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Kent - June

Sunday 13^th June

Not long after returning from Malvern Pam and I set off on our journey to the “Garden of England” the county of Kent. Our journey down was good up to the approach to the Dartford crossing on the bridge where for some unseen reason traffic was at a crawl. As with nearly all holdups the reason was not obvious as once we hit the foot of the bridge traffic was moving freely and the road to the centre of the bridge clear. From there it was plain sailing to our destination in the small village of Pluckley. Minute is probably a more appropriate title as it consisted of a shop/post office a school and an up-market restaurant along with a number of old and some ultra-modern properties. The ideal location for a break especially when you consider the views that the certificated location had to offer,

Having met the owner on arrival we set to and got ourselves established with all the usual amenities connected, water and electrics. Whilst Pam made drinks, I erected the awning.

We decided to have a wander into nearby Ashford which we knew would offer a number of different choices for the evening meal. We hadn’t got far on the road when we came across a “Beefeater”, obviously an escapee form the Chelsea Hospital! As it turned out it was in fact an eatery where we tucked into two very enjoyable meals, washed down with a glass of wine for Pam and a cooling lager shandy for your truly.

Back to the van to start planning our days out.

Monday 14^th

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A trip to Hastings today which, sadly took longer to get to than I had planned. The main reason being the fact that we relied on the mobiles sat-nav for directions, fatal, as it took us down country lanes, many narrow and, to add to the problem a major area on the route and subsequently other days later was closed off and weird diversions in place. We did eventually get to a main road and a sign for Hastings with a journey time twice what I had anticipated purely on the distance between the two locations.

A busy town located on the seafront with the usual seaside eating establishments mingled with the normal high-street fast-food outlets. Being late arriving we went straight to eat and found a very nice restaurant which served me a very tasty cod for Pam scampi, with chips and mushy peas off course.

Time then for a promenade along the sea front which with Pam on her scooter means that we can now both travel that bit further and both enjoy the sights.

We didn’t use the sat nav to return but worked out our return route via Rye for a stopover before heading for Ashford and our temporary home.

Rye was an interesting place and was true to the views you occasionally get when antique buying is being shown on tv, either on Antiques Road trip or the celebrity version.  Interesting to wander the streets, some mere narrow lanes, meandering along not realising that you had gradually climbed way above the harbour, the starting point of our visit. So much so that the view from the top over the fields, salt marshes and the rivers, the Brede as it feeds into the Rother. Full of character and what still appears to be an active fishing port.

Having ate at lunch time we returned back to the van for light tea and time in front of the television.

Tuesday 15^th June

Yesterday when we got back, I noticed that the front offside tyre looked under inflated and so first thing this morning before we venture out, I pumped it back to normal pressure. I would need to keep an eye on that.

Today we are venturing once more to the seaside, this time to the “Kiss me Quick” location of Margate, favourite seaside destination of Londoners with its easy access by train. Not so accessible in the eighteenth century when one Joseph Mallard William Turner made the journey, for painting the local scenery and other un-mentionable activities. He caught a boat possibly a steamer to travel from smoggy London to the clean sea fresh air of Margate. On our way to the clean sea fresh air, I wanted to venture into Whitstable another location frequented by TV personalities. However today was not to be the day as the queues backed on the slip road to exit the motorway, so we continued onwards to Margate. Having found a space to park in not the nicest of areas, a square with the brick rear of a shopping centre, which we briefly glimpsed and quickly walked the other way and, old buildings not impressive at all. We made our way to the seafront, using our sense of direction to its ultimate down once again rather dowdy streets with even dowdier shops, many abandoned.

We did make it to the front and decided despite the early hour to have lunch and made our choice from a number of outdoor eating places overlooking the harbour, well the road that ran adjacent the harbour to be precise. It was only on completion of our repast that we realised how close we were to the sea.

Having ordered our drinks and food Pam asked how far it was to the Turner Gallery, our main reason for being in Margate, to be told not far, a few minutes’ walk. The young man was being ultra-polite and, not wishing to make us look stupid, because had we turned around, we would have seen the building less than 400 yards away.

Despite its title and the fact that many of the exhibits were interesting, some fascinating, there was in our eyes very little Turner. It was my namesake and suspected relatives works that we had principally come to Margate to see. Nevertheless, the experience was worth the visit, to the exhibition building, definitely not for Margate itself. We didn’t see it all but what we did see we found very untidy and in desperate need of a big dollop of TLC. Being the vibrant location of budding artist and creative entrepreneurs as described on “Money for Nothing” we left disappointed with the place.  In our eyes it remains Grotty Margate. I would hope that my ancestor in 1800, whenever it was, was more impressed, or did he only have eyes for his landlady?

Onwards and downwards, geographically speaking, we bypassed the Hornby exhibition and headed for Ramsgate. 

Finally found somewhere to park and again enjoyed a pleasant stroll/scoot along the front savouring a nice ice cream and a coffee overlooking the seafront. The area is showing signs of considerable prosperity for behind us as we sat relaxing looking out to sea was a huge development of flats/ apartments which, would equally enjoy the delights of the English Channel however in comfort all year round from there vista windows.

We sadly missed the opportunity to visit one of Mr Tim Martins latest and largest establishments whilst in Ramsgate. Annoying, the fact that we walked past “The Royal Victorian Pavilion” twice and didn’t venture inside. For the unknowing Mr Martin is the founder of Wetherspoons. I would have loved to have seen inside as from later research the building, reportedly being the biggest in the chain, must equally be one of the most impressive if the old architecture has been retained. Another time maybe?

Home time but not direct as we called in on Canterbury as it was on the way in the hope of getting glimpses and photos of the cathedral and a chat with Justin Welby on the state of the country and in particular his thoughts on the Governments handling of the corona virus pandemic.

Sad thin was by the time some young people had guided us to the entrance of the cathedral, they where the third group we had asked without success, security guards at the gates would not let us in.

Never mind we have seen it before, Pam numerous times on her holidays in this neck of the woods with grandparents Emerton.

We did get a look around familiar parts of the city prior to making our way back to the car to make our way back to Pluckley.

Wednesday 16^th June

First trip this morning is to Ashford to try and get the tyre fixed as the problem persists. No joy at Kwik Fit – to busy so look for options on the way to the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Thankfully that was how it worked out as on the way we came across a Qfit garage where the man literally dropped what he was doing, jacked the car up took out the nail, sealed the hole and for £20 sent us on our way.

Romney was a bit of a disappointment in the fact that little was in operation, due to Covid restrictions. We did manage to secure tickets, which at one point did not seem likely and enjoyed a ride the full length of the system.

Lunch at Dymchurch sitting out in the sun was a pleasant experience.

Engineering marvels working on the idea laid down by two eccentrics, said in the nicest way possible, Captain Howey and Count Louis Zbroroski, both keen motor racers.

Thursday 12^th

A stay-at-home day – weather dictated, but still enjoyable relaxing in our smart van, with all home comforts.

Friday 18^th June

A trip to Ashford with the specific intention of visiting the local impressive looking McCarthy Glen outlet. And impressive it was not just for the array of shops and eateries but for the extremely well stocked and maintained gardens that adorned an inner circle separating the car park from the shops. You Park in the centre, driving down and through a gap in one side of the shops rising into the parking area. It was like being a gladiator or worse a victim entering the Coliseum in Rome. The gardens then form this profusion of colour and a barrier between the roadways and the shops The shops which are raised above road and car park level so that you can stand and scan 360 degrees to see all their names and know where you need to head to spend.

As well as shops there is the inevitable variety of eating places. We tried for the first time “5 Guys” and once having worked out their way of ordering and serving thoroughly enjoyed our personalised burger.

We didn’t spend a lot only purchasing a number of place mats and two identical raincoats. The latter we brought one and got one free.

Saturday 19^th June

We booked the other day to visit Chatham dockyard a place which as appeared numerous times on TV, being visited as an interlude to a programme, like “Bargain Hunt” or, in the case of Mr Portillo, actually part of his Bradshaw roaming programme.

As well as displaying an array of naval history it is also the historical backdrop for “Call the Midwife” for which, as well as booking admission to the dockyard we have paid to join one of the official “Call the Midwife” tours.

The Dockyard is huge, largely now redundant, but an ideal location for a naval museum and off course parts are still in use in particular the Victorian Ropery which is worth the entrance money alone.

Sadly, not through their choice, but as a result of Covid, a number of attractions were either of limit or with restricted access. The way of all exhibits and attractions.

Despite that, what was available to wander through, the lifeboat display, the Royal dockyard museum, number 3 slip for its breath-taking wooden structure never mind the array of armoury it contains and more, and with the added attraction of the “Call the Midwife” escorted tour we had a wonderful day out and one which we would both highly recommend.

Sunday 20^th June

A trip to Herne Bay today with nice weather forecast the chance for a promenade/scooterade along the front to take in the sea breeze and possible stop for a spot of lunch and maybe even afternoon tea. All of which we achieved in what was very pleasant surroundings. A place well maintained – clean and a pleasure to visit. Margate take note big isn’t always beautiful, small and wonderful.

On our way back to Pluckley we made a slight detour and ended up on Dover promenade where we enjoyed another promenade, eyeing the beauty that is the new Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth docked at the cruise port having probably said goodbye to her well-heeled passengers and awaiting a new supply.

It wasn’t that long ago that a Dover hotel, with a direct view of  the cruise ship dockyard was our base for the interesting and enjoyable Forester holiday in Kent.

Monday 21^st June

Just one location today and that is to visit rather than just pass through, as we did on the Forester holiday, the town of Tenterden.

From the bus the town looked interesting for its style of buildings and exploring as we did, despite the rain, which persisted all day, we found it to be a really nice location.

Added to which we had a sumptuous meal in one of the very buildings that I had previously admired. The restaurant in Tenterden is housed in a 14^th century heavily timbered, black, and white fronted former Wealden Hall House, reputedly visited by Henry 8^th.

Little did I know, or little did I research, to miss the fact that the Kent & East Sussex railway terminates in the town and was only a stones throw away from where we had lunch. Had I known I would have tried to book tickets as the train makes an interesting journey through the local countryside ending close to Bodiam Castle a National Trust site.  We have visited Bodiam before but its always nice to revisit and get your monies worth out of your subscription especially after two lean periods thanks to Covid.

A trip around Waitrose to stock up on essentials and then back to the van to discard the wet clothes.

Tuesday 22^nd June

Gat back some of your National Trust subscription day with two locations to visit. Both repeats but equally both worthy of second and probably third visits anyway, simply for their locations and gardens.

The first on our agenda was Scotney Castle and thankfully the weather had improved and both visits were carried out in the dry.

Scotney house we did not visit but paid all of our attention to the gardens and the pond and buildings at the foot of the hill. Excellent photo opportunities with the sun shining – clear sky giving the ideal light for reflective shots on the pond. Not the only one with that idea in mind. It seemed as though the local camera club was in attendance, with people with numerous expensive looking equipment draped around their necks. Switching frantically from one camera to another varying the exposure to grab that prize winning shot. I being of sound mind and body simply just clicked away using my one and only reliable Lumix.

After lunch at Scotney we made our way to one of my really favourite sites the once home of Rita Sackville West – Sissinghurst Castle. The gardens as you would expect immaculate as ever with a riot of colour to make you envious but realistic of the work that goes into maintain it to such a high standard. Surprisingly the place was very quiet with few visitors, which I should have picked up on as we parked with few cars in the main car park. All the better for Pam 7 I to negotiate especially with Pam using her scooter to enjoy the displays to the full. The Trust have evolved scooter/wheelchair friendly routes details of which we were handed as we approached the tower.

Another excellent day which being able to explore together made them more enjoyable.

Wednesday 23^rd June

This was to be our final day as we have decided to return one day early to hopefully be able to attend John Boland funeral at Bramcote crematorium.

The last day as been saved to hopefully make a visit to Whitstable, the oyster capital of Kent. Not that we will be sampling such delicacies as it turns our stomachs just to think about them.

Another location oft frequented by TV presenters, so we wanted to see what it was like in truth. We were not disappointed.

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