Oast Houses in Kent
Attractions | Country Pubs | Countryside | Family | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.05.20
Oast houses are iconic buildings found in the Kent countryside, known for their distinctive cone shaped roofs. These agricultural buildings were first early 16th century for the purpose of drying hops as part of the brewing process for making beer. Initially rectangular in shape when they were first built, these characterful buildings have evolved throughout the years, progressing to a square shape before becoming the pointed cone-shape we know them as today.
Oast houses were equipped with kilns, drying rooms, and cooling rooms, for the purpose of drying hops, ultimately to brew beer. Oast Houses were crucial in creating some of the most delicious ales sent to pubs.
The conical kiln roof was topped with an oast cowl to create a draft that kept the fire alight and was fueled by wood until the 17th Century when charcoal took over.
Although most Oast Houses are now no longer functioning as brewing establishments, many are still open to the public to visit so you can learn more about their history. In this blog we are going to explore some of the ones you can visit in Kent, along with some pubs with accommodation for you stay in nearby!
Oast Houses in Kent
Hop Farm Country Park, Tonbridge
The Hop Farm in Kent boasts the world’s largest collection of Victorian Oast Houses in the world. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was a major supplier of hops to London breweries with the hop pockets being delivered to the local train station using Shire horses. The farm was a popular holiday destination for Victorian families who would go to Kent to take part in the 6-week harvesting each summer.
At the Hop Farm you can learn all about the history of brewing in oast houses in The Hop Museum. You can also explore The Magic Castle and The Gingerbread houses, popular attractions for kids to enjoy when visiting the farm. Children can also enjoy meeting the farm animals, exploring the Outdoor Adventure play area, or jumping on the Giant Jumping Pillows. With all these attractions it provides a fun day out for you and the family!
Kent Life, Maidstone
Kent Life features the last working coal-fired Oast House in Britain. The Oast is fired up in the autumn for drying hops and the traditional process of beer making begins. The Oast is made from rag stone, a traditional Kentish material.
From 7th – 8th September 2024 is the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival at Kent Life, where visitors can join in with the traditional hand-picking of hops, as well as meeting historical characters from Kent’s past. Visitors will also be able to sample up to 50 varieties of UK brewed ales and ciders while absorbing the fantastic live music.
This Oast is also a great place to visit with the family as it features a farmyard, where you can interact with alpacas, pigs, sheep and goats!
Shepherd Neame, Faversham
Shepherd Neame is the UK’s oldest brewer going all the way back to 1698 in Faversham, Kent. Mineral water from the towns aquifer deep beneath the brewery is used as one of the main ingredients in Shepard Neame’s products, alongside local hops which are dried to 10% moisture in local oast houses. Today, Shepherd Neame is Britain’s largest independent brewer, producing 50 million pints annually and exporting to more than 35 countries.
During your visit, you can enjoy a tour of the award-winning visitor centre and brewery to learn more about what it takes to make traditional British ale. Make sure to also visit one of the brewers 300 pubs, many of which can be found along the Kent coastline and across the county.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook
Sissinghurst Castle sits on 460 acres of stunning Wealden countryside. Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began transforming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. They worked tirelessly to create the beautiful gardens that now draw many visitors to the estate each year.
The estate features a large oast house, which is found next to the entrance of the gardens and is used as part of the Granary Restaurant.
Key features of the gardens include The Tower, The West Range and the Priests House, beautiful buildings nestled into the estate. Each building is unique and picturesque and hidden by all the beautiful plants, flowers and trees.
Pubs with accommodation for your visit to Kent’s Oast houses:
The Carpenters Arms
Book a stay in the Carpenters Arms, a dog friendly country pub set in tranquil surroundings. The Carpenter Arms features a cosy bar and snug, decorated with vintage bar stools, window seating and open fires. The pubs is also home to a fantastic restaurant, serving classic seasonal British dishes.
The Five Bells Inn
This 16th century inn is filled with character and charm. Discover a cosy bar and dining area, boutique bedrooms, and a delightful beer garden. You can easily see what the pub has won a multitude of awards including the “Kent Pub of the Year” at the National Pub Awards.
Miller & Carter Maidstone
The Miller & Carter Maidstone is a classical 18th century establishment. Inside the pub are 12 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, perfect for those bringing the whole family or even their furry companions. As well as a delightful restaurant serving the finest 30-day aged steaks.
The Sun Inn
Found in the historic centre of Faversham is The Sun Inn, a charming 14th-century pub. The inn is filled with character, featuring inglenook fireplaces, oak beams, and a sociable courtyard garden. Every Friday evening, The Sun Inn offers live music entertainment in its pub.