Chapter Farm Glamping

The surroundings are tree-mendous. Sorry, someone had to say it. On the doorstep is Victory Wood, named for Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 – there are outdoor sculptures to find, and sweeping views out across the Kent coastline. Blean Woods are close by too, with five trails to follow through one of the largest areas of continuous ancient woodland in southeast England. This really is a lovely spot, full of shady glades, butterflies, and orchids, and if you keep your ears open you might hear woodpeckers. The Bright Sky Glamping site itself is halfway along the charmingly named Crab and Winkle Way,  a seven-and-a-half-mile cycle path between the cathedral city of Canterbury and the harbour town of Whitstable, which passes through Blean Woods. You can cycle the whole thing in under an hour, or walk it in under three, leaving plenty of time for a drink and a meal at either end of the route.

Canterbury has history on its side, a place of pilgrimage since medieval times and with a handsome centre of cobbled streets and ancient houses. At Canterbury Cathedral (01227 762862), you're basically soaking up 1,400 years of Christian tradition in one of the world's great holy places. Whitstable is no less appealing, a little gem of a fishing town with pastel-coloured houses and a pebble beach, much-loved by foodies for its oysters and locally landed fish and seafood. Drivers can reach either place in around 10 to 15 minutes from the site, and it's the same distance to the best beach hereabouts, Tankerton Slopes, which is on the east side of Whitstable. It's easier to park here than at the town beach and while the beach itself is pebbly, like all around here, the grassy slopes are great for a picnic.

The nearest pub is the Royal Oak (01227 760149) in the village of Blean, under a 15-minute walk away – on the main road but fine for a drink in the garden. Hop in the car and it's only a five-minute drive to the lovely looking Dove (01227 751085) at Dargate, which offers more of a fine dining experience. You'll need to book, because it's an award-winning gastropub, with inventive set menus served at lunch and dinner. It's also on Plum Pudding Lane — what more incentive do you need?

Otherwise, Whitstable is an essential port of call — fish and chips or fresh seafood from the harbour, and the famous Whitstable rock oysters from a host of outlets. The Lobster Shack (01227 771923) and Oyster Shed are probably the best known — they farm their own oysters and brew their own stout beer — but a walk around town and harbour in the sunshine will be enough to tempt you into lots of other places. The Old Neptune pub is also a place of pilgrimage, a classic old seaside boozer, right on the beach, with bar meals and live music.

In Canterbury, The Goods Shed (01227 459153) is a permanent indoor farmers' market, home to a number of independent food and drink traders, with numerous stalls including a cheese-maker, a butchery, a charcuterie and a bakery. The restaurant here is great for lunch — out in the garden or in the soaring brick interior — with dishes according to the season and the local catch.