Historic Hotels in Kent: Country House Hotels, Old Inns, Boutiques

Eastwell Manor. Nr Ashford

It might be legend, or it could well be fact, but it is said that on the day of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, the then king, Richard III, summoned a young boy whom he told he was his father. Should he lose his crown to Henry VII, Richard instructed the child to never tell anyone of his true identity.

However, it is said that a mason and bricklayer working upon the construction of Eastwell manor during the mid 1500‘s confided in colleagues of his true name: Richard Plantagenet. And his resting place is in the nearby parish church.

This exceptionally beautiful building was also leased by Prince Alfred (second son of Queen Victoria) for two decades.

Eastwell Manor today offers a total of 62 bedrooms, with 23 in the manor and 39 (standard) in the mews cottages.

For internet rates, secure booking and more information, try the hotel’s entries at Superbreak | www.lastminute.com | LateRooms and Expedia

The Abbot’s Fireside. Elham

A curious name for a pretty 15th century inn. Built in 1451, legend has it that Charles II hid in one of the house’s fireplaces while attempting to elude parliamentarian troops. This, of course, may be mere romanticism, but it certainly remains plausible. A more recent connection to historical events is the inn’s celebrated stay by the Duke of Wellington. Indeed, it is said that he used it ahead of embarking for the continent and destiny at the Battle of Waterloo - how much of Napoleon’s downfall was plotted within these walls we will never know. The Abbott’s Fireside offers 5 bedrooms to the Kentish history traveller. TripAdvisor

The Queen’s Inn. Hawkhurst

There’s no doubting that Elizabeth I was a remarkably mobile monarch, with numerous inns and taverns throughout the UK claiming to have an association with her. And this attractive building is one of those, with Queen Bess allegedly having rested here en route to Rye and the famed Cinque Ports. Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake are also said to have paid visits during its long and impressive history.

Situated in the gentile Weald countryside, the Queen’s Inn offers a total of 8 rooms, including one four poster suite for the romantic. London is only one hour away by train. TripAdvisor

The Leather Bottle. Cobham.

Aficionados of 19th century English literature will no doubt be most attracted to Room 6. It was here that Charles Dickens once stayed, with Cobham itself featuring in his famous work Pickwick Papers.

Only 4 miles from the town of Gravesend, the timber frame Leather Bottle dates from 1629. It offers three bedrooms and two four poster suites. TripAdvisor

The George Hotel. Cranbrook.

A boutique hotel housed in a traditional inn dating back to the fourteenth century. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1573. The George offers a bar and brasserie and a total of twelve individually styled rooms. Eight of these are located in the older part of the building and include a fine four poster suite (the Crimson room). More information about this historic Kent hotel can be found via LateRooms

More period and historic hotels and inns in Kent

Ashford

Boys Hall. Part 17th century and part Victorian, this attractive old house provides luxury accommodation. LateRooms

Canterbury

Falstaff Hotel Canterbury. 15th century coaching inn. Expedia | LateRooms

Chilham

The Woolpack. Located in the picture-perfect village of Chilham, close to both Canterbury and Ashford, this 15th century inn offers 14 rooms. One of these, it is said, is haunted by a certain ‘grey lady’.

Dover

Wallett’s Court Hotel. Over four hundred years old, Wallett’s Court today is a four-star hotel and spa. LateRooms

Fawkham

Brands Hatch Place Hotel. This fine Georgian house was built by the Duke of Norfolk as a private retreat in 1806. It is now a renowned four star hotel. LateRooms

Lenham

Chilston Park. An attractive 17th century country manor in 250 acres of grounds now operating as a four-star hotel. Expedia | LateRooms

The Dog & Bear. Built in 1602, this former coaching inn is within easy reach for those wishing to visit Leeds Castle - arguably the most attractive of them all. The inn’s claim to fame, however, is that Queen Ann was a guest in 1704. Expedia

Maidstone

Stone Court. A grade-II listed building constructed in 1716 and formerly used as a residence for Crown Court Judges. Superbreak | Expedia

Rye

Olde Moat House, The. A medieval listed building dating from 1460. LateRooms

Sandwich

The Bell. This particular incarnation of the hostelry to bear its name may be Georgian, but its predecessors date back as far as the 14th century - a historic inn within a very historic little town. Expedia

Sarre

The Crown Inn. A traditional 15th century Kentish inn offering a total of 13 rooms. LateRooms

Tonbridge

Best Western Rose & Crown. A sixteenth century Tudor coaching house. Expedia | Hotel Site

Tunbridge Wells

Hotel Du Vin. Originally a private mansion built in 1762, this grade-II listed building offers four star accommodation at the heart of Kent’s famous spa town. Superbreak

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