KENTSTAYCATION
EDUCATING EXPERIENCES CONT .
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara , Gravesend
This breathtaking building is of unique scale , with its five grand domes and set within a 8 acre complex , it is said to have been inspired by the Golden Temple at Amritsar , the holiest place for Sikhs and other Gurdwaras in India . Admire the craftsmanship , the marble and granite cladding , exquisite glass mosaic tiling , intricately carved woodwork and patterned glass windows . It is no surprise that the teams of stonemasons and carpenters took over two years crafting the stonework and woodwork during the nine years that it took to construct this masterpiece .
A true testament to the local Sikh community , it is a popular place of prayer , but also boasts a range of other facilities including educational rooms , computer rooms , a lecture theatre , and library . Open to the public , this sacred spot is a place of learning for everyone . Take a guided tour through the Gurdwara and enjoy an authentic experience – you ’ re sure to be greeted with a warm welcome . Absorb the peaceful atmosphere , educate yourself on the history of the Sikh religion whilst being blown away by it ’ s magnificent architecture . You will be welcome to have Langar , a complimentary food that is served to everyone .
Visitors should adhere to the rules and understand what is expected of them prior to arriving , all information on this can be found on the website . You will need to remove shoes and have a covering for your head . You should also not be carrying , or be under the influence of , any tobacco , alcohol or other intoxicating substances .
www . gurunanakdarbar . org ravesendgurdwara
Chislehurst Caves
Stretching over 6 hectares and an amazing 30 metres below the ground , the caves at Chislehurst are by far one of Kent ’ s oldest underground attractions . Dating back to as early as the 13th century , for hundreds of years the caves were mined for flint and chalk , eventually expanding to cover an amazing 22 linear miles . It is understood that in later years , the caves acted as a shelter for Londoners during the Blitz – with some 15,000 people sleeping there by night it would have been like an underground town – quite an incredible scene to imagine !
Now a popular tourist destination , the caves are open for visitors to experience an authentic candle-lit tour – a spooky , yet exciting experience to say the least – offering a fabulous insight into the way people had once lived and worked . Delve deep into the history of the caves , learn romantic stories of the Druids , Romans and Saxons , about the haunted passages and the stories of its successful mushroom growing in the 1930 ’ s . Not forgetting how the caves were later used as an unusual music venue hosting some of the greatest rock acts of the 60 ’ s – Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones just to name a few . Great for a family outing , a group tour or private function , spend the morning learning about this underground maze , take a pit stop in the cafe and treat yourself to something from the gift shop on this dark and sinister experience perfect for explorers !
www . chislehurst-caves . co . uk chislehurstcaveskent
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