Canterbury Lodges and Glamping is in the Kent countryside, just four miles from the city’s medieval walls and virtually next door to a wild animal sanctuary. This mix of the bucolic, the historic and the exotic make it an excellent place to stay if you want to explore any of these aspects of Kent – or all of them. The site is three green acres on your host’s smallholding alongside cute pygmy goats and free-range chickens. Your base is your choice of a simple bell tent or a shepherd’s hut with a hot tub outside. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a fire pit and a private shower and loo.
The shepherd’s hut sleeps two and is great for a romantic stay while the bell tent works as well for a family as it does for a couple. The tent has a proper double bed and three fold-out singles so it can sleep up to five. But do be aware that you’ll need to bring your own bedding – and that the tent is off grid, so torches are a good idea. Other than that, pretty much everything is supplied, including cooking kit, which you’ll find in a separate camp kitchen. But if off-grid life isn’t for you, opt for the shepherd’s hut instead. There, the bedroom, kitchen and living space are all under one roof and supplied with electricity. There’s even a flatscreen TV – though you may not find time to switch it on.
There’s a lot to do around here. Howlett’s Wild Animal Sanctuary is so close that you can often hear monkeys hoot and lions roar. You can walk there for one of your days out and, perhaps, stroll to the village pub for your dinner. The city of Canterbury itself is another place you won’t want to miss. Its cathedral, along with the nearby Abbey of St Augustine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are lots of medieval buildings in its pedestrianised centre. On top of all this, the site is only a half-hour drive from some of the coolest towns on the Kent coast including Whitstable, Margate and Deal.
Hosted by Angela M.
Joined in June 2024Howletts Wild Animal Sanctuary is less than a mile from Canterbury Lodges and Glamping and there’s another, wildlife park at Wingham, less than four miles away. The site is on the edge of the village of Littlebourne and there are lovely walks to other nearby Kent villages like Ickham and Wickhambreaux (which both have pubs) and in the nearby Stodmarsh Nature Reserve (three miles). There’s canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Stour at Grove Ferry (five miles) but, perhaps, a more relaxing way to get on the river is to head into Canterbury City Centre (four miles) and enjoy a Canterbury Historic River Tour or a guided punt. The walled city centre has a number of good museums, plenty of shops and eateries and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral. The ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine are also part of the listing, just outside the city walls, and are an English Heritage-managed site. The medieval town of Sandwich (nine miles) is a pretty place to explore with yet more history and boat trips to see seals on the estuary. Beyond the town, Sandwich Bay, is known for its golf courses. There’s a toll road to reach the beach on that part of the coast but there are easier places for a day by the seaside on either side. Whitstable (11 miles), Margate (15 miles) and Broadstairs (17 miles) in one direction. Deal (14 miles) in the other.
There’s a pub, The Evenhill, in the village, less than half a mile’s walk away. It’s a historic old building and has a nice atmosphere and good pub food. For a slightly longer walk, head a mile-and-a-half up the road to Ickham and The Duke William which has a good menu and a nice beer garden at the back. For a really special meal, you could try to get booked in at the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms (four miles). There are also plenty of options in Canterbury (four miles), from old pubs to the usual suspects on the high street. Try The Goods Shed, near the train station, for local produce both on the menu in its restaurant and to buy from market stalls. If you are self catering, you can pick up the basics from the local convenience store in Littlebourne at the end of the road (it’s so close there’s no need to get in the car). If you head to the coast, Whitstable (11 miles) is the place for oysters and shellfish, Deal (14 miles) for just-landed fresh fish.
