Culture vulture: where

Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month

Following the ongoing easing of the Coronavirus lockdown many of our favourite beauty spots, galleries, museums and places of interest are now open. There’s also a lot more alfresco experiences to enjoy too. Here’s our pick of where to go this October

NET SOME FLICKS

Rusthall Cinema Club reopened at the end of the summer and has now introduced all the relevant social distancing and safety guidelines in order to start screening its trademark offering of art house classics and cult films. On Saturday October 10 at 7pm it will show Ken Loach’s most recent celluloid offering Sorry We Missed You which examines the life of a family struggling to work their way out of debt courtesy of the father taking on the job of a delivery driver. It’s a poignant and beautifully observed piece of contemporary cinema that will resonate with viewers long after the credits have rolled. For tickets and membership info visit www.rusthallcinemaclub.com

TIME TO GO APE

Go Ape at Bedgebury is up and running once more, with all the necessary safety and social distancing measures in place. It is great for thrill-seekers to get stuck into with its tree top walks, swings and zip wires. Children must be aged at least ten years old to participate and be a minimum of 1.4m tall in this external adventure. For tickets and timings, visit www.goape.co.uk

PUMPKIN PATCH KIDS

Halloween wouldn’t be the same without a trip to source a pumpkin or two and the good news is that despite many venues still being shut due to Covid-19 Pumpkin Moon near Maidstone is still welcoming visitors to come and find pumpkins, squashes and gourds of all shapes and sizes. Open every Saturday and Sunday from October 10 to 31, 10am to 4pm, entry is free and top seasonal veg picks start at just £1. Before visiting register your interest via its website at www.pumpkinmoon.uk

Live the high life at Bedgebury

DID YOU KNOW?

The name pumpkin comes from the Greek word ‘pepon’, meaning large melon. They vary in weight but an average sized pumpkin might weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms).

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR BEER FESTIVAL

The Spa Valley Railway will still host its popular annual Beer and Cider festival over the weekend of October 16-18 although it will be a lot smaller than usual due to Covid-19 restrictions. Visitors, who have to book tickets in advance, will meet at Tunbridge Wells West station’s shed bar and then enjoy a two-hour steam ride around the beautiful countryside to and from Eridge. Tickets cost £35 per person and include two pints on the train and an event guide. www.spavalleyrailway.com

AUTUMNAL DELIGHTS

If there’s one place to appreciate all the splendour of autumn it’s the grounds of Hever Castle which boasts the prettiest red, orange and copper tones on its Maple and Acer trees and trademark Boston Ivy climber on the castle. As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, this is the perfect place to go walking and enjoy all of nature’s rich seasonal joy with friends and family. During half term week (October 24-November 1) the popular historical visitor attraction will also be hosting lots of spooky Halloween fun including a pumpkin trail so make sure you and your children go along dressed in your best creepy costume! More details at www.hevercastle.co.uk MARKET VALUE

After months away our cherished Pantiles Markets are now back up and running. Held every two weekends (this month on October 17-18) they are a wonderful way to support local producers and makers – now more important than ever due to the Covid crisis. As well as being able to source all kinds of delicious specialist and seasonal food and drink there are also lots of stalls selling art, handmade jewellery and interior items so make sure you head along one Saturday or Sunday in order to enjoy a socially distanced browse and buy to help all those independents keep going.

DID YOU KNOW? The Long Gallery in Penshurst Place was used to record the floorboard creaking sound effects for all the Harry Potter films.

FAMILY FUN

Penshurst Place, the jewel in the crown of local stately homes is once again able to offer tours for visitors around its palatial premises. Like many similar historical tourist attractions, the 14th Century manor house will also operate a booking system in order to accept

visitors so it’s essential to book your slot. Some of the house’s attractions including its State Rooms and Toy Museum remain shut but there’s plenty of safe half term fun to be had courtesy of the adventure playground and woodland trail are still open. For more information on visiting times and tickets visit www.penshurstplace.com

DID YOU KNOW? Mostly we think of ‘fall’ as an American reference to autumn but it actually originated in England in the 17th century from the phrase ‘fall of the leaf’.

NATIONAL TREASURES

We have so many beautiful National Trust properties on our doorstep and many of them are hosting special Halloween and half term events. It’s a good idea to check each one’s website first to see what’s on when and of course to book tickets. Locally you can choose to visit magical properties such as Bodiam Castle, Igtham Mote and Emmetts Garden.

Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst are another couple of National Trust gems which boast a long and rich history and are the perfect places to escape to on a bright and crisp autumnal day. TIME TO FACE THE MUSIC

Despite many of our music venues having to close due to coronavirus the good news is you can still hear musicians playing live courtesy of events such as the Lamberhurst Music Festival. On October 23 its organisers welcome the phenomenally talented 18

See pianist George Harliono live

year old British pianist George Harliono. Hailed as one of the most gifted pianists of his generation, he is highly revered throughout the classical world and now you have the chance to see him perform in the atmospheric ambience of St Mary’s Church in Lamberhurst. Tickets cost £20 for adults and can be booked here www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk

Visit beautiful Bodiam Castle