As the cold winter days begin to thaw away, sights of spring are cropping up here and there to make their long-awaited appearances. And we couldn’t be more excited. See beautiful blooms, taste fantastic local produce, wander and simply be amongst the wonderful Kent outdoors – what could be a better way to make the most of the season? Here are some places to enjoy your days out as that sunshine says hello.
And while you’re out and about in Kent, it’s important to stay hydrated. Grab your favourite water bottle and download the Refill app, so you always know where you can fill up on your days out – and trust us, there’s a lot in Kent. You’ll never have to buy another plastic bottle again!
Outdoors exhibition in Kings Hill
Creativity is abundant in Kent, with artists from across the country coming to make and inspire here. One example of this can be found at Kings Hill, where London-based artist Yinka Ilori’s work is currently taking a special place in the beautiful landscape. Turner Contemporary have curated Ilori’s work, which fuses his British and Nigerian heritage to form a brilliantly rich, narrative driven piece.
Tea and a treat at Walmer Castle
After a spring-day wander around one of Kent’s iconic castles, learning fascinating stories and discovering the people who make up the county’s history, we think a treat is in store. And here’s some good news – the Lord Warden’s Tea Room has now opened up, and here you’ll find a seasonal menu of snacks, afternoon tea, and homemade cakes. Deee-licious!
All aboard the Gin Train!
One of Kent’s best train rides is back this year, setting off in dates throughout spring and beyond. And, boy, are we glad because it’s not every day that the Gin Train comes to town! Thanks to the Spa Valley Railway, you can be clinking your local-gin-filled glasses with friends as you take the scenic journey through the High Weald, watching the glorious and green world pass by.
Blooms in Belmont
Mark the calendars, 6th May is a day to rejoice in spring splendors at Kent’s very own Belmont House as the Spring Fair returns. A vast array of flowers and plants will be on display for you to peruse and purchase (simply sniffing is also welcome!), as well as seek advice from the experts on how to go about creating your own green-fingered paradise.
Got the Love Festival
This May, find all your favourites from the 90s and 00s in one place at Kent’s very own Got the Love Festival. With the likes of Blue, Eve, Vengaboys, and more, you can listen and reminisce, taking in nostalgic sounds from the turn of the century to bring you those feel-good vibes. And with rides, food stalls, and vintage clothing stalls throughout, there’s something for everyone in the group to enjoy.
Happy days at Hever Castle
It’s safe to say that nowhere does it quite like Hever Castle when it comes to spring. We’ve always known them as the perfect spot to spend the day soaking up the season’s delights and, this year, they’re pulling out all the stops to prove it. With a Celebration of Spring, Dazzling Daffodils event, May Day activities, and a Spring Craft Fair, you’d have to be dancing around a May Pole to get more into spring (which you can do there, by the way!). Don your flower crown, we’ll see you there.
Out in nature
Need to get your fix of floral fabulousness out in the wild? At the Monkton Nature Reserve, we’re seeing the plants starting to spring into life. Take a wander around the wildlife oasis, reclaimed from a former chalk quarry, and see how the landscape has changed over time to allow for flora and fauna to both thrive here.
Slow days to remember
It wouldn’t be a spring roundup if we didn’t include at least two places to spend the day simply walking and appreciating nature’s beauty. At Quex Gardens, you can unwind and unplug from the hustle and bustle, giving yourself the simple pleasure of observing the landscape and all that it has to offer. Peace and tranquility…incoming!
Castles to capture
Your camera roll will most certainly be sparkling after a day out at a National Trust property this spring. Whether it be the historic and poetic Sissinghurst, Victorian country mansion Scotney, or green and glorious Knole, you won’t be disappointed with the snapshots of stunning outdoors that are to be found across the county. Plus, when travelling car-free to Knole, you can get 2 for 1 on tickets with Good Journey!
Travel with the planet in mind
We’ve seen the selection of beautiful, abundant spring days out in Kent…so how do we keep them that way? When travelling with Southeastern and Stagecoach, you can ensure your wallet and the planet will stay happy as you wander the county and explore all that it has to offer.
