DAYSOUT
A buck marking his territory during the rutting season in Knole ’ s parkland © Martin Havens
Festival of Flowers at Leeds Castle
Autumn at Biddenden Vineyard
FROM LAZY SUMMER DAYS TO AUTUMN ’ S COLOURFUL BLAZE
THERE ’ S A CHILL IN THE AIR , THE CHILDREN ARE BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE EVENINGS ARE DRAWING IN . SUMMER MIGHT BE ALMOST OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR , BUT IT ’ S NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM – WE PROMISE ! CHECK OUT VISIT KENT ’ S LIST OF REASONS WHY AN AUTUMN SPENT IN KENT MIGHT JUST BE ABLE TO TOP YOUR SPECTACULAR SUMMER , AND DISCOVER HOW TO REALLY MAKE THE MOST OF THE LAST FEW SUMMER DAYS …
Crisp Autumn Strolls
Autumn brings with it the most spectacular kaleidoscope of colour and the landscape comes alive with wildlife . Leaves crunch underfoot , conkers are ready to be discovered , puddles wait to be jumped in and the woodland floor is a vibrant mosaic of colour and texture , making this the perfect time of year to explore the gardens , parks and countryside of Kent . For orchard views and a taste of the harvest , stroll through Perry Woods near Faversham . Alternatively , run wild with the deer at Knole Park with its sweeping parkland and thousands of unspoilt acres to explore . No matter what pace you ’ re looking to set , lace up those walking boots and breathe in the Kentish fresh air on a relaxing ramble .
Ripe with foodie festivals
There ’ s a reason people call Kent the Garden of England , and with an autumn ripe with food festivals celebrating our bountiful local produce , it ’ s no wonder why . Things will be heating up at the Hop Farm for the Great Big BBQ Festival where you can join local producers on the 1st and 2nd of September for one of the biggest BBQs in Kent and enjoy cooking demonstrations from a host of top chefs .
Towards the end of September , don ’ t miss the fantastic array of Kent foodie festivals on offer including the Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival ( 22nd – 23rd September ) the Canterbury Food and Drink Festival ( 26th – 28th September ) and the Broadstairs Food Festival ( 28th – 30th September ). Peruse 70 stalls of street food , cider and beer in Tunbridge Wells ’ picturesque Calverley Grounds or sample sensational food and drink served up with a side of sea views in Broadstairs . In Canterbury ’ s Dane John Gardens , discover more than 100 food and drink stalls along with Kent ' s annual fresh hopped beer festival . These food festival favourites are a true celebration of Kent ’ s incredible local produce .
The Wine Garden of England
The harvest season , when the grapes are ripened to perfection and the wineries are bustling with activity , is the perfect time to visit one of the county ’ s spectacular vineyards . Located in some of the most picturesque corners of Kent , you won ’ t regret a trip to one of these charming vineyards , sampling their award-winning English wines and indulging in some of the county ’ s fantastic home-grown and seasonal produce along the way . Fancy whiling away a summer ’ s morning walking the sun-kissed vines at the Chapel Down Winery or Biddenden Vineyards ? Or sampling a selection of award-winning wines in
Gusbourne ’ s stunning tasting room ? How about a guided tour delving into the fascinating history of the Squerryes or Hush Heath Estates ? Each of the Wine Garden of England vineyards offer unique opportunities for self-guided or guided tours and tutored tastings daily .
Glorious Gardens
The incredible sight of foliage ripening into the rich colours of autumn is one of the absolute joys of the season and Kent ’ s impressive gardens provide the perfect backdrop to witness nature ’ s impressive seasonal displays . Treat yourself to a dazzling display of fiery red and gold at Emmetts Garden with their exotic tree collection , or admire the 100-year-old purple cut-leaved Japanese Maples below the Bastion at Scotney Castle . From 15th – 20th September , Leeds Castle throws its annual floral celebration , the Festival of Flowers , with stunningly beautiful floral arrangements throughout the fairy-tale castle setting . Sissinghurst Castle Garden stays open until the end of October and is well worth a visit with its vibrant palette of deep reds and golden yellows creating an impressive autumnal scene .
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