The Bee Barn

The curved design of The Bee Barn mimics the rolling Kent countryside. You can enjoy this wonderful countryside retreat and take days out to the seaside, in one of the country’s most historic cities or just ambling along on bikes or walking. You can also visit some amazing vineyards and taste some incredible wines.

Made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the incredible, historic university city of Canterbury is marvellous. Visitors flock to Canterbury Cathedral which houses the famous shrine of the medieval archbishop Thomas Becket. Other special historical sights are St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, forming the UNESCO Heritage Site with the cathedral. You can enjoy the Canterbury Tales attraction where you can imagine medieval England. The town boasts an impressive collection of restaurants and bars. You can take a charming river jaunt from March to October where you will enjoy the country’s oldest Franciscan Chapel, the King’s Bridge, the Dominican Priories and The Ducking Stool. It is said that The Ducking Stool was used to punish and publically shame nagging wives and to torture witches! From Canterbury, you can easily head to the popular coastal towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable.

In the opposite direction, you can visit Hythe, the coastal market town on the edge of Romney Marsh. Just along the road is Folkestone. As well as the beach at Hythe, you can visit the lovely Brockhill Country Park or the famous Port Lympne Reserve. The authentic safari experience is unlike a normal zoo. Over 90 species and 766 animals roam within the 600 acres. There are big cats, gorillas and primates roaming free. At Folkestone there is a dry ski centre, the beach, KidsPlanet and much more.

There are quite a number of vineyards you can visit in Kent. Chapel Down is probably the  most famous of them, located in the the picturesque market town of Tenterden. Its wines are world renowned. You can arrange tours, wine tastings and masterclasses. 

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Kent

Welcome to the bloomin' marvellous "Garden of England", Kent! Sprinkled with Oliver’s Travels cute cottages, bee-shaped lodges, mansion houses, seaside wonders and colossal party houses, you will find just the perfect place to stay to discover this wonderful county. So, gather up your favourite friends or your family or whisk away your special someone for a romantic getaway. Thanks to Oliver’s Travels, your adventure in this flowery haven is just a booking away!

Kent is home to some real showstoppers. First up is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Archbishop of Canterbury's favourite hangout. With its Gothic glam and incredible history, it is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Leeds Castle, named the "loveliest castle in the world", is surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens that make you question if you have stepped into a fairy tale. The White Cliffs of Dover stand tall and proud, like the bodyguards of Britain. These chalky wonders have guarded this fine land for centuries and a trip to Dover not only treats you to panoramic views of the English Channel but also a chance to explore the historic Dover Castle.

Nature lovers adore The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a green haven of rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages. It feels like Mother Nature threw a garden party and you are invited! You can lace up those hiking boots, hop on a bike or just bask in the countryside tranquility. If you are looking for beachside bliss, Margate and Broadstairs have sandy shores and a lively arts scene. You should check out the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.

Canterbury is a living, breathing medieval postcard with cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Stour snaking through. Tenterden and Faversham, the market towns, are like stepping into a scene from a quaint British movie. Markets, boutique shops and historic architecture blend together in a beautiful way. Chilham, the village with a Tudor-style square, is practically a movie star. You might have seen it in period dramas, it is that photogenic.

There are plenty of festivals that take place, including The Canterbury Festival of music, theatre and art. The Rochester Dickens Festival offers Victorian-themed events, parades and street performances. It is like stepping into a Dickens novel. Get your taste buds ready for a dance because Kent is the "Garden of England" for a reason. Featuring orchards, hop gardens and vineyards, it is a feast for the senses. You can visit farmers' markets, cider houses and wineries to savour the local delights. Kentish cherries and apples are the celebrities here and you are the VIP guest at their flavour-packed party.

Kent is a whirlwind of history, natural beauty and culture. You will fall head over heels and the memories will linger like the scent of summer roses. So, whether you are storming medieval castles, sauntering through charming towns, lazing on a beach or feasting on oysters in Whitstable, a trip to Kent guarantees an adventure. Cheers to Kent where every moment is a bloomin' good time!