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APRIL 2020 businesstraveller.comABOVE: Dramatic views
across Elmley LEFT:
Kingshill Farmhouse
BELOW LEFT: Kingshill
Barn event space
BELOW RIGHT: The
kitchen at Kingshill
FarmhouseBeat a retreat
Part conservation site, part family farm, Kent’s Elmley National
Nature Reserve is a tranquil spot for relaxation or eventsELMLEY NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE on the Isle
of Sheppey, North Kent – an hour’s drive from
Gatwick airport and reachable by train – is a
conservation site of international importance as
well as a family farm. It is also the only National
Nature Reserve in the country where you can
stay overnight. Elmley’s proximity to London
makes it a convenient retreat destination if you
are based near the capital or visiting for work.
The 18th-century Kingshill Farmhouse
on the property was launched last summer
following a year-long renovation. Sitting at
the heart of the 1,335-hectare reserve, it sleeps
up to 14 guests across six bedrooms and can
accommodate the same number of people in a
traditional meeting set-up, with breakout areas
and far-reaching views across the reserve.
Other accommodation options include the
five-bedroom Elmley Cottage, which can sleep
ten, and a small selection of secluded cabins
and shepherd huts for couples or solo travellers.
The property can host overnight corporate
gatherings for between five and 30 people.
For larger events, Kingshill Barn can hold
200 standing or 150 seated, with full event
catering. elmleynaturereserve.co.ukREBECCA DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY