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There has never been a better time for independent people to travel and discover more of England. Thinking independently and not following the crowds provides a unique experience which will feed your soul, lift your spirits and linger in your heart.
Kent has been known as the “Garden of England” for centuries and whilst it offers some of the best food in the world it is also very picturesque. When someone says “the Garden of England” to me it conjures up pictures of rows of runner beans, cabbages, beetroot and lettuces. Where as in reality, Kent is not a market garden but produces orchards, strawberries and soft fruit, English flowers, milk and exceptional meat, where the livestock has grazed on salt marsh or the chalk downland flowers and herbs. North facing slopes are perfect for the fruit trees and the south facing slopes are wonderful for soft fruit and vineyards.
Wide river valleys like that of the River Medway meander through towns, villages and countryside. Ancient churches and castles nestle into the landscape. This land has been fought over and defended for centuries and its rich history is here to tell the tale.
Basing yourself in Maidstone, means that nothing is more than 1 hour away. You can visit Hell Fire Corner, Chatham Dockyard or Canterbury Cathedral. You can visit castles and history or explore the road travelled by pilgrims in times gone by.
Cosy cottages with wood burner’s and log fires, make for a peaceful and comfortable stay, or the convenience of a hotel is equally good. Here you can curl up with a good book, catch-up with your friends on social media or may be head towards a waterside restaurant or an old pub with beams and great local food.
Explore the vineyards and vintages, the hops and the breweries, the cider makers and the fruit juicers. Buy meat, fruit and vegetables at a farmers market or in a farm shop.
The crowds are gone, the integrity and joy of the garden of England remain.
Staying local in the Garden of England – must do’s
Hush Heath Winery and Biddenden Vineyards – for fabulous wines, juices, ciders and insightful tours.
Leeds Castle for history
Go Ape for a challenge
Farmers Farm Shop for great local produce, for marvellous take home gifts or to tantalise your tastebuds.
The Blackthorn Trust has a scrumptious vegetarian and vegan food menu, most of which is grown in the garden outside and the bread is baked in the kitchen next door.
A walk around the lake in Mote Park for autumn colour and reflections.
Pull on your scarf, gloves and a woolly hat and hire an electric bike and enjoy a trip in the countryside.
Book The Dirty Habit to tread in the steps of Pilgrims and visit Hollingbourne Church.
Hike to the top of the North Downs and sit with the Shepherd at Hucking Estate and enjoy the view.
Get Coffee and luscious pastries for breakfast at Frankie’s, Staplehurst
Book a Gin tour at Anno Gin or Maidstone Distillery
Book a floristry workshop at Blooming Green or nip along to the Musket Brewery for great traditional beer – they are next door to each other.
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Enjoy tea and cake at The Holding Point Café at Headcorn Aerodrome whilst you watch the planes come and go and the sky-divers jump.
Just when I thought there was enough for the weekend, probably need to stay the week to get all this in.
Related
Balfour Winery has been producing England's most iconic and exclusive pink fizz, Balfour Brut Rosé, since its award winning 2004 vintage.
Kent’s original vineyard, Biddenden has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. Twelve varieties of grape are grown across 23 acres, producing award-winning still and sparkling English wines. Biddenden Cider is also produced on site along with Kentish apple & pear juices. The Vineyard Shop is open year-round and well stocked with Biddenden’s own ranges alongside specially selected local & artisan food & drink products. From May - September, Self-Guided Tours run daily and pre-booked Private Tours run Wednesday – Saturday for groups of up to 6 people. For opening times please visit www.biddendenvineyards.com
We’ll brief you for safety before you fly down our zip-wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing and tackle our crossings whilst enjoying some of Britain’s most breath taking scenery up in the trees.
Set in 500 acres of Kentish parkland, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.
Mote Park is an award-winning park with 450 acres of mature parkland and a 30 acre lake, providing a wide range of recreational activities. Featuring a children's play area, and a miniature railway.
Anno Distillers are a small artisanal spirits producer based in the beautiful Kentish countryside. Distillery Blending Experiences, Tours and Tastings. Range of gins, vodka and hand sanitiser available from the online shop.
Maidstone Distillery is now fully open with tours, tastings, and workshops.
Pick-Your-Own Flowers are available on specific days until the end of October. Flower arranging courses and workshops are available throughout the year. Gift vouchers can be used for workshops or for PYO Days.
The Holding Point Café is a meeting place for all the people taking part in aerial activities at the Aerodrome, be it sky-diving, wing walking, pilots or spectators, all are welcome.
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