Just one of the many great things about our team being made up of Kent locals is the fact that we can bring you insights and expertise on where to visit during your stay. From bakeries crafting viral cinnamon buns to sophisticated wine bars, here’s our guide to some must-visit spots from the first half of 2026 (and where you can stay nearby!)
Holly PriceMust Visit Restaurants, Bars, Shops & Stays
Rise & Bun, Margate
Home of viral buns and delicious bakes, Rise & Bun can be found in all its deep red glory at Margate’s 12 King Street. With flavours such as banana chocolate pudding, sweet tahini & walnut, cheesy garlic and classic pepperoni, this place is a certified foodie fantasy. Get there early to secure your heavenly goods.
Where to stay: Grosvenor Place, a stylish townhouse for up to four, is just 10 minutes away on foot.
The Wellington, Margate
Bringing the laidback luxe London pub scene to Thanet, The Wellington marks the spot where Anglo-French cuisine and unrivalled ambience collide. Housed within a centuries-old coaching inn on the corner of Duke Street and Market Place, this enchanting old soul is helmed by duo Billy Stock & Ellie Topham.
Where to stay: Our closest stay to Margate’s charming Old Town (and just 9 minutes on foot from The Wellington) is Grosvenor Place, a stunning Georgian townhouse.
Aster, Broadstairs
Offering an intimate experience of wild-grown vegan dishes designed by celebrated chef Luke Crittenden, Aster is an exceptional eatery where both humans and dogs are warmly welcomed. Expect moreish tasting menus of 4 or 7 courses and wagging tails from the resident restaurant managers, Sparky & Hutch.
Where to stay: The Tide House is a 6-minute walk away and sleeps up to 8, which also happens to be the number of people that Aster can accommodate. Did someone say meant to be?
Franc, Canterbury
A French restaurant and wine bar on the King’s Mile in Canterbury, Franc opened in late 2025, and the fanfare has been consistently good ever since. Visit for weekly set lunch menus (and evening specials) of the finest French cuisine, a wine list that is both exemplary and accessible, and to feel as though you’ve swapped the streets of Canterbury for la Ville Lumière.
Where to stay: Combine the best of the rolling Kent countryside and Canterbury city centre with a stay at the storybook Woodman’s Cottage, just 11 minutes away from Franc by car.
Sea Scrub Sauna, Folkestone
Sea Scrub Sauna has been a beloved Kent sauna experience with locations across the county. In 2026, they opened their most ambitious location yet, which has become the UK’s largest beach spa. Bringing elements of both Nordic and Japanese wellness culture to the Kent coast, the sites features two saunas, a communal cold plunge tank, a hot tub, warm showers and a cafe.
Where to stay: The very stylish Folkestone Terrace is only a short walk from the Sea Scrub Sauna, and is conveniently situated for everything that Folkestone has to offer.
Scout Pizza at The Hoy, Deal
Authentic sourdough pizzas at a quaint, characterful pub? What else could you possibly want? Scout Pizza is housed within the maritime-decor adorned walls of Deal’s The Hoy, where you can also enjoy local beers, spirits and cocktails. Pizzas are made with slow-fermented dough crafted from Kentish flour, and topped with carefully sourced (and very local wherever possible) ingredients.
Where to stay: It doesn’t get much closer than just around the corner (literally) which is where you’ll find our charming holiday cottage for two, Cow & Cockle.
Align Studio, Deal
A chic yet friendly mat pilates and yoga studio, Align sits at the heart of Deal on King Street. There is an inviting focus on both wellness and socialising here, with frequent collaborations with other Deal businesses to bring experiences such as pilates on the pier, followed by cocktail masterclasses and pilates & padel mornings.
Where to stay: Deal is teeming with stunning places to stay. For a quiet, restful recharge with your favourite people, we suggest heading to Fisherman’s Cottage, just around the corner from Align and steps from the sea.
Le Pinardier, Deal
While this one is a re-opening rather than an entirely new one, we couldn’t possibly miss it off the list. Le Pinardier is a beloved Deal establishment and is helmed by the husband-and-wife team behind the Frog & Scott restaurant nearby. Recently extending into next door (the age-old building once housed the town chemist,) Le P is now a sprawling space of gorgeous interiors, elevated bar food (French-inspired, bien sur) and beers, wine and cocktails.
Where to stay: Le Pinardier sits on Deal’s High Street, where you’ll find a whole host of Keepers Cottages. However, Steadfast is just four doors down from Le Pinardier and is an oh-so chic apartment perched above an art gallery.
Elliott, Faversham
The towns and villages along the Kent coast have long been known for their independent shops, and Elliott is the latest in that list. Stocked with a selection of carefully curated homewares, fashion, gifts and jewellery, it’s a must-visit for anyone staying near Faversham.
Where to stay: The centre of Faversham is just 10 minutes by car from The Old Cherry Barn, a beautiful converted barn in the heart of the Kent countryside, with a large garden and use of a tennis court.
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