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PUBLISHER: Adam Ready, adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITOR: Samantha Ready, insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITORIAL: Deputy Editor: Polly Humphris Features Writers: Mia Chapman
OPERATIONS: Operations Manager: Karlene Gannon
DESIGN: Design Director: Lorna Morris Designers: Melanie Johnsson, Gemma Andrews, Nic Craig
SALES: Sales Manager: Jerry Barrett, jerry @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk Senior Account Manager: Alex Perseval
SIDEWAYS ACADEMY: Media Apprentice: Louisa-May Holmans Digital Marketing Apprentice: Sophie Shorter
Contributors: Alanna Forwood, Causeway Carpets, Eddi Taylor, Huddle Collection, Jo Ginn, Jo Gurr, Kate Mackonochie, Lyla Ready, Noemí Calvo Sala, Susie Pfeiffer- Pfeiffer Design
Cover: © Keepers Cottages
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Sideways Studios, Unit 3 Eden Business Centre, South Stour Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RS
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© Copyright 2025. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’ s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.
EST. 2010 SEPTEMBER 2025
DAYS OUT / DINING / ARTS + CULTURE / GETAWAYS / EVENTS
EST. 2010 NOVEMBER 2025
DAYS OUT / DINING / ARTS + CULTURE / GETAWAYS / EVENTS
Hurrah for December- the official start of Kentmas! There is simply, in my humble opinion, no place quite like Kent at Christmas. Our county absolutely shines at this time of year- from local handmade gifts, to bountiful produce lovingly tendered for your festive feasting in our Garden of England and, of course, enough seasonal magic to fill every single diary date from now until the new year.
What better way to start this issue then than with a look at what what makes Kentmas for some of our favourite iK contributors? Head to p30 for a wholesome delve into Christmas traditions and must-visits across the county from our Seasonal Stars.
Adding yet more shimmery shine, we’ ve also rounded up all the ways to brighten your festive season from p42. Whether it’ s the incredible new light installations at Brands Hatch and Port Lympne, a sparkling Land of Oz takeover at Hever Castle, the much-loved return of Bedgebury’ s luminous light trail, or perhaps our top places to cast a quieter eye skywards and take in the night stars in all their Kentish glory, prepare to be wowed this winter from p50.
As I hit the print button for this issue, the cold snap has well and truly arrived( so long weirdly mild mid-November, hello overnight-1 º de-icing!). Good news though, as the chill creeps in it’ s the perfect time to snuggle in, staycation-style. We’ ve gathered Kent’ s cosiest cabins, warm winter homestays and snug-as-a-bug hideaways for the perfect seasonal escape from p68- including our review of this month’ s beautiful cover star, Water Farm House by Keepers Cottages. Consider your winter unwind officially sorted. Oh, and we’ ve even thrown in some seriously dreamy PJ inspiration on p158, because comfort is absolutely king in December.
Of course, Christmas just wouldn’ t be Christmas without food, drink … and a bit more food. The iK picky-bit elves have been working overtime( you’ re welcome) to bring you banging brunch recipes that work for celebratory feasting or to fill that‘ what day is it again?’ week between Christmas and New Year’ s Eve, tempting buffet treats for gathering or grazing, Christmas wine pairing wisdom from our resident expert Jo Ginn, and the glorious return of our annual Bottle Trees, showcasing this year’ s top tipples to taste or gift- all from p106.
If, like me, you are hosting this season, don’ t miss my round-up of the year’ s most stylish interior trends for your guest bed spaces- it has everything you need to make your holiday visitors feel perfectly at home and your new-year self will thank you for the dual-use refresh- while on p176 you’ ll find my top tips to home bar in style, too.
Finally... As the ultimate gift to you, our wonderful readers who make our familyrun, Kentish publishing wishes come true year-round, I am super blimmin’ excited to announce the return of the insideKENT GREAT Christmas Gift Giveaway! And, drum-roll please … This year, our biggest competition of the year just got even BIGGER and the iK sleigh is overflowing with over £ 8,000’ s worth of prizes all waiting to be won by ONE lucky reader in time for Christmas! Head to p85 to enter now- and if you need a plus one you know where to find me!
40 PAGE EDUCATION SPECIAL FEATURE the christmas build-up begins
KENT SHINES WITH SEASONAL SPARKLE
Now, sit back, pour yourself something festive, pop on your favourite Christmas jumper and dive into this jam-packed, joy-filled issue. learning without limits
CELEBRATING KENT’ S STANDOUT SCHOOLS
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK // LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE ONE-DAY ADVENTURES // SPOTLIGHT ON CANCER AWARENESS
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE // KENT’ S FESTIVE BUCKET LIST LUXURY WINTER BOLTHOLES // SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION
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Happy Kentmas, everyone- may your December be merry, bright and wonderfully Kentish!
Samantha samjready insidekent
www. insidekent. co. uk • 9