Autumn means abundance in the Garden of England!
Our city is surrounded by luscious countryside meaning the harvest us putting plenty to eat, drink and enjoy on tables in Canterbury. So if you are striving to eat local more often and to support local producers, then book yourself a September or October break in Canterbury.
Here's what's on offer...
Kent Green Hop Fortnight
One of the highlights of the year for real ale fans - or for anyone who enjoys supporting local producers - is Kent Green Hop Beer Season
Kent is known for producing splendid real ales, crisp ciders and beautiful beers thanks to its ancient hop growing heritage (the county is also home to Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame). And every autumn there's a very small brewing window where beers can be made from the fresh green hops grown across the Garden of England, instead of dried ones that are used all year round.
From 22nd September to 30th October 2023, Kent Green Hop Season is in full swing and visitors can taste newly released beers made from just-harvested hops from 30 of Kent’s finest brewers at pubs across the city, coast and countryside. The green hop festivities are championed by Canterbury's own brewers and distillers at The Foundry Brew Pub, so it is worth visiting this city-centre brewery to sample their seasonal drinks and to pick up a copy of the Canterbury Local Beer Trail, a handy map to finding the best local brews in the city.
Eat Local
Make the most of harvest time by stocking up on fresh produce and sampling local dishes at our independent restaurants. Our farmers markets will be stocked full of incredible autumnal fruit and veg at this time of year, so make a beeline for The Goods Shed to see what's in season and to get local meats, cheeses and wines for your table. You can also dine at their restaurant or enjoy small plates at Wild Goose.
Take a look the other regular markets in our district.
Canterbury is home to an incredible range of independent restaurants and cafes that champion fresh local produce, such as Oscar & Bentleys, Lily's Social Kitchen, Cafe du Soleil, The Veg Box Cafe, The Cook's Tale, Chapmans, The Refectory Kitchen and many more! Take a look at our foodie guides to Canterbury for inspiration, and try something new on the menu....
Wine Season
Canterbury is in the heart of one of England's best wine regions and is surrounded by award-winning vineyards - and the grapes are coming in!
Autumn is a wonderful time for a vineyard visit to see the colours changing on the vines and in the surrounding countryside, and you may get a glimpse of this year's crops being picked. Explore what's on offer from Simpsons Wine Estate, Elham Valley, Barnsole, Chartham, Heppington, and Woolton Farm, as some of our vineyards offer cellar door experiences.
If you want to 'drink local', a visit to Corkk in the cobbled Cathedral Quarter in the heart of Canterbury is a must. This tasting room stocks exceptional wines from across the country, and was recently named Best Specialist Wine Retailer in England & Wales by Decanter.
Pick a Pumpkin or Two
This October, make sure you pick the perfect pumpkin for your seasonal or spooky decorations. Pick Your Own Pumpkins Canterbury will have thousands of big and small orange beauties at Hoath Fruit Farm on the outskirts of the city. There will be pumpkin picking on 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st to 29th October, free admission with no booking required.
