MINECRAFT EXPERIENCE:
DAYSOUT
Kent’ s
MINECRAFT EXPERIENCE:
VILLAGER RESCUE
Twinkling Towns
For years, Kent’ s town centres have come alive at Christmas. As shopfronts and windows are decked with fairy lights, families are drawn to bustling high streets and market squares to truly soak up the community spirit and experience these much-loved heritage destinations at their very best. Here’ s where to wander beneath the lights this December.
Faversham Brimming with character, Faversham’ s historic town streets shimmer with charm as festive lights are strung across its medieval lanes. The Market Place becomes the heart of the celebrations, surrounded by independent shops and pubs for the perfect pitstops.
Sevenoaks Perfect for late-night shopping, family-friendly evening outings or simply strolling beneath the lights, Sevenoaks is a picture of quintessential Kentish Christmas. A highlight for 2025 is the town’ s Design a Light competition, with the winning child’ s design proudly displayed for all to admire.
For my 11th birthday this year I went to the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue at Canada Water in London with my parents and little brother who is also a big Minecraft fan. It was very easy to get there on the DLR and tube trains in London.
This experience was amazing and I will explain why. When you first get there you are greeted by a member of staff, they scan your ticket and show you where to go. When you get inside you can get a photo taken in front of a photo wall which you can buy at the end, then everyone gets passed a glowing cube and it is a key object throughout your experience. You will also be put in a group with about five other families.
The first room you enter, you stand on a mark on the ground and face the screen. This task shows you how to mine blocks which work with your interactive cube by holding it out in front of you. Once you and your team have collected enough wood you will move into the next room.
Another room we walked into was a gigantic touch screen. Everyone had a spot at the table and you didn’ t need your cubes for this room. On the screen it had six sections and your family had to keep your section safe by collecting the hearts, salmon and building new places for your villagers to sleep.
After that there were four more rooms but I don’ t want to ruin the whole experience so to find out you have to go. My experience here was incredible and I recommend it to Minecraft players and even if you don’ t play you get an understanding of the game.
by Lyla Ready, Aged 11
Canterbury The city’ s cobbled lanes and historic architecture always undergo a spectacular seasonal makeover, with six miles of lights winding through the city from the Cathedral Precincts to its modern retail hub, making gift shopping and evening celebrations that extra bit special.
Rochester Cherished for its encapsulation of the spirit of a Victorian Christmas, Rochester’ s town centre comes alive with nostalgic charm, carols and tradition. Not to mention its illuminated Christmas Market set in the castle grounds and jolly calendar of entertainment.
Tenterden Displayed until beyond the new year, Tenterden’ s tree-lined high street shines bright with Christmassy decorations for the month ahead. Promising beautiful boutiques, warming cafés and the cheery buzz of smalltown magic. www. insidekent. co. uk • 47