The Dog & Bear Hotel

The Dog & Bear overlooks the square in Lenham village, a 17th-century hotel with 24 en-suite bedrooms near Maidstone and Leeds Castle. It's a base for walking the North Downs, with a 9km circular trail and the longer Stour Valley route both starting from the village. The kitchen serves Kentish pub food, there's a courtyard garden, a dedicated function suite for up to 50 guests, and cask ales alongside a real fire for winter visits.