Focus on: The Gate House, Kent

The Gate House mini-castle holiday cottage, Dover, Kent

Just hours from the capital, it can be easy to forget how much there is to do and see in the countryside of Kent. A historic area with stunning sea views: where better to stay than in your very own castle at The Gate House?

A unique holiday cottage in Dover

A charming property full of eccentricities, The Gate House is a lovingly constructed Grade II miniature Gothic castle, sitting on the slopes of Castle Hill in Dover close to its larger original forebear, Dover Castle. From the tower and crenellations to solid stonework and heavy wooden door, this is the model of mediaeval-style luxury.

Inside, exposed beams, an open fire and other historical features are waiting to welcome you. Sleeping up to four in roomy comfort, this holiday home includes an enclosed garden, TV and DVD player and a contemporary kitchen suite with all mod cons.

Sample Kent’s coastline and castles

Dover is famous for the white cliffs that gave the UK its first name, ‘Albion’, mixing the best of nautical heritage with clifftop views and a fascinating history. Dover Castle stands sentinel over the port and is well worth a visit, as is Deal Castle, Henry VIII’s Tudor Rose-shaped fortification just down the coast.

St. Margaret’s Bay Beach and Samphire Hoe are two unmissable stretches of coast, where on a clear day you can see the beaches of France. There’s many routes for hikers to explore along the clifftops, or explore ‘The Garden of England’ inland for fruit growing and hop gardens. There’s also a host of destinations for wildlife lovers, including The Hawking Centre, Wildlife Heritage Foundation and Lower Leas Coastal Park.