Little English ‘island in an island’ is away from all the crowds – and has an award-winning pub
IF you want to go somewhere without anyone around, but enjoy a pint at the end of it, you’ll want to head to Kent.
Technically a small hamlet, the Isle of Harty has been dubbed an “island within an island”.
On the Isle of Sheppy, it was once it’s own island separated by the Capel Fleet, although a road now goes over this.
It once had 90 locals on the island, although most have since moved away.
Now, it is favoured by both walkers and birdwatchers, being primarily a farming and wildlife area.
There is also the Isle of Harty trail is favoured by walkers and cyclists, being completely flat.
The hamlet has little in the way of attractions, but there is the award-winning pub the Ferry Inn.
The 16th century venue opened back in 2000, with its restaurant ebbing awarded 2AA Rosette dining and two “Taste of Kent” awards.
You can stay there too, dubbed one of Kent’s “best kept secrets” with both hotel rooms and self-carting cottages.
There is even a new dog exercise paddock as well as themed evens including Kitchen Garden open days and Winter Wellness special packages.
You can book it for Christmas and wedding events as well, with it becoming mainly an event space from 2026.
Otherwise there is the St Thomas the Apostle church, which has its annual Harty Flower festival.
One previous tourist said the church felt ” reminiscent of the opening scene to Great Expectations
Another tourist raved about the island, saying: “Harty is a wonderful place to visit, so peaceful and far away from the crowds.”
The rest of the Isle of Sheppey is worth visiting too.
On the island is Elmley Nature Reserve, around an hour from London.
There are 3,300 acres of wildlife to explore, with birdwatching, bug-hunting and Land Rover 4×4 safari tours and even a private beach.
One person said it was like being in the “African savannah” while another said it was a “Disneyesque” experience.
A cheaper option Hart’s Holiday Park, with views of the River Swale and an indoor pool on-site.
Or there are a number of attractions such as the Eastchurch Aviation Museum and the Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum.
To get to the island, there is The Sheppey Crossing bridge, with a four-lane road over the water.