When it comes to embracing the autumn season, south east London’s neighbouring county of Kent has a lot to offer, from its historic castles to scenic walks.
With many locations like Knole and Hever Castle being within just 90 minutes of south east London by car, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to visit in Kent this autumn and what you need to know:
Hever Castle
Hever Castle is iconic for its striking Virginia Creeper that grows in abundance around the 600-year-old castle, turning the structure into a shocking shade of red.
The castle is the former home of Anne Boleyn and is surrounded by 125 acres of stunning gardens, which are at their prime in the autumn with Japanese maples, tulip trees and liquidambars.
Hever Castle is iconic for its striking Virginia Creeper that grows in abundance around the 600-year-old castle.(Image: Oliver Dixon)
Alongside its stunning grounds, Hever also has a full line-up of events going on over the autumn season, beginning with its Autumn Craft Fair from September 18 – September 21.
From September 29 until October 21, visitors can follow a self-guided Autumn Colour Trail, to see the grounds in the height of the autumn season.
But if you fancy getting crafty, their Autumn Aromas workshop on October 5 introduces the art of blending citrus, spice and wood essential oils – a hands-on way to carry the season home.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest: Conifers in Colour
If it’s autumn colour you want, one of the jewels of Kent’s crown when it comes to outdoor walks is Bedgebury Pinetum.
Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this beautiful forest stretching over 2,600 acres is famed for its global collection of conifers.
The forest has a multitude of trails to take, whether you want to don your wellies and go on a family walk or take the bikes out to go further afield.
Guided walks are also taking place on selected days in October, allowing visitors to see all of the autumnal highlights the forest has to offer.
Knole: Deer
Owned by the National Trust, Knole based in Sevenoaks is known as Kent’s last medieval deer park and was once frequented by Henry VIII.
The park, stretching over 1,000 acres, is home to herds of resident deer and it makes for the perfect place to go on an autumn walk, followed by a walk around its historic house dating back to the 15th century.
From October 17 – October 18, visitors can follow witness the fallow deer rut, a dramatic and atmospheric dusk walk complete with hot chocolate to warm chilled fingers.
But if you’re looking to do something creative, Knole will be hosting a silk screen printing workshop October 6, encouraging participants to turn the estate’s autumn textures into art.
Canterbury
The medieval city of Canterbury is gearing up to host a huge lineup of events over the autumn months.
Beginning with the Great Stour RiverFest from September 21 – September 28, this 8-day festival celebrates the city’s waterway with guided walks, yoga by the river, boat tours, and punting bat safaris.
In mid-October, the city will be hosting its Canterbury Festival running from October 17 – November 1 known as the county’s leading arts celebration.
The event will host over 120 ranging from music and literature to comedy and theatre against the backdrop of the historic Cathedral.
For altogether more raucous, Oktoberfest Canterbury between October 3 and October 4 will transform Westgate Hall into a Bavarian-style beer hall complete with oompah bands and steins.
Pluckley & Dering Wood
Finally, nothing quite says autumn like a spooky day trip and Pluckley offers just that.
This small Kent village was once dubbed the most haunted in Britain by Guinness World Records with at least 12 ghosts said to haunt various spots around the village.
One of which is Dering Wood, better known as the “Screaming Woods”, an ancient forest of lowland rides and tangled streams.
