Yes, Kent’s rolling hills, spectacular skies and rugged coastline make for some seriously stunning views. And of course, we all agree that the heritage and historical landmarks of the area are world-renowned, important and uniquely fascinating. And yes again, Kent is currently experiencing a much-hyped foodie revolution with its award-winning local produce, wine-making prowess, and incredible restaurants. Oh and let’s not forget that Kent has just been given worldwide recognition as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ for its beautiful heritage coastline.
BUT it’s Kent’s creativity, vision and diverse and experiential tourism offering that have recently been putting it on the map as a must-do destination.
With a strong community vibe, an incredible art scene, a huge range of indie shops, galleries, makers and food outlets, as well a whole host of visionary collectives and projects emerging, there’s never been a better time to experience all the creativity that Kent has to offer.
Fancy channelling your inner artist? Want to try your hand at Tai Chi or create some culinary magic in the Kitchen? Or maybe you’re more of a maker looking to get your craft on? Or a wannabe furniture up-cycler into salvaging and restoration? Whatever your interests, Kent’s creative experiences are second-to-none and we’ve rounded up a few of the highlights that we think you (and your IG followers) are going to love…
A Creative Cook Up
Want to impress your friends at your next dinner party? Brush up your chef skills with a cookery workshop at Chequers Kitchen Cookery School in Deal. No ordinary cookery school, the themes for the classes are unique, fun and always bang on trend with classes such as Swedish Baking (Scandi Cinnamon Bun anyone?) Sourdough Day and Artisanal Baking. If it’s an evening meal you want to create, then take your pick from courses covering cuisines around the world such as Thai and Vietnamese Street Foods, Sushi Making or even a dedicated course for perfecting the art of those delicious little Japanese dumplings (gyozas and wantons). Our mouth is watering already!
Art In Action
Head to the beach to enjoy the cultural experiences on offer from Creative Folkestone, the town’s visionary project responsible for the Folkestone Triennial, Book Festival and Artworks that have become synonymous with the seaside town. Stroll the quaint and quirky high street of Folkestone’s old town, perusing the indie makers and unique gift shops in the heart of the Creative Quarter before checking out the galleries and work of local artists. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the events, art trails, workshops and performances on offer so make sure you check out the current listings before you go!
The Whole World's A Stage
Ever wanted to experience more from traditional theatre, rather than watching from the back of the stalls? Ever wanted to get up and watch from on stage, or had your favourite character leave the stage and wished you could have followed them? Get Out Of My Space is a unique and ground-breaking immersive theatre company offering a totally unique perspective on how theatre can be performed. This Christmas, join friends and family in a truly unique and immersive dining experience, hosted in the beautiful Grand Pavilion marquee, set within the grounds of The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells. The Three Scrooges (running from 1st-19th December) promises a fast-paced, hilarious, and heartfelt immersive dining and theatre production of the all-time classic, A Christmas Carol, where YOU the audience get to decide who plays Scrooge. Step out of your comfort zone, immerse yourselves in a new world, and get lost for a few hours with this creative (and oh-so-festive!) experience from Get Out Of My Space that’s sure to leave a lasting impression…
Sew Crafty
If you’re a crafter at heart, head to Miss Gingers in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter for a selection of sewing, quilting and crafting classes set to get your creative juices flowing. Piece together sentimental fabrics to create a star or heart in the quilting club or try your hand at dressmaking under the expert tuition of Miss Ginger herself. Once you’ve sewn up a storm you can check out her huge range of fabric and haberdashery before you explore the rest of the creative quarter with its delightful café culture, indie shops and arty vibe.
Paint With The Pros
Folkestone truly is a creative hub right now, with a huge focus on sustainability, and The Upcycled Trading Co. are very much a part of the scene. Alongside their beautiful shop, they offer fun workshops where you can learn to paint prep like an upcycling pro. You can also take a paint-pouring class to learn a new skill and create unique pieces of art to take home or even decorate your own restored tea tray. For a relaxing, mindful and fulfilling way to spend a morning, grab your overalls as you get prepared to get a little messy and flex those artistic muscles . No prior experience necessary, this art is for everyone!
Getting Into The Spirit
The Maidstone Distillery warmly welcomes you to their bar for a hands-on experience and evening of drinks, fun, craft and artisanal distillery with their bespoke Gin-Making evening. Choosing from over 50 exotic botanicals to create the perfect recipe, perfectly blended to your exact personal taste. A perfect way to spend an evening with friends you’ll be guided through the art and processes of distillery to create your very own 70cl bottle to take home with you before enjoying a few drinks in the bar. Cheers to that!
Meditation In Motion
If you’re in need of a change of pace, treat your mind and body alike to a relaxing, meditative experience with a Tai Chi class on the coast from Bright Moon Tai Chi. With classes both inside at various venues and outside on the beach in Dover, Deal and Eastry, Bright Moon aspires to relax and restore with this low impact, slow motion exercise that practices deep breathing and focussed attention. Quiet your mind from the stresses of day-to-day life and still your body as you let movement and nature work their restorative magic!
I’d Do Anything (To Stay Here)
For a seriously unique stay experience, look no further than ‘Fagin’s Den’ at The Fisherman Cottages in Broadstairs. The very first Dickensian themed holiday cottage in the UK. Fagin's Den has been completely refurbished in Victorian décor so that friends, families and Dickens enthusiasts alike can all enjoy a unique themed experience with furniture, memorabilia, books, games, artwork and even Oliver Twist dress-up costumes. Immerse yourselves in the Victorian era for an experience you’ll never forget…Consider yourself, at home!
Better Together
We hear the word ‘Collective’ and we’re in already, right?! The bringing together of creative minds and voices is a tried and tested formula within art communities - and Dover’s Foundry Collective is a fantastic example of this. Pooling their considerably talents, five local artists are offering workshops to budding artists in mediums spanning screen printing, laser cutting, fossil foraging and ‘found’ art as well as ceramics and Raku Firing. They’re also giving overnight visitors the chance to stay in a variety of local ‘art homes’ and creating access and insight to an entire network of local creative sand artists.
Art Pilgrimage
For a spectacular sight in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings of Rochester Cathedral, Luke Jerram’s highly anticipated artwork ‘Gaia’ will be arriving at Rochester Cathedral in February 2022. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the vast sculpture features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, giving visitors the opportunity to see our planet on a truly epic scale. Accompanied by a surround-sound composition from BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones, the artwork is an atmospheric, sensory and immersive experience that’s bound to be the talk of the town when it arrives. Expect huge visitor numbers, mesmerising, thought provoking art and insta-worthy photo opps a-plenty!
