The temperate climate of the South East has earned it the name “The Garden of England”, but due to a blossoming new industry, it may as well be called the “Vineyard” of England.  In our sunny corner of Britain, the climate, soil and landscape provide fruitful conditions for Wine making: a practice tourists can take full advantage of if they enjoy the vino!

The “Wine Garden of England” trail close to several locations within the vicinity of the Windmill: including our own sister location, the Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath estate.  An easy 25 minute drive from Hollingbourne, this four hundred acre estate boasts vast ancient woodlands, apple orchards and wildflower meadows, all open for public viewing. Collect a map from their Cellar Door and explore this grand estate at your own leisure, or treat yourself to one of their experiences such as wine-tasting in Kent, touring the grounds and learning the process of wine making, or dining in their new Winemakers’ Kitchen.

Home to over a hundred listed properties, Hollingbourne is a town rich in heritage. Why, The Windmill itself is a historic (XXX) year old building! As you walk in the footsteps of mediaeval pilgrims, you might like to visit some cultural features in the landscape to learn more.

A great place to start is a location right on our doorstep (a 2 minute drive or 30 minute walk): Leeds Castle. These grounds have been occupied since 857, notably resided in by King Edward I, Catherine of Aragon and Lady Baillie. The latter, a 1930s socialite, redefined this building as a glamorous den of the British upper crust, Hollywood stars and politicians. If you enjoy any period of history from the Norman invasion to the early 20th century, Leeds Castle has a tale to tell you: along with an extensive Golf course, sculpture trail, falconry, gardens and a full program of events.  An easy choice for a full day out.

For the culturally inclined, another winner is the Maidstone Museum,  a 15 minute drive away. This gabled manor house is home to an impressive collection of 660,000 artworks and artefacts ranging from from Old Masters to fossils. Small town museums are seldom impressive, but here the Google reviews for themselves: our local museum is one of the finest in the South East outside of London.

Just past the All Saints Church (a 20 minute walk or 3 minute drive from The Windmill), is a walkway quaintly named “Pilgrim’s path”. If you fancied the eight hour trek, this footpath would lead you all the way to Canterbury: just as it would’ve mediaeval pilgrims hundreds of years before you. If cleansing yourself of sin isn’t too high on your agenda, you can settle for following the acorn symbol to traverse the North Downs Way National Trail and bask in the beauty of the glorious Kent countryside.

Another local point of interest is Lenham Cross, also visible from the Pilgrim’s way. This 200ft Latin cross is etched into the hillside as a First World War memorial.

For a stroll in the park, try the local Mote Park, 16 minutes from The Windmill. This huge green space in Maidstone is a wonderful spot for a picnic, with woodlands, a lake and a river running through it.