Alice
09 May 2019
Kent and Sussex are lovely spots for a family-friendly getaway – easy to reach from London, it is the perfect location to take some time out over May half term and make the most of longer, warmer days. We have a great selection of properties suitable for small families with just a few of you right through to properties ideal for several families to holiday together. From cottages with their own private beach to secluded countryside hideaways, there are some fabulous abodes to explore centred around wonderful attractions around too.
Our guide below details some of the best family-friendly spots to stay in this half term, as well as some of the best things to see and do throughout your stay. We’d love to hear all about your break and what you got up to, so do let us know via our Facebook and Instagram page.
Cottages for May half term
In Kent:
Sleeps: 15
Best for: Foodies
This Grade II listed luxury farmhouse is set in a beautifully peaceful location just between the villages of Marden and Goudhurst. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Tanner House is the perfect spot for a large family or several groups getting together with its multiple living rooms and a whole floor dedicated to the children’s bedrooms. The nearby town of Goudhurst is known locally as a hot spot for foodies, with a plethora of gastropubs, bakeries and cafes on offer to sample throughout your stay.
Stay at Tanner House
With tons of cuddly animals and fun attractions, this former hop farm is a guaranteed great day out. Perfect for the warmer months, the whole family can enjoy talks on the animals at the zoo as well as getting up close with all the farm favourites and even llamas and meerkats too!
Sleeps: 4 and 1 dog
Best for: Exploring the countryside
With local footpaths at the end of the garden, this stunning converted coach house is the ideal base for those who want to just get outside and explore. Experience the beautiful countryside surrounding the property, or take a short drive to the nearby pebbly east coastline. Once all the exploring has been done, return to a home-cooked meal in the light and airy open-plan kitchen/diner area with fantastic panoramic views of the countryside around, and then retire to the comfy living room and snuggle down in front of the log burner for a popcorn-fuelled movie night.
Stay at Lidwells Coach House
An award-winning high ropes course packed with tunnels, tumbles and rope ladders - you are bound to have a heap of laughs at this fabulous family attraction. Typically taking 2 to 3 hours to complete the course, it’s the perfect way to tire out excitable children and leave them feeling like real life monkeys after swinging through the trees.
In Sussex:
Sleeps: 10 and 1 dog
Best for: A little bit of luxury
Those who like something a little extra special on their getaways will be wowed by this luxurious coaching inn – finished with boutique, hotel-style décor throughout and complete with an elegant bar for entertaining, it’s an amazing spot for special occasions and big family gatherings. The large, picturesque garden even has its own hot tub, just made for long summer evenings after a day out at the beach and a hearty BBQ.
Stay at Ingram House
Learn all about the history of smuggling on the south coast and beyond as you take a journey through this incredible ancient cave system and one of Hasting’s top tourist attractions. The smugglers’ journey, led by the notorious Hairy Jack, is brought to life with the display of over 70 characters, an array of interactive displays and magical special effects. This really is a day out that will dazzle both older children and parents!
Sleeps: 10
Best for: Scandi style and sea views
This stunning beachfront house has direct access to the beach, so long, hot days can be spent dashing in and out of the sea and building pebble castles! The Scandinavian-style interior offers a fresh and lavish feel creating a sense of homely luxury whilst the hugely spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining with the large island and bar stools.
Stay at Wave Crest
A pleasing day out for all members of the family, this famous one-eighth miniature scale locomotive meanders throughout the beautiful country park surrounding, providing beautiful views and plenty of fun. Once done, get lost in the maze, then head to ‘Grandma's Garden’, and finish your visit off with a beautiful stroll around the 5-acre lake where you can see nature and wildlife interacting in their natural habitat.
Sleeps: 8
Best for: An active holiday
Close to the stunning Camber Sands beach, this chic holiday home is the perfect property to enjoy indoor/outdoor living. Fabulous panoramic glass doors span the rear of the home and open out to the deck, garden and beyond, providing the ideal spot for enjoying a morning coffee or a dinner spent watching the sunset. Nearby is a plethora of activities such as windsurfing, paddle boarding and sailing boat hire and tuition – with so much to see and do around, no day need ever be boring when staying at this beautiful property
Stay at Moonrakers
With shingle, salt marshes, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater gravel pits and reed beds, there are so many opportunities to discover wildlife at this beautiful seaside spot. One of the most important conservation sites in Britain, it is the ideal spot to take keen wildlife watchers and let them learn all about the nature around and how best to protect it.
We hope our small selection of suggestions here has whetted your appetite and inspired a family trip to Kent and Sussex. Make this the year to enjoy a homegrown holiday and check out our full property selection of cottages for May half-term.
Cottages for May half term
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.