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Ellie Graham
17th August 2023

As the summer winds to a close, we’re holding on to those last moments of sunshine wherever we can find them and, lucky for us, there’s more than a few spots in Kent where we can. So, gather your friends, get the cameras at the ready, and prepare yourselves for some evenings ahead of sun, snaps, and smiles. And those beautiful skyscapes wouldn’t be complete without some delicious food and drink (dinner and a show!), some entertainment, and a place to rest your head at the end of the day. Read on and see where your next picturesque plans will take you…

Summer smiles

Ashford

27th & 28th August

Add some entertainment to your evening this Summer Bank Holiday at the Ashford Designer Outlet, as they bring you their Summer Sessions. With an amazing line-up of live music, ranging from deep house DJs to soothing acoustics, you can get a taste of some of the best musical talent that Kent has to offer. Come along to the Outlet for this two-day, free festival as it runs towards sundown every day, sipping on a cocktail and grabbing a bite to eat from one of the tastebud-tantalising places to eat on site.

Margate - @_aguytakingpictures

Sunsets and Sand

Margate

There’s nowhere quite like the seaside to give you those stunning, panoramic sunset views that leave you speechless, and Margate is the place for just that. Move from one work of art to the next at the Turner Contemporary, checking out some of the amazing exhibitions there, before heading to the Main Sands to catch those end of the day rays. With fish and chips in hand (and camera in the other!), you’ll be feeling as relaxed as can be – so much so, you just might want to rest your head in one of the gloriously comfortable and luxurious rooms of the No. 42 Guesthouse, right on the seafront so you never have to lose those views…

Minnis Bay @uksunworshiper

Meals in Minnis 

Minnis Bay

Fancy pairing your sunset views with some delicious food? Well, the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is the perfect place to do just that. Sat right on the seafront, those fiery reds and oranges can be the backdrop to your evening meal, whether that be sauteed wild mushrooms on sourdough, a pea and shallot ravioli, or a chocolate and orange crème brûlée. Whatever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable evening.

Wonderful woodland

Bedgebury Pinetum

Escape the hustle and retreat to miles of charming forestry at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Spend the day peacefully wandering through natural beauty at this award-winning attraction; whether walking, cycling or riding is on your agenda, Bedgebury has something on offer for every eager explorer. Once you’ve strolled the hills and admired the forest, sit back, relax and be hypnotised by the sunset reflecting over the lake.

Canterbury @nathan_brooke

Hilltop hues

Canterbury

Sat on top of the hill, overlooking the beautiful Canterbury City Centre is the University of Kent, where you can enjoy magnificent views of rolling hills, the sprawling city and, stood high and mighty above the rest, Canterbury Cathedral. Spend an evening at the campus, sat enjoying the last of the day’s rays as they slip behind the city. With restaurants and bars on campus open to the public, you can top off your evening with a delicious meal too.

On top of the hills

Battle of Britain memorial
In tribute to those involved in the Battle of Britain 1940, the National Memorial to the Few sits high on Kent’s White Cliff’s at Capel-le-Ferne, looking out towards the channel. The unique site and pilgrimage are dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds of those who fought in the battle, offering the perfect place to pay respect and quietly reflect. Watch as the sky above the sea bursts with orange lights up the beautiful central statue of a lone pilot.

Perfect putting

Sandwich

For all you golf fans out there, it’s time to hit the green, and enjoy a relaxing evening under a beautiful sunset. At Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich, you’re in for an unforgettable experience – 27 holes of outstanding championship links golf in an idyllic coastal setting. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can experience seasonal, carefully crafted fine dining at The Brasserie on The Bay, before resting your head at your very own comfortable, modern, and welcoming bedroom at The Lodge.

© Kent Downs AONB

Winding down walks

Folkestone

Take an afternoon circular walk along the cliffs between Folkestone and Dover, and experience a sunset like never before, seeing the landscape and its features in a whole new light. Found along the North Downs Way National Trail, get a taste of Kent’s heritage coast as you spot the sound mirror at Abbott’s Cliff. Built in the 20s as a radio telescope to warn of incoming aircraft attacks, you might today think it was a piece of modern art – and, surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea, the rolling green of the cliffs, and a stunning sunset, we wouldn’t blame you!

Discover even more amazing places to catch the sunset throughout the Kent Downs.

Reculver Towers - @uksunworshiper

History with hues

Reculver Towers

For those times when your Instagram feed needs a little excitement, the Herne Bay skyline can give you that perfect sunset pic, with a little added intrigue. A wander along the seafront will lead you to the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, a 12th century building that’s sure to impress anyone, whether you’re a budding historian or you can’t tell your Roman forts from your medieval forts. Enjoy the last of the day’s sunshine as you look out upon the skyline, taking in the breathtaking sunset views, ornamented with those brilliant towers.  

Herne Bay @5_memory_lane_photography

Slices in the sun

Herne Bay

Just down the coastline from Reculver Towers, you’ll find Herne Bay – excuse us, we should say Naples! Nestled just a five-minute walk from the seafront, you’ll find family run pizzeria, A Casa Mia. Authentic Italian food and warm welcomes can all be found right here at the UK’s first ever AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) restaurant, meaning the dough is worked by hand, cooked directly in a traditional pizza oven, and only the best soft-grain flour is used. Once you’ve had a delicious slice or two, wander down to Herne Bay Pier, where rides and entertainment will line the sunset skyline as you wind down the day with loved ones.

The Old Neptune @captureyield

Blue and blissful

Whitstable

After a long day spent at the seaside, you just can’t beat sitting back with a cold drink in hand, looking out over the big blue as the sun says goodbye for the day. In Whitstable, our calls have been answered by The Old Neptune (or Neppy, as it’s known by locals) which, stood right on the beachfront, give us the ideal spot to settle down for the evening and enjoy time spent with friends, all underneath those beautiful hues or red, orange, and blue.