The West Wing is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Kent. Nestling between the busy towns of Dover and Folkestone in Kent sits the Alkham Valley, recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty and with an abundance of things to do on your doorstep you will never be short things to keep you busy.

The gardens at Kearsney Abbey are a must see. Free to enter you could visit for a whole day and still not discover all there is to do. The abbey is laid out as informal parkland around two ornamental lakes through which the River Dour flows.

This is a very popular spot with both locals and tourists alike, especially in the summer months. The vast lawn areas are a perfect spot for picnics whilst the lower lake is ideal for model boating. An abundance of wildlife including ducks and swans live on the lakes and keep the children entertained for hours. There is a play area for the children making this an ideal venue for family outings. The onsite coffee shop offers reasonably priced sandwiches and light lunches as well as the inevitable ice cream. This place is truly well worth a visit.

Further along the coast is St Margaret's at Cliffe and St Margaret's Bay which has been aptly named First Light Coast and Country. As the sun rises you can bask in the first light of the day in the midst of the White Cliffs. Surrounded by spectacular countryside throughout the year this area offers such a range of activities for the holidaymaker. You can walk for miles along the deserted coastline and get inspiring views of the Heritage Coast, the Channel and also the coast of Northern France. Further inland there are the Kent Downs which are valued for their chalk grassland and wildlife.

For sporting activities there is much to offer, horse riding, cycling, swimming, water sports and golf are all available locally. In summer the beach and rock pools are perfect for children, with safe swimming in the bay. St Margaret's Bay has been for a long time a good location for surfers, kayakers and canoeists.

If you enjoy fishing then St Margaret's Bay is a good location for catching sea bass, mackerel, dogfish and sole. With your binoculars you may also see seals, guillemots, little egrets and maybe occasional dolphin and basking shark!

The village of St Margaret's has many local amenities including a village shop, Tea rooms and three lovely pubs which all offer great food and fine ales. The Coastguard Pub on the beach is a short walk away and is an award winning pub with food made from fresh local ingredients.

The Pines Garden Museum in St Margaret's is well worth a visit and includes six acres of organically managed gardens. The 12th Century local church is also interesting with rounded arches and doorways. Further afield there is the historic Dover Castle and Walmer Castle both good locations for days out.

If France beckons then why not take a ferry from Dover or the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone for a day trip, it's so close so don't forget to bring your passports!

Inland a short drive away is the historic City of Canterbury with its cobbled streets and magnificent Cathedral, many hours can be spent exploring and enjoying everything that this Medieval City has to offer.

For more ideas please visit our 'things to do' section on the website.