Latest news with #NottingHillBookshop
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I visited pretty UK town with lavender fields just 30 minutes from London
The town of Sevenoaks in Kent is a historic gem with a 600-year-old castle, while lavender fields are a short journey away. From Charing Cross station, a direct 34-minute train ride whisks you away to Sevenoaks, a gem in the heart of Kent. Here, you can discover quaint independent shops, cosy cafes, a delightful bookshop, and expansive parklands that house deer and a castle with six centuries of history. The train fare is a mere £8.40. My journey began with a leisurely walk around the town centre, where The Shambles, a hidden 17th-century snickleway boasting sun-dappled paths and buildings reminiscent of the 18th century, was a definite highlight. The local bookshop in Sevenoaks, which bears a striking resemblance to the Notting Hill Bookshop, was another standout. With its charming decor, an array of limited editions, and a snug café offering tea for just £2.90 and cakes from £2.50, it's a must-visit. A half-hour stroll through the town centre, past intriguing sites like St. Nicholas Church and Jane Austen's uncle's house, led me to Knole Park. As the last medieval deer park in Kent, it sprawls over 1,000 acres and offers numerous hiking trails, but my main aim was to see the deer. I had the chance to observe many deer up close, enjoying a tranquil picnic while watching fawns frolicking with their mothers and stags flaunting their impressive antlers. Afterwards, I admired the 600-year-old Knole House, once a Royal residence of Henry VIII, from the outside, reports MyLondon. One courtyard is open for free exploration, and it's truly stunning. Entry to the estate, managed by the National Trust, starts at £9, but if your primary interest lies in deer-watching, this isn't necessary. Afterwards, I hopped on a train to Eynsford for just £2.40. I embarked on a picturesque half-hour hike through a scenic valley, passing by a Roman villa and Lullingstone World Garden. The pinnacle of the day trip was reaching Castle Farm's lavender fields. For a mere £7, you can stroll through the fragrant fields while bees busily work around you. Remember to book in advance, and dogs on leads are more than welcome. It was an utterly unique experience, with the vibrant purple fields offering fantastic photo opportunities. There's also the option of a guided Lavender and Distillery tour for £15, but for me, simply being enveloped by nature was enough. There's also a shop selling lavender and other local products, as well as a coffee and ice cream cart that's open all year round. You'll find a wide array of lavender products, from sleep tea to bunches and shortbread. I indulged in the lavender gelato, which had a subtle hint of lemon, and it was the perfect treat for a warm day. A tub of ice cream is priced at £2.50. While the lavender has already been harvested for the year, Castle Farm offers apple picking in September and a pumpkin display. The Norfolk Royal Apple, known as the 'Disney Snow White Apple,' is a unique variety grown here. Castle Farm is the only commercial grower of this rare apple, which thrives in the chalky soil of the North Downs. Keep your eyes peeled for the start of the apple-picking season. Following a visit to Castle Farm, a picturesque half-hour stroll leads to Shoreham station where a train back to London can be caught for £8. This journey is slightly lengthier at 46 minutes and arrives at Blackfriars. This day trip from London provides excellent value and a range of activities, making it the perfect city escape. UK and European trains, including affordable Eurostar tickets, can be booked via Trainline. Coaches can be reserved through National Express or GoEuro. Accommodation options are available on and
GMA Network
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Team Kramer visit popular London spots
Team Kramer is on holiday in London, and they made sure to visit some popular tourist spots. As seen in Doug and Chesca's collaborative Instagram post, their family also composed of Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin, got to visit the Big Ben and the London Eye. They also visited the Notting Hill Bookshop. The family also shared snaps of their time in London cafes and exploring the city. 'When in London,' the couple said in the caption. Before this, more of Team Kramer spent quality time in the US, Bali, and Paris, among many others. Doug and Chesca have been married since 2008. They often share fun family updates and even life lessons on social media. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
