DAYSOUT
Seasonal Shopping cont ...
ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
© Visit Medway
it comes to seasonal shopping is historic Royal Tunbridge Wells . With bundles of charm and sophistication oozing from the many boutiques and eateries , Tunbridge Wells makes for a superb choice when planning the perfect December day out .
Set off early , not before indulging in a trendy breakfast from Eggs Eleven , and venture through the well-trodden pathways of The Pantiles , a Georgian colonnade that ’ s home to over 70 independent stores including specialist shops , art galleries , cafés , restaurants and bars , and that has topped the list of top boutique shopping destinations for decades . Perhaps most popular to be found throughout The Pantiles is a wonderful array of antique stores : Eric Knowles , Jeroen Markies , Mark Hill and Pamela Goodwin are just a few who showcase marvellous collections of vintage furniture , glassware and memorabilia for gifts to be treasured . For avid bakers or cooking enthusiasts , cookware shop Trevor Mottram has everything you could need to impress and is a shop that has stood in the heart of The Pantiles for over 40 years !
For a light-hearted afternoon activity with all the festive feels , Tunbridge Wells also welcomes visitors to let loose at the annual pop-up ice skating rink , SKATE , located at the town ’ s Calverley Grounds . Open seven days a week until 5 January and surrounded by festive stalls , the rink is suitable for both new and seasoned skaters with relaxed and family sessions available for all ages .
Ticking all the boxes for those searching for a day out that combines leisurely browsing , seasonal eats and brisk winter wanders for the most wholesome Kentish Christmas , yet often overlooked when it comes to selecting a top shopping destination is Sevenoaks .
Amongst the town ’ s enchanting architecture , stumble upon a wealth of shops including South Of The River , which offers a wide range of stylish clothing and chic accessories that make the most beautiful gifts for friends , or indeed for yourself when looking for seasonal partywear , and Sevenoaks Bookshop whose shelves are fully stocked with the latest releases of cookbooks , fiction and autobiographies . Sevenoaks is also home to the remarkable National Trust location , Knole , a 600-year-old estate with magnificent courtyards , showrooms , a Gatehouse Tower and acres of parkland all open for visitors to explore .
It doesn ’ t get much better than following a morning gift hunting with a hearty pub lunch in a cosy setting and lucky for us , Sevenoaks is home to an abundance . Pop in to The Oak Tavern & Tap House on the high street and take great pleasure in their offerings of classic pub grub done brilliantly .
To embark on a countryside adventure and discover all that Sevenoaks and neighbouring areas have to offer this time of year , Bloom Stays ’ Bushes Oast may be just the thing you are looking for , offering luxurious accommodation set within a private estate with wonderful views across the Weald .
Gifting options galore await you throughout the heritage-rich lanes of Rochester . With an intriguing past , including being the previous home of esteemed Victorian novelist Charles Dickens , Rochester is a town that is extremely proud of its beginnings , community and local businesses that are a true testament to the significance of this Medway jewel .
Along with plenty of historical attractions , when it comes to places to shop , Rochester certainly isn ’ t short of these either . Start at the lovely Copenhagen Blue on the high street for all your women ’ s fashion picks before stopping off at Austen ’ s of Rochester to select the very best of Kentish producers from local preserves and bakes to fresh farm produce . Then , adventure further down towards merchandise haven Get Ready Comics , where you are sure to find the very best and latest in comics and culture keepsakes , before finishing with a well-deserved brew and sweet treat from community favourite café , Lenny ’ s of Rochester .
On 7 - 8 December , plan to join the celebrations of the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival where you will be captivated by Dickens ’ characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer ’ s life with spectacular street entertainment , dance parades and carols .
Taking place at the same time as the festival and on various dates throughout the rest of the month within the grounds of Rochester Castle is the magical Christmas Market - a wonderfully festive village of over 100 craft and trade stalls , a children ’ s funfair , a Bavarian food village and live music performances alongside food and drink stalls serving hot and cold beverages , mulled wine , roasted chestnuts and much more .
56 • www . insidekent . co . uk