Why? Because there's something enthralling about our place names, as they're a reflection of a rich history, cultural identity, linguistic diversity - and often our unique sense of humour. Whatever their origins, these quirky names add a touch of charm and character to our landscape, and continue to captivate people all over the world!
Here are some of our favourite local place names, and a bit more information about them:
Plan your perfect Kent getaway: How to make the most of your annual leave
With the promise of warmer days on the horizon, it's time to start dreaming of your next escape. Kent, a hidden gem in the South East of England, offers a diverse range of experiences, from historic castles to stunning coastal walks.
At Hawthorn Farm Cottages, we've got everything you need for a memorable stay. Our cosy cottages, perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends, are the ideal base to explore all that Kent has to offer at any time of year.
To help you make the most of your time off, we've put together a handy guide to the 2025 UK bank holidays and some tips on how to maximize your leave.
More than just a fun name!
A short 10 minute drive from Hawthorn Farm, Sandwich is a historic town nestled on the Kent coast. It's a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty. With its picturesque streets, medieval architecture, and stunning waterfront, it's the perfect destination for a leisurely day trip or a longer holiday.
We are often asked about which came first - the place name, or the name of the humble "sarnie" - now in common parlance around the world...
Top Tips for a Paw-some Holiday Cottage Getaway
Are you planning a holiday this year, but worried about whether you can take your pet with you?
We understand that having a beloved family pet means it can be difficult to know what to do for the best when you go away on holiday. Leaving them behind at the kennels or a cattery can be not only heart-wrenching, but also very expensive.
You may be concerned about how they'll cope with the journey, whether the holiday accommodation is truly pet friendly, with enough space and the facilities you'll need, how much gear to take, and whether there'll be pet-friendly pubs and restaurants near by...
With a little preparation, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip for everyone. Here are some of our top tips for travelling with your pet:
Local Events near Hawthorn Farm Cottages
Are you planning a trip in 2025, and wondering about the events happening in E Kent? We've put together a handy list of diverse and exciting goings on happening in our area, that we think you'll enjoy...
We'll be adding more events when more dates are announced. If you know of any other upcoming events that should be on this page, please do let us know!
Which ones have you tried?
As Mr Jingle in Charles Dickens' first novel The Pickwick Papers (1836) famously said: "Kent, sir - everybody knows Kent - apples, cherries, hops and women"!
For centuries Kent has been known as the Garden of England, and with good reason. The county, located at the sunny southeastern tip of the British Isles, has lush fertile farming and grazing land, acres of orchards, and a coastline teeming with sea life. Its location makes Kent a rich source of such a rich variety of produce.
Apart from the above apples, cherries and hops (ignoring Mr Jingle's final highlight!), did you know some of the best-loved British foods also originate in Kent? It should be no surprise that our beautiful county produces a delicious array of well-know culinary delights...
Here's a selection of some of the best of Kent’s traditional foods which, we hope you'll agree, provides a wonderful showcase for the glorious Garden of England.
Planning the Perfect Wedding Guest Accommodation
So, you, your best friend/sister/cousin/*insert-loved-one-here* are getting married! Exciting times, right? Confetti, cake, questionable dance moves... and the inevitable accommodation hunt. Let's be honest, nobody really wants to spend their precious pre-wedding (and post-wedding!) moments in a generic hotel room. It's all a bit, well… bland. This is a celebration of love, not a business trip!
That's where the magic of a holiday cottage comes in. Imagine this: instead of sterile hallways and identical rooms, you're greeted by a charming, character-filled cottage, perfect for creating lasting memories with your nearest and dearest... In this blog, we offer our tips for arranging the perfect accommodation to make sure the wedding of the decade is memorable for all the right reasons!
Winging It vs. Planning It: The Great Family Staycation Debate
Ah, the wonderful family staycation... A glorious opportunity to escape the everyday and make precious memories with your loved-ones without actually escaping via an airport or a ferry terminal. But when you're considering a staycation with your family, the age-old question remains: do you meticulously plan every mini-golf outing and artisanal ice cream stop, or do you embrace the chaos and let the winds of spontaneity carry you to untold adventures?
Let's dive into the world of staycation planning (and non-planning) to help you decide what's right for you and your family.
Read more: Stress-Free Staycations: Plan Ahead or Embrace the Unexpected?