North of England
Scotland
East of England
Heart of England
South of England
South West of England
Wales | THE STUDIO AT BRIDGE COTTAGE This absolutely stunning and luxurious barn conversion really has it all, with extremely high-end finish and furnishings, stunning views and a private hot tub. The property is centrally located, just 6 minutes away from the world-famous Ashford designer outlet, perfect for some retail therapy. |
 | THE COW SHED Beautifully appointed throughout, creating a lovely, romantic retreat, this cosy cottage is perfect for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside. |
 | BROOK FARM ANNEX A luxury semi-detached annex for two, ideally situated in the lovely county of Kent. This beautiful annex is ideal for a romantic getaway with so much to do on-site, including creative workshops run by the owners, surrounded by animals, as well as country walks. |
Lying on the River Great Stour, Ashford makes for a picturesque staycation, whether you’re making the roughly sixty-mile trip from central London, or elsewhere in the UK. With the opportunity to get up close and personal with local (and some not-so-local!) animals, to sampling beer from the UK Brewer of 2024, there’s something to satisfy every interest.
1. Animal adventures
For any family heading to this Kentish town, South of England Rare Breeds Centre makes a great day out. Introduce the little ones to farm livestock, with turkeys, goats, horses and even guinea pigs and rabbits about, or explore the Discovery Garden for a taste of nature’s own produce, with in-season produces being grown and flowers blossoming. For those who prefer the creepy-crawly side to garden, their wormery and woodpiles are definitely worth a look.
Discover 2024’s top lodges with hot tubs in Kent here.
The Hawking Centre is perfect for any adventurous visitors, whether you’re up for spending a full day with these majestic birds, or a full five-day falconry course. You can even include an afternoon tea or lunch with your visit. Having been established in 1998, sure to be in more than capable hands with the team.
And if you wish it could be Christmas every day, the Reindeer Centre is just the place to go. Having imported reindeer from Sweden about fifteen years ago, the Centre now houses and cares for over a hundred of the species. Make sure to pay the baby lambs, donkeys, and gorgeous baby llamas a visit too!
2. Picturesque parks
Ashford’s largest and most central park, Victoria Park, has plenty available for everyone, with engaging play areas for kids and quieter spaces for when you need a break away from the action. With its history dating back to 1898, it’s ideal for any history enthusiasts, or budding ecologists thanks to the diverse range of riverside plant species existing there.
If it’s a riverside stroll you’re after, head to Conningbrook Lakes Country Park. With three lakes surrounded by wet woodland, this park also attracts plenty of wildlife. From migratory wildfowl in the winter to skylarks in the Summer, there are creatures of all sizes to catch your eye, so bring a picnic and some binoculars and see what you can find!
Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve is perfect for those with a good sturdy pair of walking boots. With three circular walks to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to witness both the beauty of the woodland and even some archaeological remains – be sure to look out for the medieval dam!
3. Super shopping & Eating
For the adults, Curious Brewery should be at the top of your list for drinks out! Specialising in beer and cider, the brewery was established in 2011, and since then, their hard work has really paid off, with their Curious Brew Lager was awarded Gold at the 2024 World Beer Awards. So why not take a tour around the brewery, complete with a tutored beer tasting session? Or even book a table in their restaurant to try their beers with your favourite dish on the menu.
If you’re still looking for that perfect outfit, then fear not! Ashford’s Designer Outlet has all your shopping needs covered whilst on holiday. From Adidas to Levis, and even Haribo to Lindt, there’s something for everyone, and it never hurts to pay a visit and see what bargains you can find.
And when you need something a bit more personal to take home, Made in Ashford couldn’t be better. Selling handmade products by locally made artists and businesses, you’re sure to find a piece of Ashford to take home with you. They even have an online store, so you can order more reminders of your staycation whenever you like.