BALFOUR WINERY
A town once famous for its markets due to its prime position between London and the Kent coast , and later to be known for its printing industry thanks to the industrial revolution , Ashford has seen many a transition over the decades . First settled by humble Saxons who were escaping a Viking invasion , the town was originally named after a group of ash trees by a ford , but today boasts several modern redevelopments designed to bring affluence , tourism and creativity to the town - each a recipe for exciting rejuvenation .
One of the first of these projects was Ashford Designer Outlet ( www . mcarthurglen . com ), a £ 90 million expansion development . Run by the McArthur Glen Group , the centre now has over 100 popular brands including All Saints , Kurt Geiger , Polo Ralph Lauren , Ted Baker , Tommy Hilfiger and more all at up to 60 % off the RRP . The covered , decked circular walkway makes a brilliant visit whatever the weather . As well as shopping , there ’ s plenty of places to fuel yourself up too , as Ashford Outlet is home to lots of foodie favourites that include Pizza Express , Wagamama and a whole host of coffee shops . This wonderfully clean and bright centre also houses a children ' s play area ensuring that little ones never get bored and even welcomes four-legged friends . Just look for the paw print sticker in the window of participating brands and pop into Guest Services for a dog biscuit and a drink from the doggy fountain .
As well as this modern-day metropolis , Ashford has not forgotten its idyllic , rural past which can be discovered when setting foot just outside the town and into the district ’ s sprawling green countryside that today remains lucious and fruitful , still growing much of the same agriculture that it has done for centuries . One of these crops are of course the grapes used for winemaking , a practice that gave Kent the title of ‘ Wine Garden of England ’. One of the best places to explore this heritage at the same time as admiring Kent ’ s beautiful rural landscape is at Balfour Winery ( www . balfourwinery . com ), which is found on the breathtaking Hush Heath Estate . A 400-acre family owned estate with vast ancient woodlands , vineyards , apple orchards and wildflower meadows , Balfour Winery combines conservation with an unrivalled spirit of hospitality and generosity . With self-guided tours available , just pick up a map ( and maybe a bottle or two ) from their contemporary style Cellar Door building which also houses their visitor centre . Here , guided tours of the vineyard and winery are also available , as well as tastings and special workshops and events .
For those with younger children that still want to appreciate the beauty of Ashford ’ s surrounding countryside with a little excitement thrown in , a visit to the South of England Rare Breeds Centre ( www . rarebreeds . org . uk ) is sure to be a brilliant day out . Set in 100 acres of farmland , enjoy a ‘ Meet the Animals ’ session where the children can pet friendly animals and ask staff questions . Enjoy a daily Birds of Prey display , a woodland assault course , a tube maze , zip wire and hill fort , or for a quieter time together , enjoy the tunnel of exotic butterflies and take a woodland walk . If walking is not for you , take a tractor ride !
35