The tree is up, the shopping is done and the mulled wine is on the stove - And for many of us, it is finally time for a well-earned break! But whether you have the whole time off, you are working over the ‘in-between-mass’, or even on the big day itself, there are lots of uniquely Kentish ways to embrace the Christmas spirit this year.
Enjoy a pint of Christmas Kentish Ale (or two!)
Now we are not saying that last-minute Christmas madness has driven you to drink - but is there any better excuse than the festive season to have a tipple or two? (is three too many?) So this year, vanquish the vino, put aside the prosecco and opt for a taste of our local Kentish ale instead.
Our favourite warming winter beers include (but are definitely not limited to) a Larkins Porter - of course, we love them, they still use a traditional oast house to dry their hops - and Shepherd Neame’s Christmas Ale.
Embrace some Heritage and History at Leeds Castle’s Christmas at the Castle
Until the 2nd of January the ‘Loveliest Castle’ in the world is well and truly wrapped in Christmas spirit. The theme this year is the ‘12 days of Christmas’ and to celebrate this 12 unique artworks have been placed in prime locations across the estate. Inside, the castle itself will be dressed with beautiful Christmas decor. Christmas at the Castle runs until the 2nd of January.
Step out for a wonderful wintery walk
Unsurprisingly the ‘garden of England’ has no shortage of idyllic hikes and stunning scenery. And we all know that the cracking Kent countryside is made even more perfect if you can spot some of our county’s iconic oasts along the way. The best area for oast spotting is probably the High Weald, and luckily this area is also a great option for a wintery wander - and perhaps more importantly there are lots of options for a pint at the end. It is Christmas after all!
Don’t be discouraged by the wintery weather, these stunning views are only made better by a crunchy covering of frost. As Billy Connolly says ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.’
Some of our favorites include this circular walk from Goudhurst and this walk which takes you through the Bedgebury Forest. This is a great option for younger (or young at heart) members of the family as it passes by a Gruffalo trail!
Enjoy an Edwardian Christmas at Scotney Castle
Leave 2021 behind (I am sure we all want to do that right now!) and travel back in time to the 1900s to enjoy an Edwardian Christmas. Inside the castle, everything is exactly as the Hussey family (the original residents) would have experienced.
Meanwhile, outside the castle, Percy the Park Keeper and his friends are encouraging visitors to join them on a winter activity trail around the castle grounds (perfect if you have kids!). Christmas at Scotney Castle runs until the 3rd of January.
Visit Santa and his Reindeer at the Reindeer Centre
You need to be quick for this one! Until Christmas Eve Santa and his reindeer have taken up residence at the Reindeer Centre. Children get to meet Santa in his Christmas cabin before taking a walk through his magical grotto. There are then lots of opportunities to feed the reindeer - along with a host of other animals. For obvious reasons - Christmas Eve is a pretty big night for the main man - this only runs until the afternoon of the 24th.
Interested in local traditions and heritage? So are we.
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