A historic country pub often found “surrounded by sheep” has been named as one of the UK’s best to visit in the autumn months.

The Woolpack Inn at Warehorne – known historically as a haunt of smugglers – was highlighted for its fireside meals and selection of Kentish beers and wines.

Writing in The Times on Saturday, travel expert Jane Knight recommends: “Put on your wellies and head out from this pub, in a village near Ashford, and walk 2½ miles to Gusbourne winery for a tour and a tipple.

“Back at the pub, which is surrounded by Romney sheep, settle down to a drink by the fire or a Sunday roast.”

The review heaps praise on the Woolpack’s menu, which includes Kentish rump of lamb served with sage roasted squash and classics such as beer-battered haddock and chips with minted peas.

The Church Lane venue also boosts five smartly decorated suites with midweek stays starting at £189 with dinner and breakfast for two.

With parts of the Woolpack Inn building believed to predate the mid-1500s, the establishment has a long history.

In 1793, a notice of the pub’s sale by auction appeared in KentOnline’s sister newspaper, the Kentish Gazette.

An advertisement taken by the Woolpack’s later owner, George Maylam, promised to supply the public with “wines and liquors of the best quality”.

The pub’s own website boasts of its reputation for ghostly activity, telling how paranormal investigations have reputedly made contact with several spirit entities, including old smugglers, a young girl and a clergyman.

In more recent history, in November 2019, The Woolpack was one of three of the county’s top pubs snapped up by restaurant group The Pickled Egg Company, owned Josh De Haan, son of Saga chairman Sir Roger De Haan.

It is due to host a Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 4pm.

The Woolpack was not the only Kent venue promoted in the Times article this weekend.

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is also quoted, showering praise on The Sportsman in Seasalter, near Whitstable.

“The Sportsman in Kent is fantastic – incredible food, sourced locally, with brilliant rooms in little shepherds huts in the garden, in among the home-grown produce,” he says.