Autumn breaks in Kent

A Spectacular Lights Show

30th October - 4th September 2025

Luxmuralis is back at Rochester Cathedral for another incredible lights show, Time. Journey through history, science and imagination with the immersive artworks that will be sure to captivate you, just take a look at the image you can see what we mean! 

Railway 200 - Autumn Gala

18th & 19 October 2025

Choo Choo! Calling all train fanatics, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway are going full steam ahead and bringing you a spectacular event to celebrate their Autumn Gala. Highlights of the event will be released soon, so be sure ot check back on their website for the timetable.

Events at Turner Contemporary

This autumn, Turner Contemporary is buzzing with creativity and fresh ideas. Dive into Chalk Stream, a powerful installation exploring our connection to nature and water. Step into the imagination of the next generation through Young Creatives, showcasing inspiring work from local emerging artists. And don’t miss The Sunken Boat, a captivating exhibition that invites you to reflect on memory, loss and discovery. With such a mix of thought-provoking art and storytelling, it’s the perfect season to visit Margate’s iconic gallery

Riverfest 2025

21-28 September 2025

The Riverfest returns to Canterbury for its third year, where people come together to soak in the history and views of the second longest waterway in Kent, The River Stour. Expect a week of wonderful events including the Canterbury Duck Race which sees thousands of ducks float their way down the river (21st September 2025). 

Canterbury Festival

17 October - 1 November 2025

Carrying on with the Canterbury celebrations, over the last few weeks of October, Canterbury is ready to fling into full swing with the highly anticipated Canterbury Festival. Perfectly timed, the jam-packed diary will fill those half term days, with everything from classical music performances to comedy acts, captivating theatre to fascinating science. All in the heart of the historic city, and where better?

Salute to the 40s

Travel back in time as you take a Salute to the 40s at the Historic Dockyard Chatham’s highly anticipated annual event. On the 20th-21st September, dive into all things 40s – music, classic cars, military vehicles, re-enactments, and jaw-dropping displays. 

Eating autumnal in Thanet

Feasting on locally grown and produced food is vitally important and as we’ve mentioned, the autumn is pretty special, and that applies to the season's fayre too. At the beginning of autumn is the Broadstairs Food Festival which runs 3rd-5th October and showcases many local producers and their products – from cheese to internationally inspired cuisine. 

Dreamland

Vintage rides, great Instagram snaps, roller skating, and more live music events than we could ever hope to list. Yes, a visit to Dreamland has got to be on the cards this autumn. Whether you fancy taking a spin on the Big Wheel, screaming your way along the Rock 'n' Roller, or bagging yourself tickets to see one of their unmissable performances, Dreamland is the place to go. 

Coastal castles

Kent’s coast has seen its fair share of defences and without them the history of the county could be vastly different. If you’ve yet to take a trip to this White Cliffs area of Kent, then ticking off three of our most beautiful castles is a weekday or weekend trip for the books, especially with the autumnal views in each of their settings. Proudly atop the cliffs over the English Channel is Dover Castle with its rich history from Roman conquests to WWII. And with Good Journey, you can save 20% off when visiting car-free, so discover how you can make your next day out in Kent unforgettable. 

Sitting a little further around the coast is Deal Castle, with its Tudor rose shape that was built for Henry VIII. But it doesn’t just have been to history, as while Walmer Castle has its own varied history and brushes with plenty of royalty, it is known locally for having one of the most beautiful gardens and the autumn is not exception!  

An outdoor gallery

Oh, you didn’t think we’d stop there with our autumnal castle boasting, did you? Head to Leeds Castle this autumn and you’ll have the chance to wander the famous gardens transformed into a golden paradise. For the ultimate experience, spot the Sublime Sculptures throughout those colourful gardens, before turning in for the night in the Maiden's Tower bed and breakfast within the castle walls. 

Stories to tell

Penshurst Place boasts Grade I listed formal gardens circling a 14^th century manor. The gardens alone are worth visiting for, but the estate walks through the expansive parkland are another favourite (just look at our Instagram, it appears quite often!). Round off your wanders with a hot chocolate and cake in the Porcupine Pantry and you’ve got the perfect Penshurst Place visit. 

Autumn colour

Remember when we mentioned that scarlet Boston Ivy creeping across the front of a castle? Yes, Hever Castle has long been one of the faces of autumn in Kent and, after a visit to the grounds in October, you’ll soon see why. Don those wellies, crunch those leaves, and discover trees adorned in gold, glorious displays of red, and a castle that can only be described as at its romantic best, right at the heart of the grounds. And speaking of romantic, take one peek at the luxury rooms in The Anny Boleyn Wing and we know you’ll swoon. Here you’ll be guaranteed countryside views, a delicious breakfast and rooms fit for royalty.

Make your visit extra special this year with a day out at Hever Castle's very own Autumn Craft Fair 2025. Explore the crafts of around 150 UK professional makers, taking in the beauty of the handmade pieces, backdropped by the stunning Kent countryside.

Wonderful wanders

Sevenoaks offers some real hidden gems, so if you haven’t had the chance to visit Great Comp Garden, you’ll be in for a treat come autumn. Seven acres of rare plants can be found here, with ornamental grasses, a myriad of colour and beautiful borders found in the garden, and the welcome of tea and cake in the Old Dairy tearooms.

Treetop time!

Turn up the adrenaline as you head to the treetops with a day out at Go Ape. You can’t get much closer to the autumn leaves than this, swinging and stepping your way through one of their wonderful courses. And with two locations across the county, you can decide whether you want to embark on a historically backdropped adventure at Leeds Castle, or dive right into nature at their site on Bedgebury Pinetum.

Colours galore

And while you’re at the pinetum, take part in one of their wellbeing walks, taking a couple of hours of your day to put yourself first. Join a group and head off as your guide leads you through the stunning collection of conifers, showing off the best of the season’s colours. Accessible for all ages and abilities, get this in your diary – you won’t regret it!  

Bobbing along

With the temperatures still holding out in the mild to even warm climes, breathe in the autumnal scenes along the River Stour with a trip on a canoe, kayak or paddleboard with Canoe Wild. This is a great day our for all ages and abilities, with the inclusion of a lift service (for trips only), equipment and a safety briefing including paddle techniques. For something a little extra special, why not opt for one of the tours and spot some Beavers, take a Sunset or Evening paddle, or for the early risers, a Rise & Shine paddle might be right up your street.

Port Lympne

Award-winning accommodation in the heart of Port Lympne - honestly, with views of giraffes, tigers and lions wandering the hundreds of acres of parkland - who really needs to set foot on a plane this autumn? From panoramic bubble pods, to luxurious lodges, and their NEW Nightlight Package, these breaks are simply unforgettable. Hungry? Be sure to check out Garden Room Restaurant with its exceptional seasonal menu. Psst... for last minute availability and special packages, be sure to take a look at those midweek stays. 

The Wine Garden of England

Vineyards in autumn? Now that’s a sight worth seeing. Tour some of our favourite vineyards and you’ll see a spectacle of autumn colour, harvesting and vines laden with grapes. Simpson's Wine Estate in Canterbury is certainly a delight of the county. Offering tours, tastings, events and of course their English wine, which will make the temptations to visit irresistible this Autumn. 

Looking for more of Kent's much-loved vineyards? We know, we have quite a few so, allow us to introduce you to some of our favourites...

Locally brewed

Get a taste of the season in Canterbury where, tucked away amidst cobbled streets, you’ll find award-winning whisky at The Foundry. With a distillery on-site, you can delight in their drinks, knowing they were made just a stone’s throw away. Head along for the afternoon to sip and sample, enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of the brewpub, and why not add a bite to eat as the perfect accompaniment to your drink?

From garden to fork

Belmont House just outside of Faversham has a kitchen garden that epitomises our title as the Garden of England. With fruit trees laden in autumn colour, beds of vegetables and even a nuttery, its spoils are both beautiful and delicious. With 3000 acres to explore, the farmland and woodland grounds of the estate are more than enough to keep you busy, but the elegant 18^th century house is a must-see while you’re here. Just a short drive away, the original site of Macknade is the culmination of all that lovely Kent produce, offering up fresh fruit, cheeses, veg, cakes and more, in the South East’s leading food hall. Tuck in to everything from tacos to pizzas at the Macknade Food Village, or head into Faversham and dine and stay at Shepherd Neame’s The Sun Inn and enjoy a fireside drink of their freshly brewed ales.

Keepers Cottages

Wherever you find yourself in the county, there’s a Keepers Cottage property to tick all your overnight stay boxes. So, what will you choose? Tennis courts and wood burner for your party of 12 at the beautiful Stone Hall Farmhouse? Your own pizza oven, and just seconds from the beach at intimate The Drift? Or maybe your own private garden nestled away in the seaside town of Broadstairs at Liberty Cottage? Your Kentish staycation just got an upgrade.

Bridgewood Manor

If you're heading to Medway, Bridgewood Manor is a great reason to extend your stay. With a relaxing spa, indoor pool, fireside afternoon tea, and seasonal a la carte dining, it's the perfect spot to get that cosy autumnal feeling. 

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

The Romney Marsh is famous locally for being the home to hundreds of sheep, with the fluffy animals being spotted across the south east of Kent. If you’re looking for a stay to truly connect with the local area, then consider the Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts whose accommodation provide peaceful surroundings in rural space close to the coast. Take time to venture into the local area,  before warming up around the fire pit under the night sky.

Elmley Nature Reserve

Where else could you think of to appreciate the autumn and its bounty of colours than being outdoors? Nowhere! So, visiting Elmley Nature Reserve, the only national nature reserve in the country where you can stay overnight, is the place to head for an autumnal break. It is somewhere to really connect with nature and slow down, and staying overnight is equally as easy with a selection array of accommodation from Farmhouse bedrooms to shepherd's huts and cabins. If you’re only able to make a day of it, make sure you visit to recharge and boost your serotonin with some golden hues and wildlife, watch out for migrating birds such as Whimbrel and Green Sandpiper pass through en route to Africa and listen out for barn owls who breed late in Elmley’s boxes.

Boys Hall

Another spot that will tick the box for great food and drink and splendid overnight accommodation is Boys Hall. A stunning refurbished 17th century house, this is one of the cosiest spots in the area where you can settle down and enjoy the stunning natural landscape of Kent, all while being just down the road from the vibrant Ashford. Tuck in to a delicious, seasonal, and locally sourced meal, before heading back to your very own luxurious room for a great night's sleep. 

Bloom Stays

Weekenders, gather your friends for a stay at the luxurious Bloom Stays’ Hockley House in beautiful Alkham. Sleeping 12 in the wing of a manor house, this is the ultimate country living experience. For smaller groups, former Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, West Cottage in Dungeness, sits at the foot of the Roundhouse and provides those vast views Dungeness is so famed for. 

Hythe Imperial Hotel

While the autumnal warm weather might not stay around forever, we certainly don't think that being by the seaside is for summer only! Being situated right on the coastline in the south of Kent, the grand Hythe Imperial Hotel is steps from the beach and moments from the sleepy town of Hythe, meaning you've got the choice to switch off totally and escape it all. Plus, throw in a spa and wellness area, including a pool no less, and you've got a swimmingly good winter break.  - and free use of the aforementioned leisure facilities! 

Travel with Southeastern

Visiting the Garden of England couldn’t be easier by train – just sit back, relax and enjoy the Kent countryside as you travel. Just a short hop on the train and you can explore the beautiful Kent countryside, historic buildings and stunning coastal views – not forgetting plenty of pit-stops for an ice cream! Plus, with Southeastern's list of favourite spots for a relaxing stroll that are all just a hop away on the train, we recommend lacing up your walking boots and discovering Kent's autumnal countryside, from coast to rural locations for a real local escape.