I’ll never forget the drive down to St Margaret’s at Cliffe – sat nav insisting we take the scenic route via some winding B-roads, only for us to end up stuck behind a tractor trundling along at 10 miles an hour. Proper Kent countryside chaos, with hedges so high you couldn’t see a thing, and me panicking we’d miss check-in. But honestly, that little mishap turned out to be the perfect teaser – by the time we crested the hill and spotted the sea glittering below, my heart was doing flips. We were buzzing with that holiday anticipation, you know, the kind where you imagine lazy mornings with tea and toast, no emails in sight.

Pulling up to this wonderful one-bed apartment overlooking St Margaret’s Bay was pure magic. Tucked away near the village of St Margaret’s at Cliffe, just three miles from Dover, it’s the ideal couples’ hideaway for properly switching off. External stairs whisk you up to this cosy haven where sea views flood the place, welcoming the outside right in. The double bedroom promises proper peaceful kip, waking up to that stunning vista. Fitted kitchen’s got everything for knocking up a fry-up, and the bathroom’s a treat with its shower-over-bath setup. First impressions? Spot on – we dumped the bags, cracked open a bottle of fizz on the balcony, and just soaked it all in.

But the real joy of the stay? Stumbling on hidden gems by pure accident, getting gloriously lost on those cliff-top paths. First morning, we fancied a wander and somehow veered off the main track down to the bay. What a find – a secluded shingle beach with not a soul around, waves lapping lazily and seals bobbing in the distance. We picnicked there for hours, feet in the water, laughing at how we’d never have spotted it on a map. Later, aiming for the village high street, we took a wrong turn up a leafy lane and tripped over this tucked-away tearoom in St Margaret’s. Blimey, the scones were legendary – crumbly, with clotted cream that melted in your mouth, served by a cheery local who reckoned we were the first visitors that week. Proper off-the-beaten-track stuff.

One afternoon, we got properly disoriented on the cliffs behind the bay, chasing a herd of wandering sheep. Ended up at this forgotten lookout point with panoramic views over the white cliffs – better than anything signposted. Sat there with flasks of tea, watching fishing boats chug out from Dover’s harbour, feeling miles from anywhere. It made me pause for a sec, you know? In the rush of life back home, I forget how good it is to just let go, get lost, and let Kent’s quiet corners surprise you. No grand plans, just serendipity.

Evenings back at the apartment were bliss – cooking simple suppers while the sun dipped into the Channel, that view turning all pink and gold. We poked around the village too, discovering a hidden pub with the best crab sandwiches this side of the coast, tucked down an alley you’d miss if you blinked. By the end of our stay, we’d mapped out our own secret Kent – no tourist traps, just those accidental treasures that make you feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. If you’re after a proper getaway, this corner’s a gem. Can’t wait to lose myself there again.