insideKENT Magazine Issue 67 - October 2017 | Page 59

SIX REASONS TO FALL FOR
THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND THIS SEASON
THERE’S A CHILL IN THE AIR, THE TREES ARE ABOUT TO SHED THEIR SUMMER GUISE AND
THE SCHOOLS ARE BACK. YES, SUMMER MIGHT BE OVER, BUT KENT HAS PLENTY OF REASONS TO
SWAP THE END OF SEASON BLUES FOR THE VIBRANT REDS AND BRIGHT ORANGES OF AUTUMN.
SO, GRAB HOLD OF THAT PUMPKIN-SPICED LATTE AND READ ON TO DISCOVER VISIT KENT’S TOP
SIX REASONS TO FALL HEAD OVER HEELS FOR THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND THIS SEASON…
1. Hopping Harvest
There’s a reason people call Kent the Garden
of England and with an autumn ripe with
events and festivals celebrating our bountiful
local produce, it’s no wonder why. Make sure
to savour the date as the Kent Green Hop Beer
Festival returns from 22nd September to 8th
October, with scores of opportunities to taste
newly released beers made from just-
harvested hops produced by over 30 of Kent's
finest brewers. Meanwhile, budding
sommeliers should head to one of the county’s
spectacular vineyards and indulge in a tour
and tasting during the harvest season. Chapel
Down, Biddenden Vineyards, Hush Heath
Estate and recently opened Gusbourne Estate
each offer unique opportunities for self-guided
or guided tours and tastings.
2. Auburn Autumn
Whilst summer in Kent is awash with blue
skies and turquoise seas, autumn is a riot of
reds, golds and burnt ambers. Make a date with
any National Trust site in Kent this month and
you are sure to see a gorgeous garden or two,
but for a real vibrant visit, the 770 acres of
woodland at Scotney Castle and rolling
Wealden views at Emmetts Garden are a
particularly stunning sight.
3. Leaf-crunching walks
Whether you want to admire the leaves as they
turn from green to auburn or kick through
them as they fall, we guarantee a Kentish
woodland wander will leave you in awe,
whatever your age! For orchard views and a
taste of the harvest, stroll the ‘land for all
seasons’ walk through Perry Woods near
Faversham. Alternatively, why not take an
amble past the dawn redwoods and swamp
cypress of Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst
for a classic autumn adventure?
4. Back to school
The new school term doesn’t need to be filled
with textbooks and boredom. September is a
great excuse to get outside and uncover our
county’s rich history. Whether it’s learning
about the courage of the famous “Few” who
fought in the skies above us at the Battle of
Britain Memorial, or discovering 400 years of
innovation and Naval craftsmanship at the
Historic Dockyard Chatham, education isn’t
just for inside the classroom!
5. Coffees and cafés
Grab a book, order that warming hot chocolate
(with all the trimmings!) and sink into a cosy
Kentish café this season. Enjoy a whole bean
coffee and a hearty breakfast at Dame Kelly
Holmes’ Café 1809 in Hildenborough.
Alternatively, kick back, relax and enjoy a
delicious afternoon tea at the Dover Marina
Hotel and Spa, complete with panoramic views
across the windswept Dover beach for added
cosiness.
6. Picturesque prizes
Whether you’re heading off for a weekend
break somewhere new around the county, or
you simply cannot imagine leaving the Garden
of England for anywhere else, let us know why
you think Kent is the ideal staycation
destination. Share your beautiful, blustery
autumnal snaps and enter our
#KentStaycation competition until 6th October
for your chance to win a fantastic weekly prize
this autumn!
For more seasonal inspiration, and general
information about Kent, please visit
www.visitkent.co.uk.
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