© Fleur Challis Photography
MU MU
© Alejandro Cartagena / Unsplash
© Tim Topple
JUSTINE ’ S
HISTORIC VISITS Knole House
Like many places now cared for by the National Trust , Knole ’ s history has been shaped and enriched by people who challenged conventional ideas of gender and sexuality . Most famously , Knole was the backdrop for a triangle of intense friendship between Vita Sackville-West , her cousin Eddy and Virginia Woolf . Virginia Woolf adored Knole and spent a great deal of time at the house . She used it as the setting for her historical novel Orlando , which spans 400 years and tells the story of the house based around the title character who changes gender . The novel was inspired by her lover Vita and was described by Vita ’ s son Nigel Nicolson as ‘ the longest and most charming love letter in literature .' The original , fragile manuscript of Orlando is kept at Knole . Virginia presented Vita with the manuscript , which includes a dedication , on 6 December 1928 .
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Vita Sackville-West transformed Sissinghurst Castle Garden into one of Britain ’ s greatest . The epitome of the English garden , visitors can now explore its series of garden rooms , each filled with different planting schemes and unique designs . Heralded for its beauty and diversity , the garden is a result of the creative tension between the exuberant planting of Sackville-West and her husband , Harold Nicolson ' s formal design . Sackville-West had an open marriage to diplomat and writer Harold , with both enjoying a series of same-sex relationships outside their marriage . One of these was Sackville-West ’ s intense and passionate love affair with Virginia Woolf until her death in 1941 , which inspired many great literary works from both women . Sissinghurst Castle Garden is also celebrated for its roses , which come into bloom
in early summer . Bursting with colour , fragrance and romance , witness a ' tumble of roses and honeysuckle , figs and vines '. You ' ll also see evidence of Harold ' s keenness for strict geometry in the circular-shaped hedge , or rondel , at the west end of the garden .
Smallhythe Place
Actress Ellen Terry ' s early 16th-century house and cottage gardens . Aside from Ellen ’ s love affair with the arts and artists of her time , perhaps her most famous legacy are the roses she planted at Smallhythe . A result of her love of the plant , Smallhythe has over 50 varieties of rose including the Ellen Terry . The rose garden puts on a colourful show throughout late spring and summer , with many varieties still in bloom into early autumn . This area sits next to the old wildflower bed , which was sown to capture Ellen ' s humble yet wild nature . After her death in 1928 , the house was transformed into a museum displaying her collection and the Barn Theatre , a 17th-century thatched barn , keeps Ellen ' s legacy alive with a diverse programme of productions in the theatre throughout the year .
KENT PRIDE EVENTS
Canterbury Pride , Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 June
A spectacular celebration of LGBTQ + identity for the whole family set in the heart of Canterbury . Featuring a parade through Canterbury High Street followed by live entertainment with food and drink in the Dane John Gardens over two days . Join 35,000 other people to come together to celebrate diversity , equality and progress . Find out more at : www . pridecanterbury . com .
TOKYO TEA ROOMS
Deal Pride , Saturday 15 July
Deal ’ s first ever Pride event . The march will start at 11am , making its way through Deal town , along the seafront and ending up at Walmer Green , where at 12pm there will be a party with live performances , food and drink . Find out more at : www . dealpride . co . uk .
Dover Pride , Saturday 26 August
Parading through the heart of Dover on Saturday 26 August ; there will be music , entertainment and a market space to enjoy . Dover Pride is an event for the whole community , featuring a series of events to raise awareness , support , self-worth , respect , courage and visibility and to reflect on the history , politics and resilience of the LGBTQ + community . Find out more at : www . doverpride . com .
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