The Best B&Bs to Book in Canterbury, England

This intimate, family-run B&B sits in a Grade II-listed Georgian building with just six bedrooms. It’s well located inside the city walls, just a few-minute walk from the centre. If you’d like a view over the city, request a room on the top floor. You’ll definitely want to wake early for the morning meal, which includes a continental or cooked breakfast made with local ingredients, plus the option of a homemade French crepe.

Get a taste of old-world England at this farmhouse, which dates back to the 1640s. The cosy-looking red-brick property is located in the village of Upper Harbledown, around a five-minute drive from the city centre of Canterbury. It neighbours an excellent gastro pub, so you can roll into bed once you’ve finished your supper and post-dinner pint. Pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends and you can explore the gorgeous city of Canterbury together.

Just 10 minutes outside Canterbury, the Duke William is surrounded by some of the most beautiful rolling hills and woodlands in Kent; take the time for hikes during your stay. Each of the four guest rooms is named after a favourite culinary hero; this fascination with food continues in the excellent English breakfast, cooked to order or even delivered in a hamper to your room if you’re checking out early.

If you’ve always dreamt of staying in the kind of B&B that features in classic British period dramas, look no further than Mount Ephraim. Built in 1695, this late-Victorian country manor estate has more than 800 acres (324ha) of woodlands, pastures and a fruit farm. As well as enjoying unlimited access to the gorgeous gardens, you can indulge yourself by taking afternoon tea in the West Wing Tearoom.

Lime Tree Cottage, a newly built eco-home in Herne Bay, sits in beautiful surroundings near Canterbury. It’s been constructed in the style of an old English farmhouse, so you get the best of both sustainability and history. Luxuriate in your complimentary bathrobe and enjoy the well-stocked hostess tray in your room. Make sure to set your alarm to wake up in time for a continental or full English breakfast.

Want to enjoy a sea breeze in the mornings? The Beach offers boutique B&B accommodation so close to the shores you can practically feel the sand between your toes. The breakfast is exemplary: eggs benedict, eggs florentine, smoked salmon, fresh fruit and yoghurt are just some of the options; there’s also complimentary cake in the afternoon. A garden and sun terrace mean the Beach is a great choice if you love to spend time outside.

If you prefer a quieter base, Oakside Lodge is 3mi (4.8km) outside the city centre, set in 5 acres (2ha) of oak woodland bordering Blean Forest, the oldest natural forest in England. Set yourself up for a day exploring Kent with the breakfast, which includes free-range bacon and sausages from the woodland piggery owned by the hotel. The king-sized beds and flat-screen TVs in every room mean you’ll end each day in comfort.