We teamed up with Southeastern to find the best winter hidden gems across Kent which are just a 15-minute walk or less from your nearest Southeastern station – and you helped us pick the best.

Now the time has come to reveal the winning #SEhiddengems across Kent – unveiled in time for you to seek them out this winter.

EATS

One of the most popular categories for nominations, there’s clearly plenty to tempt anyone’s tastebuds across Kent. Cafes in cobbled backstreets, pubs and tea rooms featured among the suggestions. But the winners are...

The Six Bells, Woodchurch, near Ashford

Situated in the sleepy village of Woodchurch, in Bethersden Road, one of the nominations for the traditional English pub said: “From time to time they serve the most amazing hog roasts served in a bap with amazing homemade coleslaw.” Tasty! The pub’s own website describes it as “Kent’s best-kept secret.” Visit thesixbellswoodchurch.co.uk or call 01233 860246

The Living Cafe, Maidstone

It may be on Maidstone’s busy Earl Street, but it would be easy to miss the Living Cafe, as it’s so compact. Sandwiched between pubs Earl’s and the Druid’s Arms, it’s the ideal place to re-fuel on a shopping trip to the County Town. Stop off at 28 Earl Street, ME14 1PP or call 01622 756445.

FUN

Kent is a fun place to be and, according to your nominations, there are plenty of places where you can get your kicks, from cafes and sports sites to family trampolining and games cafes. But the winners are...

Escape Kent, Canterbury

A newcomer to the city, the live, immersive game in Simmonds Road, in the Wincheap Industrial Estate, proved popular. It challenges a team of players to escape a locked room by completing a series of puzzles and challenges – in just one hour. For details visit escapekent.com or call 01227 507450.

A treasure trove of historic artefacts and amusing stories bought to life by enthusiastic volunteers. The museum was one of many nominations in the vibrant town.

One said of it: “Up an innocuous-looking staircase lurks the old courtroom, slightly faded in its grandeur but evocative of the local miscreants who stood in the dock. Educational and entertaining, the museum deserves more attention and more funding.” Visit margatemuseum.wordpress.com for details.

BUYS

You’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for non-High Street items to buy your nearest and dearest – or yourself. The winners are...

Trash or Treasure, Maidstone

The Week Street second hand shop is something of a find – and when you discover it you’ll want to keep it to yourself! Vintage and retro is its fix, from toys to glassware and a stack of classic albums on vinyl. One of our nominees said: “I have to keep going back to get a bit at a time so the wife doesn’t notice.” Check out their Facebook page here.

Lavender Shop, Whitstable

Whitstable Lavender stocks about 400 lavender-related products from essential oils to seeds and soaps. There is even a small range of food with a hint of lavender. Find it at 7A High Street, Whitstable or visit whitstablelavender.com for more details

SPOTS

From historic sites to far-flung parks and coastal walks, you had plenty of ideas for spots around Kent which many may not have sought out yet. But the winners are...

Victoria Park, Ashford

Victoria Park may be a 10-minute walk from Ashford International Station but many people wouldn’t know it was there as they head off in search of other spots. It is Ashford’s biggest open space but its natural charms are under-used. Discover the historic Hubert Fountain, play park, cafe and the charming river that meanders through the park. Visit ashford.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces

Blean Woods, near Canterbury

A brisk walk from the station will take you out of the city centre and to a silent spot where you can hear your own footsteps. It’s also a real haven for wildlife.

SIPS

From former city jails converted into contemporary bars to traditional pubs and cafes, you nominated your favourite places for a warming winter beverage from a hot chocolate to a whiskey. And the winners were...

The Admiral’s Arm micropub in Queenborough

Situated on the seafront and close to the station, the recently opened micropub attracted numerous nominations with one nominee saying of it: “It’s the best micro pub on the island with fantastic beer, fantastic atmosphere and even brain puzzles and cheese and biscuits on a Sunday.” A must stop for real ale and gin fans, you can top your visit off with a bracing walk by the sea.
For details go to admiralsarm.co.uk

Steep Street Cafe, Folkestone

Nominated by a number of readers, the cafe nestles in the Old High Street in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, a #SEhiddengems nomination in itself. The literary coffee shop takes its inspiration from the famous book cafés of Paris and has walls lined with scores of books. A hub for lively conversation, meetings, reading, writing and entertaining, you can fuel your visit with coffee, sandwiches, paninis and other treats.
Call 01303 247819, visit steepstreet.co.uk

OUR WINNERS

Anyone nominating their #SEhiddengems was entered into our prize draw. The lucky winners chosen at random are...

A pair of Southeastern weekend train tickets: Antony McDougall from Queensborough, Sheppey Darren Allport from Margate, Rebecca Stevens from Margate and Lauren Wright from Sittingbourne.

A Christmas hamper: Linda White from Faversham and Katie Scott from Sittingbourne.