Spring/summer activities

Nearby

Bodiam Castle
One of Britain’s most famous and evocative castles, it is a perfect example of a late Medieval castle complex with battlements, ramparts and moats, only 25 minutes drive. Open daily from 10:30 till 6:00 from 1st March to
31st October. See the leaflet at reception for special events throughout the summer including try on armour, family fun days, have a go archery and brass rubbing. Bodiam, Near Robertsbridge, East Sussex
Tel: 01580 830436

Dungeness The largest shingle ridge in Europe. Along with two Nuclear Power Stations it makes a unique landscape. This is where artist and film maker Derek Jarman created his garden at his house Prospect Cottage, mixing flint, shells and driftwood with indigenous and introduced plants. Visit the garden, climb the lighthouse, walk the beach, have fish and chips at The Pilot or The Britannia. As Time Out puts it, “an anti landscape”!
A truly alternative day out. RSPB reserve Tel: 01797 320588

Farm World, Beckley
Six miles out of Rye on the A268 is Farm World at Beckley. Feed the lambs and calves or explore the farm on BMX bikes. Try metal detecting deep in the woods or learn to groom a pony. Two miles of coarse fishing. Llamas and rare breeds of pigs, ponies and horses. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 till 5:30 during term time and open daily during school holidays. Tel: 01797 260250

Great Dixter House and Gardens
A Tudor house with a famous twentieth century Arts and Crafts garden. Great Dixter was bought in 1910 by Nathaniel Lloyd, author of books on brickwork and topiary, and was restored by Edwin Lutyens. Nathaniel designed the framework of the garden and it has been planted with great flair by his son, Christopher Lloyd, author of many good books on plants and planting. House and gardens open 31 March to 28 October
Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Gardens 11.00 to 5.00pm (last admission) House 2.00 to 5.00pm Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye, TN31 6PH. Tel: 01797 252878

Hastings
Smugglers Adventure, Shipwreck Heritage, Underwater World, unique fishermen’s net huts, world class mini golf and the atmospheric old town are just some of Hastings’ attractions. Tel: Smugglers 01424 422964
Shipwreck 01424 437452: Underwater world 01424 444412

For the more energetic, Hastings Country Park has ancient woodland, heathland and grassland, together with 5km of dramatic cliffs and coastline, lying within the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty. The park is now a nature reserve of international importance.
Travelling time 30 minutes. Tel: 01424 444412

Kent and East Sussex Railway
Take a trip in traditional style…The K&ESR operates a 10.5km Steam heritage railway between the historic town of Tenterden and the magical Bodiam Castle. Thomas the Tank engine puts in several appearances throughout the year. For bookings tel: 0870 6006074
While in the area why not visit Tenterden Vineyard; Open all year round, everyday from 10-5pm for wine tasting, a walk in the vineyards and a visit to the bright and airy bistro. Tel: 01580 763033

Kino digital cinema
Visit the UK’s first purely digital cinema in Hawkhurst. This state of the art cinema screens a select range of movies from around the world from latest releases to classics, from Hollywood to Art House. They also offer certain screenings for parents with babes in arms. Exceptional in-house coffee shop. Journey time: 20 minutes. Tel: 01580 754321

Lydd Airport
For a really special day out fly from Lydd Airport to the chic French resort of Le Touquet. Alternatively take a 15 minute trip encompassing Camber Sands and the local area. Fly and Dine packages are available from £39.
Tel: 01797 322207

Rare Breeds Centre
Highly recommended. Set in 120 acres of beautiful countryside. Meet the farm animals in the children’s barn. Woodland discovery trails, pig racing, an assault course and a walk through the butterfly tunnel. There is a new indoor assault course with rope swings, scramble nets and wire bridges. Soft play area for younger children. Open daily 10:30 – 5:30 from April through till September. Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3RJ
Tel: 01233 861493

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Built in 1927 it is the world's smallest public railway, running from Cinque Port Hythe to Dungeness. Train timetable changes throughout the year. For current running details call 01797 362353 or ask reception to run off today’s timetable from the web.

Rye
Situated just 3 miles from The Place Camber Sands is Rye with its enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church & beautifully preserved historic houses. Visit Rye castle "Ypres tower", Rye museum, climb the church spire, Camber castle built by Henry VIII, the many art galleries and Rye harbour nature reserve. Lamb House was home to writer Henry James from 1898-1916 and later home to authors E.F. Benson and Rumer Godden.

Alternatively if you're feeling energetic, hire a cycle from Rye Cycle Hire (01797 223033) and view the area at a gentle pace. If you are feeling brave you could try the Rye and Romney Marsh Circular, a 30mile ride including Appledore, Ivychurch and Old Romney or take the short cut via Walland Marsh to reduce it to 25miles. Maps available at reception.

Rye Art Gallery
The gallery is in 2 buildings linked by a garden. The Easton rooms sells paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, glass, metalwork and sculpture by local contemporary artists and craftspeople. The Stormont Studio exhibits the gallery’s permanent collection displayed in rotation. 107 High Street, Rye. Tel: 01797 222433.

Rye Harbour Nature reserve
Dedicated by the Nature Conservancy Council as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Unique landscape, unique species (one is even named after the warden) and fantastic walks.
For further information call 01797 223862

Rye Watersports
Learn to sail, windsurf or kitesurf with Rye Watersports, just three minutes away on the Rye road. Private or group tuition available. Open March–November Tel: 01797 225238

Winchelsea
Winchelsea, the smallest town in England, stands 2 miles west of medieval Rye. A charter of 1277 fortified the town against French invaders, the town being rebuilt and laid out in grid form - the first example of town planning in England. One of the founders of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, preached his last outdoor sermon in the town on the 7th October 1790 when he was aged 87. Today Winchelsea is an unspoilt, quiet, small town of much character well worth exploring with delightful walks and fine views towards the coast.

Winchelsea Beach
Winchelsea Beach is one of the few remaining comparatively undeveloped parts of the south coast. Just inland, between the coast road and the sea is this strange shingle landscape known as "The Ridges"-- pebbles and rough land with a straggle of 1930's bungalows spaced out along the unmade roads. The whole area is much valued by those who like fresh air - flocks of birds and open and empty spaces. The beach is peaceful and never crowded with shingle at high tide and level sand at the low. A wonderful 4-mile walk is to follow the sea wall eastwards- first stopping at the hides of the Bird Reserve, next following the River Rother towards Rye and then returning across the field tracks past Camber Castle.

Further afield

Bedgebury Pinetum
Bedgebury Pinetum has the finest collection of conifers in the world. Nestling among lakes and valleys in the Kent countryside there is family cycling, adventure play including rope swings, climbing walls and tree houses. There are a number of children’s events including pond dipping, national insect week and the green man. A shop and information centre is open daily and refreshments are also available. The Pinetum also hosts concerts.  Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2SL Tel: 01580 879820

Canterbury
A town packed with history - relive the Canterbury Tales (Tel: 01227 479227) or visit the awesome Cathedral. Alternatively enjoy the wide range of shops and restaurants. A highly recommended place to eat is "The Goods Shed". Located in a converted engine shed, it has a daily farmers market, freshly baked bread on premises and restaurant uses the food from the market so it’s wonderfully fresh. Tel: 01227 459153: Info Centre Tel: 01227 378100

Dover Castle and Secret Wartime Tunnels
The Castle has served as a vital strategic centre since the Iron Age. Visitors can enjoy the castle’s wealth of history including a reconstruction of Henry VIII’s visit, the 1216 siege experience and a tour of the secret underground wartime tunnels used by Churchill as a forward command post during WW2. Tel: 01304 211067

France
The continent is easily accessible from the area, by plane, train or sea! There's the Eurotunnel which takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais (08705353535) or if you feel like facing the waves try the Hoverspeed which takes 1hour from Dover to Calais (08702408070). Pick up the Eurostar at Ashford International – journey time to Lille just 57 minutes.

Imagine
Kent’s biggest indoor play centre for children under 12, featuring huge play frames a large indoor sports zone, ball cannons and trampolines. Comfortable adult seating and café. Millbank Rd, Kingsnorth, Ashford, TN23 3JD. Tel: 01233 650 789

Leeds Castle
“A castle for all seasons and one of the most romantic and historic buildings in the land”

Open daily during the summer 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Travelling time 1 hour. Tel: 01622 765400

Port Lympne Mansion and Zoo
“Whether you are interested in animals, historic houses, elegant gardens or magnificent scenery, Port Lympne has something for everyone” Managed by the John Aspinall foundation, Port Lympne is devoted to saving rare and endangered animals.
Travelling time 40 minutes Tel: 0870 7504647

Rolvenden Motor Museum (near Tenterden)
A “quirky” little museum displaying a personal collector’s much loved old vehicles – mainly Morgan’s, plus an extensive collection of toy model vehicles. Rolvenden, near Cranbrook, Kent.
Tel: 01580 241234

Scotney Castle Gardens
One of England’s most romantic gardens with a ruined 14th century castle in a tranquil lakeside setting.
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent. Open Weds-Sun March-November. Tel: 01892 893820 (Infoline) 01892 893868

Smallhythe Place
The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928 and contains her fascinating theatre collection. The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery, a wonderful display of wild flowers and the Barn Theatre, which holds exhibitions and regular performances of plays, music and talks. Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG Tel: 01580 762334

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Vita and Harold Sackville West’s home and famous gardens now National Trust . The library and Vita Sackville-West's study are open 17 March–14 October. The gardens are open all year round. Sissinghurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB. Tel: 01580 710700