Best Romantic Christmas Getaways in Kent 2025
Cosy Winter Escapes for Two Across the Garden of England
Kent shines at Christmas, with candle-lit castles, cosy country pubs, and boutique coastal retreats offering the perfect romantic escape.
Whether you’re after roaring fires and festive dining or sea views and winter walks, these hand-picked getaways combine charm, luxury and atmosphere - all perfect for a romantic Christmas break in Kent.
Here’s our guide to the best romantic hotels in Kent this Christmas.
A slice of perfection: The Pig at Bridge Place
1. The Pig at Bridge Place - Canterbury
Location: Bourne Park Road, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH
Style: Rustic luxury country house hotel
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: The Times “Best 100 British Hotels 2024”, Condé Nast Traveller “Readers’ Choice Top 20 UK Hotels 2023”
Why stay:
Set in a 17th-century manor house just outside Canterbury, The Pig at Bridge Place offers roaring fires, vintage furniture and home-grown dining. Each room blends heritage with contemporary comfort, from deep bathtubs to plush linens. The garden-to-plate restaurant uses produce from the hotel’s walled gardens and local Kent suppliers. And the breakfast is simply perfect, probably the best breakfast we’ve ever had.
The Kent Tourist tip: Book a Hop Picker’s Hut for a secluded Christmas hideaway complete with log-burning stove.
2. The Leicester Arms - Penshurst
Location: High Street, Penshurst TN11 8BT
Style: Historic coaching inn with modern country style
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0 / 5
Awards: AA 4-Star Inn Rating 2023, Good Pub Guide Recommended 2024
Why stay:
Opposite the gates of Penshurst Place, this 16th-century inn offers roaring fires, hearty food, and rooms with roll-top baths and soft lighting. Expect seasonal menus, Kentish ales and that intimate pub-at-Christmas atmosphere.
The Kent Tourist tip: Pair your stay with a visit to Hever Castle’s Christmas Lights just ten minutes away.
A hidden gem: The Leicester Arms in Penshurst
3. The Rose - Deal
Location: 91 High Street, Deal CT14 6ED
Style: Design-led boutique seaside hotel
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: Sunday Times Travel “Best Coastal Hotels in the UK 2024”, Michelin Guide Recommended Stay
Why stay:
Chic, playful and romantic, The Rose offers retro interiors, moody lighting and a lively bar serving seasonal cocktails and locally sourced dishes. Its Christmas decor and festive menu make it a stylish choice for design-minded couples.
The Kent Tourist tip: Stroll Deal seafront after dark to see the harbour lights and enjoy a nightcap back at the bar.
The Rose in Deal is The Kent Tourist’s favourite
4. Hever Castle Luxury Bed & Breakfast - Edenbridge
Location: Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Style: Five-star heritage accommodation within castle grounds
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 / 5
Awards: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024, VisitEngland Gold Award 2023
Why stay:
Wake up surrounded by centuries of history at Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. The Astor Wing rooms are sumptuous, with oak panelling, four-poster beds and views across frost-tipped gardens. At Christmas, the castle grounds sparkle with thousands of lights and fire pits.
The Kent Tourist tip: Book the “Castle and Lights” combined package for a romantic evening walk followed by a luxury stay.
Luxury beyond compare at Hever Castle
5. Rooms at Number One - Broadstairs
Location: 1 Harbour Street, Broadstairs CT10 1ET
Style: Minimalist coastal boutique guesthouse
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 / 5
Awards: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024
Why stay:
Steps from the beach, Rooms at Number One offers calm coastal interiors and sea views from light-filled bedrooms. Breakfast is served at the adjoining restaurant, and the harbour comes alive with Christmas lights and festive markets in December.
The Kent Tourist tip: Book a top-floor room for sunrise views over Viking Bay.
6. Canterbury Cathedral Lodges
Location: The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH
Style: Contemporary rooms within cathedral grounds
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024
Why stay:
Hidden within the cathedral walls, this unique hotel offers peaceful rooms with views of the cathedral spire. Guests enjoy private access to the grounds and can attend the Cathedral’s famous Carols by Candlelight service during their stay.
The Kent Tourist tip: Enjoy breakfast overlooking the cathedral gardens as the bells ring on Christmas Eve.
Atmospheric and historic: Canterbury Cathedral Lodges
7. Rocksalt Rooms - Folkestone
Location: 4–5 Fishmarket, Folkestone CT19 6AA
Style: Seaside boutique rooms with fine-dining restaurant
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: AA 2 Rosettes for Culinary Excellence 2024, Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024
Why stay:
Perched above the harbour, Rocksalt combines minimalist luxury with sea-view rooms and an award-winning restaurant famous for its local seafood. It’s romantic, refined and perfect for a cosy coastal Christmas escape.
The Kent Tourist tip: Dine on the Christmas tasting menu and watch the harbour lights from your balcony.
Plan Your Romantic Christmas Escape
Book early: Boutique rooms and castle stays fill up quickly for Christmas and New Year.
Check festive packages: Many offer two-night stays with Christmas dinners or spa add-ons.
Combine with local events: Visit Canterbury or Rochester Christmas Markets or Kent’s light trails nearby.
Travel tip: Most locations are within 90 minutes of London - ideal for a romantic winter weekend.
Our guide to the best festive romantic getaways.