One thing we love about family and friends visiting is that feeling of seeing your town through a fresh pair of eyes. You spend try out restaurants you’d always walked past, treat your guests to experiences you couldn’t get anywhere else, snap photos of those spots that really are quite stunning, all the while left thinking: ‘Is this really where I live!?’. Come with us and feel like a tourist in your own town...

 

Comeback castles

One of our beloved Kentish castles is undergoing some very exciting changes this summer, so where better to feel like a tourist than here!? Visit Dover Castle as they open their northern defences to visitors, where medieval tunnels and Georgian casemates, Roman lighthouse and underground hospital await. With brand new experiences, a new interactive STEM play area, and plenty more, you can witness the untold story of the most testing times of the castle and the country. Plus, with 20 per cent off entry when you arrive with Good Journey, you can save on the stress and the pennies when you travel.

goodjourney.org.uk/attractions/dover-castle/

Wine time

The wine scene in Kent is quickly growing, and we’re not wasting any time in getting stuck in to sampling those delightful glasses of red, white, and sparkling being poured. For the past 20 years, since their first vines were planted and first grapes harvested, Gusbourne has been crafting award-winning still and sparkling wines, some of which you can try for yourself in their Limited Edition Wines Tasting Flight. Sit back and be guided by your host through each specially chosen bottle as they share the story behind each sip, bringing you closer to the county’s produce.

gusbourne.com/

Wonderful wildlife

Did you know that Kent has four rivers running through it? In our mind, a paddle down one of these is enough to make the perfect sunny day out and now, thanks to Canoe Wild’s Beaver Tour and Talk, it’s just got an upgrade. Make that aqua adventure extra special with the bonus of spotting some wildlife. Spend the afternoon moseying down the River Stour, where you’ll get to hear all about the native beavers of the area in this captivating talk. Oh, and remember to bring your camera!

canoewild.co.uk

Dining in the city

You don’t have to be a culinary expert to appreciate a good menu, so whether you’re the next Ottolenghi or you’re not quite sure you even have a peeler in the kitchen, we’ve got your next meal out lined up. The Abode in Canterbury has a brand-new brasserie for you to enjoy, where exciting flavours and luxury dining merge into one. Carefully curated by a team of experts, the menu here will delight all the senses, their array of small plates perfect for sharing with loved ones.

abodecanterbury.co.uk/

Live entertainment

You won’t see many theatres like this one. Thatched, historic and timber clad, Smallhythe Place’s 17th century barn is the perfect setting for a unique evening out at the theatre, that will amaze even the most seasoned of Kent locals. Many a famous actor has trod the boards here, from John Gielgud to Sybil Thorndike, but this summer the stage will be home to a range of performances, from Pride and Prejudice to Othello, Much Ado About Nothing to The Merchant of Venice.

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/smallhythe-place

Skills to stun

You’ve seen the wine, now let’s have a round of applause for some county spirit! Our pick this month has got to be Maidstone Distillery, where activities for the whole group await. Will you go for a Distillery Tour & Tutored Tasting, getting up close to the state-of-the-art still? Perhaps you’ll book yourself in for a Cocktail Masterclass, perfecting the art of the “shaken not stirred”? Or how about a Gin Making Experience, where you can browse the botanicals and try your hand at serving up the doubles?

themaidstonedistillery.com/

Workshops of wonder

Two of our favourite things about the county are its fantastic history, and magnificent rural views. Tick both off the list in one day at Belmont House & Gardens, where the stunning 18th century house sits atop hills amidst roaming countryside, providing a glimpse into times gone by. Serene and scenic, where better to join in on some workshops, like Creative Drawing, Alfresco Cocktail Making, or even Wild Classroom Family Cooking. The choice is yours!

belmont-house.org/

Eyes on the icons

If you thought you’d seen all there is to see at Canterbury Cathedral, think again. As the stunning Luxmuralis light show returns to the oldest cathedral in the UK, we’ll be the first to raise our hands and say we’ve never seen it in quite so different a light. This time round, your visit will take you on an immersive journey through 1000 years of history as they bring to life the spectacle that is Crown and Coronation. Sights and sound are ready to dazzle, so keep the diary clear between September 24-28 for an evening to remember.

canterbury-cathedral.org/

Counting sheep

Take that tourist feeling to the next level and pack the overnight bag, giving yourself that proper holiday treatment. A bit of TLC goes a long way, and the team at Bloom Stays are experts in just that. With properties all across Kent, your next home-away-from-home is ready and waiting, with lush lounges, plush pillows, and vibrant views fit for the whole group. Whether you’ve got a group of ten looking for a countryside escape, or your searching for that perfect romantic getaway by the seaside, there’s a place for you.

bloomstays.com/