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How to spend the perfect weekend away in a country manor house

There’s something so peaceful about escaping to the countryside for the weekend. From the moment you arrive at an English country manor house, time seems to slow down and everything feels a little calmer.

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Tucked away in the rolling Kent countryside and just a stone’s throw from the coast, Solton Manor offers the quintessential country manor house experience. So, whether you’re hoping to whisk your significant other away on a romantic retreat, or you’re a small group celebrating a special occasion, here’s how to make the most of a weekend away at our country manor house wedding venue.
The ornamental pond at Solton Manor East Langdon
Host large family gatherings at Solton Manor with accommodation available for your wedding day or any other occasion.

Get acquainted with our exclusive estate

There’s so much to enjoy at Solton Manor without even needing to leave the estate. Take a leisurely stroll through the nine acres of idyllic gardens, explore the woodland paths, or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself beside the wildlife pond. In the warmer months, the lawns create lovely spots for drinks or alfresco dining, whether it be a laid-back lunch with friends or a quiet morning coffee in the sunshine.

There’s plenty of space for outdoor games and group activities, too. Rounders in the meadow or croquet on the lawn always go down a treat! Or if you’re in the mood for something different, why not plan a treasure hunt around the grounds, or host a garden picnic complete with live music?

Whatever pace you prefer, the estate offers a restful backdrop to enjoy throughout your stay.

Relax & unwind in the Manor House 

If you’ve always dreamed of being Lord or Lady of the Manor, now’s your chance! Solton Manor House sleeps up to 24 people across 10 luxurious bedrooms, with plenty of room to spread out and unwind at your leisure…

If you’re visiting with a group, why not host an informal dinner in the Manor House’s 30-seat Tudor dining room? Book a private chef from our trusted catering company, Invicta Food Design, to prepare a bespoke evening of exquisite food and wine that rivals any fine restaurant, without even needing to step outside. 

After dinner, you could challenge your family or friends to a friendly game of pool or table tennis in the Garden Room, before curling up by the impressive inglenook fireplace in the Tudor Hall with a tipple of your choice. End the night in the hot tub for a pampering soak under the stars – pure bliss!

The Dovecote Cottage

For parties needing a little extra space, the Dovecote Cottage, just a short stroll from the main house, offers two additional bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to four more guests. Dovecote Cottage also boasts its own private hot tub – at the end of a long day, immerse yourself in the warm water and feel your worries simply disappear…

White Cliffs of Dover
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Explore the Kent coast & beyond

Solton Manor is situated just a 5 minute drive from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and the imposing Dover Castle, which has been protecting England for more than a thousand years. Our exclusive estate is perfectly placed to explore the historic tunnels and parks of Dover, as well as Kent’s most charming coastal towns. Picture yourself wandering through the boutique shops of Deal, breathing in the gentle sea air along Walmer’s promenade, or exploring the historic streets of Sandwich. 

If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, the cultural gems of Canterbury, Faversham, and Whitstable are well worth a visit. You could spend a full day wandering the cobbled streets and cathedral in Canterbury, browse the antique shops and independent cafés in Faversham, or tuck into some freshly caught seafood in Whitstable. They’re all perfect for a day out before returning to the peace and quiet of the manor.

Need some further inspiration? Check out our dedicated webpage on things to do during your visit to the Garden of England. 

Uncover Kent’s diverse dining scene

Kent is celebrated for its exceptional food scene. From hops and apples to strawberries, wine, and beer, the county offers an impressive variety of local produce. So it’s no surprise that Kent is also home to an exciting array of award-winning restaurants! Here are some of our top picks, conveniently located near Solton Manor.

On our doorstep:

  • The Smuggler’s Inn – a historic English pub and restaurant set between the two towns of Dover and Deal that dates back to 1674
  • The Coastguard – Britain’s closest pub to France
  • Hey Hey – offering an exciting menu of Chinese, Singapore, and Malaysian cuisine

Further afield:

  • The Blue Pelican – a unique dining experience that blends bold Japanese flavors with subtle European influences
  • The Dog at Wingham – a warm and inviting pub that was once part of a 13th Century monastery
  • The Fordwich Arms – a Michelin-starred culinary gem nestled in England’s smallest town

We have plenty more food recommendations if these don’t quite take your fancy – feel free to contact us for more information.

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  • Godric's Garden November autumn wedding at Solton Manor
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Book your English country house escape at Solton Manor

Want to spend some quality time away with friends and family in a charming and private country home? Whether you’re planning a Christmas celebration, milestone birthday, or simply need a few days away to unwind, Solton Manor offers the most peaceful setting to relax and reconnect with the people you care about most.

Get in touch to discuss availability at our Grade-II listed manor country house and get ready to experience the wonders that Solton Manor has to offer.