More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Steeped in history and heritage, our county has a wealth of attractions waiting to be discovered. In the latest in our series of Top 10s, we pick the best cultural days out.
Antony Gormley’s Transport at Canterbury Cathedral
Visit inspirational Canterbury Cathedral, one of the great holy places of Christendom, and see something totally new. Best known for his Angel of the North, Antony Gormley has created a stunning sculpture, Transport, out of medieval nails removed for the restoration of one of the cathedral’s transepts. The sculpture is suspended from the ceiling in the cathedral crypt.
Folkestone Creative Quarter
Over the past few years important changes have been taking place in the old town area of Folkestone. A ground-breaking regeneration project, led by the Creative Foundation, has seen the development of a new creative quarter populated by artists, independent retailers and creative businesses.
www.creativequarterfolkestone.com
Knole, Sevenoaks
Knole has been welcoming visitors for the past 500 years, and 13 show rooms remain much as they were in the 18th century. Knole was the birthplace and childhood home of Vita Sackville-West and also the setting for Virginia Woolf’s novel Orlando. The house includes world-renowned Stuart furniture, important paintings and the prototype of the famous Knole settee. Knole is set at the heart of the only remaining medieval deer park in Kent where sika and fallow deer roam free.
Lullingstone Roman Villa, Darent Valley
The villa was begun in about AD 100 and developed to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners, reaching its peak of luxury in the mid-fourth century. Visitors can view the spectacular mosaics and rare wall paintings, a heated bath-suite and a “house-church”. A specially commissioned light show brings the villa to life, and galleries display Lullingstone’s fascinating collection of Roman artefacts. Children love trying on the Roman costumes and playing board games from the period.
Maidstone and Bentliff Art Gallery
Maidstone Museum was established in 1858 and now houses more than 660,000 artefacts and specimens. They are outstanding in their diversity and quality and some are of national and even international importance. The work of collectors, staff and benefactors over 145 years has created an overwhelmingly rich and diverse collection.
Rochester Arts and Craft Trail
Rochester is unique in the absence of the usual High Street chain stores and boasts a wide choice of independent speciality shops where you can find an unusual gift or souvenir. The arts and crafts scene has become highly developed in the art galleries, attractions and cafes that can be found on the High Street. The Rochester Arts and Craft Trail has been produced to promote these establishments and is available from the Medway Visitor Information Centre in the High Street.
The Canterbury Tales
Ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era? At The Canterbury Tales you can do just that. Step into medieval times and join Chaucer’s colourful characters on their magical pilgrimage from London to the shrine to St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way, their stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery are vividly recreated with all the fun and excitement of Chaucer’s famous tales.
Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery
The museum and gallery share the story of the borough of Tunbridge Wells, with outstanding collections of costumes, art and dolls and toys. The museum also has excellent natural and local history, from dinosaur bones to the original Pantiles, and you can see the world’s largest Tunbridge ware collection.
Turner Contemporary, Margate
Be one of the first to visit the stunning new Turner Contemporary gallery, opening on Saturday, April 16. Turner Contemporary is a dynamic visual arts organisation that believes in making art open, relevant and fulfilling for all. Inspired by J.M.W. Turner’s sense of inquiry, it offers a space for everyone to embrace their curiosity and to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning. This is done by offering a stimulating programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities.
White Mill Heritage Centre, Sandwich
Peta Godden got in contact through www.mykent.co.uk and said: “I visited the White Mill Heritage Centre on one of the Heritage Open Days. What a fantastic place. We met the very dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who work very hard to keep the centre open. We saw an excellent model of a farm that was made by one of the volunteers. There was weaving being done, paintings and photos to look at, plus the mill, the workshops, all the machinery and the recreated miller’s cottage. We also had a peep at an old threshing machine that was being restored in a barn. Tea and biscuits finished the visit off very nicely. Check the opening times first as it is not open every day.”
