Local Attractions
Jo & Paul’s children “going Ape” at the Pinetum!
Bedgebury National Pinetum and forest is one of the leading outdoor sites in the Southeast of England. With nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs, the Pinetum is the most complete collection of temperate conifers in the world. Following extensive investment in recent years, the Pinetum now has a visitor centre, enlarged car parking, a cafeteria, bike hire and an outdoor activity centre. 01580 211044
Celebrated gardens designed by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson.
Intimate setting in the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion.
Romantic compartments filled with colourful floral displays.
Lakeside and woodland walks open all year.
Lovely unspoilt Wealden countryside.
Vegetable Garden supplying fresh organic vegetables and fruit to the restaurant. 01580 715330
Set in the Weald of Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is the largest area of inland water in the South East of England.
Sailing, windsurfing, a long cycle path round perimeter (summer only), picnic sites, walks, birdwatching, cafeteria. 01892 890716
Considered one of the most romantic castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860. It has 500 acres of stunning parkland and gardens with events and attractions all year round. A visitor can hire a segway and enjoy the experience of travelling round the castle grounds.
01622 765400
Hever Castle
Hever Castle is an important historic castle on the English landscape, and was once the family home of one of England’s most famous Queens – Anne Boleyn, the intriguing second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. The castle is a romantic double moated 13th century castle which houses historic 16th century portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures.
01732 865224
Great Dixter
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world.
01797 252878
Country house, romantic garden, 14th century moated castle – all in a beautiful wooded estate
Relax in our picturesque garden with the glorious backdrop of our fairytale castle. Venture into the wonderful woodland and parkland with over 770 acres to explore. Discover the delights of our Victorian country mansion with its secrets and stories; you might meet our much loved cat in residence ‘Puss Puss’.
01892 893820
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover’s White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Roam through centuries of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the Cold War, in an action-packed day out.
Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden
Take your family to Kent and East Sussex Railway for a traditional and relaxing day out with the kids.
Steam across a railway that’s been in use for over 100 years. You might not be the first generation of your family to travel on this route, so why not enjoy a trip that you’re grandparents may well have enjoyed too. A trip along the railway is a tried and tested day out that’s bound to keep the family happy.
With plenty of stops and attractions a day out at the railway can be a day filled with activities; there are shops, parks and plenty to discover So take a seat in a carriage, have your camera at the ready, and admire the stunning scenery you’ll pass on your travels.
- Visit a railway that opened over 100 years ago
- Witness the stunning scenery of East Sussex
- Travel on a fully functioning steam train
The Historic Dockyard at Chatham
For all the family this has a fantastic range of attractions, iconic buildings and historic ships to explore with your family of little historians.
The rope walk at Chatham Dockyard
Home to rope making for almost 400 years it’s your turn to make rope like the Victorians on the Victorian Ropery Tour. From a Cold Water submarine to a Victorian sloop the 3 historic warships will have you setting sail on a historical adventure like no other. Command the Ocean and explore the Age of Sail galleries through an immersive and interactive experience that the kids are certain to love. Head off for story time at the No.1 Smithery where you will unearth incredible tales of the past through objects, paintings and play.
Let the kids let off some steam in one of the many play areas. Run, jump and hide in the outdoor play area. Or scramble your way through the soft play indoor area. The beautiful garden space is an ideal setting to enjoy a tasty picnic full of tasty treats. Or visit the brand new mess dock for some tasty fish & chips and other delicious classics.
- Historic Warships
- Victorian Ropery Tour
- Tasty Food at the Mess Dock
Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site. It is the home of a community of people who seek to make the Cathedral a place of welcome, beauty and holiness. We hope you will be inspired to visit Canterbury and the Cathedral and we look forward to welcoming you.
We can highly recommend this amazing coastal walk. Situated in the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters Country Park is made up of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular place for a number of outdoor activities including walking, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing. Or if you simply want to take in the surroundings relax at Saltmarsh cafe and rooms, located behind the visitors centre.
Here is a beautiful garden famed for its bluebells and hosting the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair which this year is 7-9 June.
