Blubery Cottage, Cranbrook

Nichole
Blubery Cottage, Cranbrook

Sightseeing

Not to be missed! Virtually on our doorstep and with sweeping views across Cranbrook from the viewing platform, this makes for an enjoyable and informative afternoon excursion. See if you can spot our cottage!
9 locals recommend
Cranbrook Union Windmill
Russells Yard
9 locals recommend
Not to be missed! Virtually on our doorstep and with sweeping views across Cranbrook from the viewing platform, this makes for an enjoyable and informative afternoon excursion. See if you can spot our cottage!
Fascinating local Museum giving an interesting insight in to the history of Cranbrook. Did you know that Cranbrook was once the centre of the Wealden Cloth industry?? Flemish weavers were brought over during the reign of Edward III (1312-1377) to work the wool from Romney Marsh. There remain a number of Grade I listed medieval cloth halls around the town - the George Hotel is in one dating to 1400 and there are two more further down the High St on the north side dating from the late 15th and 16th century.
8 locals recommend
Cranbrook Museum
Carriers Road
8 locals recommend
Fascinating local Museum giving an interesting insight in to the history of Cranbrook. Did you know that Cranbrook was once the centre of the Wealden Cloth industry?? Flemish weavers were brought over during the reign of Edward III (1312-1377) to work the wool from Romney Marsh. There remain a number of Grade I listed medieval cloth halls around the town - the George Hotel is in one dating to 1400 and there are two more further down the High St on the north side dating from the late 15th and 16th century.
A lovely spot for a stroll through the Gardens and buildings. One of England’s National Trust properties, it also has a fabulous little cafe on site which is great for afternoon tea and cake. Although it is just a few minutes drive from the cottage, if you are feeling more ambitious it takes around one hour to walk across beautiful country fields and pathways. A brilliant halfway stop is the Milk House Pub and kitchen in Sissinghurst.
186 locals recommend
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Biddenden Rd
186 locals recommend
A lovely spot for a stroll through the Gardens and buildings. One of England’s National Trust properties, it also has a fabulous little cafe on site which is great for afternoon tea and cake. Although it is just a few minutes drive from the cottage, if you are feeling more ambitious it takes around one hour to walk across beautiful country fields and pathways. A brilliant halfway stop is the Milk House Pub and kitchen in Sissinghurst.
Another lovely day out- who doesn't love a castle with a moat!? A splendid National Trust property with de rigueur tea room and cafe.
276 locals recommend
Bodiam Castle
276 locals recommend
Another lovely day out- who doesn't love a castle with a moat!? A splendid National Trust property with de rigueur tea room and cafe.
131 locals recommend
National Trust - Scotney Castle
131 locals recommend
Stunning stained glass windows by renowned Russian artist Marc Chagall, hidden away in an unassuming rural village church. Well worth the 25 minute drive from the cottage.
8 locals recommend
All Saints' Church, Tudeley
8 locals recommend
Stunning stained glass windows by renowned Russian artist Marc Chagall, hidden away in an unassuming rural village church. Well worth the 25 minute drive from the cottage.
Another impressive National Trust property within an easy day trip of Cranbrook. Lovely gardens to stroll through and a perfect spot for a picnic. Also has a good cafe on site with a charming terrace for outdoor dining.
39 locals recommend
National Trust - Ightham Mote
Mote Road
39 locals recommend
Another impressive National Trust property within an easy day trip of Cranbrook. Lovely gardens to stroll through and a perfect spot for a picnic. Also has a good cafe on site with a charming terrace for outdoor dining.
Bateman’s was the home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. Around a half hour drive from the cottage through picturesque country roads and villages it makes for a delightful day out.
100 locals recommend
Bateman's
Bateman's Lane
100 locals recommend
Bateman’s was the home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. Around a half hour drive from the cottage through picturesque country roads and villages it makes for a delightful day out.
Fabulous day out within a 35 minute drive from the cottage through some quiet country lanes. A beautiful setting, lots of history to indulge in, gardens to stroll through, and plenty to keep the kids entertained (enormous playground, sand pit, maze, falconry display etc) and a 'Go Ape' and Sedgway tours for the older ones. Take a picnic and recline under a shady tree by the lake, or dine in one of the cafes or restaurant on-site. Tickets are around £30/adult although it does allow you entry for 12 months following your visit.
316 locals recommend
Leeds Castle
316 locals recommend
Fabulous day out within a 35 minute drive from the cottage through some quiet country lanes. A beautiful setting, lots of history to indulge in, gardens to stroll through, and plenty to keep the kids entertained (enormous playground, sand pit, maze, falconry display etc) and a 'Go Ape' and Sedgway tours for the older ones. Take a picnic and recline under a shady tree by the lake, or dine in one of the cafes or restaurant on-site. Tickets are around £30/adult although it does allow you entry for 12 months following your visit.
The former family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Well worth a visit and the roughly 45 minute drive there takes you through some lovely Weald countryside. We particularly enjoyed the small art gallery on site filled with Winston’s own work. Who knew?! Another National Trust property, comes with the expected cafe and shop on site, everything you might need for a fine day out. Be aware that the main house is currently closed so may be worth checking the website to see when it reopens. Was expected to be March 2024.
105 locals recommend
Chartwell
Mapleton Road
105 locals recommend
The former family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Well worth a visit and the roughly 45 minute drive there takes you through some lovely Weald countryside. We particularly enjoyed the small art gallery on site filled with Winston’s own work. Who knew?! Another National Trust property, comes with the expected cafe and shop on site, everything you might need for a fine day out. Be aware that the main house is currently closed so may be worth checking the website to see when it reopens. Was expected to be March 2024.

Brunch

After extensive testing we have concluded that Arthur’s has the best coffee in Cranbrook. Literally two minutes walk from the cottage, Arthur’s also does a range of light lunches, pastries cakes etc making it a great start for breakfast or lunch. Arthur’s is named after the owners dog and is a dog friendly establishment, so you may be sharing the experience with some furry friends. 😊
Arthur’s, Cranbrook
11-13 Stone Street
After extensive testing we have concluded that Arthur’s has the best coffee in Cranbrook. Literally two minutes walk from the cottage, Arthur’s also does a range of light lunches, pastries cakes etc making it a great start for breakfast or lunch. Arthur’s is named after the owners dog and is a dog friendly establishment, so you may be sharing the experience with some furry friends. 😊
This is one of our favourite spots for a lovely restful breakfast or brunch. Eclectic restaurant area with a lovely garden area for sitting outside if the weather allows. Also offers spa treatments etc on site although we’ve not yet had a chance to try those.
Bloomsburys Biddenden
Sissinghurst Road
This is one of our favourite spots for a lovely restful breakfast or brunch. Eclectic restaurant area with a lovely garden area for sitting outside if the weather allows. Also offers spa treatments etc on site although we’ve not yet had a chance to try those.
Set amongst an apple orchard and with views across the valley, it’s a relaxing place to have breakfast. Particularly stunning in the springtime with the apple blossoms! They serve a cooked breakfast and brunch menu with a variety of salads as well. The accompanying Farm Shop has a large variety of quality local produce including an excellent selection of wines, ciders etc. A great spot to browse for foodie gifts.
13 locals recommend
Hartley Coffee House and Farm Shop
Hartley Road
13 locals recommend
Set amongst an apple orchard and with views across the valley, it’s a relaxing place to have breakfast. Particularly stunning in the springtime with the apple blossoms! They serve a cooked breakfast and brunch menu with a variety of salads as well. The accompanying Farm Shop has a large variety of quality local produce including an excellent selection of wines, ciders etc. A great spot to browse for foodie gifts.
Birchwood restaurant is a superb local restaurant sitting on the edge of a forest of birch and chestnut trees in rural East Sussex. Can highly recommend for brunch or lunch, also has a fine outdoor terrace for those fine days. Enjoy an easy 20 minute circular walk through the woodland before or after your visit. From their website: ‘Championing the artisan suppliers of Kent and Sussex, the menu plays host to local cheeses, dairy, wines, spirits, and beer, while many ingredients, such as mushrooms, brambles, elderberries, wood sorrel and birch sap come from the woods, on the steps of the restaurant.’
Hawkhurst Rd, Cranbrook, UK
Birchwood restaurant is a superb local restaurant sitting on the edge of a forest of birch and chestnut trees in rural East Sussex. Can highly recommend for brunch or lunch, also has a fine outdoor terrace for those fine days. Enjoy an easy 20 minute circular walk through the woodland before or after your visit. From their website: ‘Championing the artisan suppliers of Kent and Sussex, the menu plays host to local cheeses, dairy, wines, spirits, and beer, while many ingredients, such as mushrooms, brambles, elderberries, wood sorrel and birch sap come from the woods, on the steps of the restaurant.’
Lovely spot for a light lunch. Charming indoor and out door rating areas. Good selection of local produce for sale.
16 locals recommend
Eggs to Apples Farm Shop
London Road
16 locals recommend
Lovely spot for a light lunch. Charming indoor and out door rating areas. Good selection of local produce for sale.

Lunch or dinner

On our doorstep, the local George hotel is a great destination for a pre-dinner drink or a meal out. They have also started doing weekend breakfasts!
George Hotel
Stone Street
On our doorstep, the local George hotel is a great destination for a pre-dinner drink or a meal out. They have also started doing weekend breakfasts!
Recent addition to the local High Street literally two minutes walk from the cottage. With a Greek theme you will find hummus dips, pitta breads, souvlaki and Greek-inspired pizzas. Coffee and homemade biscuits and pastries are a particular delight.
Kypseli Greek Tavern, Deli, Patisserie, Barista & Wine Bar
15 Stone Street
Recent addition to the local High Street literally two minutes walk from the cottage. With a Greek theme you will find hummus dips, pitta breads, souvlaki and Greek-inspired pizzas. Coffee and homemade biscuits and pastries are a particular delight.
Probably our favourite local pub serving a good selection of meals. [Ignore the stock photos, really don't do this gem of a pub justice]. They have a pizza oven in the garden during the summertime with occasional live music. Check their website for details. Can get busy at peak times (Eg Sunday lunch) so best to book to ensure a table. Even better, the milk house is a very enjoyable 30 minute or so walk from the cottage through the countryside with spectacular views across the Weald en route.
50 locals recommend
The Milk House
The Street
50 locals recommend
Probably our favourite local pub serving a good selection of meals. [Ignore the stock photos, really don't do this gem of a pub justice]. They have a pizza oven in the garden during the summertime with occasional live music. Check their website for details. Can get busy at peak times (Eg Sunday lunch) so best to book to ensure a table. Even better, the milk house is a very enjoyable 30 minute or so walk from the cottage through the countryside with spectacular views across the Weald en route.
Towards the more up-market end of the pub spectrum, this is one of our favourite destinations for a special meal. You will need to book as can be very popular.
35 locals recommend
The Three Chimneys
Hareplain Road
35 locals recommend
Towards the more up-market end of the pub spectrum, this is one of our favourite destinations for a special meal. You will need to book as can be very popular.
A real gem and definitely worth seeking out. A traditional 17th Century village inn with a lovely garden area for those warmer days.
13 locals recommend
The Woodcock Inn
Woodcock Lane
13 locals recommend
A real gem and definitely worth seeking out. A traditional 17th Century village inn with a lovely garden area for those warmer days.
Highly recommended for superb pub meals. Lovely 16th century country pub, which is apparently a 'known smugglers den'! Just a short drive toward Hawkhurst from the cottage.
Great House
Highly recommended for superb pub meals. Lovely 16th century country pub, which is apparently a 'known smugglers den'! Just a short drive toward Hawkhurst from the cottage.
A lovely spot for lunch. Award winning winery offering vineyard tours, tastings and meals. Check their website for regular events (eg 'Art and Wine', 'Wine and Dine' etc). Fabulous terrace overlooking the vineyards is a great spot for lunch on a fine day.
41 locals recommend
Balfour Winery
Five Oak Lane
41 locals recommend
A lovely spot for lunch. Award winning winery offering vineyard tours, tastings and meals. Check their website for regular events (eg 'Art and Wine', 'Wine and Dine' etc). Fabulous terrace overlooking the vineyards is a great spot for lunch on a fine day.
Recently opened (May 2023) on the high street, the Cranbrook version of this local chain is well worth a visit. Proving extremely popular with locals you will need to book on Friday/Saturday evenings although they also offer a takeaway option. They serve an excellent variety of dishes, also catering for those who prefer less-spicy fare.
Jumeira Indian Restaurant
Recently opened (May 2023) on the high street, the Cranbrook version of this local chain is well worth a visit. Proving extremely popular with locals you will need to book on Friday/Saturday evenings although they also offer a takeaway option. They serve an excellent variety of dishes, also catering for those who prefer less-spicy fare.
Highly recommend this warm and welcoming local pub in the nearby village of Frittenden. Great reasonably priced seasonal menu, although does stop serving food around 8-8:30pm so best to call and book if you’re likely be close to that.
Bell & Jorrocks
Biddenden
Highly recommend this warm and welcoming local pub in the nearby village of Frittenden. Great reasonably priced seasonal menu, although does stop serving food around 8-8:30pm so best to call and book if you’re likely be close to that.
Highly recommend a visit to this quintessentially Kent country pub. Around a half hour drive from the cottage through the gorgeous Weald countryside. Is on the doorstep of some fabulous country walks, look for The Saxon Shore Way (257km following the ancient shore line from Gravesend to Hastings) and The Royal Military Canal (built in anticipation of a Napoleanic invasion). The Woolpack is very popular and booking is recommended. For a good day out, we love the circular walk from nearby Appledore (views across the Romney Marshes are dreamy), drop in to the Woolpack for a Roast Sunday lunch (booking essential) and walk back to Appledore through the Gusbourne vineyards.
31 locals recommend
The Woolpack Inn Warehorne
Church Lane
31 locals recommend
Highly recommend a visit to this quintessentially Kent country pub. Around a half hour drive from the cottage through the gorgeous Weald countryside. Is on the doorstep of some fabulous country walks, look for The Saxon Shore Way (257km following the ancient shore line from Gravesend to Hastings) and The Royal Military Canal (built in anticipation of a Napoleanic invasion). The Woolpack is very popular and booking is recommended. For a good day out, we love the circular walk from nearby Appledore (views across the Romney Marshes are dreamy), drop in to the Woolpack for a Roast Sunday lunch (booking essential) and walk back to Appledore through the Gusbourne vineyards.

Drinks

Recently awarded the Kent finalist in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub of the Year competition 2022, Larkins is a great spot to meet some locals! A cosy, friendly and informal venue serving a selection of local wines, ales and ciders. Thursdays to Saturday they serve pork pies and they also allow you to bring along food from the local takeaways -can highly recommend the local fish and chip shop-and there are also Chinese and kebab options nearby.
Larkins' Alehouse
7 High Street
Recently awarded the Kent finalist in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub of the Year competition 2022, Larkins is a great spot to meet some locals! A cosy, friendly and informal venue serving a selection of local wines, ales and ciders. Thursdays to Saturday they serve pork pies and they also allow you to bring along food from the local takeaways -can highly recommend the local fish and chip shop-and there are also Chinese and kebab options nearby.
Charming family-run vineyard with self-guided tours (£10 pp and includes a tasting of 3 wines) and a cellar door for direct sales. We really enjoyed stopping by to taste their offerings of wine, cider and apple juice alongside a light platter of cheese, fruit and crisps.
41 locals recommend
Biddenden Vineyards
Gribble Bridge Lane
41 locals recommend
Charming family-run vineyard with self-guided tours (£10 pp and includes a tasting of 3 wines) and a cellar door for direct sales. We really enjoyed stopping by to taste their offerings of wine, cider and apple juice alongside a light platter of cheese, fruit and crisps.