Archive for the ‘Kent’ Category

Brock Hill Country Park - Kent

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Sandling Road
Saltwood
CT21 4HL

tel:01303 266327

Opening times:
9am to dusk or 9pm. Whichever is earlier.

Brock Hill Country Park not far from Hythe in Kent, is one of my favourite picnic places.

Situated within a valley, once the former estate of Brock Hill Manor in the 1900s, it is now open to the public, as a pleasure area.

The park pleasantly laid out, with wooden picnic benches (where many families gather for barbeques) a children’s play area, pathways leading down to a fair sized lake abundant with many large carp fish and various wild life,

Along with Brock Hill stream, which cuts through the valley, all this together creates a lovely picturesque peaceful environment.

For the more avid walkers there are two planned routes of approximately 4 miles and 8 miles surrounding this beautiful park. Boasting many types of shrubs and trees, several different species of birds and animals of the smaller variety, a deer enclosure and butterflies of many sorts.

My 7 year old grandson loves it here. With its winding tree covered pathways and water falled stream it’s a children’s dream adventure land.

A few places for making brass rubbings of butterflies and insects are available.

A decent size (pay as you go) car park as you enter the area and a very nice café alongside, make this a very worthwhile venue.

While mentioning cafés, perhaps you could pop into W H SMITHS (Ashford) on the way and purchase a copy of my book “The Dinosaur And The Dragon Juice Café” an exciting story for 7 year olds to read whilst winding down from their Brock Hill adventure. It is also available in Waterstones, all good bookshops, and on Amazon.

Enjoy your visit! Bye.

JAMES A CRABB


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Wye in Kent: On top of the Hill

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

One of my favourite Picnic spots near Ashford, in Kent, is the vast green area at the top of the hills in the village of Wye. Beside the village being picturesque with ancient houses and a beautiful church and garden, if you drive through Wye and further up the road through the forest, the hills offer a great viewpoint over the Kent area, also lovely at sunset.

In good weather, there is also a nice walk along the path down the hills, with lots of small wild flowers in the spring. We usually have a few days of snow in the winter, which is when everyone rushes there with sledges (or estate agent sign boards!) to risk their life down the slopes. In this extraordinary weather, driving through the forest is surreal as the trees curve under the weight of the ice and snow, creating a tunnel of icy branches.

If like me, you are local, check out The Sleepy Ladybird written by Henri Renard and illustrated by . . . me. It is a children book about a grumpy ladybird called Oliver, 2 children and a Labrador for 3 - 6 year olds and is available in Waterstones (in the new Ashford shopping centre). Hope your children or grand-children enjoy it . . . the book and the picnic spot!

Caroline Bailey

 


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Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Address:
Biddenden Road, Sissinghurst, TN17 2AB

Tel: +44 (0)1580 710701

The 20th century creation of two English aristocrats, Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West, set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside. A late afternoon visit is highly recommended.

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst


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Leeds Castle

Monday, July 14th, 2008

Address: 
Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Tel: +44 (0)1622 765400
Web: www.leeds-castle.com

Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is full of discovery. A blend of heritage, wonderful grounds and conservation awaits every visitor to this all year round attraction. Leeds Castle’s last private owner, Lady Baillie, lovingly restored the Castle to its former glory and founded the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1974. The Foundation is a private charitable trust that works to preserve the Castle and grounds. Tickets to Leeds Castle grant admission to the Castle and grounds for one year from the date of purchase with the exception of our fireworks and concerts. The many attractions include; Knights Realm playground; Castle Craft cafe; Chidren’s turf maze; Hi Flyer static air balloon; Maze; Grotto; Pay and play golf course; Dog collar museum; Falconry; Bird Aviary; Special events; Gardens; Vineyard; Gift shops; Restaurant; Cafe. Open Daily all year daily with the exception of Christmas Day and on firework and concert events (check for further information on event dates). Oct-Mar 10am-3pm (last admission) Apr-Sept 10am-5pm (last admission)


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