A countryside escape: what to do within 30 minutes of Hempstead House

Discover local experiences and attractions near Hempstead House Hotel & Spa

If you’re planning a stay at Hempstead House Hotel & Spa, you’re choosing a classic Kent countryside retreat surrounded by gardens, open farmland and a wonderful sense of calm. The hotel offers luxury spa facilities, award‑winning dining and beautifully appointed rooms, making it the perfect base for relaxation and local discovery. Beyond the hotel’s grounds, the surrounding area has a variety of things to see and do, from historic towns and green spaces to iconic castles and coastal nature reserves. All of the following are within approximately 30 minutes’ drive of Hempstead House, making them ideal for a day out, a picnic stop or a gentle wander during your stay.

Explore Milton Creek Country Park

Distance: Around 10 minutes by car

A short distance from the hotel, Milton Creek Country Park offers a peaceful outing in nature that’s perfect for families, dog walkers and anyone who enjoys wildlife. Set within 128 acres of former marshland, this park has extensive walking paths, scenic views across water, and habitats that support a variety of birds and insects. It’s free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk. Whether you want to take a gentle walk, stretch your legs with a longer route or enjoy a picnic by the water, this is one of the most accessible green spaces near the hotel.

Step back in time at Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham

Distance: Around 20 minutes by car

The nearby market town of Faversham is steeped in history, and one of its highlights is the Shepherd Neame Brewery, officially established in 1698 and known as Britain’s oldest brewer. At the Visitor Centre, you can take a guided tour to learn about traditional brewing methods, see historic brewing equipment and enjoy tutored tastings of Kentish ales at the end of your visit. Alongside the brewery, Faversham itself is a charming town with cobbled streets, independent shops and a rich heritage — ideal for a day of relaxed exploration.

Visit Leeds Castle for history and gardens

Distance: Around 30 minutes by car

One of the most well‑known attractions in Kent is Leeds Castle, set in more than 500 acres of parkland near Maidstone. Dating back over 900 years, the castle offers visitors a chance to explore historic rooms, formal gardens and surrounding parkland with walking routes, play areas, falconry displays, adventure golf and more. Leeds Castle is consistently rated as one of the top day‑out attractions in the South East of England and is suitable for families, couples and history lovers alike. Its grounds alone can easily fill a half‑day visit, with plenty of options for photography, picnicking and scenic walks.

Wander the historic streets of Faversham

Distance: Around 20 minutes by car

While visiting the brewery, it’s well worth spending time in Faversham town centre itself. One of Kent’s oldest market towns, its market still operates in the centre, surrounded by historic buildings and independent cafés. The feel of the town embodies Kent’s cultural heritage, and its riverside location adds to the charm. Faversham is marvellous place for browsing local produce at the market, enjoying lunch in a traditional pub or simply wandering through the medieval cobbled streets.

Enjoy nature at Cromers Wood and other reserves

Distance: Around 15–20 minutes by car

If you enjoy quieter countryside walks and wildlife, Cromers Wood is a nearby nature reserve managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. Its ancient woodland offers an immersive experience of Kent’s natural landscape, with opportunities for birdwatching and spotting seasonal flora. Other green spaces like Capstone Farm Country Park and White Horse Wood Country Park, both within a reasonable drive, offer additional outdoor exploration for walkers and nature lovers.

Cover more ground with village and town visits

Within a short drive of Hempstead House are villages and small towns that make for charming detours:

• Whitstable – Known for its seaside character, colourful beach huts and famous oysters (about 25–30 minutes away by car).
• Canterbury – A bit further at around 30 minutes, but well worth a day trip for its historic cathedral, arts scene and riverside walks.
• Oare Marshes – A wetland nature reserve near Faversham with internationally recognised birdwatching opportunities.

Make the most of your countryside escape

At Hempstead House Hotel & Spa, you are perfectly placed to discover some of Kent’s most captivating attractions and landscapes — all within a short drive of the hotel. From wildlife‑rich parks and ancient breweries to iconic castles and historic market towns, the area invites guests to explore at their own pace. After a day of exploring, you can return to the hotel for some relaxation at the bar or in the luxury spa followed by a perfect night’s rest in the elegant rooms ready for the next day. Our friendly reception team can help with directions, recommended routes and up‑to‑date opening information for local attractions, ensuring your visit is both effortless and rewarding.

Ready to discover more of Kent? Ask us for personalised ideas when you check in or explore our recommendations before you arrive.