A gentle glow The Candle Making Kit Company has launched a new at-home kit, perfect for wedding favours or a pre-wedding date night. Founder Philippa shares her inspiration behind the brand: “I really love candles and enjoy making them, especially when experimenting with new fragrances. I’ve always been drawn to more masculine, herbal and woody scents, which you’ll find reflected in our kits. I find candle making incredibly therapeutic and previously ran candle-making workshops at our shop in Cranbrook, Kent. There’s something special about lighting a candle you’ve made yourself – the gentle glow, the fragrance you chose and the quiet satisfaction of knowing it was created by your own hands. At The Candle Making Kit Company, we believe candle making should be simple, relaxing and accessible to everyone, even if you’ve never made a candle before.” The candle-making kits are thoughtfully designed with beginners in mind, containing everything needed in one box. From high-quality materials to clear, step-by-step instructions, the guesswork has been removed so you can focus on enjoying the process. Discover more at thecandlemakingkitcompany.co.uk THE ULTIMATE TRAITORS Fans of The Traitors TV series can immerse themselves in the drama with a stay at Battel Hall, Leeds Castle’s five-star holiday retreat, designed by Series 3 Traitors star and interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden. Built in the early 14th century as a medieval manor, Battel Hall is a striking example of Kentish architecture from the period. Wrapped in wisteria and set within the historic Leeds Castle estate, the atmospheric retreat offers an indulgent stay steeped in character and heritage. Sleeping up to 14 guests, Battel Hall features elegant drawing rooms, an oak-panelled dining room, crackling open fires and five beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. Alternatively, couples and guests can step into a fairytale setting with an exclusive overnight stay in Leeds Castle’s iconic State and Battlement Bedrooms, located within the Castle itself, it’s a charming option for a romantic mini-moon or post-wedding escape. Leeds Castle provides the perfect backdrop for groups wishing to recreate the suspense and strategy of The Traitors in an atmospheric countryside hideaway. Whether hosting your own game or simply soaking up the ambience as newlyweds, the blend of historic surroundings and contemporary design promises an unforgettable and distinctive stay. For more information, visit leeds-castle.com Historic hideaway Allington Castle, one of Kent’s privately owned historic castles, opened its doors to couples for the very first time this spring. In March, guests were invited to step through and explore hidden courtyards, the Great Hall, greenhouse and fairytale gardens – spaces that, until now, had remained largely unseen. Set beside the River Medway, the medieval castle offers a rare glimpse inside a living historic home. The Open Day was created for couples considering a castle wedding, as well as those already booked. Dating back to the 12th century, Allington Castle boasts a distinctive round tower, stone walls and fortified layout, reflecting its early defensive role along the Medway, an important medieval trade and transport route. Unlike many historic castles, Allington Castle has never operated as a full-time visitor attraction and has remained largely hidden from public view for generations. Its riverside gardens and enclosed courtyards were developed as sheltered, private spaces, contributing to the sense of intimacy and seclusion for which Allington Castle is now known. For more information, visit allingtoncastle.com fleurchallisphotography.com 8
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