Welcome to the first of our ‘Month in the Life’ series here at Visit Kent. Throughout these blogs you’ll get to find out what we each get up to here at Visit Kent, whether that’s during work, or our exciting weekend plans – you’re coming along for the journey…
For the first edition of this series, I’m going to take you back to summer (because I’m kind of missing the hot weather!). Don’t get me wrong, I love a cosy night in with a cuppa, especially at this time of year, but I feel like a look back on summer is the right way to start. Plus, I got up to lots of exciting things, like fun activities, catching up with work partners and enjoying those summer evenings dining alfresco.
Canoe Wild
The first of my fun activities of the summer was a visit to Canoe Wild at their site in Grove Ferry. Canoe Wild offer the chance to hire kayaks, canoes, and SUP, as well as offering guided tours, events and lessons. We were feeling brave and decided to go for a single kayak hour long paddle up the River Stour. You’re surrounded by nature, so along the way look out for the wonderful wildlife, and grab some pictures and a selfie! Now that we’re approaching the winter months, you’ll be pleased to hear that Canoe Wild offer Winter Paddle experiences too, from Sunset Paddles to Winter Guided Paddles. So, why not make it a new hobby to end 2023!
Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park
Next up was a visit to Whitemill Wake & Aqua Park in Sandwich. This was definitely up there with one of my favourite activities of the summer – we had so much fun! At Whitemills they have a large Aqua Park, Wakeboarding and Open Water Swimming, as well as outdoor seating offering food from their Kitchen. After many laughs and funny moments on the Aqua Park, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and soaked up the sun whilst watching the pros wakeboarding (this is definitely one for another day!). Although the Aqua Park is now closed for the season, it’s one to add to your 2024 summer bucket list that’s for sure!
A La Turka, Herne Bay
My summer wasn’t short of walks down to the beach and eating out at restaurants – that’s what summer is for! So, with Ala Turka being located right on Herne Bay seafront, it was no surprise that we had a couple meals dining here. Their outdoor seating presented as the perfect place to relax with delicious food, and the chance to cool down with that gentle sea breeze and a refreshing drink. Their menu boasts with mouth-watering Turkish dishes, from meze to mains, so a delicious meal is guaranteed whatever you decide. It’s probably too cold to dine alfresco now we’re in December, but sitting inside in their restaurant or covered seating area is just as good! You’ll have heaters to keep you warm, delicious food, and friendly staff to create an amazing dining experience. Their Christmas Menu is now available so why not make it a family Christmas get-together!
Sunset Chasing
Here in Kent, there’s no doubt in saying you can spot breath taking sunsets along our coast all year round, just head over to our Instagram and you’ll see what I mean! From orange skies at Whitstable Harbour to heading to Herne Bay for an evening walk and sunset view - you can never get tired of seeing a pretty sky.
Looking for pretty views this winter? We’ve got a couple ideas right here!
Partner Catch up with Solley's
The Visit Kent team took a trip over to Solley’s in Deal to hear about all the exciting things happening on the farm. After catching up with the owners, we headed out on a tractor ride with our new friend Amber the dog, for a tour of the beautiful countryside. Solley’s (as you might know it for their delicious ice cream) also welcome visitors to their farm for camping, eating and joining them on Farm Trails and Walking Routes. The farm is open throughout the year so why not pay a visit and experience Solley’s for yourself!
Dinner and a Show
It’s something we all love doing, whether it’s in winter or summer, dinner and a show is always a good way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening. The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury had lots of amazing shows throughout the summer (that’s why I went to three!) and with its perfect location meant we were spoilt for choice when it came to eating out. The Miller’s Arms, just a two-minute walk from the theatre, was our choice of restaurant – their delicious menu and cosy atmosphere made it the perfect place to enjoy a meal before heading to our show.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
You’ve seen the amazing animals, perhaps spent the night in a luxury lodge or dined at their new Bear Lodge Restaurant, but did you check out their Summer Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea Experience? This experience consisted of an insightful tour around the picturesque gardens, before heading to The Mansion for afternoon tea. Although their Garden Tour has finished for the season, you can still enjoy a yummy afternoon tea experience with Port Lympne, and as it’s December, it’ll be a festive one of course!
