Kent Staycation 2020 | Page 14

TOWN calendar of live music concerts including Pop the Mote, Revival Presents: Symphonic Ibiza Classical, Lets Rock Kent, Ramblin Man Fair and following its debut last year, the return of Rock the Mote. for their quaint, cobbled streets, a side of the county’s character that is nowhere better represented than in Sandwich and Tunbridge Wells. One of the best preserved English medieval towns, the former is an ancient Cinque Port and home to countless historical highlights from listed Tudor buildings to the remains of an ancient wall that once protected it from invasion. Pick up a self-guided trail map from the Guildhall Museum and while away an entire weekend reliving its surprising past. Noted by the Times as one of the Best Places to Live in the South East, Sevenoaks, with its gorgeous stately homes, irresistible gardens, Roman remains and a picturesque landscape, including the rippling hills of the High Weald and the rolling North Downs, is a destination you can’t afford to miss. Sevenoaks and its neighbouring villages read like a who’s who of National Trust and English Heritage must-sees. Discover one of Britain’s most impressive stately homes, the vast, enchanting National Trust property of Knole with its 1000-acre park dotted with gnarled trees and herds of deer; before soaking up the atmosphere of the vibrant shopping streets, architectural treasures and appealing places to eat and drink. Likewise, and needing little introduction, Tunbridge Wells is an affluent, elegant town that’s repeatedly listed as one of the most sought after places to live across the entire country. A standalone community in its own right, the royal spa town is accessible via lots of little villages that seem to lead to their mecca; a red-brick haven of Georgian architecture, dreamy countryside, massively successful schools and a modern, urban vibe delivered by the Pantiles – a sanctuary of fine food and café culture, and the ultimate people-watching spot. Besides architectural splendour, shopping and a booming social scene, Kentish towns are well known Curious Brewery, Ashford 14