To ask where to go Christmas shopping in Kent?

[Fudgingit85]

Friend and I usually have a day in London too but presents, see all the lights etc. We’d love to try somewhere different - somewhere that has a lovely Christmassy feel and maybe some different/independent shops that you don’t find everywhere else.

I was wondering about Tunbridge Wells - would that fit the bill? And if so, where exactly (I don’t know that area at all). Or somewhere else?

Kingston Christmas Market opens on 18 Nov. It's quite a big high street as well.

There are also some good restaurants with a riverside view, adjacent to the High Street for lunch/dinner.

The John Lewis cafe also has a lovely riverside view when you need a break. It has anothet department store called Bentalls, which has the big brands.

What about Rye? I think it's technically Sussex but only just! Haven't been for ages and can't comment on the Christmassy element but used to be great for quirky little shops.

I’d second Whitstable. It has lots of independent quirky shops, great restaurants and pubs. Plus the sea front for a lovely blustery winter walk along.

Ahhh, you’re all making me feel very Christmassy! I’m travelling from Greenwich, if that helps.

I do love Rye and visit often. Even if there are fewer shops it's still a great place to wander round with some nice stops for snacks.

I don't know what Lewes is like these days (also technically in Sussex), but it certainly used to fit the bill.

Rochester has quirky shops, a Christmas market on specific days and a good range of bars/restaurants.
If you usually go to Bluewater, Rochester is quite near.

Go to Maidstone, then you'd realise how lucky you are to live in Greenwich.

If you’re in Greenwich, you might be quite disappointed with Canterbury, unless you combine it with one of the Christmas Carol services in the cathedral (which really are something atmospheric) and maybe a drive along to either Tenterden or Whitstable. Lots of shops have closed down. It does have some lovely little back streets, pubs and food places though. I’m not sure Faversham would be worth travelling for by itself. Ashford has the Designer Outlet but there is nothing there that you wouldn’t find in Bluewater and the queues at this time of year are a huge pain. Don’t bother with Ashford town centre. There is nothing there but nail bars, barbers and vape/phone shops. Folkestone has the Creative Quarter and the Harbour Arm, but I don’t think it would keep you occupied for long. Maidstone is ok, but not a patch on Bluewater and it’s very much lacking the charm of Canterbury. I haven’t ventured over to Tunbridge Wells for years, but it used to be alright.

Personally, I’d swerve Kent and go to Brighton. The North Laines are full of quirky shops. The Lanes has the best cup cake shop ever. There are your usual designer sellers and boutiques and a big indoor shopping centre as well.

I was going to suggest Lewes too. Lots of independent shops & it’s always beautifully decorated for Christmas.

I would go to Canterbury then on to the Ashford Outlet en-route home.

How about Eastbourne? Easy to get to by train and lots of shops just by the station. I often travel from Brighton to Ashford and have to change at Eastbourne. I was really impressed by the number of shops ( they have all closed down in my nearest town centre) and it seemed quite buzzy. Don't know whether Chichester would be an option as well - again a long time since I've been.

Folkestone Harbour Arm has a lovely Christmas market

Oh yeah go to Whitstable and have lunch at Samphire. I would suggest Farm and Harper but they serve their tea and coffee in weird rubberised cups so they are not getting my return business, which is a shame as their bacon maple pancakes are amazing.