Kent Downs newsletter - White Cliffs Walking Festival 25-30 August and The Kent Pilgrims' Festival 21-25 September 2022

With details of upcoming events including the White Cliffs Walking Festival 25-30 August and the Kent Pilgrims' Festival 21-25 September and more:

What's on in August Here's our latest updates and a glimpse of what's happening in the Kent Downs AONB next month. We'd love to see you there!     News from the Kent Downs     Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark   In celebration of the chalk and the channel, we are working to secure Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Kent Downs AONB together with our neighbouring protected landscape in France; the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale.  Join us on a video tour of the Cross-Channel Geopark!       Find out more     The Kent Pilgrims' Festival 21st-25th September, 2022     A modern-day pilgrimage festival is taking place from the 21 to 25 September to celebrate Kent’s rich pilgrim heritage. Pilgrims have been following the county’s ancient walkways and following in the footsteps of the millions gone before them since the medieval times. The festival hopes to reach and inspire those who never thought of pilgrimage as something for them to enjoy and celebrate the Kent Downs as a destination for a modern interpretation of pilgrimage. Events will be running throughout the week in Canterbury, Dover and Ashford. With pilgrimages, family-fun events, poetry performances, guided tours and art exhibitions, there's something for everyone!     Join the journey...     Chalk Hill Figures in the Kent Downs Read our latest blog post to discover the chalk hill figures in the Kent Downs and find out where you can see them.       Changing Places Toilets   We're delighted to share that two brand new Changing Places toilets will be opening at Lullingstone Country Park and Brockhill Country Park this summer! Without Changing Places toilets, people with profound physical disabilities and their carers choose between staying at home, limiting their visit to a couple of hours, or face being changed on a public floor. It goes without saying that none of these options are fair or conducive to an enjoyable day out in nature.   One Changing Places toilet is already open at Shorne Woods Country Park. We're funding the three Changing Places toilets through our DEFRA Farming in Protected Landscapes programme and our Interreg EXPERIENCE project. A big thanks to our KCC Country Parks colleagues, to RISE installations, and Changing Places UK.     Events in the Kent Downs There's lots going on in the Kent Downs AONB during August, here's a selection of upcoming events we think you'll love.    Teddy Bears Picnic 15th August Lullingstone Country Park If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise!  Bugs at Brockhill Various dates Brockhill Country Park Head out on a mini beast safari on this creepy crawly exploration.   White Cliffs Ramblers Walking Festival 2022 25th - 30th August The festival will showcase the scenic delights, history and natural history of the area through a variety of walks suitable for all ages and abilities.   See all events     Experiences in the Kent Downs Discover unique experiences with local experts, offering an authentic and immersive insight into the nature and heritage of the Kent Downs.   Natural Pathways Canterbury Immerse yourself in the culture, myth and folklore of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you become a woodsman for a day. There's loads to enjoy this summer. Try family bushcrafts, foraging, mindfulness, or send the kids on a mini survival adventure!     Find out more         Copyright © 2022 Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Penstock Barn West Canterbury Road, East Brabourne Ashford, Kent TN25 5LL United Kingdom Add us to your address book