As the year of 2023 has come to an end, it’s time to start looking ahead into the new year to see what 2024 will bring.
Here in Kent, we’ve got lots of exciting things happening, from new restaurant dining and wine tasting to those unmissable events and experiences. It's time to write that bucket list so let’s see what’s in store…
The First Vintages Masterclass and Lunch at Gusbourne
Saturday, 24th February 2024
We’re jumping straight into February because Gusbourne are bringing a brand-new masterclass – The First Vintages Masterclass and Lunch! Offering you exclusive access to Gusbourne’s rarest wines from the cellar, you’ll be guided through a hand-selected collection of wines from the library, followed by a delicious three-course lunch carefully paired with a range of these limited-edition wines.
Got the Love Festival
Saturday 25th May 2024
Millennials and Gen X, we're throwing it back to the 90s and 00s with our next bucket list item, Got the Love Festival. Expect the biggest nostalgic headliners, from Diversity and Vengaboys, to Blue, Basshunter and Peter Andre at this celebration in the heart of the Kent countryside at Quex Park. Dance, sing and enjoy a day full of music, fairground rides, retro shopping, VR gaming and some of the best local food and drink around on 25th May.
Corkk
Big birthdays coming up in 2024? Perhaps there’s a special occasion to be planned? Why not make it one to remember and head to Corkk for a private dining experience overlooking the stunning Canterbury Cathedral. Corkk will put together a unique menu based on your preferences paired with the perfect wines to match.
Another one for your bucket list is Wine Tasting! Has it been something you’ve always wanted to do but never got round to booking? Well, this is your sign! And what better place for your wine tasting experience to take place than in the elegant and relaxing wine bar and bottle shop
Balfour Winery's New Restaurant
Treat yourself to a delicious meal in the brand-new Winemakers’ Kitchen restaurant at Balfour Winery. With a menu that boasts with locally produced dishes, perfectly crafted to be paired with Balfour’s award-winning wine as you overlook the very vines that inspired the dishes. This dining experience just has to go on your list!
White Cliffs Country
There so much to get up to in Dover so you’ve put together three amazing experiences that’ll be sure to capture your interest. Ever been foraging? Why not give it a go with The Wild Kitchen and adventure into the Kent landscape of a forage and fest course.
Perhaps you’ve taken up photography as a new hobby for 2024? If so, Capture Kent are ready to take you along the iconic coastline of White Cliffs of Dover for a three-hour photography walk. Along the way you’ll learn about the impact WWII had on the cliffs whilst clicking away at this world-famous landmark.
Become a train driver for the day? Sounds fun! Book an exclusive 1-2-1 train driving experience for a return trip to Eythorne with East Kent Railway. The experienced instructor will be on hand to tell you and your four passengers (who you get to invite!) interesting information and facts as you begin your journey.
The Isle of Thanet
The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum have an amazing experience that you need to try out in 2024. The Lancaster Experience gives you the chance to sit in an exact replica Avro Lancaster cockpit section, at the pilot, navigator, flight engineer and radio operator stations and ’fire-up’ the four Merlin engines. But that’s not all! This is an immersive experience simulator experience so you will really feel like you’re flying this wonderful aircraft.
We’ve got another exciting idea to go on your list… Ever been to an exhibition at Turner Contemporary in Margate? Well, we’re sure if you’re a fan of the art then you’re likely to have visited, but with a load of exciting exhibitions coming in 2024, it’s a no-brainer that you need to visit again!
Call the Midwife Official Locations Tour - Historic Dockyard Chatham
01 Mar - 31 Oct 2024
Call the Midwife fans, this one’s for you! We’re guessing you might have heard by now that although the show was set in the East End of London, some of the filming actually took place at the wonderful Historic Dockyard Chatham, and if you didn’t know that, then seriously where have you been? So now we’ve set the scene, and you can start to picture it as you would on screen, what if we told you that you can walk in the footsteps of the stars on this Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Oh, you’ve booked the tour for next year already? Great, see you there!
Wine Tours of Kent
So, we’ve mentioned about two amazing experiences at two of Kent’s vineyards, but we just couldn’t miss out the unforgettable experience with Wine Tour of Kent – oh this will be going on your 2024 bucket list alright! You’ll be transported around up to three Kent vineyards for a full day wine tasting (told you it’s amazing!) From still to sparking, one thing you can guarantee is you won’t experience a dry mouth during this experience. Tastings, delicious lunch, and extraordinary views of the Kent landscape – we have a feeling you might have added this to your list already! Plus, you’ll even have the opportunity to meet the winemakers behind the scenes, experience harvest or try your hand at Sabrage!
The Kent Cheese Train - Spa Valley Railway
We’ve got more train fun to be had next year, this time with Spa Valley Railway and in case you hadn’t guessed it already, may contain cheese. Catch a return train from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells West where you’ll indulge in a selection of four different cheeses, crackers and chutney and why not complement it with a glass of wine (oh go on then it be rude not to!) Cider and soft drink options are available too.
Leeds Castle Luxury Lakeside Lodges
Let’s not pretend like experiencing the new Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle didn’t go straight onto our bucket list as soon as we heard about it. Waking up surrounded by the enchanting Great Water with breath-taking views? Yes please! This unique accommodation allows for a little peace and tranquillity, providing comfort and creating the ideal setting for a little break away from the business of everyday life. You’ll also be able to explore the magnificent Leeds Castle, as well as acres of seasonal gardens and parkland and historic architecture to be discovered.
Sea Kayaking with Canoe Wild
We have the ultimate bucket list activity and it's one you're sure to love! Whether you've done it a fair few times or you're a newbie, kayaking is an activity for all. Over at Canoe Wild, they're taking you out for a 3 hour Kayaking Tour at Pegwell Bay. Ride the waves, spot the seals, and enjoy your paddle!
