Luxury self-catering accommodation in Brookland

The area of Kent around Dungeness is known for its bleak beauty, and Brookland sits in the middle of the landscape, positioned on one of the main roads heading between the major towns of Hastings and Ashford. The history of this little village is knee-deep in smuggling, thanks to its position on ancient trade routes, and many stories, myths and legends abound here, like the well-known tale of the rowdy 17th century mob chased across the marsh; the story is now known as the Battle of Brookland and several versions point to this area as the location.

These days it's a peaceful place to pitch up, a sleepy hamlet with a school and houses, and the nearest shops are a short distance from town. The church here is a site of interest for walkers passing by; St Augustine is a unique place of worship thanks to its famous wooden spire that's completely separate from the main building. For Sunday roasts, head to the Royal Oak near Dungeness or the Woolpack Inn, a half-hour hike across the marsh. By car you're halfway to historic Rye by the time you've got to this pub, so consider combining the trip with a visit.