Frost outside, fire alight inside

Winter in Kent

THE PIG-at Bridge Place

PBP Illustration

Winter in Kent brings a certain kind of quiet that the rest of the year never quite manages. The lanes empty out, the fields turn frosty and the countryside takes on that lovely wintery stillness.

Canterbury is just down the road, with its cobbled streets, independent shops, cathedral and cosy pubs, while the Kent countryside is right on our doorstep for muddy walks through woodland, fields and winding country lanes. Then you come back to our little corner of Kent, where the fires are already going, the Kitchen Garden is tucked up for winter and a free-standing bath is waiting upstairs with your name on it.

Four good reasons to come in the cold months

Forget traffic jams and packed restaurants. In winter, Kent settles into a slower, quieter rhythm – the roads are calmer, the villages are peaceful and there’s plenty of countryside to yourself. Perfect for muddy-boot walks, frosty mornings and warming up by the fire afterwards.

The Kent countryside is right on our doorstep, with footpaths leading from the hotel through fields, woodland and winding country lanes. Head out towards the villages around Canterbury, wander through frosty fields with the winter air in your face, or pull on your boots and see where the path takes you.

Our free Kitchen Garden tours run at 11am, every day, all year round. In winter, you'll see plenty of hardy root veg being harvested, shoots bursting through the beds to fill the ‘hungry gap’ at the start of the new year - and you’ll get a good idea of why our dishes taste exactly like where they’re from.

A roll-top bath after a cold walk is one of life's better arguments and our Potting Shed treatment rooms are quietly tucked beside the Kitchen Garden for when the day calls for something a little more. After that, it's the fire, a glass of something good and a supper that lingers all evening.

From late November, Kent gets into the festive spirit, with Christmas markets, twinkling lights and plenty of reasons to head out for the day. Canterbury is a lovely place to spend a winter afternoon, with its historic streets, independent shops and cosy pubs, while nearby towns and villages get into the festive spirit with local makers, food and plenty of mulled wine. Go midweek if you fancy taking your time, then head back to THE PIG-at Bridge Place to warm up by the fire after a day exploring.

Back indoors

The good thing about a house in the middle of nowhere in winter, is that there's no particular reason to leave it. A cocktail at four with the fire going, cards on the table, and the quiet conundrum of whether you can be bothered to change for dinner. You can't, but nobody minds.

Winter on the plate

Our flavours are at their most wholesome and hearty at this time of year – think Kentish game, warming braises, local fish and plenty picked, preserved and cooked from our Kitchen Garden. Expect slow-cooked, seasonal dishes, root vegetables and punchy pickles, all making the most of what’s growing around us, with a proper taste of the Kent countryside on your plate.

Take a peek at the menu