top tips when visiting Canterbury Reach
- activities
- food and drink
- holidays
Are you thinking about planning a self-catering break to Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat soon?
If so, then this blog is the perfect thing to read before you head to the retreat. Whether you’ve been to Canterbury Reach before, or this is your first time these top tips will cover all the useful information to know during your stay. Have a read and keep this to hand whilst you are there, and if you have any more questions check out our Canterbury Reach FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
On the day of arrival, you will be able to check in from 4pm, but we suggest starting your holiday before that and planning something to do during the day before you check in. Howletts Wild Animal Park is just a 14-minute drive away from the resort and makes a great day out. Across the 90-acre parkland you will find 52 different species and over 390 animals to see. As well as various animal talks throughout the day where you can learn more about gorillas, rhinos, elephants, and the big cats. There is also a café, restaurant and kiosks dotted around the zoo so there is plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink during your way around.
what are the top things in the area?
Canterbury Reach makes the perfect place to relax, as well as a base for exploring the local area. There is so much to see and do around Kent and we have listed some of the top things in the area below that are all 30 minutes away or under.
1. Dover Castle
30 min drive from resort
Built soon after 1066, Dover Castle is a Grade I listed building and has been described as the “Key to England.” It takes around half an hour to drive to the castle from the resort and makes a great day out. During your visit you will be able to learn all about the impressive history of the fortress through the great tower, tunnels and more. Whilst you are visiting Dover Castle you could also go and visit the impressive White Cliffs of Dover and make a day of it.
2. Perry Wood
18 min drive from resort
Perry Wood is an ancient woodland just 18 minutes away from the resort. It’s a great place to go if you are wanting to explore a new area, and it is extremely popular with walkers. There are many animals that live in these woods like badgers, foxes, wood mice, common lizards, and dormice! In the Spring months you will be able to see areas covered in bluebells and wild daffodils. As you make your way around the woodland you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Kent Downs AONB.
3. Canterbury Cathedral
14 min drive from resort
Known for being the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and located in the centre of the city, Canterbury Cathedral is an impressive sight to see. It is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and is part of a World Heritage Site. There are various things you can enjoy at the cathedral from the daily worship to the tours and there are even plenty of events and exhibitions on throughout the year to suit all.
4. Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens
20 min drive from resort
A privately-owned family home that has over 800 acres of woodland, pasture and a fruit farm, Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens is the perfect day out. There are so many things to see in the gardens from the Lake, the Water Garden and Little Wood, the Miz Maze, Millennium Rose Garden and more. As well as a tearoom that has freshly made sandwiches, pastries, handmade cakes and more to enjoy.
5. Port Lympne Safari Park
20 min drive from resort
Port Lympne Safari Park is a great day out for all with so much to see and do. Head out on the safari truck and see some animals along the day, explore the Dinosaur Forest which is the UK’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition. The safari park is home to over 900 animals across 75 species, expect to see anything from spectacle bears to lions, giraffes to monkeys. You will also find a great selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy during your visit.
closest shops for essentials?
All the accommodation at the resort is self-catering so each lodge has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to cook various meals during your stay. So, it will be useful to know about what shops are nearby.
- Sainsbury’s Local – 8 min drive from resort
- Tesco Express – 12 min drive from resort
- Morrisons – 13 min drive from resort
- ALDI – 13 min drive from resort
- Iceland – 14 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Although you will be able to enjoy cooking your own meals in the self-catering lodges you may want to enjoy a meal out during your holiday. And there are plenty of amazing places to eat near Canterbury Reach, we have listed a few below for you.
1. The Granville
3 min drive from resort
If you were looking for a country pub just up the road from the resort, The Granville will be perfect. They aim to always use local produce with the freshest and most authentic ingredients to create all their dishes. You will find plenty for all to enjoy on their menu like steak to soup of the day and delicious Sunday roasts.
2. The Local
7 min drive from resort
The Local offers a great range of delicious food from Sunday Roasts to Indian curries, pizzas and burgers to paninis and nibbles. No matter what type of food you are fancying you will be able to find it at The Local, they also have a great children’s menu and a takeaway menu if you are wanting to enjoy the food in the comfort of your lodge.
3. The Red Lion Inn
8 min drive from resort
Located in the heart of Bridge, The Red Lion Inn uses seasonal and locally sourced produce to create all their dishes. Enjoy various meals from katsu curry, mushroom linguini, traditional fish and chips to classic Sunday lunches. Whether you are wanting to pop in during lunch or enjoy a evening meal this is a great choice for all.
4. The Corner House
11 min drive from resort
Since opening in 2016 it has been one of the most popular restaurants in Canterbury. The Corner House is a former 16th century coach house and has views overlooking the city walls. The restaurant uses British produce which has been locally sourced to create dishes like pork belly, beetroot wellington, herb crumb cod and various Sunday roasts.
5. Notorious BRG
15 min drive from resort
The Notorious BRG is the perfect choice for all burger lovers, they serve the best meat and vegan burgers around and are available for collection so you can enjoy your food in the restaurant or at your lodge. There are 6 meat burgers and 6 vegan burgers to choose from as well as plenty of fries options and mac and cheese.
best beaches in the area?
Although the retreat is surrounded by the Kent countryside you will be in the perfect location to enjoy a beach day during your stay. Whether you just want to stroll along a beach, sunbathe all day long or enjoy a sunset we’ve but two of the best beaches in the area below.
Sunny Sands
27 min drive from resort
Sunny Sands is just a 27-minute drive from the resort and is a popular sand beach close to Folkstone Harbour. Perfect for beach days there are plenty of rock pools to discover and safe swimming areas to enjoy. Just a short walk away from the beach you will find places to go for food or drinks so you can easily spend a whole day in the area.
Tankerton Beach
34 min drive from resort
Known for being an old-fashioned shingle beach with multi coloured beach huts, Tankerton Beach is a great day out. It offers a tranquil setting to enjoy and is the perfect place for paddling or enjoying a long walk along the front. As well as the shingle beach there are some grassy areas which are great for picnics and relaxing.