DAYSOUT
DUNGENESS
WINTER LIGHT
Wanderings
AS AUTUMN FADES INTO WINTER , WE OFTEN FIND OURSELVES HUDDLED INSIDE WITH MUGS OF TEA AND BLANKETS , TRADING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS FOR TELEVISION SCREENS AND FIREPLACE SMORES . AS TEMPTING AS A COSY NIGHT IN MIGHT SOUND , THERE ARE SOME TRULY INCREDIBLE VIEWS WAITING JUST OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW AT THIS TIME OF YEAR , AND THEY ALL HAIL FROM KENT ’ S CLEAR SKIES . BY DAISY ELEANOR
Typically , the further you travel from the artificial lights of our towns and homes , the more clearly you ’ ll see the sky in all of its glory . This often means early morning or late-night visits to open landscapes such as wetlands and bays , though as the days continue shortening , it ’ s never been easier to venture out for a glimpse of Kent ’ s gorgeous winter light . Whether for an awe-inspiring sunset walk or to feed your curiosity about the nighttime stars , these are the best places to enjoy the county ’ s skies as the winter nights draw closer .
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest , Goudhurst forestryengland . uk / bedgebury
This Grade II listed landscape within the High Weald Natural Landscape ( AONB ) is a great place to watch an early morning sunrise before adventuring through 320 acres of incredible Kentish landscape . There ’ s fun for all the family with a children ’ s play trail , Go Ape rope courses and mountain bike paths as well as waymarked running routes . At Bedgebury
Cafe , visitors can relax and overlook the awe-inspiring lakes with a warming cup of hot chocolate , immersing themselves completely in the natural world . The best of it , of course , can be seen as the panoramic views flood with early morning light , setting the trees ablaze with golden sunlight . The forest ’ s hills , valleys and lakes also make for excellent picnic spots , so we recommend you bring a packed lunch !
This award-winning visitor attraction contains the National Conifer Collection , one of the most significant collections of conifers in the world , as well as over 12,000 specimens of trees for visitors to learn about . Bedgebury also hosts a programme of events and activities throughout the year , the dates of which can be found on their website .
Oare Marshes Nature Reserve , Faversham kentwildlifetrust . org . uk
For a remote sunset stroll along the breathtaking Kentish landscape , Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is a hidden gem to explore at this time of year . Internationally important for migratory and breeding wetland birds , the Oare Marshes reserve includes grazing marsh , freshwater dykes , reedbed and seawall . Traversing its 81 hectares are circular footpaths as well as viewing hides along the trails , though wheelchair access is seasonal and weatherdependent , and dogs must stay on leads .
Visitors should bring binoculars to catch glimpses of native birds in the reeds and water , as well as to zoom in on views over the Thames Estuary and the Isle of Sheppey . The river embankment guides walkers along a short or longer walk , yet the wide , open landscape that accompanies both is perfect for seeing the setting light in all of its glory . Once the sun has set , ornithologists and hikers alike can head into Faversham town for a bite to eat at The Three Mariners pub or The Cook ’ s Tale Restaurant .
Woodchurch Hub , Ashford woodchurchhub . uk
In the heart of Woodchurch lies a village green that has become a favourite of the
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