Abbots Fireside

To The Abbot's Fireside Hotel, a 15th century hotel situated in the historic village of Elham, just south of Canterbury.

Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, the hotel & restaurant has 5 delightful bedrooms all named after well known or local persons related to the history of this ancient building.


The Duke of Wellington used this hotel & restaurant as his headquarters, preparing his battle with Napoleon in Waterloo. King Charles II and the Duke of Richmond hid in the hotel's main fireplace when being chased by the Roundheads.


When one enters The Abbot's Fireside one will encounter a warm and friendly atmosphere. One will be surrounded by antique furniture, open fireplaces, original leaded windows and heavy beams throughout the lounge, the restaurant and all the bedrooms. The lounge and restaurant both feature huge medieval fireplaces, which are, like the hotel itself, listed by the English Heritage Society.

Built as an inn in 1451, carrying the name "The Smithies Arms", the restaurant today enjoys an excellent reputation for its cuisine. Every evening hotel features the traditional Spit Roast. All kinds of Meats are roasted in the main fireplace in the restaurant and one can select 3 different meats for the main course.

The village of Elham lies in the centre of the Elham Valley, declared an area of outstanding beauty.You can walk or cycle for hours through the unspoilt Kentish hills. There are plenty of golf courses (3 within 10 minutes drive) in the area. Playing golf at the Leeds Castle golf course is only 30 minutes away.


Interesting places to visit are Canterbury, & the Cathedral, Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, Sissinghurst Gardens, Hever Castle, Ightham Mote and the villages of Tenderden and Rye with their many antique shops. Even a day trip to London is among the options when one stays at the hotel.

Number of rooms: 5