Cobbled streets, charming villages, merry markets and more, we’re gearing up for a season of festivity here in Kent. With a whole host of Christmas shopping to be done, it seems only fair to take the chance to relax and book up a cosy pre-Christmas break, with plenty of sparkle to get you in the mood. Take a peek at our top recommendations for the very best hotels to truly soak up the season and savour the festivities with a pre-Christmas break to take in those Christmas lights and get a little shopping done while you are at it...
Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Honestly, do we even need to sell you on this? With that magnificent Cathedral at its heart, Canterbury IS Christmas here in Kent, so we can’t think of a better place to stay than Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, the cathedral’s very own hotel set in the precincts. With Cathedral views and luxuriously comfortable rooms, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cosy Christmas stay. What is more, Canterbury’s Christmas market is returning to the Cathedral grounds, bringing with it delicious food and drink, a carousel, live music, carol services and plenty of gifts and treats.
canterburycathedrallodge.org
Festive luxury at The Abode
Another Canterbury classic, The Abode’s central location and stylish rooms have granted it a place on our festive favourites list. This Christmas, combine your stay with a treat or two. Book in for a festive afternoon tea throughout December, take on a Wreath Making Masterclass, or go for the ultimate, Christmas Day Lunch, which combines a Champagne reception with a five-course menu and plenty of pampering. Once the feasting has finished, The Brasserie Bar offers a cosy spot to put your feet up and raise a glass to not doing the Christmas clean up!
abodecanterbury.co.uk
Sitting right on the coast in Hythe, the Hythe Imperial’s decadent interiors and exteriors are made for throwing a big celebration. Take your pick of festive afternoon teas, Christmas Day lunch, comedy nights, party nights and even the big New Year’s Eve celebrations. Choose between the family party, which includes a magician, classic beats and unforgettable family moments, or the New Year’s Eve Gala, a glittering black-tie affair to help ring in 2025 in style. Whichever you choose book in for a luxurious stay, and you’ll have the perfect celebratory break.
hytheimperial.co.uk
Yuletide cheer at Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa
Expect comfort and relaxation at Bridgewood Manor, with a selection of rooms and suites, spa and even a health club to ease those pre-Christmas stresses. Settle in for a festive afternoon tea, before heading to nearby Rochester, where the Christmas Market will be in full swing from 29th November – 15th December. Set in Rochester Castle Gardens, this glittering event combines stocking filler shopping with a Bavarian food village, live music and spectacular views of the fairytale castle and cathedral.
bridgewoodmanorhotel.com
The 17th century Boys Hall is packed with cosy vibes and delicious dining. Check into one of the boutique suites and marvel at the beautiful décor, with each room uniquely decorated and packed with those extra touches like super king beds, pure cotton bedlinen, roll top baths and views across the gardens. Unwind with cocktails in the cosy bar, beside the fire, tuck into local produce in the elegant oak-framed restaurant and wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread. Trust us, this is just the trip you need before the busy Christmas season.
boys-hall.com/
Coastal stays at the Best Western Premier Inn Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Right on Dover’s seafront, the Best Western Premier Inn Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is a real coastal gem. Expect sea views, Regency décor, all set within a Georgian terrace under the iconic White Cliffs. Book in for one of their festive breaks, including the three-night Christmas day package, or the New Year’s Eve package, offering the chance to celebrate and raise a glass to 2025. Whichever you choose, we can guarantee dinner at Mr White’s English Chophouse, or an afternoon relaxing in the spa, will add the star to the top of your merry break.
bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/best-western-premier-dover-marina-hotel-spa-83926
Set in Margate’s Old Town, No.42 is a stunning Victorian hotel that combines dreamy views with gorgeous décor. Look out for those beautiful heritage details and maybe even go for a four-poster bed for a real extravagant stay. While there are plenty of magical events going on throughout December, we recommend booking in for a Twixmas staycation and making the most of those sea views, sunset skies, brisk coastal walks, and maybe even booking in for a treatment at No.42’s spa, the ultimate place to blow those Christmas cobwebs away.
guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-42-margate
Celebrate in style at Chilston Park
Escape to Chilston Park and you’ll be in for a memorable, magical stay. Take crisp country walks through the rolling grounds, relax beside roaring fires, and let the team take care of every detail. Of course, this magical manor provides a sparkling setting for your Christmas escape, with Christmas Day lunch, Boxing Day breakfast and Christmas Eve cocktails all taken care of in the 2AA Rosette restaurant for a memorable and indulgent stay.
handpickedhotels.co.uk/chilstonpark
Our next getaway is just minutes from Ashford International Station and, more importantly, just minutes away from Ashford Designer Outlet. Your Christmas shopping staycation starts with a check in to your room at the Hampton by Hilton, where you’ll find all the comforts to give you a cosy stay. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, walk over to the Ashford Designer Outlet, where more than 100 designer brands can be found for up to 60 per cent less! Pick up pressies from the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch, Dune, Kate Spade and Sandro and get the shopping all wrapped up!
hilton.com/en/hotels/qdhashx-hampton-ashford-international/
Cosy Christmas at The George Hotel in Cranbrook
We’re heading to one of Kent’s most picturesque towns for our next stay, The George Hotel in the pretty Wealden town of Cranbrook. Expect country elegance, luxury and even four poster beds at this historic hotel, which even welcomes your four-legged friend! But onto the most important thing, the food! The George will be decking the halls and whipping up a feast this season with local, seasonal produce and plenty of good wine and brilliant beers, from local brewery, Shepherd Neame.
thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk
The View Hotel in Folkestone is our next merry destination, a four-star boutique hotel that rests on Folkestone’s leas. Throughout December the team are hosting Festive Breaks to help you get into the spirit of the season. What is more, with wine and dinner included, these coastal getaways are sure to put you in the mood for a celebration. Your stay must include a visit to Folkestone’s creative streets and the Harbour Arm, which will be the go-to venue for independent gift shopping with its very own market.
viewhotelfolkestone.co.uk
A charming staycation at The Sun Inn
The merry market town of Faversham is packed with holiday charm, so you’d better believe it’s made our list. Just down the road from local favourite, Shepherd Neame Brewery, The Sun Inn is a beautiful pub in the heart of Faversham. Dating back to the 14th century, your Christmas stay will include Shepherd Neame beers, stylish accommodation, and food from the absolute best local producers. Once again, this cosy traditional pub is dog friendly, so you can enjoy all the festive fun with your four-legged friend.
sunfaversham.co.uk
