Hawkinge Gazette

Tourism [1]: Discover Kent’s coast this summer [2]

Posted by editor on Jul 01, 2011 - 09:45 AM

News [3]

Where better to explore this summer than the Garden of England, where history and culture come together for an unforgettable day out, weekend away or short break.

Discover Kent's coast this summer
 
Discover Kent's coast this summer

While you're here, make sure you visit the new wartime tunnels at Dover Castle or the Folkestone Triennial, and take advantage of the many summer offers at Kent's quality accommodation.

 

Re-live Operation Dynamo at Dover's Wartime Tunnels




A major new visitor experience at 'Dover Castle re-creates the drama and tension of the Dunkirk evacuation of May 1940 in the same historic tunnels in which the desperate rescue operation ' codenamed Operation Dynamo ' was masterminded. Combining original news-reels and recordings from veterans of both the beaches and the tunnels and state-of-the-art special effects, 'Operation Dynamo' delivers a vivid account of what Sir Winston Churchill called a 'miracle of deliverance'.

 

Explore Kent's beautiful coast


Simple pleasures are often the best - building sandcastles and flying a kite on the beach, hunting in mysterious rock pools in a secluded cove or whizzing across a bay on a kitesurf.

Kent's extensive and varied coastline, encompassing the stunning landscapes of the 'White Cliffs of Dover to the mysterious and haunting landscapes of 'Dungeness, offers everything for the traditional family seaside trip, adrenaline-seeking watersports fan or just simply somewhere to chill out.

The beautiful beaches and traditional seaside towns of 'Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate boast the only Blue Flag resorts in the county, perfect for lazy summer days and relaxing on sandy beaches. There is also a wealth of watersports activities available ' check out 'Joss Bay Surf School for lessons and equipment hire.

For a 'quirky-chic' seaside town, head to 'Whitstable for its independent art galleries, craft shops and fine seafood restaurants. The extensive beaches of the'Romney Marsh are also worth exploring, not least for its traditional feel of seaside resorts. At 'Hythe, hope aboard the world's smallest passenger railway, the'Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, or revel in the Edwardian elegance of' Folkestone.

Win tickets to the Leeds Castle Open Air Classical Concert


The Leeds Castle Open Air Classical Concert on Saturday 16th July, led by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra's signature blend of superb music and stunning spectacle, features a prestigious line up with award winning actor Robert Powell as the narrator and one of the UK's leading tenors, and number one in the classical charts, Wynne Evans.

Stirring performances, under the baton of much respected conductor John Rigby, will be given by many well known classical names, including Patricia Orr and Rebecca Bottone. The Royal Marines Band's visual splendour and versatile performance includes popular classics, music of the Big Band era and exciting contemporary works. Also, the Capital Voices will be performing a number of West End songs from the hits of the Abba musical Mamma Mia.

For your chance to win two tickets to this spectacular evening of classical music, simply enter our great competition - but hurry, as the closing date is Tuesday 5th July!

Eat out in the Garden of England


Good living starts here - Kent is famous for its home-grown produce and locally brewed beers, wines and ciders, so there is no better place for authentic tastes than in the Garden of England. Enjoy Whitstable Oysters, Dover Sole or chargrilled Romney Lamb cutlets in one of the county's gastropubs or Michelin starred restaurants.

Celebrity chef Mark Sargeant has recently opened two stunning new restaurants overlooking Folkestone harbour. 'Rocksalt is a fine dining restaurant and bar celebrating the finest local produce, serving contemporary dishes in a relaxed, informal setting. Next door is The Smokehouse, a fish and chip shop with a difference. Take away the finest catches of the day or enjoy your food in the glass-fronted lofty dining space that literally overhangs the harbour!

Described by the Sunday Telegraph as "a proper British seaside experience",'Eddie Gilbert's, a short hop from Ramsgate seafront, is a quality fishmonger and gourmet fish and chip shop. Whether you choose to dine in the restaurant overlooking the town or take away to enjoy on the beach, the fish and chips will be cooked in beef dripping, a speciality of the restaurant. For more seafood delights, try 'The Sportsman at Seasalter, Kent's only Michelin-starred gastropub. Alternatively, the family run 'Age and Sons, holder of a Bib Gourmand from Michelin representing good food at reasonable prices, specialises in delicious seasonal food using locally sourced produce.

After all that food, you will definitely need to wash it down with a drop of Kentish real ale from Britain's oldest brewer, 'Shepherd Neame. With more than 100 coastal pubs around the county, you're never far from a pint of Spitfire, Masterbrew or the rather aptly named Kent's Best.

For more restaurants, pubs and cafés in Kent, go to 'www.visitkent.co.uk/food-drink [4]

Get your creative juices flowing at the Folkestone Triennial


Folkestone has been transformed for the summer by one of the most ambitious public art projects in the country. The three-yearly Folkestone Triennial features the work of 19 international artists, utilising public spaces to create striking pieces of art that reflect issues affecting both the town and the wider world. All the pieces on display have been specially commissioned for the Triennial, which takes place until 25 September. Visitors can follow a map trail around the town or take an audio guide detailing more about each exhibit. For more information, go to' www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk [5]

 

New summer edition of the Visit Kent Magazine


Make Kent your garden this summer with the new edition of the Visit Kent magazine, available to download now. As the 'Cultural County' for 2011, find out more about Kent's Summer of Culture and the many festivals and events happening around the Garden of England. Also, find out more about Kent's golf courses ahead of The Open at Royal St. George's this July and learn more about Kent's rich heritage, award-winning beaches and glorious gardens.

 

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  1. http://www.localrags.co.uk/index.php/News/view/Main/Tourism/
  2. http://www.localrags.co.uk/index.php/News/2011/7/1/discover-kents-coast-this-summer/
  3. http://www.localrags.co.uk/
  4. http://www.visitkent.co.uk/food-drink
  5. http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk
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