Banish the Boxing Day Blues with a Bracing Pub Walk

1. Botany Bay, Kingsgate

Botany Bay is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Broadstairs. Boasting more than 200 metres of sandy beach surrounded by stunning cliffs, it has been made famous by a host of TV and film productions, and is the perfect location for a festive outing.

It is also just a minute’s stroll away from the entrance to the Botany Bay Hotel, situated on the magnificent clifftop at Kingsgate. It has just undergone a £1.4 million refurbishment, and now offers the very latest in 21st century comfort, in one of the most picturesque spots on the British coast. Enjoy a drink in the welcoming lounge bar or sample some delicious food in the á la carte restaurant, both also boasting direct views of the sea.

2. Stour Valley, near Canterbury
 
One of 13 areas of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty which stretch across the county, Stour Valley follows the path of the River Stour from Brook to Chartham, and boasts rolling landscape with panoramic views.

If you are looking for the perfect pitstop, the Compasses Inn at Crundale is a great traditional country pub, ideal for a pint of fine Kentish ale, a relaxed lunch or a special evening meal. Fast becoming renowned for its award-winning food, which uses the freshest local produce, sourcing meat just a quarter of a mile down the road, and vegetables, herbs and fruit from the pub’s garden. Its many accolades include Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015; Shepherd Neame Restaurant of the Year 2014; Pub of the Year in Kent Life Food and Drink Awards 2015; and a rave review in the Guardian earlier this year.

3. White Cliffs, Dover
 
Take a bracing stroll across the iconic chalk cliffs, which look out on to the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. Walk along the coastal path to Kingsdown, located at the northern end of the White Cliffs, which is home to traditional seaside pub the Zetland Arms.

Wrap up warm and sit outside on the beachfront benches to enjoy uninterrupted sea views, or snuggle up inside by the open fire in the cosy bar and restaurant. The pub is dog-friendly, for those taking their pooches on the festive stroll.

4. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve
 
The Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust, on the outskirts of Faversham, consists of some 170 acres of mudflats and marshes, and is a wildlife haven for numerous wetland birds.

Make sure you pay a visit to the Three Mariners pub, a Grade II Listed building situated in the small village of Oare, which offers a range of food from á la carte to a hearty set menu aimed specifically at parties of walkers. The traditional pub, with original features including oak-beamed ceilings, will provide a warm escape from the winter chill, with its open log fire.

5. Dungeness, Romney Marsh
 
Explore the unique dramatic landscape of Dungeness in Romney Marsh, miles of shingle beach jutting into the English Channel, and home to the RSPB Reserve and Visitor Centre.

The Britannia is the only pub in Dungeness, sited between its two lighthouses and a short walk from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. It is renowned for its delicious home cooked food, and as might be expected from its unique coastal location, seafood is a speciality. Or simply relax with a drink in front of the roaring fire.