The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel Kent
Originally opened in 1995 by “Mr Golf” Peter Alliss our accommodation is perfectly situated for golfers. Sandwich is a mecca for golfers with world class Open championship venues Royal St. Georges, Princes and Royal Cinque Ports all just up the road.
Ham, Sandwich is noteworthy not just for its famous road sign by the same name but more latterly for a clutch of furry visitors at the ancient nearby Ham Fen. Take a very short stroll from the hotel and you’ll discover the old fenland and improved wet grasslands with dykes and ditches that together form part of Ham Fen. Look very closely and you’ll discover even more as this very special and rare habitat is now home to the European beaver. Following the Kent Wildlife Trust’s controlled re-introduction of the species in 2011 as part of the fenland management project the species has flourished….As has the Blazing Donkey!
The historic great barn has been converted and serves as the main entrance & reception area, completely changing the traditional arrival experience – head straight to the heart of the action in a house of fun not formality. No forms to fill in when arriving with us – maybe a pint of craft ale though, or even one of our famous cream teas! We like a gas here too so don’t hang around us for too long if you’re for the quiet life!
The Blazing Donkey has not been “designed”, its evolved really and our accidental open plan vibe refreshes; gone is the formal lounge setting you expect to find in hotels. Instead; inviting roaring fires, comfy sofas, a perfect terrace and garden but most essentially a bar (a magnet to most of our visitors). Together all providing an uber-relaxing feel to a place which we will be sure to unwind you, just as it has done for very many weary warriors before you.
For culture vultures, there couldn’t be a better place to take a short break. We are always on hand with tips and ideas so that you spend your time in this lovely part of the world wisely and get the most from you time with us.
We have 22 rooms, 3 in the main house on the first floor and 19 in the stable yard, all ground floor independently accessible. The bedrooms in the main house are spacious and in a classic style with far reaching views of the splendid countryside. The stable yard rooms were converted from old agricultural buildings.
Our restaurant came before the hotel. Quite simply creating a place where you come and enjoy great food and drink in relaxing and comfortable surroundings is and always has been our aim. Scrub-top tables, flagstone and wooden floors provide a relaxed and convivial environment for dining in the casual bar and dining room areas while our gardens and terrace are perfect Summer alfresco dining. Think restaurant in disguise as a pub!
It is our pleasure to welcome you for a golf break you’ll always remember. Boasting many great courses, some famous, others not so famous, but little gems nonetheless in their own right. We are proud of our association with our listed golf clubs and have booked literally thousands of green fees and tee times on behalf of guests. Links, tree-lined parkland or downland courses, all are within easy reach many in less than 20 minutes. Many of our groups come year after year, because the golf is good and our food and hospitality second to none.
Lastly, and most importantly, please keep an eye on our website for the regular special offers we extend in association with top clubs, including Royal St. Georges, Royal Cinque Ports and Princes. Fill out the online enquiry form to be kept abreast of forthcoming offers.