Your Perfect Kentish Day Trip

Your Perfect Kentish Day Trip, Tailor-Made from Hawthorn Farm

One of the joys of a stay at Hawthorn Farm is its fantastic location, offering easy access to a wealth of experiences across the beautiful county of Kent.

To help you make the most of your time exploring, we've curated some bespoke day trip itineraries, designed with different interests in mind. Whether you're a family seeking adventure, a couple looking for romance, a history enthusiast, a foodie craving local flavours, or a pet owner wanting to explore with your furry friend, we've got the perfect day out planned for you!

We'd love to hear all about your Kentish adventures! Please feel free to send us your photos...

Here are five suggested day-trip itineraries which you might like to follow, or use to inspire you to plan your own days out while your staying at Hawthorn Farm:

1. For Families: A Day of adventure and Discovery

Morning (9:30am - 1pm): After enjoying a family breakfast in your cottage, head to Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury (approx. 17-minute drive) where you can explore their incredible collection of rare and endangered animals, with plenty of space for little legs to roam. We recommend booking your tickets online, as it's the fastest and simplest way to start your adventure. You might like to pack a picnic to enjoy in one of their designated areas.

With over 300 animals living in the 100 acre park, and the amazing exhibition of life size prehistoric creatures taking over the Woodland Walk, you'll want to make sure you don't miss a thing! You can download the park map to find everything you need to make your day out run smoothly, including all your favourite animals, play areas, restaurants and toilet facilities. Don't forget to check the talk boards when you arrive for times of fun, fact filled animal talks and feeds throughout the day.

Lunch (1pm - 2pm): Enjoy your picnic at Howletts or grab a bite at one of their cafés:

Pavilion Café: Located at the heart of the park, serving hot meals, soups and snacks in an informal setting. Opening Times: Term time: 10:00 - 15:30pm, Friday - Sunday and School holidays: 10:00 - 15:30pm, Monday - Sunday
Elephant Café: Choose from a selection of BBQ foods made to order, while you watch the antics of the elephant herd. Opening Times: Term time: 10:00 - 16:00pm, Saturday - Sunday, School holidays: 10:00 - 16:00pm, Monday - Sunday (Closed in the winter)
The Coffee House: Ice creams, sandwiches, cakes and hot or iced coffee, located in the centre of the park. Opening Times: Term time: 10:00 - 15:30pm, Friday - Sunday, School holidays: 10:00 - 15:30pm, Monday - Sunday

Afternoon (2pm - 5pm): Drive to the charming seaside town of Broadstairs (approx. 30-minute drive), with its 7 sandy bays!

Build sandcastles on the beach at Viking Bay, enjoy traditional arcade games, have a game of minigolf, or treat yourselves to some delicious fresh gelato from the famous Morelli's. Perhaps you fancy fossil hunting at nearby Botany Bay beach, or a visit to the Dickens House Museum, housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsy Trotwood in David Copperfield!
Evening: Enjoy an early dinner at a family-friendly pub in Broadststairs, or perhaps savour the obligatory freshly cooked fish and chips by the sea before heading back to the peace and tranquility of Hawthorn Farm!

The Captain Digby - Family Pub and Restaurant: Serving British home-cooked food, with a "Junior Pirates" kids menu and great clifftop views and children's play area. Outside dining is available on a first come, first served basis. Reservation are recommended for indoor bookings.
The Charles Dickens - One of the largest pubs in Broadstairs, with the main bar and upstairs dining area serving great Gastro pub food, commanding excellent views of Viking bay.
The Pavillion - A great place to enjoy food and drink beside the sea. Located on Broadstairs seafront, enjoy a hot or cold drink, some food and the wonderful views over Viking Bay.
The Mermaid - Traditional Fish and Chips, located on Albion Street in Broadstairs - fish and chips to eat in or take-away.

2. For Couples: Romance and Relaxation in the Garden of England

Morning (10am - 1pm): After a lazy morning in your cottage - perhaps with a spot of breakfast sitting at the picnic table outside, taking in the birdsong and sounds of the countryside - set off for a visit to the beautiful Goodnestone Park Gardens (approx. 16-minute drive).

Wander through the elegant grounds, discover the walled garden, and enjoy the serene atmosphere that Jane Austen once frequented. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, Goodnestone Park Gardens covers roughly fifteen acres and includes a large variety of trees, plants and shrubs. All of the areas are open to visitors who will be able to appreciate the seasonal colours and scents. There are various public footpaths that lead into the wider estate including the famous Serpentine Walk.

Tickets are available from the Old Dairy Café or you can use the Honesty Box at the entrance to pay when the café is closed. As the name suggests, the Old Dairy Café can be found in one of the original Estate Dairies at the entrance to the gardens. There is a beautiful indoor seating area as well as additional outdoor tables within a pretty courtyard where you might plan to have a mid-morning cuppa, or enjoy a light lunch.
Lunch (1pm - 2:30pm): Enjoy a delicious lunch at Goodnestone Park, or continue your day by stopping for lunch in the nearby historic village of Wingham, known for its picturesque setting and local character:

The Dog at Wingham - "Head Chef Charlie Kendall-Smith and his team will delight you with culinary expertise, hand selecting the finest local ingredients to serve spectacular seasonal dishes, which demonstrate the best of modern British food."
The Anchor - "From the perfect steak and ale pie to our own beer battered fish and chips, you can get freshly cooked award winning pub food available at the Anchor at Wingham."
Gibsons Farmhouse Cafe and Restaurant - "A warm and inviting place to relax. Sit by the log burner in the colder months or out in the orchard surrounded by cherry blossoms or fruit during the Summer. The focus is to use the produce from our farms and from the local area, directly from the field to the table."

Afternoon (2:30pm - 5pm): Indulge in a wine tasting experience at one of the local vineyards, such as Gusbourne or Chapel Down (both within a 30-minute drive).

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and sample award-winning English wines. Alternatively, for a different romantic experience, consider a visit to Ramsgate Royal Harbour (approx. 30-minute drive) for a stroll along the marina and perhaps some fresh seafood.
Evening: Return to Hawthorn Farm and enjoy a relaxing evening in your cottage, perhaps with some local wine and snacks from Gibsons farm shop. Or how about sitting outside watching the sun go down, then cosying up on the sofa to watch a one of the films from our DVD library or on Netflix on your cottage's smart TV?

3. For Guests with Dogs: Exploring the Outdoors Together

Morning (9am - 12pm): You might enjoy a cooked breakfast in your cottage, or let someone else take the strain at the local dog-friendly café at Juliet's Farm Shop in Ash!

Then head out to one of the wonderful dog walks within a 30 minute drive of Hawthorn Farm:

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve: Offers various woodland dog walk routes for you and your dog to explore. Enjoy the fresh air and keep an eye out for wildlife!
Chartham Riverside to Canterbury: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Stour from Chartham into Canterbury. This route offers beautiful countryside views and the chance to spot wildlife.
Victory Wood: (near Canterbury): A good dog walking spot with a large open field for off-lead fun and amazing countryside views. It has free parking and various routes to explore.
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve: A fantastic area for nature lovers and their dogs. You'll find wetlands, reedbeds, and open water with plenty of paths. Keep an eye out for the diverse bird life. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead in certain sensitive areas to protect wildlife.
Grove Ferry River Stour Walk: This area offers lovely riverside walks along the Great Stour, passing through orchards and countryside. You can even extend your walk towards Plucks Gutter where the two branches of the Stour meet.

Lunch (12pm - 1:30pm): Enjoy a pub lunch at one of the dog-friendly pubs in a nearby village, many of which have lovely gardens:

The Dog and Duck Pub (Plucks Gutter, Canterbury, CT3 1GT): This pub is very dog-friendly and is close to lots of beautiful walks in the East Kent Countryside.
The Red Lion Inn (Bridge, near Canterbury): A charming, family and dog-friendly gastropub in the village of Bridge. They pride themselves on using local produce for their homemade dishes and offer a lovely atmosphere for lunch. It's a short drive from Canterbury and Stodmarsh.
The Three Tuns (Canterbury): This Greene King pub in Canterbury city centre is very dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pups inside and out. They serve lunch and have a good selection of drinks. It's close to the Chartham Riverside walk into Canterbury and within easy reach of Stodmarsh.
The White Hart (Canterbury): Another dog-friendly pub in Canterbury with a large beer garden, perfect for relaxing after a walk. They serve a good food menu.

Afternoon (1:30pm - 4:30pm): After lunch, you might like a change of scenery, and go and explore the one of the many dog-friendly beaches in the area.

Most beaches are totally dog-friendly during the winter months (1st October to 30th Apr) but they may have some restrictions during the summer from 10am to 6pm. Here are a few dog-friendly beaches which dogs are welcomed all year round, with no restrictions:

Dumpton Gap - A nice little beach despite it's unappealing name! The sandy bay here stretches for about 150 metres and is backed by a wide promenade which winds around the coast all the way to Louisa Bay. Be sure to check the tide times as the beach all but disappears at high tide. Being a little less central to Broadstairs or Ramsgate Dumpton Gap is generally a good get-away spot. There are plenty of facilities including beach huts, nearby cafes and toilets.
Kingsgate Bay - Much quieter than the neighbouring beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay. One reason for this is the parking isn’t as good, although it’s only short walk from Joss Bay with its large car park. There is also a fair sized customer’s car park at the pub.
Walmer Beach - A continuation of Deal beach to the north. However, as you head south along this wide expanse of pebbles things become quieter. Behind the beach is the 16th century Walmer Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal defences. The castle is now owned by English Heritage. Unlike Deal beach, where there are seasonal restrictions, dogs are allowed all year at Walmer.

Wherever you choose for your afternoon at the beach, you'll enjoy a bracing walk, and your furry friend will be sure to enjoy stretching their legs and playing in the surf!

Evening: Head back to Hawthorn Farm for a quiet evening in your cottage, knowing your four-legged friend has had a wonderful day too...

4. For History Buffs: Stepping Back in Time

Morning (10am - 1pm): Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your cottage, then set off and immerse yourselves in history at the iconic Dover Castle (approx. 25-minute drive). Uncover the incredible history of England’s mightiest castle. Climb the Medieval Great Tower to discover the pomp and pageantry of King Henry II’s court, or take a tour in the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the story of Operation Dynamo is brought to life. If you walk to the newly opened viewpoint, you can take a perfect selfie with the castle in the background!

Alternatively, visit one or both of the other two nearby castles:
Deal Castle - The most elaborate of the revolutionary coastal artillery castles built by Henry VIII to defend against a threatened invasion by European Catholic powers, and a must see on any trip to the seaside town of Deal. Inside, vivid displays show how the fortress worked. A huge, illustrated map of Europe lays out the tense international state of play when the castle was built, and you can eavesdrop on the thoughts of Henry and his opponents.
Walmer Castle - With more than eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of a Tudor fortress turned country house. For nearly three centuries, it’s been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, an office granted to some of Britain’s most famous people, including the Duke of Wellington and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Lunch (1pm - 2pm): Enjoy lunch at the castle café (Dover Castle and Walmer Castle both have decent cafés), or you could head to a traditional pub in the historic towns of Dover or Deal:

The White Horse - "Dover's oldest pub, original building c 1365. Home cooked food is served daily between 12pm and 2pm for lunch with the exception of Wednesdays when the kitchen is closed; however, on Wednesday we allow folk to bring their own food in and we supply warmed plates, cutlery and condiments. On Sunday we serve a Roast lunch between 12pm and 2:30pm between October & May. Booking a table in our pub is essential as we fill up very quickly and especially on Friday & Saturdays."
The Elephant & Hind - "With a hostelry on the site since 1792, the Elephant & Hind is one of Dover's oldest and most established watering holes. Situated in the historic Market Square of one of England's oldest towns, the 'Ellie' has become one of Dover's premier gastro-pubs. With an excellent menu sourced from the most local of sources."
Dunkerleys - "Located on Deal seafront offering breathtaking views and warm hospitality in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Renowned for fresh, local seafood, dedicated to serving mouth-watering cuisine. Dunkerley's now boasts a wonderful terrace where you can soak up the sunshine and take in the sea air. Sit back and let the world go by whilst enjoying some fantastic food from our bistro menu."
Queen Street Tap - "We pride ourselves on serving exceptional food alongside great drinks. Beloved pub classics, custom burgers, and generous sharing platters, we offer something for every appetite. Whether joining us for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, discover why locals and visitors alike consider Queen Street Tap the best place for food in Deal."

Afternoon (2pm - 5pm): Visit St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury (approx. 20-minute drive from Dover or 30-minutes from Deal).

Founded in AD 598 by St Augustine himself, this once-great abbey proclaims the rebirth of Christianity in southern England. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the Canterbury World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of this significant historical site and learn about its role in the early Christian history of England.
Evening: Reflect on your historical journey over a relaxing dinner back at your cottage at Hawthorn Farm as you watch the sun go down, or you could order in a tasty take-away from one of the many restaurants in nearby Sandwich.

5. For Foodies: A Taste of Kent

Morning (9.30am - 12pm): Prepare breakfast in your cottage from your pre-ordered breakfast hamper, full of locally produced goodies. Alternatively, Head out for a freshly cooked, breakfast at one of the local local farm shops, where you can also sample and purchase a variety of Kentish produce, cheeses, and baked goods:

Juliet's - in Ash (just 6-minute drive)
Gibsons - near Wingham (approx. 12-minute drive)
Algar Lodge - near Deal (approx 13-minute drive)
Macknade Fine Foods - near Faversham (approx. 30-minute drive)

Lunch (12pm - 2pm): Enjoy a light lunch at a gastropub known for its use of local ingredients, such as The Fordwich Arms (approx. 15-minute drive from Macknades) - or find a picturesque spot to enjoy a picnic of tasty baked goods, breads and deli items that you've purchased from your visit to the farm shop.
Afternoon (2pm - 4pm): Take a guided tour and tasting at the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham (close to Macknades) where you get taken around the brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing and fermentation vessels, taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well, try some malted barley and enjoy the aroma of locally-grown Kentish hops.
Evening: Return to Hawthorn Farm and prepare a delicious meal using some of the local ingredients you discovered, or enjoy dinner at another of the highly-rated restaurants and pubs in the area.

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These are just a few ideas to spark your imagination! From the doorstep of your cosy cottage at Hawthorn Farm, a wealth of experiences awaits in the diverse and beautiful county of Kent. We encourage you to explore these suggestions and tailor them to your own interests for a truly unforgettable day out...

Which of these day trips would you choose?

If you're considering staying at Hawthorn Farm Cottages, you can browse our selection of beautiful cottages and start planning an unforgettable staycation in the Garden of England! Our website has a great search function to help you find the perfect cottage for your stay. We also recommend you check out our 'Your Holiday' page for more local recommendations and information about the local area and attractions - or feel free to give us a call and we'll happily chat through the options with you.

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