Kent Without the Crowds: Why Autumn is the Perfect Time for a Getaway in the Garden of England.

Vineyard Tours

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, is home to several wonderful wineries with wines that even surpass some French ones.

“For example, there’s Chapel Down, one of the largest in Kent, which even charmed the royal family (Kate and William chose their rosé for their wedding).”

There’s also Balfour Winery, located on a 400-acre Tudor estate, Gusbourne Estate, which boasts the most awarded English sparkling wine. I took a tour of the vineyards with Wines Tours of Kent, where you visit two to three wineries along the way, including smaller family-run businesses. If the weather is nice, you can often sit outside for wine tasting, with benches among the vines making you feel like you’re in France.

Family Attractions

The town of Folkestone is hosting its Folkestone Triennial until October 19th. This outdoor exhibition only takes place once every three years and has over 80 artworks to discover around the town, including pieces by Banksy and Tracey Emin. Not only can you spend time searching for all the artworks along a pre-designed route from the beach to the town, but you won't have to fight with tourists for a spot in a restaurant. I recommend the newly opened Pomus, a restaurant with small dishes featuring a changing menu of local produce, or Sandy's for delicious fish and chips. Don’t forget to visit Lower Leas Coastal Park - the largest free adventure park in Kent. You might even see France on a clear day.

Quiet Beaches

Of course, Kent is also known for its popular beaches. And as a local, you often see me avoiding them in the summer months to escape the crowds. Some of them are better to visit in the autumn. Nearby my home is the town of Sandgate, a beach I often prefer over Folkestone. Without railway stations, it is often visited only by locals or tourists strolling along the coast. Sheppey Beach is always quiet, although there are plenty of cafes, ice cream kiosks, and seafront pubs to grab a bite before sitting on one of the many benches. Another lesser-known beach for an autumn stroll is Kingsgate Bay, located between Broadstairs and Margate. It never has a large number of tourists due to its remoteness - there are no nearby railway stations and a long steep walk down. This article describes the advantages of an autumn getaway on the Kent coast: wineries, family attractions, and quiet beaches. The new season can make the trip more peaceful and enjoyable than in the summer months when the coast is filled with tourists.