Elmley Nature Reserve

Rooms

The main Kingshill Farmhouse, stunningly renovated in a bold bohemian scheme, has knock-out B&B bedrooms: four ensuite on the first floor plus a two-bedroom family suite in the attic sharing a bathroom. The ground floor has a library with games, a cosy snug, a drawing room complete with chandelier, and a breakfast room extension with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows for those amazing eastern views. If you book the whole house, kids aged 2-12 can be included; only babies and teens are permitted for B&B bookings. Either way, you get breakfast and housekeeping included and a host available in the evening for drinks.

Another option for larger parties is two-storey five-bedroomed Elmley Cottage, refurbished in soft retro colours. It has big picture windows overlooking the Reserve for excellent birding, and a convivial open-plan ground floor with full kitchen. There's a useful utility room and four bedrooms can be doubles or twins as preferred. The layout works well for a couple or small family too, and the cottage can be booked at a reduced occupancy rate during the winter months.

To get closer to nature, book one of the beautifully conceived shepherds huts and cabins, strung along a low ridge for maximum big sky views across salt marshes and water courses. Vintage-styled Samphire (where we stayed) and Little Owl are the most bijou; next up is rustic Vanellus. The three largest custom-built wooden huts (Damson, Saltbox and Ferryman's) come with outdoor baths or shower. The two newest cabins (The Roost and Martha's Hut) have waterfall showers and outside baths; Martha's Hut has side glazing to maximise those views. All have ensuite shower bathrooms, private outside seating beside willow screens or trees and a firepit.

In summer, you can sleep in a traditional bell tent. Set in pretty meadows and woodland, they are spacious (5m wide), tall enough to stand, and surprisingly comfy. Think coir matting, thick rugs, proper beds with soft duvets and pillows, and space for 2 kids' beds. Each tent comes with a charcoal barbecue and gas stove, lanterns, a kettle, tea and proper coffee and mugs, plus outdoor seating. There are individual cabin showers and toilets in a shared block and shared camp kitchen a short walk away plus a lovely fire pit with hay-bale seating. You can charge devices, or take shelter, in the barn if needed.

Features include:

• Firepit
• Terrace
• Toiletries

Eating

If, like us, your idea of a relaxing break doesn't involve cooking, then make a beeline for the restaurant in the Barn for seasonal and local cookery, enjoyed under twinkling lights on summer evenings. There are sundowner cocktails and a good wine list to sample too. In winter months service moves to the Farmhouse dining room for an intimate supper club feel.

Breakfast hampers can be delivered to your cottage, shepherd hut or bell tent with your choice of bacon, egg, avocado, halloumi and tomato sandwiches plus freshly ground coffee or tea. Order a picnic – perhaps vegetable quiche and salad, fruit and juice – or buy savoury snacks or cakes from the cafe for heading out to the reserve for the day.

If staying in Kingshill Farmhouse, a 'Kentinental' breakfast is included in the rates; lunches and snacks are available 9-5 in the smaller Linhay and larger Barn, which become an evening dining space. The Farmhouse's ground floor becomes an informal bar in the evenings; guests enjoy waited service of a curated selection of drinks and bar snacks. If more informal meals are preferred, family-style suppers can be delivered instead. For whole house hire meals can be served formally in the dining room if guests want to dine privately (for a surcharge).

Supper consists of two courses from a daily changing set menu (dietary requirements catered for) which you are given advance notice of; we really enjoyed chicken pie followed by apple crumble and custard which we ate in the Barn for a change of scene. Pleasingly, Elmley make a real effort to use local produce.

If cooking is preferred, there are supermarkets in Sittingbourne, and both Elmley Cottage and Kingshill Farmhouse have well-equipped kitchens. The largest huts have galley kitchenettes, while Samphire and Little Owl share a camp kitchen which has solar-powered cool boxes and basic cooking facilities. For those in the bell tents, there's a shared camp kitchen and you can hire a BBQ kit with cooking equipment, falconware crockery and charcoal, rather than having to bring it with you. End your evening with marshmallows around your firepit.

Features include:

• Bar
• Barbecue
• Breakfast
• Coffee / tea making
• Dinner by arrangement
• Hob or stove
• Kitchenette
• Lunch by arrangement
• Minibar/fridge
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian menu

Kids

This is a terrific place to come with children of all ages as there is plenty of space to run around and the flexible accommodation set-up means that all shapes and size of family can be made comfortable here. We came with our two primary school-agers and they loved it. That said, there are lots of open ponds and streams, so you will have to keep a careful eye on toddlers, and if in shepherds huts space inside is at a premium. The barn is available in the event of wet weather, and offers films, afternoon tea and board games.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

The best huts for families are Saltbox, Damson and Ferrymans as they can take two young children apiece (the seat turns into a bed and there's also a hammock across the bed). The Roost has a double sofa bed, while Martha's Hut has a small double pullout, so both can also take two kids. Book a bell tent in the summer months to be pitched beside any of the huts for extra capacity/children, or the woodland or meadow tents can house a family of four in comfort. Larger families or family parties should book five-bedroomed Elmley Cottage; smaller families can book it too as the layout works for both. Note that only babies and over 10s are permitted in Kingshill Farmhouse if booking on a B&B basis; all ages allowed if booking the whole house (note also that the Lookout and its adjoining Nest - at the top of Kingshill Farmhouse - sleep 4, with a shared bathroom)

Distances:

• Airport: 1hr15m (London Gatwick)
• Hospital: 30 minutes (Medway Maritime Hospital)
• Shops: 10 minutes (supermarket)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Elmley Nature Reserve is on the Isle of Sheppey, which connects to the Thames Estuary, on the north coast of Kent in the south-east of England.

By Air:
Fly to Gatwick and pick up a hire car.

By Train:
The Javelin service on the Channel Tunnel high-speed line goes from London St Pancras to Sittingbourne railway station. From the railway station it's easy to pick up a taxi to take you 20 minutes to Elmley. Recommended.

By Car:
You won't need a car if you're just staying on the reserve, however, if you want to explore the region and travel to Whitstable or beyond you will probably need a car (or book taxis) to do so.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

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