They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a memory is priceless – and after so many months of the same routines, we’re more than ready to make some new memories with our loved ones again. The glorious Garden of England couldn’t be a better place to do it – from foraging on the coast and ornate jewellery making, to forest bathing and yoga retreats, it’s time to rediscover forgotten skills, and learn a few new ones along the way!
Nestled along the south-facing slopes of the North Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birling Estate offers glorious greens, stretching slopes and panoramic views to its lucky visitors. Take a second to sink into calm and truly immerse yourself in the scenic surroundings. Spend a night snoozing under the stars at Badgells Woodland Camping, reconnect with nature at the forest bathing experience, or truly indulge by packing an overnight bag and unwinding with a wellbeing weekend- whatever’s on your agenda, Badgells Wood is brimming with all the ingredients needed for the perfect retreat.
Seven acres of beautiful vines in the heart of Kent’s countryside make up the quaint and down-to-earth site of Brissenden Vineyards. Brush up on your sommelier knowledge with a guided stroll through the vineyard, or hire their rustic function room for everything from parties to mediation retreats.
Ever heard of Champing? This unique new concept is perfect for those lovers of local history – it’s camping in historic churches! The Churches Conservation Trust allows walkers and cyclists to stop off their journeys for an overnight stay in a historic church, either in Cooling, Rochester or Fordwich. The latter allows you a stay in picturesque village, close to the historical hub of Canterbury while the former allows you to discover our Dickens connections and maritime history in Rochester.
Get out to the great outdoors without the need for buying all the necessary equipment this winter - hiring a bike from Countrybike and breathing in a lungful of fresh air whilst cycling along the Tudor Trail from terrific Tonbridge Castle to picture-perfect Penshurst Place is the perfect way to stay active. Appreciate the Garden of England’s beauty as you breeze through Tunbridge Wells’ quaint villages, ancient landscapes of the High Weald and hidden gems – and watch this space for new vineyard friendly tours, perfect for discovering the Wine Garden of England on two wheels.
Creative Retreats does exactly what it says on the tin – allowing you to enjoy a range of courses that are sure to get those creative juices flowing with their glass art expertise, from stained glass to fused glass. Opt for one of their retreat events for the chance to fully unwind in relaxing surroundings – all in the picture-perfect village of Chilham. This one’s ideal for meeting like minded people, and learning a new skill while you’re at it!
All that glitters certainly is gold at Hireath Creative where you’ll be able to make special, ornate jewellery with the help of their skillful experts. Nestled on the creative quarter of trendy seaside Folkestone, this is a luxury experience that will gift you unique and hand crafted rings, as well as expert silversmith knowledge. If you know someone who loves their special bespoke pieces, this is the perfect way to learn something new while creating something beautiful.
A spa trip and retreat Kent’s gorgeous greenery shouldn’t need to cost the Earth. Holiday Inn Ashford North has partnered up with Green Farm Kent to provide the perfect end to a tranquil day relaxing and yoga at the spa. At a nearby location and offering comfortable beds and a warm welcome for the night, you’ll be able to fully escape from the everyday with some quality time away with loved ones here.
Animal lovers, this one’s for you, as there’s nothing quite as memorable as caring for your own micro-animal on a rustic family farm for three days! Huckleberry Woods is a specialist farm in Faversham devoted entirely to micro and minature animals, from micro pigs and miniature donkeys to Teddy Bear sheep and alpacas and now you too can get stuck in! Learn the ropes then take over the feeding, grooming, mucking out and husbandry for the rest of your stay, bonding and making memories in the Kent countryside.
Lovers of books like The Salt Path and Cheryl Strayed’s Wild will want to earmark this special, womens-only walking experience across the North Downs Way based on improving holistic physical and mental wellbeing. Meet like-minded women interested in the great outdoors and gentle spirituality that ties in to Canterbury’s history as a pilgrimage destination, and foster a sense of community by sharing stories and reflecting together. Watch this space for more coming soon...
We’re the Wine Garden of England, didn’t you know, so what better way to treat yourself in Kent than a luxury Wine Tour around some of Kent’s most prestigious vineyards? At family run Meopham Vineyard, you’ll learn about how Kent’s chalky terrain affords us the conditions to make sparking wines that rival that of the most well-known wine destinations in the world. Sample award-winning vino through the day and stay local in one of our stunning close-by accommodation spots, and we think you’ve got a pretty incredible weekend lined up…
The historic Cinque Port town of Sandwich boasts a fascinating medieval history, and what better way to explore that than a two-day excursion uncovering everything this pretty and authentic gem has to offer. You’ll be exploring by day and spending the night at one of Shepherd Neame’s iconic hotels, The Bell, a beautiful tudor building right on the water. This niche and unique getaway is the perfect gift for a history lover in your life (and as Sandwich was the home to The 149th Open in 2021, we’re thinking you could tie this in with a great golf break too!).
Looking to get from exploring our luscious countryside to our peaceful waterways? Yes, if you want to explore Kent’s rivers and take in stunning scenery, Canoe Wild is for you. No experience is required here and all the equipment is provided, just book online for amazing trips to Fordwich, Grove Ferry or a Private 1-1 Lesson. Freshwater, open-air, close to wildlife… it’s perfect for an active couples afternoon and making some new memories.
You might recognise this special garden spot from Gardner’s World and Chelsea Flower Show coverage this year, and we’re so happy this hidden gem is finally getting some national recognition. Now you can bring the beauty of Great Comp Gardens into your own art at their Winter Art Courses this season. From garden lino printing to pebble vases, Matisse style cut-outs and Autumn botantials workshops, you’ll be creating a natural masterpiece in this scenic spot near Sevenoaks.
Experts in mushrooms and foraging, Urban Farm-It, are inviting you to learn all about the intriguing nature of mushroom farming, finding and cultivation. From beautiful Whitstable Castle, your tour will take you on a nature walk through Duncan Down, before getting to grips with mushroom farming - perfect for those looking to perfect their foraging skills and spend a day in nature.
