A Weekend Cottage Stay in the Kent Countryside
Last month, I was invited to stay at the lovely Salomon’s Estate*, just a short train ride from London. The cottage is surrounded by 36-acres of gardens and woodland so it’s an ideal spot to slow down and take a break from busy city life. My friends and I stayed in one of the self-catering properties, The Cottage. Just a note: I can’t comment on the hotel itself, as we didn’t eat breakfast there or stay in any of the hotel rooms so this post focuses on the cottage experience only.
*the stay was gifted but all opinions are my own, as always!
How do you get to Salomon’s Estate?
The estate is a 10-minute drive from Tunbridge Wells town centre and train station, making it a short journey to/from London. If you would like to access the estate via public transport, you can take a train from London Bridge station to Tunbridge Wells, which takes just under an hour. From here, you can take a short taxi to the estate.
Staying in The Cottage
There are a few self-catering properties on the estate and my friends and I stayed in the three-bedroom cottage. It’s set slightly apart from the main hotel building so you get a sense of privacy, whilst still being close to hotel facilities such as the restaurant, bar and reception. The bar has lots of outdoor benches and seats overlooking the beautiful gardens, which we really enjoyed.
The cottage itself is a small space but is ideal for a short weekend escape. A few things to note about the cottage:
Prices start from £46pp assuming all 6 people book i.e. £275 per night.
There are 3 double bedrooms including one with a lovely en-suite and freestanding bathtub. One of the bedrooms is downstairs and the third is quite small. There is a road adjacent to the cottage - whilst we didn’t experience too much noise, it’s worth noting!
There is a fully equipped kitchen which we made the most of! We cooked all our meals and had lazy breakfasts in the lounge. There are plenty of large supermarkets in Tunbridge Wells so I would recommend stocking up on groceries before you arrive.
The living room has a sofa and TV - the space is a little small for 6 people but is quite cosy in the evenings.
There is also a small patio area with outdoor seating, which is lovely in the summer months.
Things to do near Salomon’s Estate
A few ideas for things to do during your stay at Salomon’s Estate:
The estate has a number of well-maintained paths that go through its woodlands and open parkland. Alternatively, the gardens and terrace are great spots for a quiet read, morning coffee or an evening drink.
Or if you’d prefer a longer walk, you can explore nearby trails like the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk or Bedgebury Forest. Find more walking trails here.
If you have a car, you can explore lots of nearby spots around the Kent countryside. I recommend heading into Tunbridge Wells to explore The Pantiles where you’ll find independent boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and wine bars. On weekends, there’s often live music or a local market. It’s also the only store Piglet in Bed has (one of my fav bedding and homeware brands), which was dreamy. I also loved Fine Grind coffee shop and Eggs Eleven brunch.
If you have time, you could also visit nearby Scotney Castle (we didn’t have time to fit this in). This castle is a National Trust property and one of the prettiest places in Kent. There’s a ruined castle, a Victorian mansion, and landscaped gardens.
If you're after a peaceful countryside break without heading too far from London, the Kent countryside is a great option. Book your stay here.
You can follow along on my Instagram and TikTok for more travel inspiration.
Thanks for reading,
T.
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