Chilston Park Hotel

Over the years Chilston Park Hotel has been home to eminent politicians, writers, lords and viscounts and today it is renowned as one of the best luxury hotels, only 25 minutes from Maidstone.

A classic British country house hotel in rural Kent with style and charm to spare. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this four red star hotel is its unique styling, enhanced by antiques, some as old as the 17th century manor house.

Set back from tree-lined lanes, the manor house at Chilston Park sits in 22 acres of Kentish parkland, making it a spectacular wedding venue in Kent, between Ashford and Maidstone, featuring a two AA Rosette restaurant. The Grade I listed hotel offers a wide variety of unique feature bedrooms, from Mews Classic double rooms to the Manor House Master Suites.

Chilston Park Hotel, the luxury hotel in Kent, offers the ideal setting for a countryside break, a romantic wedding or an inspiring meeting venue close to London. Not only that, Chilston Park afternoon tea is an unmissable experience when staying in Kent. You can even book a dog friendly break, should you wish to bring your canine companion along too.

Whether you are planning your first visit to Chilston Park Hotel or are one of our many returning guests, we encourage you to treat the house as your own. So, relax and enjoy these historic surroundings and allow us to deliver the high standards of guest care we pride ourselves upon.

ACCOMMODATION
You are more than a number when you stay at Chilston Park – each of the 53 bedrooms is known by a name, not a digit, and has its own unique history and feel. There are romantic four posters, large family bedrooms, a range of superior bedrooms and many feature stunning views across the gardens and lake.

TUDOR SUITE
Welcome to Tudor, the most popular suite at Chilston Park, located in the eaves of the Manor House. The suite offers spacious open plan living, set within a structure of vaulted ceilings and wooden beams.

With a neutral theme the bedroom has a cosy, period feel offset by contemporary lighting and features. A hand carved bed is yours to relax in and a separate living room with table allows for in-room dining. The bathroom offers a raised Victorian roll top bath and a separate shower.

QUEEN ANNE SUITE
Our Queen Anne Suite was the original master bedroom of the house. A canopied four poster bed (with stool due to its impressive height), ornate cornicing, chandelier and original fireplace create an inspiring getaway.

Located on the corner of the Grade 1 listed Manor House, the suite has views over the grounds and gardens. With a lounge area and dining room table with chairs the suite provides everything you will need for a relaxing weekend away.

MANOR HOUSE EXECUTIVE
If you are planning to spend a little more time in your bedroom, we recommend an upgrade to our Executive bedrooms due to their greater living space and seating area.

Located in the Manor House, each has a different theme: Camelot with a canopied ceiling and Raj with its Indian inspiration. Some are available to configure as a twin, so if this is your requirement please let us know.

MEWS EXECUTIVE
If you are planning to spend a little more time in your bedroom, we recommend an upgrade to our Executive bedrooms, with all the amenities of a Classic bedroom but also with greater living space and seating area.

Also located in our coach house and cottage, they have a wide range of amenities and comforts, as well as a country cottage feel. Some are available to configure as a twin, so if this is your requirement please let us know.

CULPEPER’s RESTAURANT 
Culpeper’s restaurant in Kent has earned 2 AA Rosettes for its vibrant seasonal dishes finished with the creative flair of head chef Adrian Martin.

The restaurant, located in the original dining room of the house, retains a wealth of original features including elegant sash windows, a decorative ceiling and fireplace and offers wonderful views of the grounds in an altogether charming setting.

Our menu is modern British with a range of seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients including Caldecott Farm chicken and south coast turbot. Many of the ingredients used are sourced locally from selected producers and farmers to create food of the highest quality and deliver an authentic dining experience.

For something more classic, a selection of ‘Hand Picked Favourites’ include chargrilled ribeye steak and Kentish beer-battered fish and chips and there are plenty of vegetarian options.

To accompany your meal, delve into our extensive wine and drinks lists. Our experienced team will be happy to guide you through our selection, including our rare whiskies and brandies.

THE MARBLE LOUNGE 
Our Marble Lounge is the hub of the hotel and though popular for Afternoon Teas and a welcoming space to sit back and relax with a glass of Champagne or a freshly-brewed coffee, the lounge is a tranquil haven.

Sink into a sofa or high backed chair in front of the roaring fire in this room where the 17th century charm of this historic manor house really comes into its own. With direct access onto the gardens, you can pop out for a leisurely stroll … the lounge and Chilston Park, is yours to enjoy.

Our range of Afternoon Teas include a sweet traditional tea with a contemporary twist or a modern savoury tea with treats such as sausage rolls and cheese pastries – the ultimate indulgence any day of the week!

PRIVATE DINING
Choice at Chilston Park extends well beyond the menu. For special occasions and private dining in Maidstone, Kent, we have a range of rooms for your exclusive use. Flawless, sensational and memorable, your event deserves these accolades. Our celebration package is nothing short of exceptional.

Our dedicated professional event planners will collaborate with you to transform your vision into an extraordinary and successful evening. All you need to do is sit back, relax and know that every little detail has been considered.

ALFRESCO DINING 
Dine alfresco on the Culpeper’s Terrace at Chilston Park. The fantastic views over the lake and tranquil gardens and grounds make this a heavenly place to relax. Enjoy a freshly baked pizza, tuck into a sharing platter or indulge in our Hand Picked gourmet cheese burger.

AFTERNOON TEA IN KENT 
There is no better place to enjoy afternoon tea in Kent than at this historic country house hotel. At Chilston Park Hotel, located near Maidstone, we delight guests with one of the finest experiences of afternoon tea in Kent, served in the Marble Lounge.

This great country house was built for pleasure and it is in the Marble Lounge where this spirit is most prevalent – here you can allow yourself to be outrageously indulgent as you devour our selection of carefully prepared pastries, sandwiches and the finest leaf tea under beautiful chandeliers. We strive to offer the best afternoon tea in Kent.

WEDDINGS IN KENT
There is something about Chilston Park that gives the perfect wedding day a little extra sparkle. Hold your dream wedding ceremony in an elegant period room; this 17th-century manor house has plenty to explore.

Surrounded by 22 acres of stunning Kent parkland, Chilston Park is tailor-made for memories. Enjoy photos in the grounds, dine beneath chandeliers and finish your wedding day in a romantic feature bed. Weddings simply could not be any more idyllic.

Chilston Park is one of the most breathtaking settings for a wedding ceremony. Whether it’s under a beautiful gazebo or beneath ornate chandeliers, say your wedding vows against a spectacular backdrop.

You’ll find a tranquil lake and manicured gardens surrounded by 22 acres of lush Kentish parkland. There’s plenty to explore at Chilston Park. Take a moment away from it all, just the two of you.

MEETING VENUES IN KENT
Chilston Park is a charming and welcoming Kent venue with flexible space for meetings and events just moments from the M20 and close to Ashford and Maidstone.

Ideal for delegations travelling from London, or into the UK via the Channel Tunnel, Chilston Park has exemplary function space including elegant meeting rooms in the main house and the self-contained Grade II Listed Coach House.

Chilston’s largest meeting room, The Fitzhammond, can accommodate up to 150 delegates for a conference or can be divided into two, and is located at the very heart of the hotel. The majority of meeting rooms in the main house boast feature fireplaces and sash windows that allow in plenty of natural light and each one offers its own period charm.

The Coach House, the manor’s old stable block, is a versatile venue with primary meeting room for up to 120 guests, a Tack Room ideal for dining, a cosy lounge space and access onto an open courtyard. Chilston Park is ideal for conferences and team building events and can be booked for exclusive use.

VISITING KENT
There are so many things to see and do in the beautiful Weald of Kent, and either of our two Hand Picked Hotels makes a great base for a long weekend.

South of the Thames Estuary between London and the Channel and covering the south east corner of England, with the chalk ridge of the North Downs running centrally from east to west, at the heart of Kent lies the majestic city of Canterbury, crowned by its medieval cathedral.

Once a separate kingdom, it also claims to be the oldest county in England and boasts some 17,000 listed buildings – indeed the word Kent is the oldest recorded name in Britain still in use. It was first recorded in 55 BC by Greek and Roman writers, who referred to Kent as ‘Kention’, calling its inhabitants the ‘Cantii’.

It is perhaps better known for being described at the Garden of England however, a phrase first coined by Henry VIII, and it is easy to see why, epitomised by rolling hills, charming villages, vast ancient woodlands, immense orchards and 350 miles of spectacular coastline.

Did you also know that Kent was the first and most successful area for hop farming in the UK, and produces half of our country’s hops – as evidenced by all of the oast houses characterised by their tall conical or pyramidal roofs, which housed the kilns for drying the hops. As well as ales, Kent also produces some of the country’s finest wines from its numerous vineyards.

From historical buildings such as Leeds Castle and Hever Castle to stately homes in Knole, a well-preserved Roman Villa at Lullingstone to glorious gardens like Penshurst Place, and the stunning Georgian spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, not to mention a whole heap of stuff for children to do, Kent offers a wealth of exciting attractions for the whole family.

If you want to experience the real English countryside and immerse yourself in culture and history at the same time, Kent is the ideal place – it also has the added bonus of super-fast train links to London, Belgium and France.

With two country house hotels in Kent – Chilston Park in Lenham near Maidstone, just 45 minutes from the port of Dover and Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa in Fawkham, just ten minutes from the M25, both are a great base for a short break in this wonderful county.

PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
Home to Kent’s only safari experience, Port Lympne Reserve offers a family adventure like no other and is a top attraction in Kent. Enjoy fact filled animal talks as you walk through the stunning grounds to see some of the world’s most endangered animals.

Later, jump on a safari vehicle to visit The African Experience, 100 acres of Kentish savannah – alive with African animals. See giraffe, black rhino, gorillas, primates, big cats, small cats and many more as you explore 600 acres of outstanding natural beauty.

TOURS OF THE REALM
Tours of the Realm offer chauffeured, sightseeing tours of rural and historic Britain to small groups of up to three people. Tailored to the interests of the client, personalised itineraries allow the time to uncover the hidden treasures and quirky delights of this fascinating country.

With a particular focus on Kent and the South-East of England, discover gardens, history, heritage, golf and even shopping. Three day tours following the history of Henry VIII or day tours from Dover and Canterbury are available.

LULLINGSTONE CASTLE
Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse were built in 1497 and have been home to the same family ever since.

Both Henry VIII and Queen Anne are known to have been regular visitors. Tom Hart Dyke’s innovative World Garden, laid out in the shape of a map of the World, pays tribute to the plant hunters of old and brings horticulture bang up to date with its daring plan to grow exotic blooms, outside, in the Garden of England.

COPPER RIVET DOCKYARD DISTILLERY
Set in Chatham’s historic dockyard, Copper Rivet Distillery is the only spirit maker in Kent to carry out the complete process of brewing and distilling from grain to glass. The result is small batches of distinctive and unique gins, whiskies and vodkas produced to exceptional standards in bespoke stills.

Copper Rivet’s magnificent Victorian Pump House No. 5 offers tours* where visitors can see the distilling process first-hand and learn how spirits are produced.

There’s also the chance to experiment with flavour profiling in the laboratory and each tour ends with a tasting – the perfect opportunity to sample a signature Dockyard Gin & Tonic in the visitor centre or on the Distiller’s Lawn overlooking the River Medway!

SHORT DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON
Leave your daily obligations behind and feel a world away in mere minutes! Our magical country house hotels are easily accessed from London and make the perfect base from which to embark on joyful day trips. Discover Britain’s finest gardens, historical sites or dining experiences.

These short trips provide a real taste of the English countryside. Whether it’s a walk through historic Bath or an immersive experience in the heart of Surrey, these itineraries offer an idyllic escape from city life. Continue to read and find the best countryside day trips from London.

An exciting blend of history and fun-filled family experiences awaits at Leeds Castle, only 16 minutes by car from Chilston Park Hotel. Step inside the Castle walls and see how Anglo-American heiress, Lady Olive Baillie made the Castle her own in the 1930’s. Explore the grounds where peacocks roam free and where you may spot the famous black swans. You can even book a Segway to get around!

LEEDS CASTLE & GARDENS
Visitors never forget their first breathtaking glimpse of Leeds Castle, which rises majestically from the moat as it has done for over 900 years. It has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion and an elegant early 20th century retreat.

There are many things to see, including the beautiful English cottage style Culpeper Garden, the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden, maze and grotto, falconry demonstrations, shops, children’s playgrounds, punting and much more. Perfect for days out with the kids in Kent.

When staying at Chilston Park you are eligible for a 10% discounted ticket to Leeds Castle. Terms and conditions do apply. Speak with the team at Chilston Park to secure your discount ticket voucher.

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
Visit Canterbury Cathedral to come face to face with enchanting and inspiring architecture and history which continues to attract people from all over the world. The cathedral’s history began in 597AD when Augustine, a monk sent by Pope Gregory the Great, arrived as a missionary and established his seat (or ‘cathedra’) in Canterbury.

Stand on the exact spot where, in 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered, making the site one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centres, as told most famously in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Take in the tranquil ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church as they form one of Britain’s few World Heritage Sites. One of the most popular things for families to do in Kent.

Website: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk

Rooms: 53

Price: from 214 EUR per night