CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY CONT .
For those looking for a ‘ forever ’ gift , Canterbury is full of exquisite jewellers . Book a slot to talk designs or browse the stores for inspiration . As well as high street jewellers , there are several independent and family jewellers selling bespoke and custom-made pieces . This includes master jewellery makers Ortwin Thyssen , who are renowned for their one-of-akind , bespoke , handcrafted designs and can be found on The King ’ s Mile . Close by on Sun Street , another bespoke fine jeweller comes in the form of Justin Richardson . Craftsmen of unique custommade jewellery and bespoke silverware , Justin Richardson has an extensive gallery of fine jewellery , silverware and gifts . You can even view their expert craftsmen at work in the on-site workshop and peruse a select range of beautiful work from other British designers .
For those looking for some respite away from the hustle and bustle of the town , there are plenty of cute coffee shops to choose from . Chocolate Café is one such place . With views of the cathedral and a bohemian-inspired interior , this is a cosy haven for coffee and chocolate lovers alike . Guests at Chocolate Café can gaze upon the cathedral from floor-to-ceiling windows in the warmth , sipping delicious Italian coffee or deluxe hot chocolate made from real fairtrade cocoa . You can also buy exquisite Belgian chocolates to eat while you ’ re there , or select them individually to gift in a pretty box to a friend . Chocolate Café are also big on red wine , so if you find yourself there in the evening , you can gaze upon the city lights , glass in hand – why not soak up the atmosphere outside with one of their blankets to keep you warm ?
For further peace at this special time of year , visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral . A life-size nativity scene can be admired in the grounds amongst fir trees festooned with lights and a backdrop of glowing stained-glass windows . Inside , a programme of yuletide events will bring heart-felt magic to the city – from candlelit concerts to wonderful services and talks . Canterbury Cathedral welcomes visitors of all faiths and offers a peaceful oasis of history and spirituality away from the throng of the city .
For those looking for a different kind of concert , Canterbury has a myriad of arts venues to visit . This season , The Malthouse Theatre is hosting Christmas ballet favourite The Nutcracker , as well as a pantomime of Snow White . The Marlowe Theatre ’ s pantomime of Aladdin is sure to be spectacular too , and for little ones that prefer a smaller show , The Littlest Yak is a heart-warming alternative . A Christmas tale that uses puppets , this Marlowe Studio based show is full of uplifting tunes . Another wonderful spot to appreciate the arts this Christmas in Canterbury is The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge . With plenty of festive exhibitions , events , workshops and Christmas activities , all ages are sure to be inspired during a trip to The Beaney .
If you ' re ready for food after all that shopping and spectating , book a table at the acclaimed Oscar and Bentleys . An award-winning intimate bistro , this attribute to the city is set in one of its beautiful historic buildings . Whether you ’ re visiting for a prebooked Christmas meal with friends , or simply visiting for a pick-me-up bite after a day in the city , Oscar and Bentleys are certain to satisfy even the most discerning of diners .
For those looking to spend more than just the day in Canterbury , book your city-centre home-fromhome with Idyllic Retreat ’ s The Kings Bridge Apartment . Despite being in such a central high street location , city views can be enjoyed in ultimate peace , as the apartment is fully soundproofed . Housed in a majestic 1800 ’ s listed building with a modern flair , the flat is beautifully furnished and includes plenty of luxury amenities perfect for cosy nights in , complete with all popular streaming channels on the television . The master bedroom has a superior king-size double bed with a feature window seat . This seat makes the perfect reading nook , or spot to watch the city ’ s Christmas festivities going on down below .
For those looking for a stay out of the city , yet only a short drive away , Bloom Stay ’ s Bacchus in Petham is the perfect answer . A period home sleeping seven , Bacchus is enhanced with a touch of magic , being part architecturally designed with a stylish flair , part quaint , period , picturesque cottage . Exquisite and inviting , spacious and rural , this luxury self-catering former farmstead offers the perfect spot for festive family holidays and reunions at this time of year . With soft swaying vineyards , roaring fires , an outdoor pool , hot tub , tennis courts and gym , there ’ s plenty to keep all ages entertained .
Bacchus ’ s location also makes it the perfect spot for visiting not only Canterbury , but Ashford . One of Ashford ’ s must-visits for Christmas shopping is the Ashford Designer Outlet . A £ 90 million expansion development , this shopping haven is run by the McArthur Glen Group and has over 100 popular brands including All Saints , Kurt Geiger , Polo Ralph Lauren , Ted Baker , Guess and more , all at up to 60 % off the RRP . The covered , decked circular walkway makes a brilliant visit whatever the weather and is always beautifully clean . As well as shopping , there ’ s plenty of places to fuel yourself up too , as Ashford Outlet is home to lots of well known foodie favourites .
ROCHESTER
Situated right at the heart of the community , Ashford ’ s Elwick Place is another modern development not to be missed . Certain to be celebrating Christmas in style , Elwick Place ’ s striking architecture plays host to an array of unique and exciting businesses . Visit luxury cinema The Picturehouse to catch a festive flick , Matches sports bar for oodles of fun , Leo and Sage for festive food and drinks , or VRec for Christmasthemed virtual reality fun . A social destination that ticks all the boxes for the whole family , Elwick Place will , this Christmas , transform into Elfwick Place ! Hosting a Christmas market from 23 November to 8 December , a Christmas light switch-on and ‘ Carnival of the Baubles ’ both on 24 November , plus a bauble selfie competition , seasonal crafts and much more ! Follow @ ElwickPlace on Instagram to stay up to date .
Christmas as we celebrate it today has its roots firmly fixed in Victorian Britain , and one of Kent ’ s towns with plenty of Victorian heritage is historic Rochester . This is largely thanks to legendary resident Charles Dickens , who is also known as the man who invented Christmas . His short novella , A Christmas Carol , is credited with helping to popularise and spread the yuletide traditions of family , charity , goodwill , peace and happiness – encapsulating the spirit of Christmas as we celebrate it today . So , where better to be than Dickens ' childhood home of Rochester ? Here you will find plenty of independent eateries along the same lamplit streets that Dickens once stepped along himself , and even a Dickensian Christmas market . Before you embark upon your Christmas gift hunt , start the day at multi-award-winning Café Nucleus . A continental style café infusing traditional café fare with a European accent , Café Nucleus not only serves delicious coffee and breakfasts but also helps promote and support the works of the Halpern Charitable Foundation .
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