insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 45

EVENTS

© Visit Kent

© Dave Rolfe

vocal chords and join in the Mothers’ Union Carol Service, PWRR Carol
Service, Canterbury Choral Society Carol Concert, Crib Service, and the
Canterbury Cathedral Service of Carols for Christmas. For information on
all services, plus other events, visit www.canterbury-cathedral.org or call
01227 762862.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland // 29 Nov – 21 Dec
Faversham welcomes you to explore its vintage markets this Christmas in
a bid to find all of the special gifts you’re looking for. Be sure to bring a
hearty appetite, as mulled wine, cider, and hot soups will be available,
before snuggling up and relaxing in the snow. Watch the streets come to
life with twinkling fairy lights, carol singing, face painting and over 60 stalls
with gorgeous gifts and seasonal food. Santa will also be working hard in
his grotto, so make sure you’ve been nice and pop in to say hello. Market
locations are held at The Alexander Centre (29 Nov, 14, 20 & 21 Dec), plus
Market Place and Court Street (29 Nov, 7, 14 & 21 Dec).www.faversham.org

Port Lympne Christmas Events // 4-20 Dec
Celebrate this Christmas party season in style at Port Lympne. Port Lympne
Mansion, built for parties and entertaining, and the Aspinall Suite, can
accommodate up to 180 people for a three-course sit down meal and a
festive disco. Alternatively, why not enjoy a unique Christmas afternoon tea
experience? Enjoy a selection of freshly made festive finger sandwiches
nestled beside a selection of homemade cakes and pastries, and served
with freshly brewed fair-trade tea and coffee. Port Lympne Mansion is also
pleased to host a two-course Christmas lunch for OAPs, which includes
a welcome drink and festive entertainment.
Christmas party nights: 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Dec; Thurs & Fri, 7pm12am & Sat, 7pm-1am. Price: £40 per person. Christmas afternoon tea:
7th & 14th Dec, 2pm. Price: £13 per person. OAP Christmas Lunch: 16th
Dec. Price: £20 per person. Call 01303 234111 or visit
www.aspinallfoundation.org.

Christmas Magic at Hever Castle // 29 Nov – 24 Dec
Capture the spirit of Christmas with a day that casts a magic spell on the
whole family. In addition to sparkling, decorated Castle rooms, welcoming
log fires, and twinkling Christmas trees, visitors can look forward to catching
up with Father Christmas, enjoying a spot of Christmas shopping in the gift
shops, and indulging in the delicious festive food in the restaurants. As dusk
falls, the gardens are magically lit too, creating stunning illuminated displays.
www.hevercastle.co.uk

Yuletide Brewery Tours –
Shepherd Neame, Faversham // Dec

Christmas Celebrations at Leeds Castle // 6-31 Dec

Take a look behind the scenes on an award-winning tour at Britain’s Oldest
Brewer. Discover a little of the company’s fascinating history and gain an
insight into the brewers’ art. Of course, no visit would be complete without
the chance to try some of the brews, so your expert guide will lead you
through a fascinating tutored tasting. This will include Christmas Ale, a fullbodied, warming winter ale, and the perfect tipple for the festive season.
Warm, homemade mince pies will also be served in the Visitor Centre bar,
whilst the Brewery Shop is packed full of wonderful beer and fantastic gifts.
Tours run most days throughout December, and advance booking
recommended. Price: £13.50 per person. Book online at
www.shepherdneame.co.uk or call 01795 542016.

The magic of Christmas descends upon the entire Leeds Castle Estate this
December, as this historic wonder celebrates the traditions of the festive
season with an array of things to see and do for the whole family. The
German-style Christmas market will be returning for its second year, offering
visitors the chance to browse a variety of homemade products, gifts, local
produce, and festive fare. See the Castle interiors transformed with a
traditional gingerbread theme for Christmas, and take the children on the
Leeds Castle Winter Trail, where after collecting festive clues, you'll be in
with a chance of entering an exciting prize draw.
Christmas market: 6-23 Dec, open daily 10am-5pm; Gingerbread
Christmas, 6-23 Dec; The Winter Trail, 26 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015.
www.leeds-castle.com

Medieval Christmas at Dover Castle // Dec
Situated above the White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle sure makes for a
spectacular day out. This festive season, join the court of King Henry for
a weekend of medieval celebrations, and enjoy music, dance, and storytelling
around the roaring open fire. Events take place every weekend in December.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Christmas Events at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit
// 12-19 Dec
Join Buckmore Park on Friday 12th December for its Christmas karting
party sprint evening. Following a practice, visitors will then take part in the
race heats, followed by the all-important final on the National Circuit. This
event is available for any group size, and combines karting and a Christmasthemed meal. In addition, celebrate this Christmas in style at the circuit's
very special party night on Friday 19th December. This fun-filled, adrenalinfuelled evening includes five-minutes of qualifying time, a non-stop