Near the Pantiles, a former brewery and school house is now a modern hotel with sophisticated, neutral-toned bedrooms and suites (some in the neighbouring Townhouse are more contemporary and have a separate entrance). Breakfast is buffet-style. Informal dining as well as a la carte menus are served in Seventeen restaurant. Situated by Cumberland Walk, al fresco morning snacks, cocktails, and light bites can be enjoyed on The Terrace.

Fifteen mimutes’ walk from the centre of Sevenoaks, Sarah and Ian Stockbridge’s extended brick-built house has self-contained B&B accommodation with spacious bedrooms and a sitting room for guests to share. One room at the front overlooks woodland and Knole Park (NT) where the occasional deer can be glimpsed; another has views over the south-facing garden. The thoughtful hosts provide tea and cake on arrival. For breakfast, cereals, seasonal fruit and yogurt are followed by a full English and served in the dining area of the sitting room, which has glass doors opening onto a terrace with outdoor seating.

A beachfront hotel within walking distance of the harbour and the high street. Some of the compact, light and simply decorated bedrooms have far-reaching views over the Thames Estuary (binoculars provided). Even closer to the shore, former fishermen’s stores on the sea wall have been converted into appealing self-contained units (some have steep stairs). Fresh-from-the-sea oysters and mussels feature on the French-style brasserie menu. Breakfasts must be pre-booked.

Close to Canterbury West Station, a quaint B&B dating back to the 14th century and mentioned in Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. Themed bedrooms are spread between the half-timbered house (low beams, uneven floors, bowed walls) and the converted stables overlooking the garden. All guests have use of the comfy lounges, honesty bar and DVD library. Breakfasts are served in the historic wood-panelled Quadrant room.

A bustling hotel (part of Shepherd Neame) across from the sea front. Most of the coffee-toned bedrooms have views of the ocean, some from a private balcony with a table and chairs. Breakfasts, served in the light-filled Orangery, include free-range Kent eggs; later, snacks and afternoon tea can be taken in the bar or outside on the terrace. In the contemporary restaurant, local fish and seafood features alongside vegetarian dishes, grills and burgers.

Within an architect-designed complex, this contemporary hotel enjoys a ‘prime position’ in the ‘serene grounds’ of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. At breakfast in the busy refectory or on the terrace, a ‘small buffet’ and ‘well-served’ hot dishes lay heavenly foundations for the day. Guests have free admission to the cathedral and its precincts, and discounts at local restaurants, ‘many within easy walking distance’.