16 Jun 2014
Looking for a day out or short break during the summer holidays or over the August Bank Holiday weekend? Look no further than Kent, Garden of England – just a short distance from London and with a whole host of great events on offer. Indulge in guilt free, low cost days out with many events and exhibitions offering free admission, and take advantage of the fantastic promotions available on travel and entry into Kent's top attractions. Here's a little taster of what's in store…
Broadstairs Folk Week, Broadstairs
August 8-15
Now in its 49th year, the popular Broadstairs Folk Festival sees hundreds of live acts, dancers, and performers take to the streets and venues around the seaside town, celebrating all things folk. From morris dancer parades to folk singing troupes, the town comes to life with more than 70 events each day, including 100 live music gigs in pubs around the town. This year also sees the great Seth Lakeman performing live. For those coming from afar, camping is available to ensure you can make the most of this fantastic festival. www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours, Faversham
Throughout August
Beer, the 'Drink of England' has been brewed in the historic town of Faversham for over 850 years and the famous Shepherd Neame Brewery, situated in the heart of this traditional market town is open to anyone who wishes to experience its history. Join a fascinating guided tour around the beautiful medieval hall and experience life behind the scenes of the country's most established brewery. Last but not least, the tour ends with your very own tasting session! www.shepherdneame.co.uk
Guided tours of Chapel Down Vineyard and Winery, Tenterden
Throughout August
Guided tours of this famous winery run daily through June to September and you will have the opportunity to learn the history of English wine, the methods used in the vineyards and the reasons Chapel Down choose their distinctive grapes. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and herb gardens unaccompanied after the tour and will be invited to taste Chapel Down's award winning still and sparkling wines. www.englishwinesgroup.com
August Adventures at Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington
Tuesday to Fridays throughout August, including Bank Holiday Monday
Uncover your wild side at the August Adventures, weaving your way around the fascinating collections at Quex Park. Hear stories of how the collections came to be, and how to identify animals from the marks they leave behind. How would you cross a raging African river? How would you survive encounters with dangerous animals? Could you collect safe drinking water?
The chatty and crafty bushrangers are on hand to help as you test your new skills in the garden before receiving a special adventure certificate.www.quexpark.co.uk
Explore Medway Open Top Bus Tours
July 6- September 7
There's no better way to discover a place than by open top bus; now visitors can uncover the history, legends and tales of the historic Medway towns of Rochester and Chatham with the Enjoy Medway Open Top Bus Tours. Running daily, hop on or off at any stop on the route to visit the exciting attractions, quirky cafes, retro shops and indie pubs with live music, all found within the laidback high streets of Medway.
White Cliffs Walking Festival at Dover, Deal and Sandwich
August 21-27
Get out and about in the fresh summer air and take a walk along the White Cliffs of Dover and the stunning Kentish countryside. Organised by the White Cliffs Ramblers, this annual festival hosts a variety of walks around Dover, Deal and Sandwich to enjoy, from cliff-top hikes to historical trails, uncovering more about the stunning countryside in the Garden of England. A perfect opportunity to spend the day with the family, exercising and experiencing the great outdoors. www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk
Seige! at Dover Castle, Dover
August 23-25
With full-scale trebuchets and medieval knights, visitors will be at the heart of the full-scale siege on Dover Castle. Fully armoured and ready to do battle, watch knights in hand to hand combat, archery, competitions and much, much more. Test your skills in the circus school or try medieval cookery and crafts, whilst exploring the great site, towering out on top of the cliffs, with views across the English Channel. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Medieval Festival, Leeds Castle, Maidstone
August 23-31
One of the biggest events this August Bank Holiday, join in the many celebrations taking place at Leeds Castle for their magnificent Medieval Fair throughout the week. The jewel in the crown is the impressive Royal Armouries collection displaying some of Henry VIII's armour as well as Knights School to Longbow Archery Tournaments. Each day brings a mix of new activities for visitors, culminating in an exciting and thrilling jousting tournament in the 900 year old castle grounds. www.leeds-castle.com
Faversham Hop Festival
August 30 -31
2014 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Faversham Hop Festival and it is set to be a big one! With 4 stages of live music as well as the local pubs and bars hosting their own entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone. Over the 30th and 31st August let the kids go on the rides whilst you take in the vast range of stalls, exhibitions and of course some amazing food & drink! So come and celebrate over 800 years of hop growing in Kent for free! www.favershamhopfestival.org
Last Night of the Hever Proms at Hever Castle, Sevenoaks
August 31
The melodious sounds of the Brandenburg Sinfonia will amaze audiences at Hever Castle's Last Night of the Proms. Steeped in history and romance, the grounds of this magical castle will become the setting for the popular classics such as Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, Tchaikovsky's Suite from Swan Lake plus more. The perfect setting for a lazy summer evening filled with classical music floating through the air of this castle in Kent.
For further information on Bank Holiday and summer events and accommodation in Kent go to www.visitkent.co.uk
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For enquiries please contact:
Kerstin Andrews (Mon, Tues, Thurs) on 01227 812904 or Kerstin.andrews@visitkent.co.uk
For images of Kent, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitkent
About Visit Kent:
Visit Kent Limited is a public/private sector partnership supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, the district and borough councils, Tourism South East and the leading sector tourism businesses in Kent. Visit Kent champions Kent's £3.2 billion tourism industry by targeting UK and overseas markets, improving quality and skills and growing investment in the tourism product. For further information visit www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk
