The Marquis

Striking and modern, The Marquis is a former village pub that offers contemporary dining and chic rooms, all amid beautiful Kent countryside near Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury and Ashford.

With views across the Alkham Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Marquis was transformed in 2008 to combine timeless rural England with boutique-style luxury. It is 'Highly Commended' by the AA.

Space, light, art, fine furnishings and beautiful fabrics: 21st-century on the inside, but with a typically English view from the window. As well as the rolling green hills of Alkham Valley, 3 of the rooms offer a view of the village cricket pitch one of the smallest in England.

The restaurant mixes the global with the local, with fresh, seasonal menus providing modern cuisine amid chic surroundings and a well-stocked bar.

Rooms: 5
Rate: 71.25 - 195 GBP

The 5 en suite bedrooms have views across the Alkham Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the Kent Downs. Some look over the village’s tiny cricket pitch.

There are 2 luxury rooms and 2 superior rooms available. There's also a large 2-room suite with a sofa that can convert to a double bed.

These rooms offer quality furniture and fabrics. The beds have pocket-sprung mattresses with luxury cotton. There’s a flat-screen LCD TV, wireless internet access and luxury bathrooms with powerful showers, towelling robes and the finest toiletries.

The head chef at the The Marquis is Charles Lakin, who has worked as assistant chef at a Yorkshire Michelin-starred restaurant. His team of chefs have worked at some of Kent and London’s best restaurants.

Regularly changing menus combine global themes with locally sourced produce. The food is joined by a varied wine, beer and drinks list. Kent wines and local real ales continue the local focus.

The Marquis sits in the pretty village of Alkham, at the southern end of the Kent Downs. Only a 5-minute drive from the M20, you’ll be close to the Channel Port of Dover and Folkestone's Channel Tunnel (both 10 minutes), as well as historic Canterbury.

The surrounding Alkham Valley, with its rolling hills and narrow country lanes, has “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” status.

Don't miss Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, 2 of the most distinctive and historical buildings in Britain. If you like walking, horse riding, sailing, golf, cricket, or fishing, you’ll have the choice of all.

Central London is less than 90 minutes away, and you could even reach Paris in under 3 hours.