September and October are the months of harvest in the Garden of England. As winemakers reap their fruit, you too can reap the joys of a trip to Kent at this simply gorgeous time of year. Whether venturing into the rolling countryside or keeping warm indoors, there’s plenty to do and see. Take a seat and let us share some of our favourite recommendations.
Autumn in Kent is truly glorious. Maybe you should join us
As Summer cools off, Autumn in the south-east glows with its own beauty that has to be experienced. As the seasons cast an auburn brush across the leaves, it is a truly magnificent time of year to walk the great outdoors of Kent.
We suggest the North Downs Way National Trail as a starting point. Ramblers can roam as far as they please along the “Pilgrim’s path”, a winding corridor of nature that leads all the way to Canterbury. Along the trail, you’ll see farmland and woods or why not wander the old railway lines under the falling leaves through the High Weald area of outstanding beauty, a protected area covering 560 square miles.
Kent’s vineyards arguably look their best against the waning sun, their neighbouring woods woven into a tapestry of umbers, yellows and reds. They also become their most active this time of year, making it a great time to traverse the changing countryside across the “Wine Garden of England” trail.
Make your first stop a trip to our very own, Balfour Winery. Pick up a handy map from their Cellar Door (and maybe a few bottles of the latest and finest vintages) then lose yourself in nature on the grounds of their Estate, where you can drink in the entire palette of Autumn across their orchards, woodlands and meadows.
Don’t just observe the season; taste it as well through locally-sourced food from The Winemakers’ Kitchen or experience one of their wine tasting experiences
Colder days lend themselves to storytelling, and Kent is full of stories. Here’s two recommendations for a little history.
SCOTNEY CASTLE
This ruined mediaeval castle wouldn’t look amiss in a book of Arthurian legend. But although it may appear desolate with its creeping ivy and surrounding moat, we can assure you that Scotney castle comes with all the mod-cons of a National Trust site.
Explore the structure and grounds or dip into one of the Castle’s shops: delve into a book at their second-hand bookstore, Betsy’s, or take home a piece of nature with you from their plant shop.
This 1769 estate in Faversham was once home to the Harris family, who collected a number of curiosities worth a visit. Browse their armoury, collection of Cazabon paintings and even their clock museum at Belmont House.
HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT
With so many landmarks of days past, Kent can get a little crowded when the veil is thinnest between the living and the dead! This year the holiday falls on a Thursday, making it the perfect beginning to a long weekend stay.
Leeds Castle , Walmer Castle and Hever Castle all run family-friendly activities and events this time of year. Adults and older children may also enjoy the Pluckley Ghost Walk: a hair-raising, guided walking tour of the Guinness world record holder for Britain’s most haunted town If you want to get into the history of a bigger city, try out Canterbury’s Ghost Tour, offered seven days a week and sure to get you into the spirit of October.
Sussex also has an unusually active scene of bonfire societies, with a famous procession in Lewes and Edenbridge . Find a local display online and experience the fervour of a Sussex Guy Fawkes for yourself.
Warm up from the cold with a Kentish Spa day. Bridgewood Manor house offers a range of spa packages where guests can relax far from the chill of Autumn air. Dip in their warm pool, ease off some tension in their sauna and steam room or have a massage to pamper yourself at this esteemed Manor house. Or you could simply retire to your room at The Windmill and have a long soak in one of our lovely bath tubs, then find a cosy corner in the bar (sounds like a very fine plan)
Find no joy in an English Autumn? One perk of staying in Kent is that you’re never less than an hour from the Eurotunnel. We’d always recommend a stay at The Windmill, Hollingbourne (link) which is a perfect stop before embarking on the journey.
Travel from the Victor Hugo terminal to Coquelles, France in a leisurely 35 minutes. With prices from £69, LeShuttle takes you and your car under the Channel for a day of wine shopping or excursion to explore the French Opal Coast.
Monday-Friday
Breakfast 08.00 - 10.30
Lunch Midday - 15.00
Dinner 17.30 - 20.45
Saturday
Breakfast 08.00-10.30
Lunch & Dinner Midday - 20:45
Sunday
Breakfast 08.00-10.30
Lunch & Dinner Midday - 19.45
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before the end of service to ensure we can accommodate your order.