insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 28

EVENTS

KentEvents
Pottery Exhibition
// 3 Nov – 21 Dec

Father Christmas in
Narnia Grotto
// 29 Nov – 23 Dec

This pottery exhibition is well
worth a look-in, as a range
of handmade domestic
pottery takes pride of place
at Aylesford Pottery in the
heart of Kent. Located in
the beautiful grounds of the
Aylesford Priory, visitors will
not only experience one of
the few surviving
commercial potteries in th e southeast of England, but they can also see
the two master potters, Alan Parris and Billy Byles, at work.
10am-5pm. Price: Free admission.
Aylesford Pottery, The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX
www.aylesfordpottery.co.uk / 01622 790796

Push past the coats through
to the other side of the
wardrobe and you'll find
yourself in the magical world
of Narnia. After being met by
Mr Tumnus, who’ll skip along
with you through the wooded
landscape, you'll eventually
come across Father
Christmas himself. Tickets include a garden trail, face painting, craft activities,
a candy cane and a small present.
9.30am-5pm. Price: £9.50.
Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8DG
www.penshurstplace.com / 01892 870307

Ice Skating in
the Park // 21 Nov
2014 – 4 Jan 2015

Christmas Magic at
Hever Castle
// 29 Nov – 24 Dec

This Christmas, come
and skate in Royal
Tunbridge Wells and
experience the magic
that makes this historic
spa town one of the top
10 places in the country
to raise a family. Set in
the natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds, the ice rink offers spectacular
views of the park. Whilst skaters of all ages and abilities can take to the ice,
spectators can enjoy the festive atmosphere in the park and warm themselves
with a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Traditional rink-side wooden chalets
also sell local seasonal produce and Christmas gifts.
10am dedicated parent and toddler session, with main skating following
every hour. Price: Adults £9, Children £7. Tickets include one hour of skating
and hire of boots. Book online or via the Box Office.
Caverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN11BT
www.tunbridgewellschristmas.com / 01892 530613

For a fun-filled festive
family day out, discover
the origins of English
Christmas traditions at
Hever Castle and follow
the snow-covered trail to
visit Father Christmas in
his grotto. As you walk through the rooms of the fairytale castle, learn who
popularised the tradition of sending greeting cards at Christmas, find out
where Christmas carols originated from, and how the modern practice of
going door-to-door carolling developed. Discover who came up with the
idea of the Christmas cracker as children make their own in drop-in Christmas
craft sessions, and follow the Christmas trail through the grounds to learn
about why the nativity play is performed today. As dusk settles, watch as
the gardens are transformed into an illuminated wonderland. Finally, enjoy
superb seasonal dining options in the festively decorated cafés and
restaurants and be inspired by a wonderful array of seasonal gifts, luxurious
decorations, toys and stocking fillers that can be found in the Hever Shop.
Grounds, 10.30am-6pm; Castle, 11.30am-5.30pm; Father Christmas
(pre-booked), 11am-5.15pm. Price: Christmas Past ticket, Adults £15.50,
Children (5-15 yrs) £8.70, Family £39.70, Under 5s go free.
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
www.hevercastle.co.uk / 01732 865224

Winter Exhibition
// 22 Nov 2014 –
Jan 2015
This winter, warm yourself
by the cultural fireside that
is the Beaney's selling
Winter Exhibition.
Celebrating all aspects of
the season, this expo
includes local Kent artist,
Janet Darley, Towards the Sheppey
Janet Darley's fabulous
Crossing from Iwade Village
piece, “Towards the
Sheppey Crossing from
Iwade Village”, amongst others. The exhibition will be held in the
Front Room.
Mon-Weds, 9am-5pm; Thurs, 9am-7pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun,
10am-5pm. Price: Free admission.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, 18 High St,
Canterbury CT1 2RA
www.thebeaney.co.uk / 01227 378100

Christmas at
Broadview
Garden Centre
// Dec
Boasting 10 acres of
rolling lawns and beautiful
gardens, this West Kent
setting is breathtaking all
year round; however,
throughout November
and December,
Broadview Garden Centre at Hadlow College comes into its own. This
month, why not book and join a free tour of the garden with the head
gardener, followed by a festive lunch or late night shopping? Broadview

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