Gravetye Manor, Kent and Sussex
Kent and Sussex bring history, gentle countryside and a English charm. Kent, often called the “Garden of England”, is known for its orchards, vineyards and soft green landscapes. Just next door, Sussex offers a different rhythm, with dramatic coastline, hills and a collection of historic sites. Travelling through this corner of south-east England feels relaxed. You can eat very well here, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to traditional country pubs. Accommodation follows the same pattern, with everything from historic manor houses to small boutique hotels.
Updated May 2026
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Gravetye Manor Hotel
Gravetye Manor is a beautiful country house hotel located in the heart of the English countryside. Built in 1598, this stunning 16th-century building has been carefully restored to provide a peaceful and luxurious getaway. It is now recognized as one of the top hotels in the area, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection and rewarded with two MICHELIN Keys.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Michelin-Starred Dinner at Gravetye Manor.
We started with a perfect glass of 1086 by Nyetimber in the bar at Gravetye Manor
(1086 is a sparkling wine produced by Nyetimber, a renowned English winery located in West Sussex).
After this wonderful start of the evening, we move to The Dining Room. It holds a Michelin star and is led by head chef Martin Carabott, whose cooking is based on the seasons and the products grown on the property. Much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs come directly from the manor’s historic kitchen garden, which has been part of the estate for more than a century. The link between garden and kitchen shapes the menu throughout the year.
Dinner takes place in a calm and elegant dining room that suits the character of the manor. In warmer months, the terrace becomes an appealing place to dine, with views over the gardens. The seasonal dinner menu changes regularly and focuses on clear flavours, careful technique and well judged combinations. During our meal the dishes felt precise and balanced, with a natural freshness that reflects the kitchen’s reliance on its own garden.
Exceptional wine selection
The restaurant has a geat wine selection, with local English wines like Bluebell Vineyard Estate and Simpsons Estate, as well as wines from around the world, with many available by the glass. We particularly appreciate the focus on local selections.
Service is impeccable, with a team of attentive and knowledgeable staff.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
What Relais & Châteaux says about Gravetye Manor
Just a short distance from London yet far removed from the city's pace, this elegant Elizabethan manor is set among winding paths and vibrant flower beds. The surrounding gardens were designed by William Robinson, a former owner and a key figure in the development of the English flower garden.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and refined, with wood-panelled sitting rooms and open log fires. Throughout the year, guests can enjoy far-reaching countryside views, refined cuisine, and attentive but discreet service – all elements that make for a memorable stay.
Rooms and atmosphere
Set on a 1.000 acre estate on the edge of the Sussex countryside, Gravetye Manor is a 16th century country house that has grown into one of southern England’s most respected rural hotels. The manor was built in 1598 and later became the home of the influential gardener William Robinson, whose ideas about natural planting still shape the gardens today.
The hotel has just 17 rooms and suites, each individually designed. Antique pieces, generous fabrics and muted colours reflect the age of the house, while modern bathrooms and discreet technology ensure comfort. Many rooms look directly onto the gardens and woodland, creating a strong sense calm.
The estate itself is part of the experience. You can walk through orchards, wildflower meadows and formal garden areas without leaving the grounds
.
A stay here feels quietly self contained. You come for the landscape, the history and the food, and you stay for the sense of space and stillness.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Gravetye Manor
Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex, RH19 4LJ
Website
Want to book your trip to Gravetye Manor? Contact our favorite travel agent Travel-Zone.
Discovering the Charm of Brighton & Hove
When planning a trip to the southern coast of England, Brighton & Hove is a must-visit destination. We had the pleasure of exploring this seaside city with the help of our wonderful guide, Marc Gardiner.
Uncovering the Past with an Expert Guide
Marc led us on an engaging walking tour that informed us about the history and culture of Brighton & Hove. As we walked along Brighton Pier and through the charming Lanes, Marc shared insights into the city's past. And we learned about the Royal Pavilion, a palace built as a seaside retreat for King George IV, and took time to admire its distinctive Indo-Islamic design
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Exploring Brighton's Cool Side
Beyond its historic landmarks, Brighton & Hove also offers plenty of modern pleasures. We wandered through the small independent shops in the Lanes and enjoyed wide views over the English Channel from the promenade. Whether you come for architecture, art or simply the lively seaside atmosphere, Brighton & Hove is best explored with a knowledgeable guide like Marc Gardiner (website).
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Visit Brighton website
Lunch in Brighton:
Bistro du Vin
Spending a relaxed Sunday afternoon enjoying a classic Sunday roast at the Hotel du Vin Bistro in Brighton is truly a treat.
Sunday roast
Bistro du Vin is a classic, French-styled bistro. For Sunday lunch, the kitchen keeps things simple and well judged, offering slow-roasted beef or roast chicken, served with potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a homemade gravy.
Service is attentive without feeling formal, and the atmosphere encourages a long, unhurried lunch, ideally with a glass of French wine from the well-chosen list. It is a straightforward, well-executed Sunday tradition, and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Brighton.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Bistro du Vin - Brighton
website
Visit
Canterbury
Canterbury, a charming and historic city in the heart of Kent, has long been a favorite for travelers looking to explore England's rich heritage.
With roots stretching back to Roman times, Canterbury has been a witness to the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Christianity in England, and the literary legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales. Today, its winding streets, timber-framed buildings, and ancient landmarks transport visitors back in time.
A city with a rich history
Home to around 55.000 people, Canterbury’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its exceptional cultural and historical significance. At its heart stands Canterbury Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century. For centuries, the cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England. Beyond its religious importance, Canterbury has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters that add to the city’s lively atmosphere.
Discovering the River Stour
Canterbury isn’t only about history – it also has a lot of natural charm. The River Stour runs through the city and offers a relaxing spot to enjoy. A boat trip on the river is a lovely way to take in the views and hear interesting stories about Canterbury’s past from friendly guides.
Whether you come for the old buildings, the literary history, or the peaceful surroundings, Canterbury is a place that stays with you. And the best part? It’s just a 30-minute drive from LeShuttle.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral
We can tell you: no visit to Canterbury is complete without a guided tour of the iconic Canterbury Cathedral.
Canterbury Cathedral stands as one of the United Kingdom’s most important religious landmarks, with a history stretching more than 1.400 years—from its origins under St. Augustine in the 6th century to its present role as the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
During a guided tour, we learned more about the cathedral’s soaring Gothic architecture and the role it played during the English Reformation. Our guide also pointed out the stories behind many of the artworks and historic objects that give the building its character. Our tip: visit Canterbury Cathedral with a guide.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Cruising along the river Stour
For a unique perspective on Canterbury, consider doing a guided boat tour along the River Stour. These waterways have been an integral part of the city's history, serving as a transportation route and a source of livelihood.
During a guided boat tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire the city's historic buildings and landmarks from the water, all while learning about the river's rich cultural heritage from knowledgeable guides.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Canterbury's past
Canterbury Historic River Tours offer boat tours that cater to different interests and group sizes. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers the main highlights along the River Stour, including the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, the Westgate Towers, and the picturesque Greyfriars Gardens.
Canterbury Historic River Tours
You're sure to be captivated by the beauty of the River Stour and the unique perspective it offers on this historic city. We were assisted by the very friendly Roy on the bridge over the river, who provided us with helpful information and guided us to the boat via a side street. The guide/skipper of the rowing boat was very informative and amusing.
Website
Visit
Sissinghurst Castle
Set in the hills of Kent, Sissinghurst Castle shows how timeless and beautiful English heritage can be.
A Tudor manor now part of the National Trust
This former Tudor manor house, now a beloved National Trust property, offers visitors a nice glimpse into the past. The castle's history dates back to the 16th century, when it was owned by the Elizabethan diplomat Sir Richard Baker. In the 1930s, the property was acquired by the renowned authors Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who transformed the neglected estate into a world-renowned garden.
Sissinghurst's Gardens
As you walk through the 36 acres of beautifully kept gardens, you’ll be surrounded by colourful flowers and peaceful views that have inspired many poets and artists. One of the highlights is the famous White Garden, filled with around 1.000 carefully chosen plants. Don’t miss the tower either – from the top, you get a view of the 450-acre countryside around you. Whether you're into history or just want to escape the busy world for a while, Sissinghurst Castle is a magical place well worth visiting.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Website
Visit
Bodiam Castle
In the heart of East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is a beautiful 14th-century medieval fortress that transports you back in time.
A fortress frozen in time
Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, the castle has 4 imposing towers and is surrounded by a nearly intact moat that spans 20 feet in width. With an impressive 6-acre footprint, the castle's interior is equally captivating, with the remains of the great hall, kitchen, and chapel still visible today. A true gem of English history, Bodiam Castle offers travelers a look into the grandeur of the Middle Ages and the opportunity to explore one of the country's most well-preserved medieval structures.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium
Website
Want to book your perfect trip to the beautiful Kent and Sussex? Contact our favorite travel agent Travel-Zone.
Driving to the UK from Belgium, the Netherlands and France is easy, especially with the LeShuttle service from Calais, but don't forget to bring your international passport for the border crossing! And since April 2025 travellers from the EU need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK for short stays (tourism, business, visit) up to six months.