OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
MUSIC @ MALLING Lighting up the town ’ s historic buildings with superb compositions , Music @ Malling regularly holds captivating concerts and explorative events that highlight the talents of many enthusiastic artists . Gathering music lovers from afar with both online and live performances , it boasts an excellent year long outreach to engage and educate the community and beyond on the creative possibilities of music , as well as collaborating with schools and innovative projects . Look forward to their anticipated September Festival taking place from 20 September .
MUST-SHOP INDIES
DOWN SWAN STREET Once sat on Swan Street but now proudly perched on West Malling ’ s bustling High Street , this familyrun gift shop has sold beautiful keepsakes for over 35 years . Find everything from children ’ s books and unique homewares to dashing accessories , including collections from inspiring local makers .
HONEE An independent women ’ s clothing boutique based in Mill Yard offering a high-quality collection that caters to all shapes and sizes . Discover the latest trends and seasonal pieces alongside timeless wardrobe staples and stunning partywear .
SPADEWORK A charity run gift shop , garden centre , farm shop and café that enables those in need to be more independent and fulfilled by creating a host of opportunities . Find greeting cards , fragrances and more in the gift shed and delicious Kentish goodies in the farm shop .
Music @ Malling ( top right , © Tom Bowles ); Honee ( bottom right )
DIVINE DINING
THE SWAN Step into this independent restaurant and bar ’ s bright and contemporary dining space and marvel at a menu that offers fresh takes on modern classics . The innovative set menu is a favourite here - complemented best with a house cocktail . For dates , celebrations or simply for a bite to eat , The Swan ’ s stylish hospitality welcomes you .
BOWLEYS AT THE PLOUGH A remarkable family-run restaurant prided for their award-winning dining experience , meticulously crafted dishes and quintessentially Kentish surroundings . Led by acclaimed head chef Alex Yates , diners can expect artistic plating , genius flavours and menus that also now proudly highlight the use of ingredients grown in their very own gardens .
DESH Promising explosive flavours and an innovative twist on authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine , this unique restaurant sits in the centre of West Malling bringing to the town an exciting fusion of international delights and high-quality Kentish produce that create truly marvellous creations .
Bowleys at The Plough ( top left ); Desh ( bottom left )
KENT BREWERY Using only the highest quality ingredients , the team at Kent Brewery in the heart of West Malling use their perfected farmhouse recipes and traditional brewing methods with modern techniques to create their signature ales , bitters , stouts and more , proudly distributing their crafts all across the county .
BRADBOURNE HOUSE Full of character , Bradbourne House is a Tudor Grade I listed , award-winning events venue set within 20 acres of rolling parkland . Impressing guests with elegant interiors and grand entertainment spaces , the country house looks out upon lush grounds that are home to a serene waterfall and prides itself on its exclusive catering options for all ocassions .
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
MANOR PARK COUNTRY PARK Delightful wildflower meadows , shaded woodlands and an idyllic lake , all home to a variety of thriving wildlife , make up this popular 52-acre park that once was a part of a grand 18th-century estate created by Thomas Douce . There are an abundance of walking routes , an on-site café for refreshments and a children ’ s play area .
CLARE LAKE Once set in the former grounds of the historic Grade I Clare House , but now situated in the grounds of The Malling School , Clare Lake has undergone an extensive restoration project to create a beautiful outdoor space for the community - including improving water quality and encouraging biodiversity . The lake is surrounded by an excellent open space for nature walks and outdoor activities .
ST LEONARD ’ S TOWER Named after a chapel that once stood nearby , this wellpreserved example of a Norman tower sits upon a sandstone ledge and welcomes visitors to explore its enchanting remains ; its history , however , is still a mystery . Some believe that it dates back to as early as 1077 , constructed by Gundulf , Bishop of Rochester , while others argue it was established by Bishop Odo of Bayeux , the half-brother of William the Conqueror .
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