Living in Kent provides me plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and make the most of the countryside and the fresh air. Often referred to as the Garden of England, there are many walkable green spaces, woodland trails, and public footpaths to explore, offering some fantastic views along the way. As someone that doesn’t get too much exercise, walking allows me to keep active whilst also spending quality time together with family. It’s nice knowing that if the weather is good, there are plenty of places nearby where we can go for a walk without having to travel very far. We often end up trying somewhere new, whether it’s a local woodland, a country park or just a footpath we’ve never been down before.
A family tradition that has developed over the years is a visit to the lavender fields at Castle Farm. The farm grows over 100 acres of lavender in the Darent Valley and is the largest lavender farm in the UK. The lavender season usually runs between late June and late July, when the fields are covered in purple lavender and visitors come from all over to enjoy them. The farm has become one of Kent’s most iconic summer attractions also offering guided tours and picnic opportunities. The farm is also a working farm producing other items from apples to beef. We usually wander through the fields, take a few family photos, and sample the many lavender products on offer before heading off to a country pub for a traditional roast dinner.
If you ever find yourself exploring Kent and the Darent Valley, I would highly recommend a visit to Castle Farm.
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