Close to the station, a hotel and restaurant inside a Grade II-listed 18th-century sandstone mansion. Intimate and clubby, there is an open fire in the bar, and Gallic-influenced dishes in the informal restaurant. Alfresco dining on the terrace. Modern bedrooms (some overlooking Calverley Park) have plenty of perks: a capsule coffee machine, fluffy bathrobes, chic toiletries for indulgent bathing. Within walking distance of the Pantiles.

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.

Yeehaw! All spruced up, a cowboy-themed hotel (part of a small group) in former Tunbridge Wells West Station. Bedrooms have cowboy boot- or antler-shaped lights, and Native American-style blankets. Vittles include hearty servings of ribs, burgers, nachos and other US favourites in the atmospheric restaurant. Join in the hootin an’ hollerin with live Country and Western bands in the bar until closing time.

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). Hearty breakfasts at the hotel are a short walk away. Fresh-from-the-sea oysters and mussels feature on the French-style brasserie menu.

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.