DAYSOUT local community . With space for families to picnic , dog walkers to stroll and cyclists to pause and rest , it ’ s no wonder that Woodchurch Hub was built right beside The Green . Though from a satellite , the grassy space might look like any other , it actually sits below one of the clearest expanses of sky in the county . Woodchurch is officially labelled a four on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale , which means that for amateur astronomers , there ’ s few better places to see the night sky across Kent than right in the village centre . Best visited before the moon is full , those looking to learn about the brightest stars in our galaxy might also want to head over to Woodchurch Memorial Halls , where the Ashford Astronomical Society runs regular events .
Providing all the necessary information for a great evening out as well as plentiful and free parking , visitors to the Woodchurch Hub can extend their visit by exploring the village ’ s 13th-century church or heading to Woodchurch Wine vineyard to enjoy some locally produced beverages before an evening meal at the Bonny Cravat pub .
Fackenden Down , Shoreham kentwildlifetrust . org . uk
Managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust , Fackenden Down is a 14-hectare nature reserve that slopes across the eastern side of the Darent Valley . The chalk grassland is home to grazing cattle and sheep , as well as unique varieties of orchids and butterflies for visitors to look out for . With panoramic views across one of the most underrated natural landscapes in the county , Fackenden Down is an incredible place to enjoy the sunrise this time of year .
Ideal for an early morning stroll , the stratospheric backdrop of the reserve lights up in a splendour of deep blues , purples , pinks and vibrant oranges . Hiking along the reserve is not best suited for children or those with mobility issues due to the uneven paths and steep walking trails , though it is only a 15 minute walk from Shoreham railway station . For visitors wanting to extend their morning saunter to a day out , The Mount Vineyard ’ s wine tasting room comes highly acclaimed , as does The Crown , a charming and traditional pub offering a locally-sourced menu guaranteed to refuel you after a day basking in Shoreham ’ s most beautiful skyward sights .
Minnis Bay , Birchington visitkent . co . uk
A secluded sandy beach with clear water and a picturesque view of Reculver Towers , Minnis Bay is a sublime seaside spot to enjoy winter ’ s light . The bay has picnic areas , a first aid point and a children ’ s play area , making it a great place to take the family for an evening . BBQs are allowed after 6pm on the beach , so visitors can enjoy a seaside scramble before the sun casts its golden glow over the coastline .
Visitors should be aware of tide times as at high tide , the bay virtually disappears .
Luckily , there are benches further inland for overlooking the sea , and we ’ d recommend bringing a camera as Minnis Bay is an excellent place to capture that picture-perfect rosy glow we all know and love . Adjacent to the Viking Coastal Trail and the Kent Coastline Walk , there are plenty of activities to do in the bay beyond watching the sky ’ s changing light , though there ’ s not much better to enjoy than a sunset along the coast .
Elmley Nature Reserve , Isle of Sheppey elmleynaturereserve . co . uk
Known for its expansive views , Elmley Nature Reserve is the only one of its kind in the UK where you can spend the night . The reserve itself is a non-profit , family-run farm that spans 3,300 acres brimming with wildlife and allows visitors to escape into nature under the stirring skies of North Kent . Elmley has a long-term vision to restore the land to a place where conservation and farming can coincide , working to increase biodiversity and highlight the rich historical heritage of the reserve . With wading birds , owls , rare bees and dragonflies , the site offers safari and wildlife experiences for visitors to see the landscape in all of its natural beauty .
With an entrance fee of £ 8 per adult , families can spend the day walking the nature trails or choose instead to stay in overnight accommodation . With a variety of amenities including outside baths , private firepits and wood-burning stoves , we ’ d recommend a stay at one of the shepherd ’ s huts . For guests who brave the cold night ’ s air , prepare to be dazzled by the enchantment of a great night ’ s sleep underneath the Kentish sky .
Coldrum Long Barrow , West Malling nationaltrust . org . uk
Also known as the Coldrum Stones , this archaeological site is one of the oldest in Britain . Over 1,000 years older than Stonehenge , it ’ s suspected that the name ‘ Coldrum ’ comes from the Cornish word ‘ Galdrum ’, meaning ‘ a place of enchantment ’. The barrow itself is a prehistoric burial mound built on a landscape that many believe - as Mesolithic hunter-gatherers would have done - is sacred .
Open to the public from dawn to dusk , the best sight here is the sunrise that grants stunning , golden-bathed views over the south of England . Enveloped by chalky fields and gorgeous horizons , the Coldrum Long Barrow Walking Route provides a circular exploration of one of Kent ’ s most historically unique landscapes . When walking early enough to catch the sunrise , visitors will be sure to bathe themselves in the refreshing morning light .
Devil ’ s Kneading Trough , Wye kentdowns . org . uk
A great place to spot the sunset with stunning views across the Kent Downs , the Devil ’ s Kneading Trough makes for an unforgettable time under the evening sky . Formed at the end of the last ice age 12,000 years ago , the steep-sided valley has a unique , bowl-like appearance and is a biodiverse grassland home to many rare plants and insects . From the dramatic viewpoint of the Millstone at the top of the Devil ’ s Kneading Trough , it is possible to see Rye , Romney Marsh , Hastings and even Dungeness , though as the sun sets , these views are traded in for pink-purple clouds and glowing light .
Part of Wye National Nature Reserve , there are nearby circular nature trails and public footpaths passing through the trough , as well as Route 18 of the National Cycle Network . A sunset walk is one of the best ways to enjoy this landscape though , and after a visit to the Devil ’ s Kneading Trough you ’ ll find yourself counting down the days until you can return . After all , the novelist H . E . Bates called the Downs an “ unfailing compass-point with a magnetism that draws you towards them ”, and it is no surprise why .
Dungeness National Nature Reserve , Dungeness dungeness-nnr . co . uk
The southernmost point of Kent , Dungeness is home to approximately 600 species of plants and is an excellent place to see migratory birds in the autumn . Much more than just a fishing village , Dungeness is a low-lying expanse of shingle , weathered fisherman ’ s huts and undisturbed coastline that makes it one of the best stargazing spots in the county .
During the day , the family-run Snack Shack on the nearby beach offers a delicious selection of food to take away , including scallops , lobster rolls and homemade cake . For those waiting for the stars to arrive , you ’ ll want to bring some extra layers of protection from the coastal winds and a camera to capture some of the most beautiful skyward views this side of Kent . After watching the sky for swallows , swifts and other rare birds and butterflies , visitors will see an illuminated stretch of our atmosphere not long after the sun sets .
We ’ re currently approaching the solar maximum , a phase of the sun ’ s 11-year cycle when solar activity is intensified , so this is an excellent time of year to capture the most astonishing lights that our Kentish skies have to offer .
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