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What's On

There's always something happening in and around Chilham, Canterbury, and the Kent countryside. Here's what to look forward to, season by season.

🌸

Spring (March – May)

Apr

Chilham Castle Gardens Open

The stunning castle gardens open for the season with spring bulbs, herbaceous borders, and lake walks.

📍 2 min walk from The Old Alma
Apr – May

Bluebell Walks

Ancient woodland bursts with bluebells. Spectacular walking territory right from our door.

📍 King's Wood, Chilham
May

Canterbury Food & Drink Festival

Local producers, cooking demos, tastings, and live music in the city centre.

📍 Canterbury City Centre
Apr onwards

Vineyard Tours & Tastings

Kent's award-winning vineyards open for tours and tastings through the warmer months.

📍 Various Kent locations
☀️

Summer (June – August)

Jun

Chilham Village Fête

A proper English village fete on the castle grounds — cream teas, Morris dancing, dog shows, and tombola.

📍 Chilham Square
Jun – Aug

Open Air Theatre, Canterbury

Shakespeare and summer productions in the Marlowe Theatre's outdoor space.

📍 Canterbury
July

Whitstable Oyster Festival

A week-long celebration of oysters, seafood, live music, and parades on the coast.

📍 Whitstable (30 min)
August

Canterbury Festival

Two weeks of music, arts, literature, and performance — Canterbury's biggest annual celebration.

📍 Canterbury
Jun – Sep

Vineyard Tours & Tastings

Kent's vineyards open for summer tours and tastings — ask us for suggestions during your stay.

📍 Various Kent
🍂

Autumn (September – November)

Oct

Canterbury Festival

Two weeks of arts, music, literature, and performance across the city — Kent's biggest arts festival.

📍 Canterbury
Sep – Oct

Apple Season & Harvest

Pick-your-own orchards, cider pressing, and harvest festivals across the Kent countryside.

📍 Chilham area
November

Bonfire & Fireworks Nights

Local bonfire events across Kent villages — Canterbury, Wye, and surrounding areas.

📍 Various locations
❄️

Winter (December – February)

Late Nov – Dec

Canterbury Christmas Market

Twinkling lights, wooden chalets, mulled wine, and artisan gifts in the Cathedral quarter.

📍 Cathedral Precincts
December

Winter Castles & Illuminated Trails

Several Kent castles and historic estates run magical winter illumination events in December.

📍 Various Kent castles
Jan – Feb

Winter Walks & Country Escapes

Crisp walks along the North Downs Way and quiet winter evenings in the Kent countryside.

📍 North Downs Way

Always Worth Visiting

Canterbury Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site — 15 min drive
North Downs Way National trail passes through Chilham
Kent Vineyards Award-winning vineyards — year-round tours
Whitstable Harbour, oysters & independent shops — 30 min
Leeds Castle "The loveliest castle in the world" — 25 min
Chilham Castle & Village Medieval square — 2 min walk from us

Plan Your Visit

Whatever the season, there's always a reason to stay. Book your room and we'll help you make the most of your time in Kent.

🏆 Book direct for the best price — no booking fees, flexible cancellation & a warm welcome Book Direct