Explore Kent

Have a holiday by the sea

With the harsh economy of the last few years, and everyone watching their pennies, exotic holidays abroad can be a luxury that you can’t afford. We often overlook the beauty and history that is right under our own noses in favour of far off climes. So, why not stay at home and holiday by the sea in Kent instead?

Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages has recently expanded its portfolio to include some idyllic properties by the sea.

Deal is consistently voted as one of Britain’s top coastal towns and a cottage holiday can be the perfect way to enjoy a holiday by the sea. Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages has some idyllic locations available for families and groups of all sizes including the lovingly restored Portobello Court which is set back from the quaint winding streets of Deal, in a courtyard of fisherman’s cottages. The property is very close to the pebbly beach, long promenade and awarding winning pier. Deal has an excellent range of independent shops, restaurants and pubs, weekly markets selling local produce and both Deal and Walmer castles are close by. Deal has a main line station with regular services to London and this attractive cottage can comfortably sleep four.

Pebblesea in Whitstable is a contemporary three storey terraced cottage which enjoys excellent sea views from most of its principal rooms. It has wood floors throughout and is modern in its design, whilst retaining the brick and weatherboard exterior so familiar to Whitstable. It is situated in the very heart of the town with its own gated parking space and is a stone’s throw away from the beach with many shops and restaurants close by. The property has two bathrooms and an additional cloakroom on the ground floor and the kitchen is modern and well equipped with integrated appliances. There are frequent trains to London from the local station and bus services to Canterbury, so this is an ideal place to stay for those without a car. The coast is just 150 yards away!

Hythe is also a quaint town and one property located right on the seafront is Watsons with its uninterrupted sea views and just a quiet pedestrianised parade between you and the beach! Bathe in the sea, in the heated swimming pool just along the parade or enjoy golf, tennis, riding, bowls, squash, boating, wind surfing, fresh water and sea angling – all are available in and around the town. Pop across to France for the day, take a trip on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Steam Railway or if you are a workaholic, the house has WiFi so catch up on your e-mails whilst watching the windsurfers and waves. The property has four bedrooms and can sleep eight people. There is a patio garden with furniture, barbecue and a gate to the beach. Private parking is also available for one car.

If you fancy being inland a little, in fact just one and a half miles from the sea, then The Short House in the Cinque Port of Sandwich could be the perfect getaway for a couple. Arguably the best preserved medieval town in the country, this property in Sandwich (together with The Long House) are reputed to be the oldest inhabited house in the town. The Short House combines centuries of history with unashamed luxury and is completely self-contained with its own walled garden, pond and stone and flint built Custom House at the far end. The exquisite sitting room, sumptuous bedroom and porcelain floored en-suite will be a haven of comfort after your days out exploring. This area is a golfers paradise – there are eight courses within a ten mile radius including the famous Royal St Georges. Enjoy wonderful walks along the Saxon Shoreway and through nature reserves, or a day out on the lovely stretch of sand dunes and gently shelving beach. Canterbury is only ten miles away, with Broadstairs and Deal an easy drive for bracing promenade walks.

If you fancy a stay on the Sussex Coast instead, why not consider the Sunset Apartment which sleeps six and is the perfect location for exploring Brighton. The Sunset is a beautiful penthouse balcony apartment in a prime location on Brighton seafront, with spectacular views of the city and the sea. The property, which is on two floors and sleep six, is above an iconic hotel and a very short walk to the city centre, the Lanes, the Churchill Square shopping mall, the Dome complex, Theatre Royal and the Conference Centre. An added bonus is the health centre/indoor pool in the building, which you can use by paying a daily fee.

Ivy Cottage, also in Brighton, sleeps four and is a stone’s throw from the beach. This gorgeous end of row mews cottage faces a smartly paved courtyard, with its own patio garden, in which to enjoy the evening sunshine with a glass of bubbly. This lovely holiday home is within very easy reach of anything and everything you expect from Brighton and Hove. The area offers unique and eclectic shops, bars and restaurants complimented by regency architecture.

If you would like more information see www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk or call 01580 720770.

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