5 Things You Need To Do In Kent Before 2021 Posted on 9 January 2020 by Nikita Ponnappah at Kent-Teach in General | Wellbeing We all like to make plans and maximise our weekends but do we really get to see the hidden beauties in Kent? Some of us are accustomed to visiting the same places and alternating between popular parks, local restaurants and big attractions in Kent. If you’d like to try something new this year and want to explore various types of cuisine or sightseeing, then look no further as we have put together our top 5 bucket list for 2020. 1) The Margate Caves 1 Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 1FG Take a trip to Northdown road where you can visit the shop and community cafe. Whilst sipping on a cup of tea you can learn about the cultural history of the Caves and how they have impacted the town.The Margate caves were first dug as a small chalk mine in the 18h century. It is believed that the Caves were used by smugglers to smuggle goods from the sea. Previously, the Caves were used as air raid shelters in the First and Second World Wars and welcomed tourists between 1863 and 2004. The National Heritage Lottery fund has been used to support the conservation of the Caves and build the Margate Caves centre which provides access to the restored Caves. Why not try a workshop on February the 8th and 9th where you can get involved in children’s crafts? 2) The Bus Cafe, Margate The Sun Deck, Royal Crescent Promenade, Margate, Kent CT9 5FJFancy dining on a bus by the beach? A hidden gem which offers a varied range of vegetarian, vegan and meat dishes. Hop on board for a mouth-watering vegan breakfast whilst soaking up the sun. This bus is a café located directly on the seafront at Margate and offers the perfect Saturday morning views of the beach. The creators of the Bus Cafe use local farms and fresh produce for seasonal menus from the “Garden of England” whilst using biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Pop in on a Saturday or Sunday between 10am- 2pm, for a culinary delight!3) Crab and Winkle Way, Whitstable Best starting point is Canterbury West train station For those of you wanting to get fit in 2020, why not start with a traffic-free cycling route which offers the delightful scenes of East Kent. Get the bike out the garage this weekend and pedal your way through the Crab and Winkle Way named after the 6-mile railway line which ran between the towns of Canterbury and Whitstable. You’ll set off at Canterbury West station, riding through Harbledown and then into the outskirts of Whitstable where you can take a short break for a picnic lunch. On the way you will travel through Blean Woods to observe the ancient woodland which is teeming with flora and fauna. You’ll end your adventure at Whitstable station where you can sample the seafood and take a seat on the harbour. If you don’t fancy the ride home, jump on a train from Whitstable to Canterbury East Station! 4) Alice and the Hatter Tearooms, Herne Bay 24 William Street, Herne Bay CT6 5EQTreating a loved one for afternoon tea? Be adventurous and experience the teacup stools, chequered floor, themed wall art and Queen of Hearts table. A fun and theatrical cafe providing an experience not just a service! This unique cafe offers tea with a twist and caters to all ages. Located in Herne Bay and Canterbury the cafe offers a wide range of options including open sandwiches, specialist coffees and gluten-free or vegetarian options. Add a little bit of fun to your tea and visit the Wonderland themed tearoom for the next special occasion in your diary, you won’t be disappointed! 5) East Peckham River Walk Start at East Peckham Village Centre Break free from the couch…Brave the cold this winter for some wonderful walking fun. Grab yourself a good pair of warm socks and some waterproof walking shoes because you are bound to need them on this pleasant walk from East Peckham. This is an excellent 3-mile hike taking you along the quiet stretch of the River Medway. This trail will take you from the village centre where you will walk along the footbath by the river or on quiet roads. A perfect Sunday morning stroll only takes 1 hour 30 minutes, you’ll cross over the River Bourne as it joins the River Medway and can explore a variety of scrub and woodland on route. When hunger strikes after burning all those calories, pop into the Man of Kent pub which has been dated back to 1588. Start a bucket list today with our top 5 and kick-start your venture. Many of us are not even aware of the hidden gems which exist on our very own doorstep. Want to learn more about the beautiful county of Kent? Why not teach yourself about the county in our Kent’s Local History blog.