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Enjoy Early Autumn in Maidstone! |
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Get inspiration for exploring the Kentish countryside, discover upcoming events and more! |
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Balfour Winery is a family owned winery based in Staplehurst and is the perfect attraction for wine lovers and those who want to explore some stunning Kentish countryside.
Balfour Winery is known for producing England's most iconic pink fizz, Balfour Brut Rosé. This sparkling wine, as well as every wine Balfour Winery offer, is produced on the estate and made with their handpicked grapes. The winery is located on Hush Heath Estate, which is made of 400 acres of vast ancient woodland, vineyards, apple orchards and wild flower meadows. This private estate can be visited all-year round and enjoyed through each season.
The impressive contemporary style Cellar Door building houses the Visitor Centre, which offers year-round tours of the estate and tastings of a range of wines. They also have delicious sharing platters of local charcuterie, cheese and vegetarian delights as well as seasonal menus, which are the perfect accompaniment to their wines.
Balfour Winery offer a jam-packed schedule of unique events, tours and tastings all year round for a variety of budgets! Finishing soon at the end of October and returning next May, the Balfour Wine Estate Tour and Tasting features a tour of the stunning estate, a visit to the tasting room with a short film from the Head Winemaker and a tailored tutored tasting of six Balfour wines. Make sure to book in advance to enjoy this unique experience.
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Plan an Autumn Short Break
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Explore the Kentish Countryside
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As we come towards the end of Summer and head into Autumn, it is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the last of the summer sun and long evenings.
Kent’s historic County Town of Maidstone is set within a region of wide fertile river valleys and ancient woodlands, dotted with stunning villages.
Head to Teston Bridge Country Park on the walk route towards the historic village of Yalding through Wateringbury and enjoy views of the River Medway, meadows and woodland. End your journey with a trip to The Boathouse, a pub on the banks of the River Medway in beautiful rural surroundings.
Another excellent walk route starts from The Black Horse Inn, Thurnham, where you can enjoy a pub lunch, dinner or overnight stay. From there, you can head along The Pilgrims Way towards the White Horse Wood Country Park, which is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park offers beautiful countryside, local history and panoramic views and is home to the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle which can be explored.
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Kentish Produce
It is a wonderful time to make use of the harvest season as we approach Autumn with some excellent Kent produce to sample, purchase and enjoy!
With two excellent wineries nearby, Balfour Winery and Biddenden Vineyards, there is a vast variety of wonderful Kent produced wines, juices, ciders and more that can be either be enjoyed on their premises or purchased and brought home. Biddenden Strong Kentish Cider recently won the 'World's Best Still Cider' award which is well worth a try!
Loddington Farm is a wonderful location to visit to enjoy some homegrown Kentish produce! It is home to Owlet Fruit Juice, an award-winning range of sugar and additive-free juices made with fruit that has been grown pressed, bottled and labelled on-site.
These can be purchased at Loddington Farm in their Farm Shop which also features seasonal, local fruit and vegetables, including some of their own homegrown produce, and much more!
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Countryside Pubs
Explore a stunning village and have a delicious pub lunch or dinner within the Kentish countryside. Here are some of our recommendations:
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The Black Horse Inn
The Black Horse Inn in Thurnham is located along the historic pilgrims way and offers quality food, drink and accommodation. It is situated in an area of outstanding beauty and features large gardens and an eating terrace, making it perfect for a post-walk treat!
Find out more >>
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The Windmill
A classic country pub located in the heart of Hollingbourne village. Enjoy delicious food made from seasonal British ingredients, sourced from local farmers. Featuring a patio, gardens and children's play area as well as a cosy interior, The Windmill is lovely to visit during any season!
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The Tickled Trout
A high quality specialist fish restaurant in West Farleigh. Specialising in seasonal, locally sourced produce and an extensive drink list! With both outdoor and indoor dining available, it is worth a visit whatever the weather.
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The Potting Shed
A delightful large country pub and restaurant located in Langley with a huge dining room and open kitchen. Windows open out on to an extensive garden perfect for dining out during the warmer months. Enjoy seasonal food and drink menus, celebrating local suppliers, quality wines and imaginative cocktails!
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The Bull Inn
Enjoy a fine range of drinks and a superb menu, all at reasonable prices at The Bull Inn in Linton. The Bull Inn has a comfortable interior and a stunning countryside view from the outside seating area.
Find out more >>
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The Boathouse
A stylish pub located on the banks of the River Medway just outside the historic village of Yalding. Serving delicious food with a stunning riverside view, it is perfect for alfresco dining.
Find out more >>
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Come and Stay!
Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel
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Make more of your visit by staying in Maidstone for as long as you wish, with a variety of accommodation providers to choose from.
Enjoy a hotel surrounded by Kentish countryside, with walk routes and attractions nearby, such as the Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club and Chilston Park Hotel.
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club
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Chilston Park Hotel
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Maidstone LitFest
2 - 9 October
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Maidstone’s first Literary Festival is coming this October, bringing an exciting and varied programme of events for readers and book lovers of all ages!
Meet your favourite authors as they talk about their books in stunning town-centre venues! Take part in creative workshops for aspiring writers and artists, bring your little ones to story and crafting events at the Kent History and Library Centre and try your hand at Manga with artist Chie Kutsuwada.
Don’t miss out on tickets for festival headliners Lisa Jewell, Dorothy Koomson, and A F Steadman, author of the award-winning hit children’s series Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.
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Festival of Craft & Design
Until 30 September
Leeds Castle
An exciting event, showcasing the best of Leeds Castle’s interiors, architecture, gardens, textiles and more!
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Soultasia
Saturday 23 September
Mote Park
A celebration of Soul and Disco with an incredible line up of some of the worlds most loved performers, including Gabrielle, Kenny Thomas, The Real Thing and more!
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Oktoberfest
30 September
Mote Park
Oktoberfest Kent returns for another round of fancy dress, Oompah music, live bands, DJ’s, German sausage, Bavarian drinking games and plenty of German bier.
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Kent Comic Con & Gaming Festival
Sunday 1 October
Kent Event Centre
This comic and gaming event that tours across the Southwest and beyond with the best of props, exhibitors, vendors, Cosplay, gaming, comic artists and more, is coming to Kent this October!
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Halloween Spectacular
21-29 October
Kent Life
Head to Kent Life this spooky season for some family friendly Halloween fun!
Enjoy pumpkin carving, the creepy cuddle corner, spooky farm rides, daily fancy dress competitions and more!
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Halloween at Leeds Castle
21-29 October
Leeds Castle
New for this year, Leeds Castle will be presenting The Guardians of the Grounds, a haunted Halloween quest, where young adventurers will head on a thrilling interactive journey through the mystical estate.
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Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
4-5 November
Get ready to watch in awe as the mesmerising fireworks show lights up the sky, and as a complementing full production of music, projections and lasers bring the Castle to life.
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Kent Life Fireworks Spectacular 80's Theme!
4 - 5 November
A spectacular 80’s-themed firework show, where the sky will be illuminated with vibrant bursts of nostalgia, accompanied by iconic music hits from the decade, creating an electrifying atmosphere at Kent Life!
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Did you enjoy this newsletter?
Why not forward this email onto your friends and family to give them some inspiration on where to explore and what to do this Autumn?
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