There are plenty of great places to visit in Kent – and lots of them are within easy reach of Pete’s Field. Here’s a little taster…
COLE FARM – Cole Farm has been farmed by the Clayson family for more than 100 years, through several generations. The farmhouse stands at the centre of their 60 acres overlooking the meadow that we christen “Pete’s Field” for the summer. These days the farm is home to a small herd of cows and you’ll probably see Farmer Kev tending to them during your stay or going in and out on his tractor.
PADDLESWORTH – Cole Farm is located in the village of Paddlesworth, about four miles from Folkestone. There’s not much to the village: just picturesque St Oswald’s Church, the quirky Cat and Custard Pot pub, a few houses and a couple of farms. But it has a fascinating history: it’s just a mile away from the site of the former Hawkinge Airfield, where the RAF had a base in the Second World War; now the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. Look out for Spitfires flying over during your stay!
FOLKESTONE – Once a fashionable seaside resort, Folkestone is being regenerated through the arts and has a thriving food scene too. Drive through the suburban areas to see fishing boats in the harbour, to paddle at Sunny Sands or take a stroll along the Harbour Arm or The Leas promenade. Alternatively, head for the wild edges via a walk on the North Downs Way to the Warren beach and the chalky white cliffs.
HYTHE – The charming town of Hythe has a high street full of mostly-independent shops, a leafy canal bank, and a pebbly beach. It’s all overlooked by the 11th-century St Leonard’s Church. You can hop on the little steam and diesel trains of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for a ride across Romney Marsh, hire a rowing boat on the canal or head just outside town to visit the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.
DOVER – The busy port town of Dover is less than 10 miles from Pete’s Field and a day trip to France during a stay here is a real possibility (when travel rules allow). But there’s plenty to see in and around Dover too. The English Heritage-listed Dover Castle is one of the most-popular places to visit in Kent and has enough to keep you occupied all day from its medieval castle keep to the secret wartime tunnels. You can also park up just outside the town and walk along the famous White Cliffs.
CANTERBURY – It takes about 30 minutes to drive to lovely Canterbury (17 miles away). It’s got the shops, eateries and entertainment you’d expect from a city but it’s real charm is in its historic centre. You can see the remains of its medieval city walls and plenty of half-timbered buildings in its pedestrianised streets, now occupied by many independent shops and cafes. At the heart of it all, is magnificent Canterbury Cathedral which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.