Julia & Carrie’s Guidebook

Our guide is not an exhaustive list of everything to do or see and we are sure you will be using your smart phones furiously and finding your own way. Our guide is what we, as locals, think are the 'best bits' with local tips and suggestions to make your time memorable. So here we go: Strolling along the sea facing Esplanade is a must. The apartment is situated right in the heart of the coastal town and everything is within a 5 minute stroll. • The Beach The best bit! It is clean, never gets too crowded and is great for a swim, especially as you can leave the beach and be in your shower back at the apartment within two minutes. Take a picnic (please use our picnic hamper which can be found by the front door) and sit, enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles and watch one of our famous sunsets. • The Pier Forms part of the life and soul of the Town. You can find fun rides, various food huts, Kentish ales at 'Beer on the Pier', great ice cream, beach hut seaside shopping and a cool outdoor entertainment venue, and of course great fish and chips and crabbing at its best! 5 minute stroll – turn left and walk along the sea front. • The Bandstand Half way between the apartment and the pier, the bandstand has a great coffee stop (Makari’s) and is buzzing with live music in the summer months. Walk along the Esplanade, famous for its immaculate gardens, the clock tower and bronze statue of famous aviator Amy Johnson whose plane crashed in the sea at Herne Bay in 1941. • Cycle/ walk the Saxon Shore Way Turning right out of the apartment, walk along the coastal path for amazing sea views and a lovely walk to the medieval 12th-century towers of Reculver. This route is very flat and is about 3 miles or 1.5 hours to walk. When the tide is low (check tides times at www.tidetimes.org.uk or download the UK Tide Times app) you can walk directly along the shore collecting shells, paddling, spotting wildlife and just taking in the sea air. For bike hire contact https://www.bimbimbikes.com/bike-rental/united-kingdom/herne-bay/bay-cycle-hire or stroll to The Coastal Kitchen by the Pier ( 5 mins) to pick up a yellow bike (closed during winter months; check website for details). • Cycle or walk by turning left This route takes you to quirky coastal town of Whitstable. It is a nice easy 4.5 mile walk, following an westerly section of the Saxon Shore Way. You can return the same way or catch a train/bus back from Whitstable (train - 2 stops). The walk is again along the shoreline with uninterrupted sea views with the shore one side and cute beach huts along the other. One notable feature of the town is 'The Street' at Tankerton, a natural strip of shingle on clay bank which runs out to sea at right angles to the coast, for a distance of about 1⁄2 mile (800 m). Located to the east of the harbour, The Street is exposed only at low tide, when it is possible to walk out on it and feel like you are in the middle of the sea. • Shopping (and other excitements) The apartment is in the heart of the town and only a two minute walk to the shops. Turn right out of your door and walk up East Street to the shopping area on Mortimer Street. There is a market every Saturday and a supermarket (Co-op) two minutes from the apartment. Plenty of cafes and bars, plus places you might need such as cash machines etc. Visit the Seaside Museum at the corner of William Street and Mortimer Street. A lovely little coastal museum (£2 admission) for trips down memory lane, the history of the Dambusters bouncing bomb which was tested locally and a history of the local coast. • Our Events Blackboard It is a buzzy town and there are lots of events that take place so check out our blackboard in the kitchen for 'what’s on' during your stay. • Where we like to eat The great thing about eating in Herne Bay is the friendly service, the fact that locals keep them busy all year round and the incredible value for money. We eat out a lot as it is so affordable and tasty. Here are our favourites. •The Cookhouse (currently closed - being refurbished) Pier Approach, Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 5JN telephone 01227 361199 At the entrance to the pier. A nice place for breakfast or brunch at weekends. Outside seating with lovely sea views. We also like this spot for lunch, they have a weekday lunch main menu for £15.95 for two courses or one course for £10.95. Opening times (as per website currently are). I have added this as I am never sure! oMonday - Closed oTuesday - 10am - 4pm oWednesday - 10am - 4pm oThursday - 10am - 4pm oFriday - 10am -9pm oSaturday - 8am -9pm oSunday - 8am-5 pm • The Ship Inn 17 Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5HT Telephone: 01227 366636 Your neighbour just 2 doors down - look right! Good for lunch or dinner, mains around £12-14 average. Great decked area in the warmer weather with sea views. Open noon – 11pm every day. The Ship Inn, dates back from 1385, a former smugglers inn and it and is one of the oldest buildings in the area. Easy journey home! • A la Turka 61 Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 5JG telephone 01227 370707 Our favourite spot for lunch and dinner. Meze Turkish food, unpretentious and great prices. Lovely covered outside seating areas, so you can sit outside and stay warm and cosy (blankets provided). We love the special mixed meze, which at £13 is enough for two to share as they give you complimentary salad and breads. Great for a light and incredibly reasonable lunch. Gets busy at weekends in the evenings as it is a favourite with locals so book first. • A Casa Mia 160 High Street, Herne Bay Kent CT6 5AJ telephone 01227 372947 Found in the back streets of Herne Bay, this offers amazing Italian food. A little corner of Naples in the bay, it was voted one of the top ten pizza restaurants in the UK by the Guardian. The pizzas, the first to be accredited by Naples in the UK, are delicious, large and completely authentic so this certainly deserves a mention. Open Mon-Thurs, 5-11pm; Fri & Sat, noon-3.30pm and 5-11.30pm; Sun noon-10pm. About £20 a head for a light starter, pizza and dessert. Incredible prices for such authentic, artisan food. • The Hampton Inn 72 Western Esplanade, Herne Bay CT6 8DL telephone 01227 362216 Great for a stroll right along the sea front (about 30 mins from the apartment, turn left) to the site of Hampton-on-Sea, a drowned and abandoned village. At low tide you can see the original village defences. This pub (all that remains of the original village) is a great place for lunch as it arguably has the best sea views in the area. With no neighbouring properties, there are uninterrupted views over the sea on three sides of the pub, and a near-360 degree vantage point from which to savour spectacular sunsets. A simple pub with affordable food and the best views around. Open 12 noon – 9pm. Good for local fish, a £10 lunch and a Shepheard Neame pint. • Micro pubs Micro pubs are a growing concept in East Kent and Herne Bay has three alone. They are small freehouse’s selling local brews mainly cask ales where their aim is to promote conversation, shun all forms of electronic entertainment and dabble in traditional pub snacks. Herne Bay boasts the first ever micro pub in the UK, The Butcher’s arms. See the list below - Butchers Arms, 29a Herne Street, Herne Village, CT6 7HL - Bouncing Barrel, 20 Bank Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5EA - Firkin Frog, 157 Station Road, Herne Bay, CT6 5QA • Cinema The Kavanagh, William St, Herne Bay CT6 5NX 5 minute walk from the apartment. Local twin screen Cinema in Herne Bay providing the latest films plus live events from Royal Opera House, National Theatre, English National Opera and concert venues around the world. • Supermarkets Within walking distance we have the Co-op @ 160 Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5DU (2 mins) and Morrison’s @ Beach St, Herne Bay CT6 5PU (5 mins) By car – Large Sainsbury’s @ Altira Business Park, 6 The Boulevard Herne Bay, Kent CT6 6GZ (5 mins in car) • Coffee shops There are coffee shops within easy walking distance. We like the Green Door Deli @ 23 William Street, which has great coffee and a good breakfast or lunch (9.30-3.30 – closed on Sundays). For a really great coffee, try 49 Mortimer Street (currently closed), a quirky micro coffee house that is still a bit of a HB secret (open every day from 9.30-4pm, 10.30 – 3pm on Sundays) There are some even quirkier coffee/tea shops such as The Vintage Empire @ 104 High Street, which as the names states is a 1940’s themed tea room or The Cosy Cat Café along the High Street; a place of cat lovers as you pet the 11 cat residents whilst you have your coffee! What to do in Whitstable: Our neighbour, Whitstable, with its brilliantly fresh seafood and annual oyster festival, has long attracted stressed Londoners in desperate need of a little fresh air. Famous for its 'Native Oysters' which were collected from beds beyond the low water mark from Roman times, the town has now become a trendy spot for 'DFL’s' (Down From Londoners). With it’s pastel-painted shopfronts and beach huts, the fishing town feels tailor-made for snap-happy day trips. There is also a thriving arts scene, genuine community spirit and loads going on. Whitstable is a lovely walk or bike ride from the apartment (see above). It is 2 stops on the train from Herne Bay station or 10 minutes by car. Your visit would not be perfect without a trip to the 'Bubble', surprisingly situated on top of the seafront public conveniences! The view is spectacular and the food is gorgeous. • The Harbour Whitstable Harbour is a fully fledged working harbour with a unique twist. Simply watch the world go by as fisherman set sail, enjoy a wander around the harbour beach hut village or try the fresh seafood on offer including the world famous Whitstable oyster. The huts at the harbour side marketplace sell everything from local crafts and artwork to French bread and cheese. There are often some particularly good photography and music events/ festivals going on. You won't find big brands here, just local Kent goods and the best of it. The harbour village is a lovely place to browse at the weekend and a unique shopping experience. There are 35 harbour traders in total. Opening hours Monday 11am - 5pm Thursday 11am - 5pm Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm A small number of huts are also open Tuesday and Wednesday http://harbourmarketwhitstable.co.uk/ If that's not enough jump aboard 'the Greta', a historic Thames sailing barge, one of the oldest barges remaining in Britain. The Sailing Season is usually from April/May up to the end of September or if the weather is suitable for sailing, mid October. Trips include sailing through the Kentish Flats Wind Farm, out to the Red Sands WWII Army Forts or towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Tower and back to Whitstable Harbour. It’s is all very relaxed and local by simply booking at the harbour or calling Skipper Steve Norris on 07711 657919. Visit http://www.greta1892.co.uk/. You will need to book in advance. • Whitstable Castle and the Tankerton Slopes Whitstable Castle, or Tankerton Towers (to give it its original name), is a small castle in immaculate grounds found 10 minutes’ walk from Whitstable Harbour. Originally constructed in the 1790s, and developed and improved by successive owners in the intervening years, Whitstable Castle is found at the top of the small hill to the east of Whitstable’s harbour (right as you face the sea). The Castle’s tower is its oldest feature, built of brick and flint, with the adjoining extension wing constructed in Georgian gothic style. The Castle now houses a popular tea room and cafe. Tower Hill, Whitstable Kent CT5 2BW T: 01227 281726 http://www.whitstablecastle.co.uk. • Whitstable Shopping Walk around the old part of the high street and browse in some of the quirky little independently run shops. There are lots of craft, clothes and high end gift shops especially in Harbour Street. Art galleries are everywhere and a chance to purchase that local photograph or painting of the beach and town. • Just wander and explore (this would be our ideal day out!) The great thing about Whitstable is everything is within walking distance. Our perfect day would be to start by strolling around the harbour village and browse through the harbour street shops, stopping for a coffee at Whitstable Produce (http://www.whitstableproduce.co.uk). Then wind your way through to the sea via one of the smugglers alleys, to the right of the high street. The smallest is called Squeeze Gut Alley. Follow the alleys to look at cute fisherman’s weatherboard houses and then sit on the beach for a pre-lunch drink at the Neptune’s arms (the Neppy!). http://www.thepubonthebeach.co.uk/ One of the only UK pubs that is actually on the beach, it is very quirky as it has warped and twisted over the years owing to its old wooden foundations and location causing it to have a very sloping floor and bar. Continue to stroll along the sea path to pick out your favourite beach hut. Then wind your way back to town for lunch at either the Pearson’s arms or the Whitstable Oyster Company (see info below on our favourite places to eat). If the weather is dry, the perfect afternoon is on the beach, watching the sea or the world go by. It is very safe for swimming and hugely popular in summer months (by the way we think Herne bay is the better bet for a day on the beach when it us sunny as it is much less crowded). Stop at the Horsebridge Arts Centre to view the gallery of local art and crafts. Continue your day by walking along the sea path, past the myriad of sail boats at the yacht club back to the harbour. Follow the sea path for dinner at the Continental Hotel, a great spot for watching the amazing sunsets. We have done this many times and it is still a favourite! It doesn't get better than a day in Whitstable. Full of charm - Quirky boutique shops, coffee shops, wine bars, Shepherd Neame pubs, all in keeping with classic Kent weatherboard architecture. Visit the castle, oyster bars, harbour markets, arty shops and the pub on the beach. Whitstable is one of very few seaside towns that is fun and adaptable to all the UK seasons. Where we like to eat: • The Pearson’s Arms (the Horsebridge), Whitstable, Kent Tel 01227 272 005 A trendy seaside pub located just back from the water’s edge. They serve real ales, fine wines and locally sourced food with an open fire in the bar. There is a restaurant upstairs with nice sea views. The set Lunch menu is good at 2 Courses for about £13 and 3 Courses £15. Good for fish and something a little more gourmet for dinner. • The Whitstable Oyster Company The Royal Native Oyster Stores, Horsebridge tel 01227 276856 The Whitstable Oyster Company can trace its origins back to the 1400s, is one of the oldest companies in Europe and has a long, rich history of farming the famous Royal Whitstable Native Oyster. So of course fish is a big part of the menu. The restaurant is very close to the beach and very cute inside. The whitewashed former oyster store serves produce straight from the sea in a classic rustic setting. It is a lovely space but on the pricey side, so one for a special occasion but great for lunch because of the location. Mains average around £20+. Great if you want to share a romantic plate of Oysters and champagne of course. • Samphire 4 High St, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BQ T: 01227 770075 Unfussy, rustic bistro with a blackboard menu dedicated to local fish, meat and seasonal greenery. Small and cute inside and the chefs have a real passion for what they do. Popular with locals all year round and reasonably priced given the quality of the food. • Jo Jo’s 2 Herne Bay Road, Tankerton, Whitstable CT5 2LQ T: 01227 274591 It would be easy to miss Jo Jo’s as it is actually at the top of Tankerton slopes and you may not naturally walk past it. A 10 minute walk from Whitstable along the sea front or a 40 min walk/10 cycle/10 min drive from the apartment. If you are planning to walk or cycle to Whitstable it is a great spot to stop and have lunch (half way). Just leave the coastal path by the Tankerton yacht club and up the slopes through the three layers of beach huts. JoJo’s is a Meze, Meat & Fish Restaurant and is open lunch times Thursday to Sunday as well as evenings for dinner on Thursday to Saturday. They serve freshly cooked food with a Mediterranean influence such as gorgeous Greek salads to grilled sardines with lemon and black pepper, mouth watering mutton and feta koftas, marinated olives and authentic chorizo. The restaurant is very coastal with stripped floors, grey and white interiors and views out to sea. Good for lunch and dinner. Suggest you have a mixed meze to share (£20-£25) so good value in a gorgeous costal atmosphere. Get’s busy as all locals love it, so book ahead. • Coastal Kitchen – Elliot’s 1 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AG T: 01227 276608 A great place for breakfast and brunch, just 2 minutes from the harbour. The interior has simple Scandi/coastal décor and it is a great place to start your day. Try the traditional English or big V breakfast and you will be set for the day. Reasonably priced and we always take visitors here for brunch. It is open everyday from 9-4pm and does dinner at weekends (Fri/Sat) from 7pm. • Best Fish and Chips bar none – VC Jones’ In Harbour Street, you usually find a queue but it is so worth it. They are just amazing as they are cooked in the old traditional way of beef dripping. The best bit of a Whitstable day is having Jones’s fish and chips on the beach at sunset. This is so popular as they really taste like they used to and the place is a big draw in the town. • Wheelers Oyster Bar 8 High St, Whitstable CT5 1BQ T: 01227 273311 To be honest this is not a place we frequent regularly, unlike those listed above, as I am not much of a fish eater (what an admission for someone who lives by the sea!). However with its Candyfloss- pink-fronted façade, it is a must if you want to go to the most famous place in town and are a shellfish/oyster lover. Wheelers have been dishing up oysters in its parlour-sized dining room since 1856 and is the most recognisable landmark of the town, featured in post cards and local art work. Like a lot of places in quirky Whitstable, the opening times are a bit quirky too so we have listed them below. If you can’t get a table (you need to book a week or so in advance to get one) you can sit at the bar. To add the quirkiness, it is cash only and you bring your own wine (no bad thing at all) Monday & Tuesday: 10:30am-9pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:15am-9pm Friday: 10:15am-9:30pm Saturday: 10am-10pm Sunday: 11:30am-9pm There are loads more restaurants in the town, these are just our fav’s. Whitstable, famous for independent trade, has allowed some chains to join the town, such as Pizza Express, Prezzo, Zizzi if you want to play ‘high street’ safe. • Micro Pubs They are very much on trend in East Kent and like Herne Bay, Whitstable has 4. Try the Black Dog @ 66 High Street CT5 1BB T: 01227 00000 which boasts a unique feel with a treasure trove of unusual trinkets and art. Great for ale and cider lovers ....or try The Twelve Taps @ 102 High Street, CT6 1AZ T: 01227 770777. They also make dedicated craft beer with twelve Key keg lines, an extensive gin list (24 at time of writing) as well as wine and cider. They have a courtyard garden at the back for sunny days. Try the gin cocktails especially the Juniper Green, which is their house gin. This is a strong local favourite. What to do in Canterbury: Just 6 miles from Herne Bay, it is a must visit in the Herne Bay, Whitstable and Canterbury triangle. Just 20 minutes by car or bus, the city was made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and boasts some of England’s finest medieval architecture, including the majestic Canterbury cathedral. For all the city attractions visit https://www.canterbury.co.uk/ This is what we would suggest you do. • The Cathedral We don’t think you can visit Canterbury without visiting the world-famous cathedral, site of the shrine of Thomas Becket and the seat of the Archbishop. The spectacular building houses many stunning features, including a Romanesque crypt, a perpendicular nave and beautiful medieval stained glass windows. Visits can be arranged (wander on your own or book a guided tour) by visiting at the times below, but we suggest you first check the Cathedral website to see if any areas are closed or there is an event on. https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/information/ Weekdays & Saturdays Summer 09:00 – 17:30* Winter 09:00 – 17:00* The Crypt10:00 – 17:30 / 17.00* Throughout the Year, including the Crypt 12:30 – 14:30* • The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge This award winning facility provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries and a varied programme of events for all ages. It is right in the middle of the shopping high street (18 High St, Canterbury CT1 2BD) and a quirky place to visit. It houses an eclectic display of items brought back to the City by some of the “Grand Tour” collectors and is a great place to leave the shops behind (especially if the weather isn’t great) for a free few hours to look at Canterbury’s rich history. https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/beaney/ • Boat trips and punting on the River Stour Meander through tranquil gardens and countryside with an abundance of wildlife. Historic City Trips are also available. Sweetheart punts’ (for couples) are available for romantic river cruises; get your own chauffeured punt! Short trips and longer trips available and a lovely escape from the hassle of the town T: 07816 760869, http://canterburypunts.uk. Location: Westgate Grove, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8AA. Also see http://www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk for a round trip return tour of about 40 minutes. This goes to a small Franciscan island at one end of the city, which is also known as The Greyfriars. The island is home to a wonderful little chapel from the 13th century which spans the river, and is the oldest example of Franciscan architecture in the country. It then passes under the 12th century Eastbridge Hospital and the King's Bridge (1134), continuing down river past some industrial buildings from the medieval period, including The Old Weavers House (famous for the Witches Ducking Stool), The Kings Mill, and the Cromwellian iron forge. A nice trip and way to see the city and its amazing history. • Cultural Tour of Canterbury The Cultural Tour of Canterbury gives you the opportunity to learn a great deal more about the history and culture of the ancient city. Allowing visitors to discover numerous tombs and monuments, as well as the River Stour, the stained cathedral glass windows (dating back to the 12th and 13th century), and much more, the Cultural Tour of Canterbury is ideal for tourists wanting to envision what life used to be like in the bustling city during earlier centuries. Opening hours: the visitor centre is open Mon-Wed 9am-5pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm https://theculturetrip.com • The King's Mile The King's Mile is a good way to see Canterbury's old town and have a wander. The historic area of Canterbury, great to wander about with all of its shops and ancient buildings, the best one being the 17th century 'Crooked House.' Northgate, The Borough, Palace St & Guildhall St, Canterbury CT1 2DY. • Westgate Towers Built in 1380 the Westgate Towers is England's largest surviving Medieval Gateway. Explore its unique history and take in some of the most iconic views in the county of Kent. Approximately 60 foot high and built of Kentish ragstone c1380, it is the last surviving of Canterbury's 7 medieval gates, one of Canterbury's iconic landmarks. The Tower is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed. You can explore its rich history and take in the spectacular views of the city from the battlements viewpoint. Also parts of the attraction are the original felons' cells built c1830 in the gaol extension which houses our Escape Room attraction. Enjoy 10% discount on food & drink at The Pound Bar & Kitchen on the ground floor with your receipt! (see where we like to eat/drink below) Tons of other stuff (can’t list them all) – so look at https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186311-Activities-Canterbury_Kent_England.html for loads of historic sites, Abbeys, churches….. • Cinema and Theatre We love the Curzon cinema in Canterbury. www.curzoncinemas.com A small, intimate cinema with art house, independent as well as big screen productions. It has a great little bar which makes it a lovely experience, so you can watch with a decent glass of wine! We suggest you visit the Marlowe Theatre, a magnificent building next to the river. The programme of shows includes plays, major West End musicals, ballet, contemporary dance, opera, stand-up comedy, orchestral concerts and music gigs. Nice riverside restaurant to eat at before the performance; check listings before you visit as you need to book usually. https://marlowetheatre.com/ Good for west end productions without the hassle of getting into/around London • Shopping Canterbury is easy to get around and all the places above are in walking distance from the main high street shopping area. Canterbury is the biggest shopping area for your trip and has all the usual high street outlets along with some really lovely independent shops. The department store Fenwick’s is our John Lewis equivalent and has a lovely Carluccio’s restaurant in side. We love…..(all about eating): The Goods Shed – a lovely indoor farmers market with some amazing local foods and produce. Lovely for Breakfast and Lunch as you can look over the market and take in the smells whilst you eat. Ideal for foodies and purveyors of Kentish produce. Next to Canterbury West Station and with free parking https://thegoodsshed.co.uk/ The Fudge Kitchen – watch it being made, sample and buy. https://fudgekitchen.co.uk Where we like to eat and drink…. Pubs and bars • The Parrott One of Canterbury’s oldest buildings, The Parrot pub was built on Roman foundations in the 14th century and is tucked away down a picturesque cobbled street. Medieval beams, enormous oak floorboards and authentic open fires provide an atmospheric backdrop to food and drink. For ale aficionados, there’s up to six real ales at the bar, including award-winning local beer from Kent brewer Shepherd Neame. https://www.parrotcanterbury.co.uk/ • The Dolphin Near to the Parrott and Marlowe theatre. A lovely cosy pub, good food and good for Sunday lunch. Added nice touch is the pianist every Sunday. http://thedolphincanterbury.co.uk/ • The Pound (See Westgate Towers above) Dating back to the 13th century this formal gaol is now restored to a trendy bar. It has a good list of local beers, ciders, English wine and houses one of the city's largest gin selections. The bar is set within Canterbury's atmospheric former c1830 city gaol, gaoler's house and c1907 police station. You can have your drinks in one of the three 3 restored former cells and on nice days they have a riverside terrace. Also has an escape room. https://www.onepoundlane.co.uk/ • The Shakespeare pub and wine Bar In one of the most picturesque streets with great views of the Cathedral. We love the local produce, from Kentish cheeses to local-butcher British beef. Lots of ingredients from the Garden of England, ales brewed in nearby Faversham, and a collection of bar snacks also made in Kent. The upstairs wine bar is worth a trip https://www.shakespearecanterbury.com/ Restaurants and cafes we love: The pubs listed above are just our haunts but there are many, many others and all serve food of course. These are the places we like to eat (and we asked our local friends and they agreed) • Café Des Amis Modern Mexican cuisine, always busy and popular with locals. Great salsas and guacamole made fresh every day and lots of great sharing plates. Good to combine your trip to the Westgate towers, a cocktail at the Pound and dinner at Café Des Amis as is within 100 feet! https://cafedez.com • Cafe Mauresque We like the atmospheric cellar with Moroccan décor. It has a strong local following because of its delicious Moroccan food, plus paella, tapas and other Spanish dishes. Easily missed and not one you will readily spot but in one of the cutest cobbled streets in the city (Butchery Lane – so good to have a drink at the Shakespeare first and dinner here) http://www.cafemauresque.co.uk • County Restaurant at ABode Part of a good, high end hotel in the centre of the high street, The Champagne bar is a lovely treat for your visit to the town and the food offers very good modern European cuisine in an elegant dining room, again probably for a special occasion as more expensive than those listed above. They offer wine or gin masterclasses and tasking menu events. Check their events pages https://www.abodecanterbury.co.uk • Oscar and Bentley’s We have a lot of gluten free types in our family so this restaurant is amazing as it is one of the few completely gluten free places we know of. The food is great too! It is again right in the centre of Canterbury, good prices and lovely décor. People travel miles to eat G/F that tastes this amazing. You can take food home too. https://www.oscar-bentleys.co.uk What to do in Margate 20 minutes by car, two stops on the train, Margate is known for attracting Hipsters from London and as a result is now known locally as ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’. Still very much the British seaside, it is rough around the edges, which adds to its charm and attraction. The Old Town is the place to visit, followed by lunch and a walk along the big sandy beach. •Margate Old Town Lined with intriguing independent businesses, Margate Old Town is not to be missed! Perfect for a spot of vintage shopping, you’ll also find quirky cafés serving up anything from cupcakes to seafood, art galleries and even a few micro pubs. •Turner Contemporary Gallery One of the UK’s leading art galleries, Turner Contemporary, is situated on the same site that artist JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town. It has a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions featuring world-class art, as well as events and some of the best views out to sea! Literally over the road from the old town. We love to have a snack (always local food) in the café after our visit www.turnercontemporary.org •Dreamland One of the UK’s oldest surviving amusement parks, Dreamland Margate has pop-up entertainment, live music and vintage and thrill rides, street food and several eclectic bars and restaurants – all set against the scenic backdrop of Margate’s golden sands. Dreamland has a full event programme as well as a year-round amusement arcade and retro roller disco https://www.dreamland.co.uk •The Sands Is a boutique hotel and restaurant with great views over the Margate sands. We enjoy lunch for the view and afternoon tea is great too. Has a lovely outside terrace for al fresco dining when the weather is good and the view then cannot be beaten. Lunch for two courses is £20 and well worth it. https://sandshotelmargate.co.uk •The Post Office Lovely interior, beautifully refurbished. The Cecil Square restaurant uses local suppliers and there is also an on-site deli and bakery. https://postofficemargate.com •Hantverk & Found - Great for seafood and hipsters! https://www.hantverk-found.co.uk •Cheesy Tiger – On the harbour arm, serving up comfort food in the most comforting of ramshackle environments. And unsurprisingly, given its name, it’s all about cheese. •GB Pizza and Co – Sea views and really tasty pizza (The UK’s top 25 pizzerias, The Sunday Times) What else can you do? If you want to go just a few miles further a field or have any special requirements for your visit just ask us. Here are some highlights that are just a little way along the coast. You can drive (25 mins), cycle from Herne bay in (1.5 hours) or take the direct train (20 mins) to: Broadstairs •Lovely horseshoe sandy beach •Delightful restaurants with coastal views •Great traditional pubs •Great for traditional Ice Cream parlours http://morellisgelato.com/Stores/broadstairs •Dickens House museum https://www.thanet.gov.uk/info-pages/dickens-house-museum/ Walk along the harbour with fish and chips •Best beaches - Joss/Stone/Botany bays (rugged chalk cliffs and lovely sandy beaches) just along from Broadstairs https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-east-england/kent The Broadstairs area is worth a trip especially on a sunny day. The folk festival is usually in August https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk About 40 minutes away Sandwich In medieval times and before, Sandwich was a main Kent and UK port, it was and still is, a principal Cinque Port. Before the River Stour silted up, the river was wide and deep enough for great sailing ships. Today, the ships have been replaced by smaller craft, residential and visitor’s moorings, but the many ancient buildings make Sandwich one of the best preserved medieval towns in England. A really pretty, picture postcard town to visit with some great places to have a traditional pint/meal. Take a look at http://www.open-sandwich.co.uk •Book a town tour with a local (above website) •Go on the Sandwich river bus to the Roman fort or to see the seals and birdlife http://www.sandwichrb.co.uk/ •Find a pub – loads to choose from, we like the Kings arms and the Crispin inn for a real traditional Kentish pub feel Deal (5 minutes further from Sandwich) We love Deal as, like Herne Bay, it has a wide open feel of sea/sky and a pier to stroll along. Great for individual little shops, small bars and restaurants. No high street chains. Take a walk on the costal path from one end to the other and take in the Castle at Walmer. And finally…… Writing this has driven us crazy as there is so much we haven’t included as you would spend half your trip reading it! So here are our final thoughts… Live music in the area The whole area is awash with live music and this area of Kent is renowned for drawing musicians, artist and creative folk to the sea. To look at what’s on for live music in the area please look at the calendar at https://localnlive.uk There literally is a live band playing every night of the week. Breweries and Vineyards •Visit the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham for a tour (Britain’s oldest brewer and Kent’s firmest tradition) https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/ •Take a local vineyard tour at http://www.barnsole.co.uk/visits.html •Or visit the famous Chapel down Vineyard (about 40 mins) https://www.chapeldown.com/ Castles worth seeing •Dover castle is magnificent and worth a trip to climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. We especially like the visit to the White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. (about 40 mins from the apartment) https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/ •Leeds Castle – (30 minutes) discovers 900 years of history and explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. There is a maze, falconry displays and punting on the moat. A castle has existed on the site since 1119 and it became a favourite residence; in the 16th century for Henry VIII who used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. https://www.leeds-castle.com/ •Walmer Castle (see Deal above) Other places we love •Howlett’s – wild animal park conservation charity, who aim to send animals back to the wild in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation. Amazing Gorilla enclosure (just outside of Canterbury) https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/ •Chilham - A very small but very pretty Tudor village. Chilham Castle is open on Tuesdays June to September. Lovely pubs and places for afternoon tea. •The Compasses inn – in Crundale. Lovely Gastro pub with a lot of local followers https://www.thecompassescrundale.co.uk/ •The Fordwich arms – in Britain’s smallest town, very lovely location with the river outside in summer and real fires in winter. Michelin starred. Check out our ‘What’s on’ blackboard in the kitchen for a listing of what we know is going on during your stay