IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in
SWALE
KENTSTAYCATION
THE NORTH KENT BOROUGH OF SWALE , WHERE THE COUNTRYSIDE MEETS THE SEA , OFFERS A CHANCE TO DISCOVER WHY KENT IS DUBBED THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND WITH BLOSSOMING ORCHARDS AND MANOR HOUSES IN ACRES OF LANDSCAPED GROUNDS . IT HAS HISTORY IN ABUNDANCE WITH KENT ’ S OLDEST MARKET TOWN AT FAVERSHAM , A HERITAGE RAILWAY IN SITTINGBOURNE AND REMINDERS OF THE DOCKYARD HERITAGE OF THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY . SWALE IS NOT WITHOUT ITS WILD SIDE EITHER AND THERE ARE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH WALKS IN THE KENT AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY , NATURE RESERVES ON THE MARSHLANDS OF THE SWALE ESTUARY AND BLUE FLAG BEACHES ON ITS COAST .
BROGDALE MACKNADE
Day 1
MORNING Take a stroll through a beautiful Kentish orchard at Brogdale . This 150-acre fruit farm is home to the National Fruit Collection , one of the most important fruit collections in the world aiming to protect genetic plant diversity . There are more than 4,000 varieties of fruit at the orchard including apples , pears , plums and cherries . Events throughout the year celebrate the crops from a festival of the cherry blossom in spring to a cider festival in late summer . Guided tours give visitors the chance to learn more about this important collection and to try the fruit .
Next step on your outdoor adventure is a visit to the 10-acres of formal gardens at Doddington Place . The gardens are beautifully located in the heart of Kent ’ s fruit-growing area within the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . The gabled brick mansion in the centre of the gardens was built in 1860 and the gardens have been added to and adapted by the residents of the house over the years to include immaculate lawns , an Edwardian rock garden , a woodland garden , herbaceous borders , and impressive and unusual yew hedges .
LUNCH Not content with offering the finest fresh produce , fish , meats and cheeses from the south east ’ s leading food hall , Macknade has also revolutionised its dine in offer too . Alongside popular brunch and coffee and cake combos , guests can also be taken on a global food journey courtesy of the Food Village . The outdoor marketplace and dining space ( takeaway only until guidance changes ) showcases the very best food and drink from hand-picked vendors ; will you opt for Macknade ’ s own authentic wood-fired pizza from The Deck ; California Craving ’ s Mexican with a Californian twist ; aromatic curries and traditional Indian cuisine from Paul Babra ; or be tempted by Silver Birch Find Food ’ s fusion street food – brisket burger with loaded fries anyone ?
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