Alkham Court Farmhouse B&B

There’s nothing like staying on a farm, but it’s a fact that not all farmhouse B&Bs are created equal – indeed you’d be hard-pushed to find a B&B anywhere, of any description, that comes up to the high standards of Alkham Court Farmhouse, one of our favourite B&Bs in this part of the world. They have won a Tourism South East 'Beautiful South' award not only for 'Best B&B' but also for 'Best Glamping' for their associated Greenhill Glamping business and they recently won an award for 'Best B&B in England', no less!

Owned and run by Wendy Burrows and her husband Neil, they genuinely enjoy sharing the delights of their Kentish farmhouse with other people – something that can't always be said. There’s a personal welcome on arrival, together with a slice of homemade cake, which you can enjoy in the garden or next to the wood burner indoors depending on the season. Wendy is always keen to share her favourite walks, cycle rides and nearby attractions, whether it's walking the White Cliffs of Dover or visiting Dover Castle; she can even arrange for you to explore the nearby bridleways and footpaths on horseback. It's also just a short walk to the village, where there’s a decent pub, and numerous footpaths take you straight out into the surrounding downs. There's a sauna and hot tub in the barn; they serve legendary, award-winning breakfasts, and provide optional packed lunches and evening snacks. Like we said, they've thought of everything at Alkham Court... They even have a couple of unique and very comfortable glamping options on the farm, if you fancy experiencing a bit more of the Great Outdoors.

What about the guest rooms? There are just three – two on the ground floor and one upstairs, each individually designed and furnished but all equipped with high-quality bed linen, robes and slippers, tea-making facilities, a Nespresso machine, still and sparkling mineral water, Freeview TV and a DVD player, digital radio and mini fridge – and (a nice touch, this) fresh flowers on arrival. Bathrooms are recently refurbished and have posh toiletries.

On the ground floor, the Garden room has a country feel, a king-size bed and comfy chairs, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower over the bath. Also on the ground floor is the spacious Pheasant room, a little more contemporary, with a hand-crafted super-king-size bed and generously proportioned walk-in shower. A cosy hideaway upstairs is Badger room, also with a super-king-size bed and a large en-suite shower, plus a sofa to loll about on.

We reckon this is one of the most luxurious places we know in this part of southeast Kent. If only all B&Bs were like this!