DAYSOUT
Essentially Hops’ Autumn Wreath Workshop, Chalkpit Farm, Canterbury essentiallyhops. co. uk
On 13 September from 1pm- 3pm, celebrate the beginning of autumn by learning the art of curating a beautiful, seasonal wreath. Using dried flowers and foliage, the options are endless for what to create and by the end of the workshop, you’ ll have a rustic door hanging to take home. Hosted by Essentially Hops at Chalkpit Farm, their experienced florists will supply all you need to make a wreath, including some complimentary hot drinks and biscuits.
Fun and informal, the Autumn Wreath Workshop at Chalkpit Farm is a chance to relax and focus on creating your wreath design while learning new techniques such as wiring, gluing and how to make different textures and colours look aesthetically pleasing. This September, book with friends and family or go solo for a wholesome experience in their charming dried flower shop, which is situated in the rolling Kentish countryside.
Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, Whitstable whitstablerocksoysterfestival. com
For a weekend of tradition, fun and flavour, why not honour the historic and cultural connection between Whitstable and their beloved oysters by visiting their very own festival where molluscs take centre stage? Dating back to the Roman Empire when Julius Caesar’ s soldiers developed a taste for Kentish oysters, the town’ s heritage is kept alive by the festival, which was originally revived in the 1980s.
CHALKPIT FARM
Taking place from 12- 14 September, participating venues across the town include The Grading Shed, a central hub for live music, and The Long Beach, where traditional activities including kite flying, pirate pottery and their famous welly boot throwing competitions take place. Promising foodie fun for all who visit, one festival highlight is their renowned Oyster Eating Competition, which those with stomachs of steel can take part in after the Landing of the Oysters Ceremony, a commemoration of the town’ s maritime heritage and community spirit.
Castle Farm Apple Orchard, Sevenoaks castlefarmkent. co. uk
A wonderful activity for the whole family, Castle Farm’ s pick-your-own orchard is open for visitors. Their family-run farm is home to some of the freshest, sweetest and juiciest apples in Kent, including the Norfolk Royal, a heritage variety you won’ t find anywhere else! One of the few apple trees that will happily grow on the North Down’ s chalky soils, this variety ripens in early September and is known for its brilliant colour and shiny skin.
Throughout the season, entrance to the orchard is free, and visitors pay for what they pick at £ 3 per kilo. Reusable bags or baskets are welcome and Castle Farm even has their very own range for sale at their Market Stall, situated just inside the orchard. There, visitors will also be able to find treats such as ice creams, snacks and hot and cold drinks alongside Castle Farm oils and lavender products. Castle Farm’ s Orchard is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 22 September, or until the orchard is picked out- so make sure to head over early so as not to miss the short season.
CASTLE FARM APPLE ORCHARD
54 • www. insidekent. co. uk