From getting up close and personal with giraffes and tigers to spotting celebrities on the street, this charming UK village feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London
‘Isolate yourself from the outside world’ in this charming village filled with celebrities. If you’re desperate to get out of the city and spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – Aldington may be the perfect respite for you this spring.
Tucked away in rural Kent, this chocolate box village and civil parish is only 18.23 km² and has a small population of just over 1,500 residents. Despite its tiny size, Aldington is a ‘hive of activity’, hosting annual events such as the Soap Box Derby which garners visitors from across the nation.
With a strong sense of community, the village has its very own football team and pitch, as well as tennis courts, a children’s play area, an outdoor adult gym, and OFSTED-approved schools. It’s no surprise the area has become somewhat of a haven for A-listers, with many celebs lucky enough to call this place home – including Vic Reeves, Julian Clary, and the late Paul O’Grady. While never confirmed, it is thought comedian Alan Carr also lives in the village.
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A trip to Aldington isn’t complete without visiting Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, an ‘unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah’. Here, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with tigers, lions, wolves, and even the odd rhino.
The breeding sanctuary, which isn’t a zoo and cares for rare and endangered animals, also offers customers the opportunity to stay in glamping pods or wooden lodges – so you can wake up with a view that could easily pass as the Serengeti. For nature lovers, endless nearby walks provide stunning vistas of the unspoilt countryside. And for those wanting to wake up with the sunrise, drink coffee and indulge in some window shopping – you’re just a 15-minute drive from Ashford’s Designer Outlet.
“Another attractive quality is the village of Aldington’s rich history, with more than 50 buildings of historical or architectural interest found within the parish, including Noel Coward and Joseph Conrad’s former homes,” said experts over at Stevens and Co.
“Today Aldington has an incredibly low crime rate, so it might surprise you to learn that the village has a strong association with smuggling folklore in the shape of The Aldington Gang – infamous smugglers who roamed the shores of Kent plying their trade, before making The Walnut Tree in Aldington their headquarters and drop for their contraband.”
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Aldington is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from London, but getting the train can cut the journey time in half. Direct trains leave the Big Smoke every couple of hours, with tickets costing as little as £19 for a single fare.
Accommodation in Aldington is scarce due to its small size, but you’ll still be able to find a range of holiday lets to suit your budget. For example, a weekend stay (Friday, March 28-30) in a one-bed holiday home will set you back £235, based on two people sharing. A more spacious four-bedroom property costs £975 for the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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