We’ve broken down our favourite places into Seasonal attractions, but many are available, year round, so a read through them all, will give you a flavour as to things going on ….

SPRING

Glorious Spring, and Kent is one of the best places to spend it ! The bluebells are out and there are some beautiful circular walks on which to take in the sea of blue throughout the local area.

April sees Kents Big Weekend. Enter into the free draw in February, and experience some special secret places, not usually open to the public. Chilham Tours are usually on the agenda.

March sees our friends at The Retreat Animal Rescue open for the year. A truly special place, with the best vegan cafe, serving delicious mouth watering meals. Great for children and adults too.

The Faversham Festival of Transport isn’t far and a great event for all of the family. We love Faversham, with all of its markets and the historic creek, and think you will to.

April sees Medieval History Weekend take place with a full programme of lectures and events throughout the city. If you love your history, you can’t miss this !

Why not visit nearby Chartham Vineyard where you will find tours, a shop and gallery. Take a bottle of local wine home, as a reminder of your visit.

If the weather is kind, head to Leeds Castle, said to be one of the most beautiful castles in the world. The Motors by the Moat weekend draws visitors from all over.

Likewise, if the sun is out, why not head into the City and take a historic river trip down the Stour from the city centre. An educational and entertaining tour, seeing secret places, only visible from the water.

We are so lucky to have Godmersham Park on our doorstep. The once home of Jane Austen’s brother, where she spent much time writing. Rumour has it, she was a guest at Chilham Casle too ! The heritage centre is a must for Austen lovers, but check out unusual opening days. The garden is open under the NGS in March and well worth a visit. We were so fortunate to be used for the filming of BBC’s Emma a few years ago.

SUMMER

Gardens, Gardens, Gardens ! There are a wealth of National Trust properties and gardens nearby. Sissinghurst, the home of Vita Sackville West is our favourite. A 35 minute drive across beautiful countryside is well worth it. Goodnestone Park Gardens and Belmont House are also worth a visit.

Whitstable with its narrow streets, boutique shops and cafes is a favourite of ours too. Go for a paddle in the sea, fish and chips on the beach and if you coincide your visit with the Regatta or the Oyster Festival, lucky you !

The Broadstairs Dickens Festival in June, is also recommended and whilst over that side of the county, why not head for Turner Contemporary and the vintage funfair, Dreamland too.

You don’t have to be serious hiker to enjoy the walk up past the mill to Julieberrie Downs. (a 20 minute walk from the cottage) The setting for a scene from the cult Powell and Pressburger Film , A Canterbury Tale. Why not watch it when you get home and see if you can spot Orions Cottage !

AUTUMN

One of the biggest events of the year, The Canterbury Festival take place in October. Kent’s International arts festival offers a wealth of things to see and do, and Chilham is a fantastic place to base yourself.

Likewise Canterbury’s Food and Drink Festival is a bit attraction and the Gin Festival held in September.

WINTER

Why not come and hunker down in our little cottage in front of the open fire, after a wild blustery walk through the woods. This time of year is perfect for spotting snowdrops. Both Doddington Place Gardens near Sittingbourne and Goodnestone Park Gardens, near Canterbury hold special snowdrop walks in their beautiful gardens.

We recommend The Beany in Canterbury. Our local museum with really interesting visiting exhibitions, and of course a trip to Canterbury is not complete without a visit to the Cathedral. We suggest planning your visit for the afternoon, when the cathedral is open and then returning at 5.30pm for Choral Evensong, held everyday, and is free. An intimate, short service held in the choir is a glorious way to experience this beautiful historic place of worship. Just turn up and enter the cathedral by the side door.

For those culture lovers amongst you, the annual Faversham Literary Festival in February, is a must.

If its miserable outside, why not hop over to Faversham and book in for a Shepherd Neame Brewery Tour. Kent is rich in hop picking history and the tour is highly recommended, plus a beer tasting to finish with. What more you could want !

Lastly, if you fancy a drive a little further afield, why not head to Chatham up the motorway, for a Call The Midwife Officical Location Tour, available from March to October 2020. Located within the historic Chatham Dockyard, lots to see for everyone.

Things we love to do.....

Orions Cottage