Our March Highlights
- Girl About Kent
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Updated: May 4
Kent is a county brimming with history, natural beauty, and exciting activities for all ages. Whether you're drawn to its stunning coastline, charming villages, or vibrant cultural events, there's always something new to discover. Each month, we explore the best that Kent has to offer—from scenic walks and historic sites to family-friendly attractions and hidden gems.
In this series, we’ll take you along on our favourite outings, sharing firsthand experiences, insider tips, and recommendations to inspire your own adventures.
Here’s a look at what we got up to in March!
St Andrew’s Lakes
Kirsty had an amazing time at this hidden gem not far from Rochester:
Our day at St Andrew’s Lakes was a day of two halves; an adrenaline-fuelled morning followed by a relaxing afternoon. We started off by trying out the new zip wire experience which I had to admit I was feeling pretty nervous about! However, it was a beautiful day and the lake we were due to be zooming above looked stunning. The staff were all so lovely and did their best to reassure any nervous customers!
Once we were fully kitted out, we climbed the zip wire tower, excitement (and nerves!) building. As we reached the top, we took a deep breath and got ready for our turn. The staff gave us a final safety check, counted us down, and then—off we went! Soaring over the lake was an incredible rush, taking in the stunning view below. Surprisingly, it wasn’t scary at all—just pure exhilaration from start to finish!
Before our next experience, we grabbed some delicious pizza and drinks and sat outside at the wellbeing centre, enjoying the stunning lake view. Suitably fueled, we then got ready for our wellness experience. The centre features a luxurious wood-fired sauna and hot tubs overlooking the water, creating the perfect setting for relaxation.
We spent a blissful 90 minutes moving between the sauna and hot tub, soaking up the serene and tranquil surroundings. For the brave, there was also the option of a cold plunge in the lake—a brisk 5.9°C on the day of our visit! While the rest of my group managed to submerge themselves fully, I only made it up to my thighs before retreating to the warmth of the wood-fired hot tub to watch the others take the plunge!
*gifted
The Hare at Blean
Kirsty took on the new mammoth sharing roast guaranteed to please hungry families:
We’ve visited this family-friendly pub before, but never for one of their famous roasts. This time, we were invited to try their brand-new sharing roasts, and we couldn’t wait to dig in.
We ordered the family-sharing roast—perfect for two adults and two children. It came with two full-sized roasts and two smaller portions served in giant Yorkshire puddings for the kids. There was a choice of meats, plus all the classic trimmings: crispy Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, creamy cauliflower cheese, rich parsnip purée, and, of course, a generous jug of gravy—because no roast is complete without it!
The food was absolutely delicious, and while we did our best to polish it all off, we were slightly defeated. That said, we made sure to save just enough room for dessert—because who could resist a zesty lemon meringue sundae or a classic sticky toffee pudding?
The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly, making us feel right at home. As a special touch, the kids were even invited to meet the resident chickens—a lovely experience that made the visit even more memorable!
*gifted
Chiddingstone Castle
Katy enjoyed the Spring sunshine with a visit to this contemporary castle near Edenbridge:
With the sun coming out this month and some glorious blue sky days, I headed to Chiddingstone Castle for a pram walk with my eight-month-old to make the most of my final month of maternity leave.
Having parked up easily in the large on-site car park (a £3 honesty box donation is suggested), I got my little one snuggled in the pram before we took a walk around the castle’s pretty grounds. Signs of Spring were everywhere, with daffodils and crocuses adding a pop of colour, and the buds of the magnificent cherry blossom just starting to show.
We had lunch in the tea room and were able to sit outside in the pretty courtyard, surrounded by the castle walls. I had a sandwich and coffee which hit the spot, and was very tempted by the array of tasty homemade cakes on offer but managed to resist this time. I’ll definitely be trying some next time!
After lunch, we headed into the castle itself to see the eclectic array of exhibitions on offer. My entry ticket would have been £15.25 usually (valid for one year) but I was able to get in for free with my Historic House membership which was a nice bonus.
There is such variety in the museum, with each room dedicated to a different collection including a Japanese room, Buddhist room, Stuart and Jacobite collection and even a room centred around Ancient Egypt. Though fascinating for adults, it’s also well-equipped for youngsters too, with a ‘Discovery Box’ in each room containing items for children to interact with and touch.
For more information about Chiddingstone Castle, read the full blog post here.
Mexcellent in Tunbridge Wells
Katy visit Tunbridge Wells’ newest Mexican restaurant which has already proved a big hit in the town:
Camden Road is fast becoming the go-to spot for trendy, casual dining in Tunbridge Wells and its newest restaurant fits into that category perfectly.
Run by husband and wife team Daniel and Emilia, Mexcellent opened in late February and has been busy almost every day. I visited with a friend for lunch one Friday and we were glad we’d booked!
It’s a small space but the decor is full of character and quirky touches. We sat at the back in a booth by the fireplace and there was a great buzz about the venue. After perusing the menu, I opted for the pulled pork burrito whilst my friend went for the naked burrito bowl. Both were delicious. For dessert, we treated ourselves to some of their decadent churros which were served warm with sweet, sticky dipping sauces. Absolutely indulgent and went down a treat!
With an extensive background as a chef, it’s no surprise that Daniel’s food was brilliant, and Emilia was a wonderful host - she was warm, friendly and made a lovely fuss of my daughter. We will definitely be back, particularly for their 2 for £7 Taco Tuesdays.
Treasure Trails
On Mother's Day, Katy visited the historic town of Lewes with her family to explore with Treasure Trails:
When I was kindly gifted one of Treasure Trail's hunt packages, I knew it would be a great way to spend Mother's Day as a family. We chose the package for Lewes - a beautiful market town just over the border in East Sussex and just 45 minutes' drive from Tunbridge Wells.
The package itself arrived quickly in the post and was really easy to follow. We liked having a physical copy but you can also download or print them at home for more spontaneous days out.
There was a story to set up the mission (our task was to unearth the hiding place of some stashed gold) and straightforward directions to find all all of the 16 clues. Each clue location had a puzzle or riddle to solve which would relate a location on the fictional treasure map. Once we'd solved the clues and crossed off all but one of the spots, we were left with the location of the treasure!
The route took us around some beautiful areas of the town, including Priory Park, Southover Gardens, Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House. Even though I grew up near Lewes and thought I knew it pretty well, it was a brilliant way of exploring the town and we even discovered some spots we'd never been to before! The route was easy to access with the pram and took about 2 hours (with little legs!).
With packages for treasure hunts, detective mysteries and spy missions all over the UK, Treasure Trails are a fantastic way to explore a town of village.
*gifted
Wasted Kitchen
Kirsty attended one of Wasted Kitchen’s fun and informative workshops at Macknades:
Attending the Larder Love workshop was a fantastic experience! Since having my two children, our meals at home have become quite repetitive, lacking variety and inspiration. That’s why this workshop was perfect for me—I often find myself staring into the fridge, unsure of what to cook for dinner.
The relaxed 90-minute session, led by the wonderful Katy and guided by nutritionist Virginia Hills, provided invaluable tips and the confidence to create simple, low-fuss meals using everyday pantry staples. It was an inspiring and practical experience, making meal planning feel effortless and enjoyable!
Katy effortlessly whipped up a few delicious dishes during the session, which we were lucky enough to taste. Among them was a flavorful satay noodle dish and a quick, fuss-free dahl— which was so tasty and simple that I’ve made it countless times since. These recipes have truly transformed my approach to cooking, making it easier to create delicious, wholesome meals with minimal effort!
Wasted Kitchen regularly hosts workshops at Macknades, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn practical, nutritional, low-waste cooking skills. You can find more details about upcoming sessions on their website!
Each month, we’ll be showcasing the very best of Kent to inspire your next adventure. Stay tuned and check back next month to see what we discovered in April!
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