New things in Kent for 2023

Empire of Light Trail

For those film lovers, head to Margate and look closely to spot parts where 2023 Oscar-nominated ‘Empire of Light’ was filmed! Head over to the Tourist Information Centre and pick up a map leaflet highlighting the places that were shown in the film and the locations used within the town.

The Beach at Leeds Castle

Dig out your beach towel and catch some rays this 2023 at The Beach at Leeds Castle from May to September. Build your very own Leeds Castle in the sand and enjoy views across the Mote, whilst watching the birds fly up around the parkland and a picnic with the family. Don't forget to travel back in time and delve into the history whilst exploring the Castle and even stay in one of the accommodations on site to make your 'holiday by the beach' as relaxing as can be. 

North Downs Way Rider's Routes

Now that the sun is starting to appear we can dust off those spider webs from our bikes and head out exploring Kent again. Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) have created brand new Rider’s Routes with itineraries – perfect for those bike lovers! Take the Rochester Loop, or the Wye to Canterbury route, or the East Kent Loop fitting in as many sightseeing spots as possible. Remember to pack a drink and food with you and stop off at some of Kent’s beautiful locations and enjoy a picnic with a view.

Inspiring Families Through the Art

We know that looking for something to entertain the children throughout the year can be hard especially on those rainy days. Running twice a month at the St Andrews Arts Centre in Gravesham is the Inspiring Families Through Art workshop. Enjoy creating artwork inspired by artists and watch your children create memories through art for you to stick on the fridge at home.

Richborough Roman Fort 

The Romans are back making a tremendous return! Kent is known for its Roman sites but one of the most significant sites is Richborough Roman Fort which witnessed the beginning and also the end of the Roman rule in Britain. Bring your friends and family to the Fort and enjoy living and experiencing the way the Roman people and soldiers lived by discovering the food the ate, the way they lived their lives and the clothes they wore.

Off Road Driving

Let’s get behind the wheel for this experience and explore Betteshanger Country Park with this exhilarating off-road driving in these lightweight four-wheel drives, and electric quadricycles. The Swincar e-Spider is a new mode of travel which is noiseless and without the emission respecting the environment. Explore Betteshanger Country Park in style and drive around stopping off at viewpoint locations.  

Whitemill Wake and Aqua Park

Jump, flip, slide and dive at Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park near Sandwich with their incredible floating playground or stand up and ride the waves at wakeboarding. Fit for the whole family, Whitemill Wake and Aqua Park is open for those who are experienced or for those who are just testing the waters. Peel off that wetsuit and dry off and head over to the Whitemills Kitchen and enjoy a warm meal to reboost your energy. 

Curious Brewery 

Let’s have a beer or two… The award-winning Curious Brewery has added Wild Beer Co to its specialist portfolio. Delve into some sustainable and locally sourced food at the restaurant showcasing and celebrating Kent and take a look through the looking glass which overlooks the brewery and feast your eyes on where all of the hard work takes place. Don’t forget to enjoy one of the beers on tap are they are brewed directly so you can experience the beer exactly as the brewer intended!

Gusbourne

We think it’s time to wine down…Known in Kent for making exceptional wines, Gusbourne is hosting a one-hour tasting experience called Sparkling Tasting Flight showcasing their Brut Reserve, Rose, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs wine range. Enjoy the four sparkling wines alongside a plate of locally sourced bread and cheese. Why not make a day of it (from 29^th April – 1^st May) and after wandering around the vineyard celebrate the launch of their new English Rose at their Boot Hill Garden Bar where they will be serving refreshing and delicious pale-pink rose with vibrant notes of summer fruits filling your tastebuds needs.

Sparkling wine is a perfect match with pizza. This summer Gusbourne will be hosting their Barney And The Pizza so you can sit back and relax in the beautiful wildflower-filled garden with stunning views overlooking the vineyards.

Looking for that perfect romantic spot to take your partner for the May 1^st bank holiday… why not book a picnic for two? Set in the stunning Boot Hill Garden you will be wining and dining with views across the vines listening to the sounds of spring. The picnic is filled with the best of Kent and Sussex produces such as charcuterie, local fruit and homemade fruit which is perfectly accompanied by a bottle of Gusbourne’s finest English Rose 2022.

Maidstone Cocktail Week

This is an event to add to the calendar every year… Maidstone Cocktail Week. This brand new event for 2023 is taking place at different venues all across Maidstone from 1^st-14^th May celebrating a special cocktail for the event. Dance the night away and enjoy a range of cocktails all priced at just £5 (exclusively to wristband holders).

Corkk

New to Canterbury town is Corkk, bringing the best wines from across England including a few from Kent's very own vineyards. Every bottle has been hand picked by the master of wine so you know that you are always getting the best quality.

Take part in their immersive wine experience by tasting before you buy with the new enomatic machines allowing you to taste three different size options.

Fort Road Hotel

Looking for that perfect place to stay with family or friends with a perfect seafront view? Margate’s Ford Road Hotel is located just a short walk away from the Turner Contemporary and the Old Town. Dine and wine with a view at their restaurant serving a daily changing menu composed with locally and seasonally sourced produce.

No.42 Guesthouse Hotel

Here’s one for you to check out… Just a shell throw from the beach and placed at the heart of Margate with beautiful views, is No.42 GuestHouse. The accommodation is due to open soon and offers excellent restaurant food throughout the day celebrating locally and seasonally sourced ingredients alongside, deliciously crafted drinks from the lounge and rooftop. When staying the night don’t forget to relax and enjoy the spa which is focused on bespoke therapies and treatment giving you that luxurious glow.

Surrounded by the dreamy seaside backdrop and sounds, No.42 by GuesHouse are happy to welcome you, your friends, your families and even your dogs with open arms.

Two Seas

In Rochester from the 28^th April – 15^th July, artist Reem Acason will be working in partnership with Shubbak Festival, exhibiting and exploring the experience of living between countries and complicated cultural and ecological legacies in relation to the sea. This will be representing identities, histories and views of the world which show the contrasting cultures which overlap and connect.

Medway River Lit

Are you a bookworm or an aspiring writer looking for some inspiration? An exciting new literary festival will be hitting Medway Towns sharing stories and words from local and international best-selling authors on the 2^nd – 11^th of June. Listen to some of the talks and take part in the workshops whilst watching performances and enjoying the pop-up surprises.

Dickens Trail and Anniversary

Celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Dickens House Museum opening, The Isle of Thanet will be hosting a Dickens trail located around the town, available from April, highlighting locations which connect with the author. From 1837 to 1859 Charles Dickens visited Broadstairs in Kent regularly and immortalised the town as ‘Our English Watering Place’, then to commemorate, in 1937 the Broadstairs Dickens Festival was born. 2023 sees the festival’s 86^th year with a ‘Great Expectations’ play, beach parties on Viking Bay and Mini Golf at Lillyputt Mini Golf.

Maid of Stone Festival

Craving the summer heat and the beats…? Coming to a town near you is a brand new, diverse and hard rocking festival… Maid of Stone Festival, bringing back rock music and the fans to Maidstone’s Mote Park. Grab a cask ale and worldwide street food and listen to some world-renowned international Southern Rock and Blues artists.