Bleak House - Bleak House, Kent

Bleak House, Kent

Bleak House in Broadstairs, on the far north east tip of Kent adjoining Margate, is where Dickens stayed with his family for a minimum of one month every summer, from 1839, when he was becoming established as a successful writer, until 1851. Fort House, high on top of the cliff on Fort Road, is now named after the novel whose title it inspired (although that house is in Hertfordshire) and was a favourite holiday retreat of his from the mid 1840s until 1852.

Bleak House has been reopened to the public as a bed and breakfast (B+B), restaurant, tea rooms and museum. It is also avaiialble for private hire for weddings, group holidays and corporate events. Overnight accommodation costs from £135 a night for a double room with breakfast. Guided tours cost £4 (children under 12 £2). Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. http://www.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk