When there's a chill in the air and a frost on the ground, there's nothing like some hearty fayre, a local tipple and a cosy pub corner to help you get toasty.

Here, Visit Kent lists some top taverns in the Garden of England to help keep the winter blues away.

KING HENRY VIII

A truly historic pub with dramatic Tudor chimney stacks, oak beams, open fires and panelled bars, the Hever pub has been a pub on the site since 1597, although the current building dates from 1647. Sitting opposite the entrance to Hever Castle, it has roaring fires in the winter, and is winner of Pub Food Of The Year in Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, 2016.

Call 01732 862457 or visit kinghenryviiihever.co.uk

THE SUN INN

Escape from the everyday to one of the most popular pubs in Faversham, which tells a tale back to the 14th century. The traditional Kentish pub is brimming with original features including inglenook fireplaces and oak beams. Just a short stroll away is the Shepherd Neame brewery.

Call 01795 535 098 or visit sunfaversham.co.uk

THE PEPPER BOX INN

A stone's throw from Leeds Castle on the Greensand Way and the South Eastern Toll Ride, the Pepper Box is a traditional country pub which has been run by the same family since 1958. Nestle in to the pub’s comfortable leather sofas next to large inglenook fireplaces in the winter months. It is renowned for its delicious á la carte restaurant menu, and game dishes.

Call 01622 842558 or visit thepepperboxinn.co.uk

THE PEACOCK INN

A traditional family-run 14th century country pub near Goudhurst, The Peacock Inn offers warming locally-sourced fresh food, beer and wine and an open fire to warm up by after a walk through the picturesque village.

Call 01580 211233 or visit thepeacockinn.co.uk

THE GRIFFIN’S HEAD

This picturesque country pub in Chillenden near Canterbury offers real ales, good food and great views of the Kentish countryside. With its two blazing log fires roaring in inglenook fireplaces, it was built in 1405, during the reign of Edward I, and was a farmhouse until 1766 when it became fully licensed, serving travellers on the main Canterbury to Deal road.

Call 01304 840325 or visit griffinsheadchillenden.co.uk

THE GEORGE HOTEL & BRASSERIE

The George Hotel is one of Cranbrook’s landmark buildings, dating back to the 13th century. The perfect place to stop for a pint or a plateful, it has Kentish ales at the bar and seasonal, local produce on the menu, plus rooms available above the bar and restaurant.

Call 01580 713348 or go to thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk

THE WOOLPACK INN

Dating from 1410, inn on Romney Marsh, was once the haunt of smugglers and has wattle and daub walls and a low, beamed ceiling. Set in great walking country, it has traditional pub food with all fish and game locally sourced.

Call 01797 344321 or visit thewoolpackinn.org

Walks with watering holes across Kent: click here