insideKENT Magazine Issue 41 - August 2015 | Page 122

DAYSOUT
Historical Kent cont.
Romantic Roaming at
Ightham Mote

Jousting Jollity
at Hever Castle

Lose yourself in one of the most
beautiful and interesting English
country houses (according to
historian David Starkey) with a
day out at Ightham Mote near
Tonbridge. Built nearly 700 years
ago, the stunning timber-framed
house begs to be explored, from
the picturesque courtyard and Great Hall, to the crypt and the Grade Ilisted dog kennel. The moated house has been owned by medieval knights,
courtiers to Henry VIII and high-society Victorians, and is surrounded by
peaceful gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland
walks. This historic site is great for history lovers and romantics alike.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Lords and ladies,
raise a flagon of
mead to the Knights
of Royal England as
the annual Hever
Castle Jousting
Tournament returns
to Kent this summer.
On weekends
throughout August,
spectators will be
treated to a thrilling
live show as the
brave knights
compete for points
in the castle
grounds, and battle
to be this season’s
champion. Witness
spectacular displays
of action, stunts, falls
and fights in an
authentic arena,
complete with Royal
Box. You can also join the procession from the castle forecourt as Henry
VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights make their way to the arena. Bring a
blanket or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands
(available for a small cost on a first-come first-served basis), then choose
which knights you support and cheer them to glory. Jousting is included
in the price of admission tickets. www.hevercastle.co.uk

© Steve Town

Steam Through Romney Marsh’s History

Reserve a seat in history and celebrate Kent’s rich steam railway heritage
with a special first-class journey on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
Railway (RH&DR). For 88 years, the RH&DR has been an integral part of
the landscape of the Romney Marsh, and operates the most complete
collection of one-third full-sized steam locomotives in the world on 13 miles
of track between Hythe and Dungeness. Take advantage of the special
first-class travel offer until 3rd September with a reserved seat on one of
the Heritage Carriages: the Royal Saloon, the Clayton Pullman, or Gladys
the Bar Car (with its large observation windows and central serving area).
The first-class ticket includes reserved parking at Hythe station, queue
jump, and all-day travel, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as
you like. www.rhdr.org.uk

Magna Carta Rediscovered

© Faversham Town Council

Ancient Egypt
at Chiddingstone Castle
Take the chance to explore one of Kent’s
hidden gems this August with a trip to
Chiddingstone Castle and wander through
a rural slice of ancient Egypt. The impressive
castle and idyllic gardens offer a perfect day
out for history lovers, with 35 acres of
unspoiled views, including woodland walks,
lakeside lazing, or scent-filled strolls through
the Orangery. The new Ancient Egyptian
Garden takes visitors back to 2000BC, with
carefully prepared paths of grass, wild flowers
and crops laid out to mirror the River Nile –
complete with ‘tributaries’ leading to exciting
discoveries, such as Tutankhamun’s tomb
and a giant sundial. During the school holidays,
the estate hosts special llama trekking days and the ancient house’s
exhibition explores the estate’s eventful past. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Delve into Kent’s medieval past and discover the secrets of Magna Carta
with a trip to the Magna Carta Rediscovered touring exhibition. This year
marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta and a special
touring exhibition of the county’s Magna Carta treasures is rolling across
Kent this summer and autumn. Enjoy the exciting interactive exhibits – play
the King or Archbishop at the debating table, learn how the great charter
affects us today, send a friend a ‘medieval’ email and see the stunning
1300 Faversham Magna Carta close up. The tour will visit Maidstone, Dover,
Sandwich and Rochester over the coming weeks. Visit
www.magnacartarediscovered.co.uk for full details.

If you are enjoying a day out in Kent this summer, make sure you share your story with Visit Kent. Share your pictures with @VisitKent on
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #YourKentStory. www.visitkent.co.uk

122