FALL FLAVOURS

Gin Masterclass, Mereworth Winery, Fri 4 Oct

Embark on a whirlwind gin adventure with local spirits expert Richard Legg at Mereworth Winery this October. Dive into the world of Kent’s finest gins, tasting four handpicked gems from the Garden of England, including Mereworth’s exclusive oak-aged gin. Each sip is elevated with custom mixers and bold, unexpected garnishes – forget the old tonic and lemon routine! Tickets include a mouthwatering sharing platter and are £37pp. Ready to raise your glass? Book via their website – only 2 tickets left!

An English Vineyard Cookbook – Wine Tasting, Sevenoaks Bookshop, Fri 4 Oct

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of wine and culinary delight with Peter Gladwin at Sevenoaks Bookshop. Embark on a delicious journey as you sample exquisite wines from Nutbourne Vineyards, a beloved family-run estate in West Sussex with over thirty years of winemaking heritage. Discover the art of perfect pairings as Peter shares his expert insights on food, wine, and seasonal flavors that will elevate your dining experience. Tickets start at just £15 – Cheers!

The Harvest Experience, Yotes Court Vineyard, Sat 12 Oct

Breakfast, harvest, lunch and wine – need we say anymore? Well you’ll also receive a complimentary bottles of Yotes Court Wine made from the grapes YOU picked. So what are you waiting for? Harvest is the most exciting time at the vineyard and its perfect chance to experience something new and to see what makes this wine so good. You’ll find Yotes Court sitting pretty in the Garden of England on a stunning sloping site looking towards Bidborough Ridge and Tunbridge Wells. £40pp.

Art Dinner with Kevin Jackson, The Dog, Thurs 17 Oct

Ready for an evening of creative inspiration and fine dining? Join renowned East Kent artist Kevin Jackson for an extraordinary evening of art, conversation, and culinary delights at The Dog in Wingham. Known for his mesmerizing seascapes and tidal river paintings, Kevin brings the natural beauty of East Kent to life using gel-based acrylics in dynamic, fluid strokes. Begin your evening with drinks at 6pm and hear from Kevin himself who will share insights into his creative process and the stories behind his latest collection. You’ll not only get a personal glimpse into his world but also enjoy an exquisite dinner at 7:45pm, with Kevin visiting each table for one-on-one discussions. Expect an immersive night where art and dining come together in perfect harmony.

Nyetimber X The Fordwich Arms, Thurs 17 Oct

The Fordwich Arms are collaborating with Nyetimber for an unforgettable evening on this October, showcasing England’s very first prestige cuvée, the exquisite Nyetimber 1086 2013 vintage, alongside their celebrated sparkling wines. Guided by Nyetimber’s Sophie Robertson, you’ll indulge in four meticulously crafted courses by the talented Daniel and Natasha Smith at The Fordwich Arms. Prepare for a night brimming with elegance, sophistication, and the finest flavors England has to offer. £200pp.

Jazz Sunday Lunch, Chilston Park Hotel, Sun 20 Oct – Sun 15 Dec

Treat yourself to an unforgettable 3-course Sunday lunch with live smooth jazz at Chilston Park Hotel. Relax with family and friends as you indulge in a delicious meal while enjoying the soulful sounds of live jazz. Before or after lunch, explore the stunning gardens and picturesque Kent countryside, especially beautiful this time of year. Available on selected Sundays from Sun 20 Oct – Sun 15 Dec between 1pm – 3pm. Adult tickets are £34.50 and child tickets are £17.25.

Rathfinny Wine Dinner at The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells, Thurs 24 Oct

Celebrate a decade of sparkling success at Rathfinny’s 10th harvest anniversary dinner at The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells. This promises to be an unforgettable evening of fine dining and world-class wines. Immerse yourself in the rich history and craft of Rathfinny’s renowned Sussex Sparkling wines, hosted by their passionate Brand Ambassador, Rich. Against the stunning backdrop of harvest season, you’ll enjoy a decadent six-course dinner expertly paired with their finest vintages. Book your tickets asap for this extraordinary evening of food, wine, and celebration. £140pp.

Meet The Brewer, Macknade, Fri 25 Oct

Join Macknade this October for their ever-popular Meet The Brewers event for the ultimate celebration of the UK’s brewing scene. Sample over 40 unique beers, chat with top local brewers like Brogdale Craft Cider, Kentish Pip, and Tonbridge Brewery, and enjoy live music from Gracie & The Booms. Doors open at 6pm and you’ll get a tasting glass, exclusive offers, and a chance to pre-order tasty food. Tickets are FREE but spots are limited so secure yours now!

Gusbourne x Richard Craven of the Royal Oak, Fri 25 Oct

Gusbourne will be welcoming chef Richard Craven of Michelin-starred restaurant The Royal Oak to showcase autumn’s bounty. You can expect dishes that are micro-seasonal with foraged ingredients alongside locally sourced wild game, perhaps deer or rabbit. Enjoy a four-course menu paired with Gusbourne’s fabulous wines for £165pp. Now booking so act fast.

Spooktacular Halloween Afternoon Tea, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, Mon 28 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

This Halloween, indulge in a Spooktacular Afternoon Tea at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a menu of wickedly delicious sweet and savory treats, crafted with a spooky twist to thrill all ages. Sip on our decadent Salted Caramel Rum Hot Chocolate, or choose from a variety of seasonal teas and drinks. A hauntingly good time awaits! £49 per adult, £24.50 per child.

OUT & ABOUT

Autumn Colour, Hever Castle, NOW – Fri 25 Oct

It’s our favourite time of the year when the air turns crisp, a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside and Hever Castle looks its best when the Boston Ivy turns a vivid shade of red. So pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for a good stomp around as now’s the perfect time to do it. Plus there’s exciting events to enjoy such as expert-led talks, Dahlia Tours, bulb planting masterclasses and much more.

The Margate Bookie, NOW – Sun 6 Oct

Big name authors, local superstars, iconic venues in the heart of Margate. Since 2015, this festival has attracted over 4,000 visitors a year. So are you ready to meet high quality authors, writers, teachers and publishers? ‘Course you are! Book your tickets to see; Lisa Jewell, Jeremy Deller, Pauline Black, Robin Ince and Helen Lederer. Plus local stars like David Whitehouse, Daisy Buchanan and Harry Baker and lots more. Catch the line-up here.

Sevenoaks Literary Festival, NOW – Tue 29 Oct

The Sevenoaks Literary Festival is back! In collaboration with Muddy award-winning Sevenoaks Bookshop, expect famous and up-and-coming authors in various locations all around Sevenoaks to share the love of books. Book your tickets to attend talks and events from Liz Earle, Kate Williams, Oliver Franklin-Wallis and even catch author Charlie Bingham with his first cookbook! See the full line-up here.

Fun with Fungi, The Powell-Cotton Museum, Sun 13 Oct

Set in 10 acres of woodlands and gardens, The Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington provides lots of interactive fun, forming a great day out for the family. Don’t miss Fun with Fungi, a specialist workshop on fungi identification, habitat and growing conditions. After a delicious lunch prepared by Rob Cooper, Head Chef of Angela’s restaurant in Margate, a hands-on workshop will give you the skills to grow your own mushrooms as you create your own bucket of mushrooms to take home and watch grow. All materials provided. 11am – 3pm.

Oktoberfest, Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 18 – Sat 19 Oct

Get ready to dust off your lederhosen and raise your steins because Oktoberfest is coming to Tunbridge Wells for the first time EVER. Following two years of immense success in Tonbridge, they’re hitting the road and setting up shop in Dunorlan Park. What to expect? Live music from Oompah Band, The Bavarian Strollers, DJs, Bavarian beer, pint stein glasses, traditional Bavarian food and thousands of people dressed up! Prost!

The Funghi Festival, Emmett’s Garden, Sevenoaks, 11 Oct – 3 Nov

Get ready to dive into the magical world of fungi at Emmetts Garden’s Fungi Festival this October. Explore the wild and wonderful variety of mushrooms through expert talks, creative workshops and family-friendly activities. Kick off with the Fungi Fair, featuring unique mushroom-themed crafts, then enjoy live music, wood-fired pizza, and guided autumn walks. From magical myths to mushroom cultivation and even the science of magic mushrooms, there’s something for everyone to discover. Don’t miss the fun(gi) – sorry we had to!

Haunted History Tours, Tues 29 – Thurs 31 Oct

Fancy some spooky fun? Uncover spine-tingling ghost stories and learn about the more gruesome side of history in a special after-dark haunted history tour of Hever Castle this Halloween. Follow your guide as they take you through the Castle’s most unfortunate owners, the gruesome fates that befell them, and those who might still be here in spirit. Tickets are £35 which includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco at the Moat Café or a soft drink alternative, setting the tone for a truly haunting experience.

Mini Architects Children’s Workshop, Sevenoaks Bookshop, Sun 6 Oct

Grab your spot on this children’s workshop with Mini Architects! The well-loved book that features twenty exciting and creative projects to engage young children – or should we say, future architects. The activities take inspiration from some of the most famous architectural wonders of the world, including the Pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge, and Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse. For children aged 3 years+. So go on, join in and let your future architects have some fun. Taking place from 2pm at The Cornwall Hall.

STAGE & SCREEN

Dracula, EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, Tue 1 – Wed 2 Oct

Step into 1897 this October, as autumn’s shadows grow longer, and immerse yourself in the chilling world of Dracula at the EM Forster Theatre. Set against the backdrop of an era on the brink of technological and scientific revolution, Bram Stoker’s timeless gothic thriller brings a haunting tale of temptation, forbidden desires, and the terror of the unknown. As the crisp autumn air fills the night, let Dracula transport you to a time when breaking taboos could mean the difference between life and death. Prepare for an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience this Halloween season!

Alfie Brown, The Hazlitt Theatre, Sat 5 Oct

Award-winning comedian Alfie Brown is back with a brand new show, Open Hearted Human Enquiry. Kicking off at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, this captivating and subversive stand-up tour will hit over 40 UK and Irish venues, including the Hazlitt Theatre’s Exchange Studio on Sat 5 Oct. Known for his sharp wit and raw honesty, Alfie separates failures from misfortunes and still concludes that “life is beautiful.” Recently hailed by Stewart Lee as “the best British stand-up I’ve seen for years” – don’t miss it!

The Effect, Gulbenkian, Sat 12 – Mon 14 Oct

The Effect is a thrilling “clinical romance” that explores the irresistible pull of love against the backdrop of a high-stakes drug trial. Tristan and Connie, two young volunteers, find themselves derailing the experiment as their growing attraction takes center stage, much to the dismay of the clinicians. Directed by Emma Willatts, this funny and moving play, by acclaimed writer Lucy Prebble, dives deep into the limits of medicine, the complexity of the human brain, and the inevitability of love. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey filled with sharp wit and raw emotion.

Frontier Sapiens Film Festival, EM Forster Theatre, Thurs 17 Oct

Returning to the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge this Autumn, the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival bringing inspiration and adventure to the big screen. Sit back and relax whilst watching a collection of extraordinary short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories and environmental issues from some of the world’s best filmmakers. Expect huge ski descents on the iconic Baffin Island, the rehabilitation of race horses in the mountains of Mallorca, a visionary base jump in Pakistan, and lots more.

Great Expectations, Trinity Theatre, Wed 16 – Sat 19 Oct

Get ready for a journey through Charles Dickens’ iconic tale Great Expectations at Trinity Theatre, presented by TTC. Follow the unforgettable story of Pip, an orphan with big dreams, whose life is upended by a twist of fate and the sinister schemes of the enigmatic Miss Havisham. As Pip is lured into a world of dark ambitions and unexpected possibilities, this coming-of-age classic will captivate you with its drama, mystery, and timeless lessons. Don’t miss this thrilling adaptation of one of Dickens’ most beloved works this October.

Bumper Blyton, Malthouse Theatre, Weds 23 Oct

Step into a wild world of puns, innuendos, and pure nostalgia with Bumper Blyton, the riotous improvised parody that takes your favorite Enid Blyton stories and turns them upside down! Join a multi-award-winning cast of top UK improv comedians as they create a brand-new, side-splitting adventure every night, inspired by audience suggestions. Performed in vintage costumes with spontaneous songs and music, this is a laugh-out-loud, tongue-in-cheek homage to the beloved books of your childhood. Perfect for Blyton fans… Just not for kids!

WELLBEING

VWell Studio Workshop with Vitae Vi, Hythe, Sat 12 Oct

Unlock your full potential with a sports performance workshop at VWell Studio in Hythe in special collaboration with Vitae Vi on Sat 12 Oct, 12:30 – 4:30pm. Ideal for swimmers, cyclists, golfers, and anyone looking to boost their mental and physical game. Limited spots are available and tickets are £129pp so book your spot asap. Light lunch included and 10% discount for VWell members.

Radiant Light Retreat, Stede Court, 26 Oct

Step into a day of pure rejuvenation with the Radiant Light Retreat hosted by Kathryn and Hazel Llewellin of Hazeology Healing at the serene Stede Court. Held on the day the clocks change, this exclusive retreat is designed to rekindle your summer glow, keeping you vibrant and energised as the winter months approach. Immerse yourself in a transformative experience that resets your mind, body, and spirit through a harmonious blend of yoga, mindfulness, and soul-soothing sound bath healing. Don’t miss this chance to restore your inner light! £150pp. Contact Hazel to book: hazeologyhealing@gmail.com.

WEDDINGS

Exclusive Wedding Showcase, Hever Castle, Sun 6 Oct

Step into a world of romance at Hever Castle’s exclusive Wedding Showcase. On Sun 6 Oct, explore this breathtaking venue and discover endless inspiration for your special day. From the majestic grandeur of the Castle to the elegant country house charm of the Astor Wing, and the serene beauty of the Guthrie Pavilion by the lake, Hever Castle offers an unforgettable setting for every style of celebration. Stroll through the stunning event spaces set up as though for a wedding, enjoy live music, indulge in delicious canapés, and chat with Hever Castle’s expert wedding coordinators. Meet handpicked wedding suppliers and get personalised advice to help bring your dream day to life. With five-star luxury accommodation available, Hever Castle is ready to make your wedding a truly extraordinary experience. Admission is free but registration is required.

Words by Mollie Manning

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