The days may be shorter, the temperatures on the slide and the leaves crunchier underfoot, but this time of year is not one for hibernating, just yet.
At GRE Assets we have invested in some incredible locations, within easy reach of the capital but with personality and aspirations to match your own.
From Brighton, one of the UK South Coast’s most vibrant places to bustling Ashford, Kent’s best-connected borough and Peterborough, the country’s fastest growing city, all three have something in common. They’re fantastic places to live with so much going on, and lots to enjoy at any time of year.
This blog provides a selection of great things to do right now in each location, whether you’re a resident or just thinking of becoming one.
Brighton
If you’re looking for some late autumn colour, the wild botanic garden of Wakehurst set in over 500 acres of glorious Sussex countryside will have you spellbound. On selected evenings between now and January 2022, this companion to London’s famous Kew Gardens will be hosting its mesmeric winter lantern trail. The gardens will be brought to life with glowing light displays, projections and immersive soundscapes courtesy of Brighton based light artists, Ithaca. Watch out for the glow worms, if you’re able to go.
Back in the city, The Royal Pavilion, built in the early 1800s as the pleasure palace for the Prince Regent, is a great place to while away a coffee, and once you’re done why not visit the nearby Museum and Art Gallery. Current exhibitions include Rock’N’Roll with Me, on until 23 January 2022, focused on iconic photographs of the musician David Bowie taken at key moments at the height of his fame in the 1970s.
To get your bearings of all this city and its surroundings have to offer – from Brighton Palace Pier and the UK’s largest marina to stunning coastline and the majesty of the South Downs – take a ride up British Airways i360 and see it for yourself from 162 metres in the air. Once you’ve landed, get your festive shopping done (or just indulge yourself) in the famous Lanes and North Laine district, before dining in style at The Salt Room, a stunning foodie retreat with uninterrupted views of the sea.
Ashford
If you’re already looking forward to the sales (Black Friday or Boxing Day) then this is the season for picking up a bargain at the Ashford Designer Outlet. This is one of Kent’s most exclusive shopping destinations with an expansion in 2019 adding 50 new stores and food piazza. Kate Spade, Nike and Ralph Lauren are among the brands with space here.
The Curious Brewery, close to Ashford International railway station, is also now a go-to place in its own right along with Elwick Place, the town’s £75million leisure hub with its Picturehouse Cinema, great bars and Macknade’s Foodhall.
Ashford as a district is more than just a bustling town. This is the heart of Kent’s wine country with year-round tours, tastings and great food to enjoy. If it’s a chilly day and you’re looking to take refuge in a cosy pub then try the recently refurbished Vine Inn in Tenterden. Historic Tenterden has a great choice of independent shops plus its own steam train service to Bodiam Castle, aboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway.
And once you’ve had your fill then head to Ashford’s newest country park at Conningbrook Lakes, ideal for gentle strolls and come the new year a choice of leisure pursuits, including watersports.
Peterborough
There’s nothing better for the soul than staring up into space and contemplating life, the universe and everything. You could, of course, do this from the balcony of your apartment in our development at Nene Wharf at Fletton Quays but for this blog we’re sending you to a farm in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. Located a short drive from this historic, fast-growing city, Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre is perfect for an autumn stroll, with big unobstructed skies that provide the perfect canvas for a Star Party. Peterborough Astronomical Society hold two Star Party events a year at the farm, with a telescope trained on the Milky Way and experts on hand to explain the mysteries of the universe.
Back in Peterborough itself there is a packed programme of shows at the city’s three theatres – New Theatre, The Cresset and Key Theatre, from pantomime and touring West End Shows to comedy nights by some of the biggest names on the circuit.
The 900-year-old cathedral is also an important events space, providing the perfect backdrop to a performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from 21-22 December.
Urban, meanwhile, is the name of a new exhibition at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery from 11 December through to May, featuring works by Banksy, Damien Hirst and My Dog Sighs amongst others.
And once you’re done with culture there’s always Heavenly Desserts, a new independent coffee shop in Cowgate to discuss all you’ve seen or the growing number of street food venues from The Italian Twist and Pita Pita Greek to veggie go-tos The Good Stuff and Embe Soul Food and Drink.
GRE Assets has been delivering high quality, well connected homes in the UK and Spain since 2006.
