CHRISTMASINKENT
Another walking route that will take festive explorers through a breathtaking section of Kent ’ s countryside , and only metres away from Percival ’ s Rest , is The Pilgrim ’ s Way . Stretching all the way from Winchester to Canterbury , this walk is the most well known of British pilgrimages , with journeys being made ever since 1172 . Passing through the historic cathedral town of Rochester and its surrounding countryside , travellers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to wonderful places to dine at along The Pilgrim ’ s Way . A perfect example of this is The Butcher ’ s Block , Burham , a laid back , multiple award-winning country-style restaurant . Owner Simon ’ s background in butchery has heavily influenced the identity of Butcher ’ s Block , with dishes only using the choicest cuts of meats and top notch ingredients , and a bar that prides itself on serving real ales and artisan spirits . All this deliciousness is underpinned by a friendly welcome and effortless service , especially at this time of year .
For those of us wanting to embrace Kent ’ s produce at home , whether that be through festive baking or a full Christmas dinner , a trip to one of the county ’ s fabulous farm shops is an absolute must . Just a 20- minute drive away from The Butcher ’ s Block comes yet another advocate for Kentish produce and inspirational winter dining in the form of Broadditch Farm Shop . This season is a wonderful time to visit , destined to get anyone in the spirit of Christmas with a whole host of festive events taking place . From 17 to 19 November , two barns will accommodate over 60 stallholders selling specialist food and drink , unique Christmas gifts , artwork , decorations and much more , as well as live entertainment and a festive food hall . Broadditch will also host a Magical Christmas Shop : a wonderland of decorations , festive lights and unusual gifts . Once the market finishes , the Christmas Shop and Festive Food Hall will continue to open daily until Christmas Eve . As well as shelves bursting with an abundance of fresh produce , condiments , meats , cheeses , festive cakes and more , there will also be an incredible selection of Christmas hampers and real Christmas trees ( trees from 25 November with optional delivery ). ‘ Farmer Christmas ’ will be arriving at the farm on Saturday 9 December , staying in residence on selected dates until Christmas Eve .
Kent ’ s countryside is scattered with a plethora of wonderful rural shopping experiences . As well as farm shops for foodies , there are also plenty of glittering gift shops perfect for picking out some sparkling Christmas treasures , from gifts to decorations . One of Kent ’ s best-loved Christmas shops is at Penshurst Place , a glorious grotto of goodies that even the biggest of Scrooges is certain to be enamoured by . Before visiting the Christmas shop , look around the magnificent country house that once served as a hunting lodge to Henry VIII . Dominating the rural landscape of Penshurst village , Penshurst Place enchants visitors with its 16thcentury 10-acre gardens , beautiful architecture and glorious views across the Weald . Not only a source of satisfaction for the eyes , this medieval house is also renowned for the galleried Barons Hall and its fascinating collection of armour , tapestries , paintings and furniture which fill the state rooms – certain to have been the place of many yuletide feasts of Christmas pasts .
If you are craving a hot choc and slice of cake after your exploration , visit Porcupine Pantry Café at the entrance , or for more of a Tudor-style feast , the Grade II listed Leicester Arms . As well as seasonal British dishes , this country pub also offers ‘ stylish rooms for weary souls to rest their heads .’ Make the most of a Christmas country stay here and explore Penshurst ’ s hilly wooded setting and Tudor architecture . This includes an ancient ‘ lychgate ’ and a two-storey Tudor house which still stands today and has been built around bulging walls and crooked beams . This gate , together with neighbouring houses , make up ‘ Leicester Square ’ at the centre of the village , a prime opportunity for photographs – especially next to the pretty Christmas tree and glowing fairy lights .
Another nearby attribute to the countryside of Tunbridge Wells is the dramatically picturesque Bidborough Ridge . As well as sweeping views of the surrounding valleys , Bidborough Ridge also boasts acclaimed gastropub , The Kentish Hare . A must-visit for foodies , this stylishly designed , harethemed establishment is known for quirky furnishings and for serving the very best of fresh local food . Since 2014 , The Kentish Hare has been awarded various accolades including two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand , and is currently ranked number five nationwide in the Estrella Damm Top 50 GastroPubs listings – with this array of culinary awards that speak for themselves , do we really need to say any more ?
THE BUTCHER ’ S BLOCK
PENSHURST PLACE
44
BROADDITCH FARM SHOP