DAYSOUT
Kent After Dark cont...
AFTER-DARK ACTIVITIES
Who says outdoor activities are just for the daytime? During November, events across Kent take to the darkness- with torches, fireworks and twinkling lights at the ready, you can experience everything from adrenaline-fuelled adventures to peaceful coastal walks.
Remember, remember the fifth of November? Well, forgetting the significant date this November is not an option as Kent’ s torchlit parades take Bonfire Night to another level with the Edenbridge Torchlit Procession and Fireworks( edenbridgebonfire. co. uk). Offering a unique way to celebrate the historic night, the first procession took place in 1928, and, over the last 98 years, the event has continued to attract more visitors every year.
The evening begins with a torchlit procession through the town, where you’ ll see the iconic Bishop of Bonfire and Bonfire Society effigies including, of course, the famous and rather unfortunate Guy Fawkes. More than 1,000 flaming torches then illuminate the streets alongside walking parties, 20 floats and a marching band before the procession arrives at the Firework Field. Here, food stalls serve up stacked beef burgers, loaded hot dogs and marshmallow-filled hot chocolates before the evening reaches its spectacular finale.
Watch the fireworks light up the night sky as two towering figures, standing at more than 11 metres tall, are burnt in the annual ritual: Guy Fawkes and the iconic
Celebrity Guy. It’ s an unforgettable evening of entertainment that draws visitors from across the world.
For a more adventurous evening, head to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest( forestryengland. uk) for the once-ayear late-autumn experience of Go Ape Sundown Adventures. Among a world of towering trees, the award-winning outdoor high-ropes experience takes to the night. As the sun goes down, illuminated lights appear across the courses, and the thrillseeking factor goes up a notch.
This dusk adventure offers the chance to see the forest from a completely different perspective. Start by climbing the high wooden towers before reaching the treetop course, where you will climb swinging ropes and balance across wooden bridges; up in the trees, you might hear wildlife rustling in the bushes below or even come face-to-face with one of the forest’ s resident tawny owls or nesting grey squirrels.
Finish off the course by flying through the darkness on the iconic zipline before landing safely on the ground and making your way for a well-deserved refreshment in the nearby cafe.
For something a little more peaceful, begin your evening at The Botany Bay Hotel Restaurant( botanybayhotel. co. uk), overlooking one of Britain’ s most spectacular beaches. From your seat, the restaurant offers a beautiful early-evening setting paired with a menu showcasing the very best of local seasonal produce from across Kent and East Sussex.
Tuck into Rye hot-smoked salmon Niçoise garnished with green beans, olives, capers and buttery new potatoes, or opt for a classic haddock and chips made with line-caught haddock from Whitstable Bay just 19 miles away. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’ s signature cocktails- opt for a classic negroni made with Dockyard Gin from The Historic Dockyard Chatham, or a Kentish kir, made with Grants Morella Cherry Brandy produced by Shepherd Neame in Faversham for a true taste of Kent.
After dinner, embark on a short 12-minute stroll to Kingsgate Bay( visitthanet. co. uk). Known for its spectacular sea caves and peaceful sandy beach, the 150-metrewide bay takes on a completely different character after dark; just remember to check the tide times before making your way down to the beach.
While night descends, the chalkcliff cove transforms from a relaxing seaside escape into a cinematic coastal experience. Its secluded setting and north-easterly orientation help it escape some of the light pollution from nearby towns, making it an atmospheric spot for avid stargazers.
On particularly clear nights, you may even be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis dancing across the northern horizon alongside a sky filled with stars and celestial wonders. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even catch a shooting star, bringing an unforgettable end to an evening on Kent’ s coast.
© Chris Cork
KINGSGATE BAY GO APE SUNDOWN ADVENTURES
40 • www. insidekent. co. uk