The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark has some fabulously festive sustainable tourism experiences on offer during December!
For anything from a day trip with the family, a short break with friends or perhaps a special treat for a loved one, the Kent Downs has something for everyone.
Perhaps you’re the type who loves to feel the cold on their cheeks and getting out to enjoy Mother Nature on our adventure downs, or maybe you like to Chow Down on some scrumptious Kentish produce and tasty traditional Christmas fare? You may just want to get away from it all and Power Down over the festive period by relaxing in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, tucked away in your own rural hideaway.
As well as a wide range of sustainable experiences and activities you will also find some great suggestions on where to eat, and where to stay. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. Simply check out the Kent Downs website at www.kentdowns.org.uk/up/
Kent Country Parks are really getting into the Christmas spirit by offering adventurous themed walks around the picturesque Lullingstone Country Park, followed by a traditional three-course Christmas lunch on selected dates throughout November and December. Bookings can be made online at https://kentdowns.org.uk/events/christmas-dinner-and-guided-walk/
Have a creative start to your Christmas and learn how to make a Christmas wreath at Trosley Country Park! Your creative juices will be fuelled by hot chocolate and mince pies. Check out the details at https://kentdowns.org.uk/events/christmas-wreath-making-workshop/
Create your own Christmas decorations, gifts or plates with This Art of Mine Pottery Painting classes in December – You can paint your own bauble, learn how to paint a geometric crystal tree or decorative plate! Find out more here https://kentdowns.org.uk/experiences/this-art-of-mine/
Can’t get enough? There’s another opportunity to make your Christmas decorations at the Christmas Crafts and Environmental Art Events at Hucking Estate and White Horse Wood. You and the family can make environmental arts including leaf crowns, chalk snowflakes and bird food baubles and many more!
Head down to Darent Valley Winter Fair where there will be delicious food and hot drinks, woodland crafts, art activities, walks and talks, live music, a walkabout theatre, as well as an exciting immersive sound experience and much more! This is a free event but booking is needed.
The secret’s out! Father Christmas and his elves are heading to the Kent Downs AONB – find out where you can meet him here as well as a full list of festive events!
https://kentdowns.org.uk/events/
Walk off the Christmas dinner on the Boxing Day Syndale Walk courtesy of Boots On Adventures. You’ll be taken on a good trek to revive your senses all followed by a light lunch!
Embrace the crisp cold days and warm up with a bike ride along the new Riders’ Route that follows the North Downs Way National Trail (which is mostly traffic-free).
The route has undergone enhancement works in the past year to make it more accessible for all cyclists at any level. It is easy to follow, family friendly and takes you past eight castles, three cathedrals, award-winning vineyards and breweries, sculpture trails and cosy country pubs and cafes to enjoy a pit stop. Break up the route into sections for a day out or a shorter cycling break!
Kathryn Hearnden, EXPERIENCE Project Marketing and Communications Manager, Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said:
“With much colder weather approaching and only limited hours of daylight in the run-up to Christmas, it is tempting just to stay indoors at this time of the year. However, there are some fantastic outdoor experiences everyone can enjoy in the run up to Christmas and New Year. Much of what the Kent Downs has to offer costs absolutely nothing! Spending time outdoors with friends and loved ones – it’s healthy, it gets you motivated, and you can even learn a new skill or something about the countryside.
There are a host of other activities coming up so keep checking the website at kentdowns.org.uk/up/ for inspiration, from our ‘Low Downs’ to our ‘Show Downs’.”