There’s a chill in the air, the trees are about to shed their summer guise and the schools are back. Yes, summer might be over, but Kent has plenty of reasons to swap the end of season blues for the vibrant reds and bright oranges of autumn.
With Kent just a short ride on the train from London with Southeastern Railway, it’s the perfect place to head to for an autumnal adventure. So, grab hold of that pumpkin-spiced latte and read on to discover Visit Kent’s top five reasons to fall head over heels for the Garden of England this season…
- Hopping Harvest
There’s a reason people call Kent the Garden of England and with an autumn ripe with events and festivals celebrating our bountiful local produce, it’s no wonder why. Make sure to savour the date as the Kent Green Hop Beer Festival returns from 22nd September to 8th October, with scores of opportunities to taste newly released beers made from just-harvested hops produced by over 30 of Kent's finest brewers - sample some of them at the Canterbury Food & Drink Festival. Meanwhile, budding sommeliers should head to one of the county’s spectacular vineyards and indulge in a tour and tasting during the harvest season. Chapel Down, Biddenden Vineyards, Hush Heath Estate and recently opened Gusbourne Estate each offer unique opportunities for self-guided or guided tours and tastings.
- Auburn Autumn
Whilst summer in Kent is awash with blue skies and turquoise seas, autumn is a riot of reds, golds and burnt ambers. Make a date with any National Trust site in Kent this month and you are sure to see a gorgeous garden or two, but for a real vibrant visit, the 770 acres of woodland at Scotney Castle and rolling Wealden views at Emmetts Garden are a particularly stunning sight. And if you’re visiting Scotney Castle between 21st October and 12th November, be sure to join in with one of their autumn colour walk events, taking place daily.
- Leaf-crunching walks
Whether you want to admire the leaves as they turn from green to auburn or kick through them as they fall, we guarantee a Kentish woodland wander will leave you in awe, whatever your age! For orchard views and a taste of the harvest, stroll the ‘land for all seasons’ walk through Perry Woods near Faversham. Alternatively, why not take an amble past the dawn redwoods and swamp cypress of Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst for a classic autumn adventure? No matter what pace you’re looking to set, lace up those walking boots and breathe in the fresh Kent air on a ramble this season.
- Back to school
The new school term doesn’t need to be filled with textbooks and boredom. September is a great excuse to get outside and uncover our county’s rich history. Whether it’s learning about the courage of the famous “Few” who fought in the skies above us at the Battle of Britain Memorial, or discovering 400 years of innovation and Naval craftsmanship at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, education isn’t just for inside the classroom!
- Coffees and cafes
Grab a book, order that warming hot chocolate (with all the trimmings!) and sink into a cosy Kentish café this season. Enjoy a whole bean coffee and a hearty breakfast at Dame Kelly Holmes’ Café 1809 in Hildenborough. Alternatively, kick back, relax and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, complete with panoramic views across the windswept Dover beach for added cosiness.
