Kent weekend video

He're a short video of our weekend in Kent. It is mainly from Sunday and shows the B&B in Arkham, Deal Castle, and Reculver Towers.

Kent - Day 3

We were very nearly caught out with the onset of daylight saving today and we wouldn't have been happy to miss our breakfast! It was a lovely spring morning. The grey cloud from yesterday had lifted so we could see right across the valley. After breakfast we donned our wellies and went for a walk across the farm. The sheep didn't mind us a bit and we followed the path away from the house through the woods and across some fields. We realised how much we miss just walking about the countryside.

We set off from our BB (as James calls them!) at 10.30 and within 15 minutes or so came to Deal on the sea on the very eastern edge of Kent. Unfortunately the castle was closed but we had a good look around and walk along the promenade and jetty. After that we hopped back in the car and went on to Sandwich. Okay, yes, lots of talking about sandwiches for lunch but like most English towns on a Sunday the only place open was the supermarket, so that had to do! We sat on a seat in the sun on the old town wall overlooking a green cricket ground.

Our next sat-nav location (easy peasy!) was Reculver on the north coast. Everything is so close in this corner of England so we had time to make a detour to St Augustine's Cross. St Augustine was the monk who converted the King of Kent to Christianity and he is remembered in pictures on this cross. Returning to the main road we saw signs to the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial adjacent to Kent airport. Martin made a bee-line for it! It was actually a museum staffed by enthusiasts and Martin spent some time there. Afterwards we had a coffee in the grounds in the sunshine.

Reculver was only 10 minutes away and we drove down tiny little roads to get there. Reculver Towers was a Roman church however half of it has washed into the sea and it is now only the two towers of the facade and some low walls remaining. James had fun 'opening' doors and choosing his favourite 'room'.

By now it was 4.30 (where did the day go?) and time to head west for home. We got back about 6.30pm and as I went to find James for his bath found he had put himself to bed with his doggy!

Photos are here.

Kent - Day 2

We awoke this morning after probably the best night’s sleep for the past three weeks. We didn’t hear a peep from James and his cough. Maybe it was the picture of the badgers over his bed??

Breakfast was in the conservatory. Although it was a grey morning we enjoyed the views of the Alkham valley. The B&B is perched on a ridge so provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the surroundings. Wendy and Neil cooked up a superb breakfast. They delight in collecting fresh local produce including sausages, eggs, and local Kent honey.

Most trips we take are packed to the hilt with travels and adventures. I’ve had a very busy few weeks with work, and with James’ persistent cold, we were all feeling a little tired. So today we wanted to strike the right balance.

You can’t visit Kent without seeing Canterbury Cathedral so this was our first port of call. Arriving in Canterbury Merrilyn was keen to visit ‘The Goods Shed’ farmer’s market. It’s a permanent market packed with loads of Kent produce. We bought apples, cheeses, vegies and some freshly baked pastries for a snack later on. James wanted to carry the cheese for the rest of the day but we convinced him that warm, squishy washed-rind cheese is not great on biscuits.

Canterbury Cathedral is a world heritage site. We’ve seen a few very impressive cathedrals in the past few weeks but I guess this one has special historic significance – being the seat of the Anglican faith. In AD597 missionaries from Rome converted the kind of Kent to Christianity. Augustine, leader of the mission, was consecrated as Archbishop and his cathedra (official seat) was established at Canterbury.

We entered the Cathedral via the Nave. Here our eyes were drawn up to via the Gothic arches and pillars to the ceiling high above. At the West end of the Nave is a stained glass window – with some panes dating to 1176.

Perhaps one of the most significant spots in the Cathedral is where Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II’s knights on 29 December 1170. He was violently attacked and there is a belief that one of the Knight’s broke a sword tip with the force of the blows. This spot has become a focal point for pilgrimage and on 29 May 1982, Pope John Paul II and Archbishop Robert Runice prayed together.

The Cathedral contains a stunning crypt. Photos are not permitted so I can’t share with you the visuals. However, it is a large space with many chapels. Some had frescos that date back to the 12th century. It was also a place for reflection and worship. One of the chapels was being used for a service and the sounds echoed throughout the crypt. Amazing.

Returning from the crypt we made out way to the Trinity Chapel. It is surrounded by immense stained glass windows with deep, rich colours. Scenes depict Thomas Becket and Henry II. Some of the windows are 13th century. Also housed here is the medieval tomb of Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince (d 1376).

We had lunch at a local café and then headed to Whitstable to see the Thames Estuary. By now the weather had well and truly closed in and the wind was howling. We parked the car and walked along the harbour. James was exhausted and was sound asleep. Merrilyn and I took turns carrying him. The water of the estuary was a murky brown and in the distance we could make out wind generators in the harbour and the northern shores of Suffolk . There is a thriving fish market but I think that will have to wait for a better day.

We decided to call it a day and have just arrived back at our B&B. We had hoped to walk in the fields but it is drizzling now. Instead, Merrilyn and James have gone to seek out the animals. Tonight we sample another local pub which, we hear, has a good reputation for local produce.

Photos are here.

Kent - Day 1

Kent has always held a fascination for us. Both for its wealth of Roman history and castles, and for its markets and gardens. Apart from Leeds Castle, Kent has remained out of reach for day trips.

So for this trip we have booked a two night stay at a lovely farmhouse B&B in Alkham, a few miles from Folkestone, probably best know as the gateway for the Channel Tunnel.

Friday afternoon we made our way to Alkham. Arriving at about 4:30pm we were greeted by our host Wendy. After dropping our kit off in our upstairs room we hardly had time to admire the views over the valley before making our way to the conservatory and a nice cup of tea with the family dog and cat.

Wendy recommended a local pub in Lydden and we were not disappointed. It was a lovely old pub. The proprietor and his son were manning the bar and we all had a chat before retiring to our table by the log fire. It was a chilly 5 degrees outside.

Arriving home we met Neil – Wendy’s husband. Alkham Court won best B&B for South East England last year. And we can see why. They are warm and friendly people.