WEEK THREE
The Kentish Diary cont...
THEKENTISHDIARY
Moving through the month to our penultimate week, add to your diary the open-air theatre at Tonbridge Castle( tonbridgecastle. org) to see Around The World in 80 Days, running on Wednesday 22 July at 7pm. Inspired by the much-loved novel by Jules Verne, this is a globe-trotting comedy of actor-musicians hurtling across continents in 80 days. The show is suitable for families and explorerdriven individuals seeking an evening of unrivalled entertainment set in the medieval grounds of the castle.
After the show, head into Tonbridge’ s historic high street, where you can find Verdigris( verdigris-tonbridge. com) for relaxed riverside dining with views across Tonbridge Castle. Choose from a selection of carefully crafted cocktails and award-winning wines from across the world, perfectly paired with flavourful dishes from tender steak to freshly shucked oysters, with a number of ingredients sourced from trusted local producers.
Later that week, discover The Making of Marlowe: Poet, Playwright and Provocateur at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge( canterburymuseums. co. uk). The interactive exhibition will start on Saturday 25 July and will run until Sunday 22 November, where you can explore the life of Canterbury’ s most famous poet and playwright, Christopher Marlowe. Leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of translations, plays and poetry, the exhibition will
Brands Hatch showcase artefacts, historical documents and interactive displays that bring Canterbury’ s poet into the spotlight.
If you’ re seeking a thrill-seeking experience this month, Brands Hatch( brandshatch. co. uk) will be hosting the Ferrari Challenge UK across 25- 26 July for the penultimate event of the 2026 season. Celebrating a centenary of British motor racing this year, the iconic circuit will showcase Ferrari’ s powerhouse engines, with drivers racing identical, high-performance supercars bringing energy to one of the UK’ s most famous racing tracks.
Tonbridge Castle
WEEK FOUR
Making our way into the final week of July, Kent’ s coastline is calling for a few days spent taking in the panoramic views of Folkestone’ s shoreline. Start off your morning with an early swim on Folkestone Beach before swiftly arriving at Sea Scrub Sauna( seascrubsauna. co. uk), the UK’ s biggest beach spa that’ s home to two wood-fired saunas, a hot tub and warm showers to add to your spa experience.
After a relaxing morning, you can head to The Creative Quarter( creativefolkestone. org. uk), an urban village with over 115 studios and 50 shops to explore including Gallery 66 and Custard HQ( standingoncustard. com). Two local independent galleries with innovative creative spaces to discover, these creatives bring their unique artistic expression to the heart of Folkestone’ s Old High Street.
While exploring the Creative Quarter, make your way to Folkestone Harbour Arm( folkestoneharbourarm. co. uk) for a refreshing tipple at the Champagne Lighthouse Bar
( thelighthousechampagne company. co. uk). Set in a 19thcentury venue, the iconic lighthouse is positioned at the pier head of Folkestone Harbour Arm with spectacular views across the coastline; it is recognised as Britain’ s closest Champagne bar to France. Sample a number of delicious champagnes or award-winning English sparkling wines.
Finishing off your July diary with one last must-visit event, the Chickenstock Music Festival( chickenstockfestival. co. uk) in Sittingbourne, runs from 30 July to 2 August. Set in a picturesque Kentish landscape, the festival has reached its eighth successful year of familyfriendly entertainment. Enjoy a range of activities, from adult craft workshops to morning yoga, alongside a wealth of children’ s entertainment varying from magic shows to circus skills.
The event will feature an array of local and national talent, with music genres varying from folk songs and roots to acoustic and folk-rock variations. Experience the music while enjoying
Sea Scrub Sauna a range of food and drink from across the county, including locally crafted ale from Canterbury Ales Brewers and cider from The Kent Cider Company, for a Kentish experience well worth adding to your summer diary. www. insidekent. co. uk • 45