Sevenoaks 'summer gems' - where or what are yours?

Summer seems to be flying past at an alarming rate of knots, and if like me you're starting to struggle to find exciting things to do to fill the days, and your kids (and your wallet!) are fed up of all the long journeys, endless queues and high costs of some of the UK's top attractions, then how about reconsidering some of the many great destinations we have here in and around Sevenoaks?

We want you to share your personal local 'gems' - those tucked away pubs, walks, cycle trails, shops, galleries or whatever makes your heart beat just that little bit faster when you go there! Or perhaps there are some really obvious Sevenoaks gems - places that we think we've been to plenty of times in the past, but could be great if we bothered to visit them again?

My own favourites are Chipstead village, which I've always had a soft spot for as we nearly bought a house in the high street a few years ago which sadly fell through. Even now, I'll often take a detour through it just to look longingly at the pretty cottages. The Longford lake is a great place to watch the boats sailing at Chipstead Yacht Club.

I also love the Danish Collection, and can never resist a rummage through the fab linens, handmade cards, scented candles and shabby chic style homewares. My kids always ask to go to Knole Park and are fascinated by the wild deer - a picnic lunch and a football are the only accessories needed here! I also love the stunning lavender fields and shop at Castle Farm in Shoreham, which sells home grown organic beef from their own herds, lavender scented food and drinks and delicious ciders. Finally, my top summer watering hole is the Plough at Ivy Hatch - pretty gardens, great food and friendly staff.

So there you have a few of my summer gems for this area - do you agree? What would be yours and why?