KENTSTAYCATION
Galentine ’ s Da y IN KENT CONT .
CANTERBURY BAKING SCHOOL
© Yudi Susilo
BURSTED MANOR RIDING
Get Creative
Everyone loves perfume on Valentine ’ s Day , but for Galentine ’ s Day , why not make it yourself ? The Perfume Studio ( www . theperfumestudio . com ) in Tunbridge Wells offers perfume masterclasses perfect for groups . With the guidance of a trained perfume stylist , partakers will get the chance to sample each master perfumer blend , understand their properties , and get advice when selecting those you wish to include in your own fragrance .
Delight your taste buds as well as your sense of smell with Cocoa and Heart ( www . cocoaandheart . co . uk ) and one of their ‘ Essential Chocolate Masterclasses ’ held in their very own ‘ chocolate kitchen ’ in Bexleyheath . Always ‘ hands on ’ and very practical , students will have their own work station with all the equipment and help they need to create their own chocolates .
The Ceramics Studio ( www . theceramicstudio . co . uk ) is another creative haven from which to implement your artistic side . Set in a converted barn on an orchard in Brenchley , visit for a ‘ Pottery Experience Day ’, which is a fun introduction to working with clay complete with a two course lunch in between moulding and throwing .
Get Cooking
For the budding chefs and master bakers among us , Kent Cookery School ( www . kentcookeryschool . co . uk ) hold fantastic private parties in their beautiful kitchen and cobbled courtyard in Mersham , near Ashford . With a wide selection of themes to choose from , whether you want to learn new skills or brush up on current techniques , the experts will be on hand to guide you – with a complimentary drink in hand too ! For those that are more Mary Berry than Jamie Oliver , Canterbury Baking School ( www . canterburybakingschool . com ) offer fully interactive , tailored workshops for groups of up to eight people to hone in on their baking skills . Each workshop includes a vegetarian / vegan lunch , including freshly made bread . After all , nothing brings friends together quite like food !
Escape Rooms
If you love cracking codes and figuring out a puzzle with plenty of excitement included , an Escape Room might be the place for you this Galentine ’ s . Escape in the Towers ( www . onepoundlane . co . uk / escape ) in Canterbury is set within England ’ s largest surviving medieval gateway , Canterbury ’ s former city jail , built in 1830 . A very atmospheric , one-of-a-kind setting for your escape adventure and named in The Guardian as one of the UK ’ s best escape rooms . Hysteria Escape Rooms ( www . hysteriaescaperooms . com ) in Chatham is sure to get your heart thumping as timer ticks .
The Escapement ( www . theescapement . co . uk ) in Margate is full of sprawling , immersive sets with fun , engaging , in-theme puzzles and fascinating technology . While Broadstairs ’ award winning The Bank Job ( www . thebankjobbroadstairs . co . uk ) will not only allow you to channel your inner master criminal minds to steal the ‘ jewel ’ but will also fulfil your master mixologist needs with cocktails aplenty , before luring you back for round two with their new follow up room .
Outdoor Adventure
If you are in need of a breath of fresh air this February , get ready to gulp down some of Kent ’ s finest . Trek across the beautiful Kent countryside on horseback when you go on a group hack with Bursted Manor Riding Centre ( www . burstedmanor . co . uk ) in Bridge near Canterbury . Groups can choose to stop off at a country pub or visit the beach for a windswept canter along the sand . Experience falconry , archery and target activities at the idyllic Mount Ephraim Gardens in Hernhill , with Joe ’ s Bows ( www . joesbows . co . uk ). Surrounded by acres of orchards and views over the South Downs , all Joe ’ s Bows experiences at Mount Ephraim include a garden pass allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable day out . Have brilliant fun together when you explore the county from the picturesque River Stour with Canoe Wild ( www . canoewild . co . uk ) guaranteed to lift your spirits , strengthen your friendships and create some brilliant memories in the great outdoors .
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