CHRISTMASINKENT
24 FESTIVE HOURS IN...
SEVENOAKS
© National Trust Lois Leyland
KNOLE
CASTLE FARM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Awash with stylish dining options, welcoming cafés and independent shops lining its handsome high streets, Sevenoaks has all the ingredients for a fantastically festive day out. Add to that a choice of frosty countryside walks, history at every turn and plentiful family attractions and you have a location ripe for celebrating the season.
If no day out for you begins without a comforting breakfast or Instagrammable brunch, make the newly reimagined Life on High x Three Sisters your first stop. An inviting café by day and buzzing restaurant / bar by night, its menu brims with freshly prepared delights that are guaranteed to start your day off on the right foot.
For those eager to get a head start on their Christmas shopping, the idyllic Castle Farm, best known for its flourishing lavender fields and beautiful product ranges, also boasts a wonderful, open year-round Farm Shop offering a wide selection of Kentish goodies. Think Kentish hop garlands, dried flowers, farm produce, lavender oils, skincare and teas, as well as charming seasonal decorations, locally produced food, gifts, hampers and crafts.
Appetite nourished and gift lists ticked, make your way to National Trust’ s Knole as the historical landmark set within Kent’ s last medieval deer park is transformed into a seasonal showstopper. Throughout November and December, wander through grand courtyards decorated with trees and garlands, step into the Great Hall to find a centuries-old long table adorned with traditional decorations, and even discover Beatrix Potter’ s original Christmas card designs in a charming trail. In the lead up to Christmas, local community choirs will also fill Knole’ s Green Court with carols and festive songs.
If you’ re festive adventuring this winter with the little ones in tow, a magical meetand-greet with Father Christmas himself awaits you at Reuthe’ s The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks as they return their much-loved woodland experience and Santa’ s Grotto for select dates throughout December. After checking in with Reuthe’ s head elf, children can pen a letter to Santa at the festive writing station, follow a mini Christmas trail through the woods and step into Santa’ s enchanting grotto.
Later on, head back to the town centre as it basks in all its festive glory and treat yourself to refined dining from acclaimed restaurant, Number Eight. Its popular festive set menu draws on the restaurant’ s ethos of fusing modern European and British flavours, while delighting diners with Christmas classics such as seasonal cuts and indulgent winter puds.
A town with no shortage of community gatherings to enjoy, Sevenoaks comes alive for its Christmas Lights Switch-On, taking place this year on Saturday 29 November, where families can enjoy fairground rides, a Father Christmas grotto, stalls, food and drink, as well as magnificent street entertainment. Adding extra shine to the illuminations, the town’ s recent Design a Christmas Light competition for children will also see its winning creation brought to life and proudly displayed this Christmas.
For those planning to make a night of it after the festivities draw to a close, the historical grandeur of nearby Donnington Manor makes for an ideal winter retreat- offering all the modern comfort one would need after a day spent amongst Sevenoaks’ seasonal sparkle.
38 • www. insidekent. co. uk