Bring out the bunting, pop open the Champers…it’s time for a rather royal knees up in Kent as we celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday 6th May. Aside from plenty of pomp and circumstance on the big day, we’re looking forward to an extra bank holiday weekend, with plenty of chances to raise a toast and celebrate at attractions across the county.
From garden parties and some pretty regal locations hosting the Big Lunch, these celebrations are the perfect way to make some memories with the family.
All the celebrations at Canterbury Cathedral
As The Archbishop of Canterbury will be leading the service on the day, it’s no surprise that Canterbury Cathedral will be going all out with their festivities throughout the weekend. His Majesty the King has even been a royal patron of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral since 2005, so on Friday 5th May the Cathedral will be presenting a joyous celebration of royal music in his honour. The Central Band of the Royal British Legion will lead a concert of classic and contemporary tunes for all ages, so get your tickets early and get ready to wave your flags and raise the roof. We said it was a weekend of jubilance, so on Saturday the fun continues with free entry to the Cathedral Nave to watch the Coronation Service screened live on a giant screen! After this historic moment, Sunday will round off a weekend to remember with the National Big Coronation Lunch, the chance to dust off the picnic blanket and join everyone with free entry into the Precincts for a picnic! And the monumental moments continue with Reflections on the Coronation’: In Conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the chance to join Archbishop Justin as he shares his personal experience at the Coronation of King Charles III, and his thoughts on crowning the new king.
Parties at Leeds Castle
We might have known party castle, Leeds Castle would be putting on a show for the Coronation weekend! Head to the Pavilion Lawn for a right royal knees up with classic garden games, live music, workshops for little princes and princesses and the chance for a picnic. But the real royal treatment comes care of the King Charles III’s Coronation House Party on Sunday 7th May. Stay the night in one of the luxurious bedrooms and you’ll get to enjoy Pimms in the gardens, an afternoon tea buffet in the Maiden’s Tower, garden games, including croquet on the Castle Island, before being called in for a sumptuous three-course dinner in the Salon, accompanied by live music.
Treasure hunts at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
This bank holiday weekend, keep an eye out for treasure at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. While we can’t quite promise the Crown Jewels, we can promise a trail of crowns to be found, each located in a spot with a very special royal connection. While little ones will be on the hunt, adults will have the chance to learn more along the way about the plants and history of Riverhill. Bonus tip, now is the perfect time to come and spy the historic collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in the gardens.
Coronation Party at Chiddingstone Castle
Royal celebrations mean party time, so Chiddingstone Castle will be throwing open the doors to The Orangery on Sunday 7th May for an all singing, all dancing celebration. Soul singer June B will be singing Charles era songs, plus plenty of party favourites to get everyone dancing. Bring along a picnic blanket, bring along your chairs, and enjoy music in the beautiful grounds, before heading to the Tea Room for tea and cake.
A royal stay with Bloom Stays
Go on, it’s a long weekend, it’s the perfect time for a last minute bonus staycation! As of writing (and please forgive us if these get snapped up quickly) Blooms Stays’ gorgeous Old Harrow Barn in pretty Egerton has availability for you and a big group of friends and family for the ultimate celebratory weekend! With a hot tub, cinema room (perfect for watching the big event) and even a games room, this spacious open-plan house has room for 11 people and offers sensational views across the surrounding farm and landscape. Honestly, with views like these you may just have to beat us to it! If not, The Old Post Office, just outside of Canterbury still has availability on Sunday and Monday for you and three other guests in a charming Grade II listed home with all the period features and charm you’d expect from a Kentish country break.
Street parties and more in Medway
Honestly, we can’t possibly sum up everything going on in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham this weekend, but allow us to give you a sneak peek. On the big day, a live stream of the events will be set up at the Medway Live Site, with stilt walkers, a fun fair and more keeping the entertainment going. On Saturday and Sunday, there’ll be open top bus tours, Rochester Cathedral will be hosting a good old fashioned street party, and the castle gardens will be set for the Big Lunch, with a broadcast of the Coronation Concert and the chance to share in the day’s celebrations with a picnic. Phew!
Royal links at Hever Castle
Where better to head this weekend than the former home of two of England’s queens, Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves, both wives of the infamous King Henry VIII. Little ones can get hands on with the chance to craft their very own crown as part of their entry ticket, before heading into the grounds for picnicking perfection in the gardens of the castle – where better to soak up the royal atmosphere? For a true in-depth look into our royal history, we recommend a visit to the brand new exhibition about former queens, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, which features their prayer books, and replicas of the coronation robes and crown of Elizabeth I and Mary I, warn by Cate Blanchett in the 1998 film Elizabeth. With ice creams, the water maze, Yew Maze and plenty of garden spotting to do, it’s one of our top spots to make the most of the long weekend.
The Kent celebration staycation with Keepers Cottages
We don’t know about you, but we love extending a long weekend into a full week off work, so allow us to tempt you with a last minute getaway. As of writing (again, no promises this won’t get snapped up), our friends at Keepers Cottages let us know that The Boatman’s Reading Rooms in Walmer is still available, sleeping 10 guests and even your pet in this pretty cottage with those coveted sea views and three floors of immaculately styled rooms. With private parking for two cars, electric car charging point and open plan living, this one ticks so many boxes, we can tell you it won’t be available for long!
@anitemexplores
A Right Royal Weekend in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells, yes, Royal Tunbridge Wells will be proudly flying the flag as one of just four Royal towns in the UK, with red, white and blue flags across the town. The weekend's celebrations will range from street theatre, music, big screens, arts and crafts and family fun throughout the town on Saturday to mark the big event, to the Coronation concert screened live in The Pantiles. To truly celebrate, we recommend grabbing afternoon tea, or hopping aboard the Spa Valley Railway for a three course Sunday lunch. Monday will swing into action as the Assembly Hall Theatre is transformed into a dance hall for a special Coronation Tea Dance - so get ready to join dances through the decades from 20s glam to 60s soul.
The Tonbridge Big Lunch
A Big Lunch set in the grounds of a medieval castle - what a perfect way to celebrate! Pack up the picnic and prepare to celebrate at historic Tonbridge Castle with Big Bands, Morris dancing and plenty of street food and stalls set through the grounds of the castle and along the river.
Chartwell’s Coronation Picnic
On Saturday 6th May Winston Churchill’s former home will be commemorating the coronation of our brand new king with a big picnic in the grounds, packed with music, Champagne and plenty of opportunities to raise a toast to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. While the grounds themselves are simply spectacular at this time of year, the house itself is the perfect backdrop for a bright evening of music, good company and good food.
A sparking afternoon tea for two at Gusbourne
It just wouldn’t be a royal celebration without an afternoon tea, would it? And here in Kent, we know how to splash out and make an occasion like this truly sparkle. Throughout the weekend Gusbourne will be offering the special opportunity for guests to enjoy tea for two with added sparkle under canvas in the Boot Hill Garden. A gentle stroll will lead you to the top of Boot Hill Vineyard for those IG views, before settling in for a special selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries all freshly prepared by Gusbourne’s chefs, and perfectly paired with a bottle of award-winning Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs. Cheers to that.
The big screen at Chilston Park
The historic Chilston Park is putting on a party for Coronation day and you’re invited! With a two course buffet on offer, a bar and plenty of chances to toast, Chilston Park’s Coach House Suite and The Courtyard Garden will be set to impress, with a big screen on-site so you can witness all the excitement of the big day.
Raise a toast with Chapel Down
If you’re planning your own garden party this weekend, might we suggest a Kentish tipple to toast with? Chapel Down will be popping the cork on their special edition Coronation sparkling wine, with all profits donated to the Royal British Legion. Pick up a bottle (or a few) from Fenwicks or Harvey Nichols, and pair it with plenty of Kentish produce for the perfect luxe celebration with friends.
The Big Lunch at Knole
Former royal residence, Knole will be getting involved with the Big Lunch in the beautiful surroundings of Green Court this weekend. Bring along a picnic, bring along the kids and enjoy a (hopefully sunny) afternoon of giant games, courtly dress up and free crafts for the family to enjoy.
Coronation crafts at Penshurst Place and Gardens
Any visit to the beautiful Penshurst Place feels like quite the regal affair, but with little ones being treated to special royal crafts over the weekend, it's set to be a visit to remember. Little ones will be tasked with the chance to make their very own crown in honour of the Coronation, to be worn and taking home to their very own royal residence.
Party at the Piazza at Elwick Place
On Sunday from 12-3 Elwick Place will be welcoming friends and families for an afternoon of musical performances, free children's crafts and even the chance to win a few prizes. Grab a treat from Matches or Leo and Sage and even some foodie tasters from Picturehouse.
