As the leaves turn golden and the countryside glows with the colours of autumn, there's no better place to enjoy a seasonal escape than Kent. From apple harvest celebrations and vineyard stays to award-winning wines, local cider, and delicious dining experiences, the Garden of England offers countless ways to indulge in the flavours of the season. Whether you're planning a day trip or a cosy countryside break, here's our guide to tasting autumn in Kent.
Apple Weekend at Penshurst Place
17th & 18th October
Celebrate the orchard heritage of Penshurst Place at its first-ever Apple Weekend. Dating back to the 1560s, the Gardens have a rich fruit-growing history and are now home to more than 130 apple trees. Visitors can discover fascinating stories about the orchard, enjoy apple pressing demonstrations, tastings, children's games and seasonal crafts. Included with admission, this family-friendly event is a wonderful way to embrace autumn in one of Kent's most beautiful historic gardens.
Stay at The Winemaker's Pub
Extend your autumn adventures with a relaxing countryside stay at The Winemaker's Pub near Balfour Winery. Combining cosy accommodation with a traditional pub atmosphere, its four stylish guest rooms offer the perfect base for discovering Kent's vineyards, woodlands and market towns. After a day exploring the surrounding countryside, settle in with delicious food, local drinks and a warm welcome. It's an ideal retreat for couples and friends looking to savour the season at a slower pace.
Make your visit to Leeds Castle even more memorable with the Castle View Afternoon Tea. Served in the elegant Castle View Restaurant, this indulgent experience includes beautifully prepared finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Kentish jam and clotted cream, and an array of delicate sweet treats. As you dine, enjoy stunning views across the moat towards the iconic castle. Available throughout the season, it's the perfect way to relax and enjoy one of Kent's most treasured attractions.
Brogdale Cider Festival
Raise a glass to Kent's orchard traditions at the Brogdale Cider Festival. Set within the home of the National Fruit Collection, this lively celebration showcases a fantastic range of local ciders alongside artisan producers, tastings, live entertainment and orchard experiences. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover the craftsmanship behind Kent's cider-making heritage while enjoying one of the county's most unique rural settings. A must-visit for cider lovers and anyone looking to celebrate the harvest season.
Dine on Local Flavours at Hythe Imperial
Discover why Kent is known as the Garden of England with a seasonal dining experience at the Hythe Imperial Hotel. The AA Rosette Coast Restaurant champions locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that showcase the very best produce from Kent's farmers, growers and fishermen. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and carefully selected local ingredients are complemented by award-winning English wines and locally crafted beverages. It's the perfect setting for a relaxed autumn meal overlooking the Kent coast.
Explore the Kentish Wine Way
Autumn is harvest season in Kent's vineyards, making it the ideal time to follow the Kentish Wine Way. Discover award-winning wineries and beautiful countryside landscapes, tour vineyards, meet winemakers and sample world-class English wines. From boutique producers to internationally recognised estates, uncover the quality and diversity of Kent's flourishing wine scene. Whether you're new to English wine or a seasoned enthusiast, there's plenty to discover.
Gusbourne
Renowned for producing some of England's finest sparkling and still wines, Gusbourne offers an unforgettable vineyard experience. Set among rolling countryside near Appledore, visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings and seasonal events while learning about the meticulous processes behind every bottle. Autumn is a particularly special time to visit as the vines burst into rich seasonal colour and the harvest period brings extra excitement to the estate.
Biddenden Vineyards
As Kent's oldest commercial vineyard, Biddenden Vineyards combines decades of expertise with a welcoming visitor experience. Explore the vineyard and orchard trails, sample award-winning wines, ciders and juices, and browse the well-stocked shop featuring local produce. Family-owned since 1969, Biddenden provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Kent's thriving wine industry while enjoying the beauty of the countryside during the harvest season.
Macknade
Food lovers won't want to miss a visit to Macknade, one of Kent's most celebrated food halls. Showcasing exceptional local produce alongside specialist food and drink from around the world, it's the perfect place to stock up on artisanal treats. Enjoy a leisurely meal in the Food Village, discover local wines, ciders and beers, or browse seasonal ingredients to take home. It's a true celebration of Kent's rich food and drink culture.
Canterbury Brewers & Distillers
Canterbury's independent brewers and distillers are helping to shape Kent's vibrant craft drinks scene. From small-batch spirits to expertly brewed beers, the city's producers offer visitors the chance to discover locally crafted flavours inspired by Kent's rich agricultural heritage. Whether you're sampling artisan gins, touring a brewery or enjoying a pint in one of Canterbury's historic pubs, you'll find plenty to toast during an autumn visit.
Wine Garden of England
For wine lovers looking to explore the very best of Kent, the Wine Garden of England showcases some of the county's most celebrated vineyards and wineries. Bringing together leading producers including Gusbourne, Balfour Winery, Chapel Down, Simpsons Wine Estate, Domaine Evremond, Squerryes, Westwell Wines and Biddenden Vineyards, discover the heart of England's award-winning wine country. From guided vineyard tours and tastings to seasonal events and harvest experiences, each estate offers a unique insight into Kent's thriving wine scene. Set against a backdrop of rolling countryside and picturesque landscapes, these exceptional vineyards highlight why Kent has earned its reputation as the home of English wine. Whether you're planning a dedicated wine weekend or adding a vineyard stop to your autumn escape, the Wine Garden of England provides the perfect introduction to the flavours, stories and people behind some of the country's finest wines.
