170 years ago on this day Charles Dickens classic A Chritmas Carol was published. While he may not have written this novella there, Dickens spent summer holidays between 1837 and 1859 at Bleak House boutique hotel in Broadstairs, Kent overlooking the beautiful Viking Bay on the eastern coast of Kent, where he wrote parts of the novels David Copperfield and Bleak House there.
Built in 1801 and formerly the home of the local fort captain during the Napoleonic wars, Bleak House offers four stylish luxury rooms: Copperfield Bridal Suite, Little Doritt's Classic Double Room, The Fagin Superior Room and of course Charles Dickens's original room, The Charles Dickens Room, complete with the bed often slept in by Queen Victoria (Not at the same time as Dickens, we presume) and full use of Charles Dickens study where he wrote his famous novel David Copperfield.
The hotel owner, jeweller Richard Hilton, said, "It was Dickens' favourite, what he called, 'watering hole'. He spent 11 or 12 years in a row coming here for the summer. There's nowhere else like it – especially where you can stay."
Also available at The Bleak House is The Nicholas Nickleby 3 bedroom apartment which caters for 4-6 guests in two double bedrooms, a single twin bedroom and luxury bathroom. But that's not all. Where else can you find a museum within your luxury accommodation? Here, in the cellars of Bleak House is The Smuggling Museum. Many of the exhibits were rescued by divers to an eighteenth century wreck that was exposed when sands shifted in Viking Bay in the early 1970s.
During your stay you can make like a Brit and enjoy afternoon tea, aptly titled The Dickens Delight, where you can sample a selection of sandwishes and petit patiesseries, homemade fruit scones, clotted cream and fresh strawberries along with your pot of tea, all for just £14.95 per person.
If you are after a last-minute festive break, there is still some availability for The Dickens Room and what is more, you can also enjoy the black tie New Year's Eve dinner and dance with 5 course meal and our superb live cabaret.
Where better to head this festive season than Bleak House where you can enjoy the views of Viking Bay, marvel at the exhibits of The Smuggling Museum, write at Charles's Dickens's desk, and after a day of afternoon tea and festiities fall asleep on Queen Victoria's bed? For those long winter nights, perhaps bring a copy of A Christmas Carol, we say.
The Charles Dickens Room, from £225 per night
By Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo
