Local Attractions
There are so many things to see and do in the local area so why not combine your visit to the blossom weekend or your cherry picking days with a couple of days away and come and see some of the local sights.
Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam
This is Tudor House with a famous 20th century arts and crafts garden. Christopher Lloyd, the author with many books on plants and planting designed and planted the garden. Approx 1 mile from the orchard.
Bodiam Castle
A stunningly evocative castle, built in 1385. Surrounded by a moat and with views from the battlements over the Rother valley this is a picture perfect castle in beautiful surroundings. Approx 5 miles from the orchard.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Bodiam Boating Station (from Newenden)
Why not take the boat from Newenden bridge to Bodiam castle and enjoy the scenery along the beautiful river Rother. You can also hire rowing boats, camp here overnight and relax in their scenic and peaceful cafe.
http://www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk/
Kent & East Sussex Railway
You could combine your visit to Bodiam Castle with a trip on the local Steam Railway that runs from Bodiam, via Northiam to Tenterden and back again. The Kent & East Sussex Railway winds its way through the countryside between Tenterden and Bodiam for 10.5 miles through some of the most picturesque scenery in the area. The Bodiam Station is approx 5 miles from Northiam, whilst Tenterden station is around 8 miles away.
Bateman’s, Burwash, E. Sussex
Bateman’s was the family home of Rudyard Kipling and is a 17th Century house surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald. This house was the world famous writer’s sanctuary – the rooms remain untouched with oriental rugs and artefacts reflecting Kipling’s strong association with the East. Approx 17 miles from the orchard.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-batemans
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst
Scotney is not one, but two houses. At the top of the hill is the new house whilst at the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of the medieval castle and moat. The estate is open all year offering a variety of walks through beautiful parkland, woodland and farmland. Approx 15 miles from the orchard.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-scotneycastlegarden
Bedgebury National Pinetum
Bedgebury Pinetum is home to 10,000 trees and shrubs and is the most complete collection of temperate conifers in the world. This is an incredibly beautiful outdoor site with an array of activities from a Children’s play area, Cycling tracks, Walking, Archery, and Go Ape where you can swing through the trees on zip wires! Approx 14 miles from the orchard.
http://www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/index.php
Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Manor Gardens is a quintessential English garden located on the Kent and East Sussex border. Pashley offers a blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings, and fine old trees, fountains and large ponds. This is one of the finest gardens in England. Approx 14 miles from the orchard.
http://www.pashleymanorgardens.com/
Battle Abbey
A fantastic family day out to discover more about the most famous date in English history – 1066. Set on the site of the historic 1066 Battle of Hastings you can enjoy an audio tour of the battlefields, see the abbey ruins and stand on the exact spot where King Harold is said to have met his end. Approx 12 miles from the orchard.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/
Port Lympne Wild Animal & Safari Park
Set in 600 acres Port Lympne is the project of the late John Aspinall. The Animal park was set up to protect and breed rare and endangered species and you can take a Safari through the park to see Giraffe, Rhino, Wildebeest, Zebra, Ostrich and Antelope. The park is home to the largest herd of breeding Rhinos outside of Africa and also the largest Gorillarium in the world where you can see daily feeding of the Gorillas. Approx 27 miles from the orchard.
http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne/
Drusillas Zoo Park
Drusillas is a lovely family day out with animals in naturalistic settings and lots to entertain the children, especially the younger ones! Approx 30 miles from the orchard.
Camber Sands
Camber sands is a really popular local sandy beach with picturesque dunes and miles of beach to enjoy. Great place to enjoy a day at the seaside at a very family friendly and clean beach. Approx 12 miles from the orchard.
http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/coast/cambersands/default.htm
These are a just a few of the fantastic places our local area has to offer but there are a plethora of other places to enjoy with visits to the historic and picturesque towns of Rye and Hastings on our doorstep which offer a huge array of attractions to entertain you for the weekend!