Autumn Traditions
Where classic traditions meet contemporary twists, Kent is the home of a sensational roster of events this September, each of which are guaranteed to immerse locals and visitors in what exactly makes this season feel so special. From harvest festivals and crafty classes to foraging walks and pick-your-own adventures, here are the very best highlights of autumn in Kent.
Scarecrow Spectacular Town Trail, Faversham
New for 2025, Faversham’s Scarecrow Trail is an opportunity for autumn enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and take part in the town’s one-of-a-kind competition. Team up with friends and family to build a scarecrow that captures the personality of Faversham, and situate it along the trail either in a residential or business window or outdoor space for the public to view and vote for their favourites. Alternatively, for those who’d rather walk the trail themselves, follow along the spooky displays and choose your favourite of the season, having a little scarecrow-themed fun without the pressure of competition.
The Scarecrow Spectacular Town Trail will be held on 13 and 14 September from 10am – 4pm, and is well worth a visit for a fun-filled, family-friendly adventure.. A chance to explore the charming residential areas of Faversham and perhaps win the trophy for making the very best scarecrow, the Town Trail is suitable for those of all ages wanting to make some memories in the lead-up to Halloween.
Totally Wild Afternoon Foraging Walk at King’s Wood, Challock
Whether you’re a complete foraging beginner or a connoisseur wanting to deepen your knowledge, Totally Wild’s Afternoon Foraging Walk experience is the perfect way to learn about all different kinds of wild food. To begin, you’ll go through the basics of foraging, the origins of Totally Wild and the best techniques they’ve learnt along the way. During the walk itself, participants will get to discover what wild foods grow nearby, from flowers and fruits to fungi, seaweed and tubers. Led by a professional forager, you’ll be introduced to a plethora of edible species and given tips on how to harvest, correctly identify and use each ingredient in your own cooking. During the walk, there will also be an opportunity to taste a range of pre-made wild food from syrups and flavoured salts to interesting alcohol infusions.
With habitats changing through the different seasons, each foraging walk is entirely unique and tailored to the specific location through which you wander. The next Afternoon Foraging Walk at King’s Wood is set to take place on 26 September from 2-5pm, and must be pre-booked via their website. On the day, make sure to bring appropriate clothing and shoes for all weather conditions as the walk will begin rain or shine!
Essentially Hops’ Autumn Wreath Workshop at Chalkpit Farm, Canterbury
On 13 September from 1 – 3pm, celebrate the beginning of autumn by learning the art of curating a beautiful, seasonal wreath. Using dried flowers and foliage, the options are endless for what to create and by the end of the workshop, you’ll have a rustic door hanging to take home. Hosted by Essentially Hops at Chalkpit Farm, their experienced florists will supply all you need to make a wreath, including some complimentary hot drinks and biscuits.
Fun and informal, the Autumn Wreath Workshop at Chalkpit Farm is a chance to relax and focus on creating your wreath design while learning new techniques such as wiring, gluing and how to make different textures and colours look aesthetically pleasing. This September, book with friends and family or go solo for a wholesome experience in their charming dried flower shop, which is situated in the rolling Kentish countryside.
Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, Whitstable
For a weekend of tradition, fun and flavour, why not honour the historic and cultural connection between Whitstable and their beloved oysters by visiting their very own festival where molluscs take centre stage? Dating back to the Roman Empire when Julius Caesar’s soldiers developed a taste for Kentish oysters, the town’s heritage is kept alive by the festival, which was originally revived in the 1980s.
Taking place from 12 – 14 September, participating venues across the town include The Grading Shed, a central hub for live music, and The Long Beach, where traditional activities including kite flying, pirate pottery and their famous welly boot throwing competitions take place. Promising foodie fun for all who visit, one festival highlight is their renowned Oyster Eating Competition, which those with stomachs of steel can take part in after the Landing of the Oysters Ceremony, a commemoration of the town’s maritime heritage and community spirit.
Castle Farm Apple Orchard, Sevenoaks
A wonderful activity for the whole family, Castle Farm’s pick-your-own orchard is open for visitors. Their family-run farm is home to some of the freshest, sweetest and juiciest apples in Kent, including The Norfolk Royal, a heritage variety you won’t find anywhere else! One of the few apple trees that will happily grow on the North Down’s chalky soils, this variety ripens in early September and is known for its brilliant colour and shiny skin.
Throughout the season, entrance to the orchard is free, and visitors pay for what they pick at £3 per kilo. Reusable bags or baskets are welcome,and Castle Farm even has their very own range for sale at their Market Stall, situated just inside the orchard. There, visitors will also be able to find treats such as ice creams, snacks and hot and cold drinks alongside Castle Farm oils and lavender products. Castle Farm’s Orchard is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 22 September, or until the orchard is picked out – so make sure to head over early so as not to miss the short season.
Situated within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Knole park is a 947-acre stretch of acidic woodland in Kent. Home to around 350 deer and some of the rarest ancient woodland invertebrates in the county such as the Oak Pinhole Borer beetle and rich fungus flora, the park is open to the public year-round. Some may even recognise it as the filming location for The Beatles’ Strawberry Fields Forever music video, though the park is an expansive setting fit for all the family to explore no matter the occasion.
With little better than an autumn walk in the crisp breeze and cool temperature, visitors can partake in the Knole Park Circular walk, starting from the One Tree Hill car park. A 4.6-mile journey that passes through Knole Park’s woods and grassland, exact directions for the trail can be found on Walking Britain’s website (walkingbritain.co.uk).
Whilst it’s not quite pumpkin season yet, make sure you don’t miss out on the pick-your-own farming experience by heading to Felderland Farm for their delicious blackberries and plums. The perfect Kentish retreat just a stone’s throw from Canterbury, the farm is a favourite of locals wanting to enjoy a great day out with the family. All pick-your-own experiences at Felderland Farm take place under their poly tunnels, an environment which protects crops from the cold weather and rain that can damage the skins of strawberries, blackberries and raspberries – best of all, though, it means visitors can pick fruit in the rain without getting wet!
On a three year cycle, their potted blackberries are replanted to help them thrive, and the farm provides plenty of wildflowers for pollinators alongside bird boxes and natural windbreaks. Their PYO, coffee hut and children’s play area are open 10am – 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday each week, and those planning a visit can find live fruit availability updates on their website.
Image by: Lauren Woodfall Photography
Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival, Maidstone
From 13 – 14 September, Maidstone’s very own Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival will take place, with a wide variety of entertainment from live music to tractor rides. Across the weekend, the festival’s itinerary includes hop picking at the Hoppers Hut Arena and Meet the Animal experiences with farmyard friends such as owls, pigs, goats, alpacas and sheep. With plenty for little ones to enjoy, their outdoor play areas and paint-a-pot studio are well worth a visit and live music from local talent is sure to be a hit with all generations.
Taking place from 10am – 9pm on Saturday, with an earlier finish of 6pm on the Sunday, visitors may bring dogs on short leads and groups of 15 upwards can receive a discount on the usual admission price of £13 per adult. A great opportunity to sample a variety of local ales and ciders whilst absorbing their expansive programme of events, Maidstone’s Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival is an unmissable autumnal tradition.
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