What’s Judd’s Folly Hotel like?
This welcoming hotel is set in three acres of parkland on the outskirts of Faversham in Kent. Fields of sheep surround the property, which dates back to the 17th Century and is approached via a tree-lined drive. The hotel is currently operated by Best Western but still feels authentically independent. When we visited, there was a lot of building work going on at the front – hence the lack of photo!
How dog-friendly is Judd’s Folly Hotel?
Good. No provisions are provided for pets but the staff make a real fuss of all visiting dogs. Pets are not allowed in the main restaurant but you can dine with your dog in the hotel lounge or bar, if it’s not too busy. The hotel has its own dedicated dog poo bin too, which is handy. There is an additional charge of £15 per pet per stay.
Tell me more about Judd’s Folly Hotel
There are 30 Standard and Superior rooms at the hotel as well as six suites but if you’re travelling with a dog, you’ll need to book a Superior. The accommodation is spread across several blocks at the hotel, which looks a bit higgledy-piggledy from the outside but works. Ours – Room 2 – was at the front of the hotel and we could park right outside, which was a bonus. The spacious room was accessed via French doors and predominantly decorated in neutral shades. It contained both a double and single bed, as well as a desk and wardrobe, but didn’t feel at all cramped. There was also a mini kitchen area with a fridge, kettle and tea, coffee and biscuits.
The bathroom was tucked away at the back, with the toilet cubicle separate from the main shower room. Quirky Be Different toiletries and lovely fluffy towels were provided. The room also had a small patio area at the front, complete with table and chairs, which I imagine would be wonderful in summer. I liked the fact that as well as curtains on the front doors, there were also nets, which offered a little extra privacy. While the room was perfect for a short stay, the walls were quite thin, the bathroom window did not fully close and the door was not fully painted. That said though, it didn’t affect our enjoyment of the stay and we slept well at night.
What’s the food like at Judd’s Folly Hotel?
Really tasty – and reasonably priced. The restaurant menu has everything from liver and bacon to pork belly and there’s also a separate vegetarian and vegan menu. My vegan schnitzel with vegan cheese and spaghetti, pictured above, was delicious, and there was a great range of desserts too. Breakfast is also well worth getting out bed for. The continental spread was very impressive and had everything you could possibly think of – and more. But if that didn’t fill you up, there were some excellent cooked options to choose from as well.
We dined in the lounge when we visited and had it all to ourselves, which made it feel pretty exclusive. It’s a really cosy space, with tartan wallpaper, Victorian shuttered windows and photos of the original 17th Century manor house called The Folly, which burnt down in the 1960s. From what I could see, the recently-refurbished bar and restaurant also looked great. A new function suite is in the process of being built at the hotel and plans have also been submitted for a spa, too.
Are there resident dogs at Judd’s Folly Hotel?
No, but you may well bump into other dogs that are staying over.
Where are the best dog walks near Judd’s Folly Hotel?
Start with the hotel grounds, pictured above. From the cute tree-lined driveway to the wildflower garden round the back, there are more than three acres to explore. Dogs are sure to enjoy watching the sheep in the surrounding fields too, but be sure to keep them on a lead and at a safe distance at all times – especially during lambing season.
The medieval market town of Faversham is just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel and good walks abound. There’s a great four-mile walk you can do along Faversham Creek. Or, if you’d prefer to explore the local woodland, visit Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park. The site was a once a key hub for gunpowder production but today, it’s a peaceful haven full of wildlife. For more local dog walk suggestions, check out the routes recommended by In Faversham.
What Ernie loved about Judd’s Folly Hotel
The lovely grounds, the fuss from staff, the sausage for breakfast
What I loved about Judd’s Folly Hotel
The friendly staff, the no-frills food and drink, the laid-back atmosphere
How to book Judd’s Folly Hotel
Dog-friendly Superior rooms start from £75 per night on a room-only basis. Breakfast starts from an additional £9.95 per person. For more information or to book, call 01795 591818 or visit the Judd’s Folly Hotel website.
