insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 78

CHRISTMAS
READY, SET, SHOP!
CONT.
THE PANTILES
The Pantiles // Tunbridge Wells
www.pantilestraders.co.uk
The Pantiles is a unique and pretty area of shops
in Tunbridge Wells, and a place where traders
have been selling their wares since the 17th century.
There is a definite feel of the olden days here, which
makes a change from the normal fast-paced shopping
spree that we might be used to. It’s cathartic to come
here and have the time to browse the independent
shops, and take the time to really find the ideal gift
for each and every person on your list.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
If you don’t want to step foot in an actual shop to
buy your gifts, and you don’t want to buy anything
online, but you still want to support local business,
what are your options? Well the best thing you can
do is to attend one (or more) of the fantastic Christmas
markets, fairs and events taking place throughout
Kent, including:
Chiddingstone Castle
www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
This one day market boasts over 70 hand-curated,
unique and local stalls selling a wide variety of gifts,
decorations, food and drink. Enjoy Christmas
shopping at all the stalls both inside the Castle and
in the large, heated marquee.
Saturday 23rd November, 10am – 4pm.
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Kent Christmas Fair
// Kent County Showground, Detling
www.ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk/christmas-fairs/
Back for yet another year of festive shopping wonder,
the exhibition hall is transformed with trees and
garlands to produce a winter wonderland full of
unique and handmade craft gifts. The food piazza
will be bursting with tempting cheeses, chutneys,
pies, and coffee, whilst this year’s event also features
daily demonstrations by Bearsted’s Annabelle Jane
Cake School.
Open Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd November 9am -
5pm. Sunday 3rd November 9am - 4pm. Tickets
available online or at the door. (Adults £7, seniors
£6, students £5, children free.
Leeds Castle Christmas Market
www.leeds-castle.com
This spectacular market is held on the lawn
overlooking the Castle, offering a splendid array of
seasonal gifts, toys, decorations, and specialist food
and drink. Really get into the festive spirit as you
listen to live music performances whilst you browse
all the stalls, and even enjoy nostalgic fairground
rides on the Victorian carousel or big wheel!
Open every weekend from 23rd November to
15th December.
Rochester
www.visitmedway.org/events/rochester-christmas-market/
Set in the picturesque Rochester Castle Gardens,
you will find a host of stalls for unique gift ideas and
stocking visits. Fully immerse yourself in the
Christmas spirit as you wander through the Bavarian
food village, visit the funfair and watch the
entertaining performers.
Christmas opening times: 30th November – 1st
December: 10am – 6pm, 6th December: 12pm –
8 pm, 7th – 8 th December: 10am – 7pm, 13th
December: 12pm – 8pm, 14th – 15th December,
10am – 6pm.
Folkestone
www.creativefolkestone.org.uk
A great array of gifts and a fabulous selection of food
awaits you at the Folkestone Christmas Market.
Live entertainment, a golden ticket hunt, arts and
crafts, and festively decorated wooden cabins, makes
this a market for all the family.
Christmas opening times: From 29th November to
22nd December, Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm,
Saturdays: 9am – 6pm, Sundays: 10am – 5pm.