The Seven Wonders of the Weald encompass all ages and interests and make ideal choices for days or weekends out and about exploring. With gardens, forests, lakes, stately homes, ruins, vineyards and music to enjoy, the whole family will be enchanted by spring in the Weald.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is open all year for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to appreciate the many varieties of trees. The early months of the year offer a chance to see snowdrops and, later, orchids, offset by startling pink conifer flowers. In late Spring, the Gloryhole, an area dedicated to azaleas and rhododendrons, is filled with a profusion of colour.
The season of special events starts in February: Valentine’s Day is traditionally when birds are believed to choose their mates, and the British Trust for Ornithology dedicates a week to nestboxes. Bedgebury runs a three day children’s event, from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 February, when children can watch birds, build their own nest box and learn about feeding and observing birds in general. Would-be bird watchers of all ages should note Saturday 24 February in their diary, as Geoff Orton leads an afternoon walk ‘Bird Walks for Beginners’ when he identifies birds and their song. Meanwhile, Easter starts early for the youngsters at Bedgebury as they hold their ‘Children’s Easter Event’ on Tuesday 3 April.
As well as the delights of the Pinetum, Go Ape’s high ropes and zip wires open at Bedgebury in March and the new dirt jump mountain bike area will be up and running. The weekly Health Walks resume every Friday and British Cycling will be holding monthly cycle training course.
Staying with the outdoor theme, Bewl Water is another beautiful spot in which to pass the time while appreciating nature. A bracing walk round the lake offers opportunities to see several species of water fowl, as well as fish – and fishermen. Take a ride on the water in the cruising ferry Swallow and then enjoy a meal in the Lookout restaurant. Various events and exhibitions are staged on the shores of Bewl throughout the year, from garden and car shows to dragonboat racing and a kite festival.
The National Trust property of Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst, is renown for its wild native orchids which form an impressive display in the gardens in May, at the same time as bluebells carpet the woodlands in the estate itself. Visitors may know the gardens with the stunning moated, ruined castle as their centrepiece, but the Scotney estate (open all year round, while the gardens open from 3 March) also offers many walking opportunities through quintessential Wealden fields and woods: an Easter trail gives children – and adults – a further opportunity to explore them.
Another picturesque ruin which has been carefully preserved is that of Bayham Old Abbey. The golden sandstone remains of a 13th-century monastery were incorporated into a Humphrey Repton landscape to provide an attractive setting for the Dower House, yet they retain an air of peacefulness and beauty which inspires amateur artists and photographers alike. From 1 April, families can stroll and picnic in the grounds while children explore the ruins.
Set deep in the heart of the Weald, the delightful gardens of Marle Place re-open for the season on 1 April. The beautifully laid out formal gardens and natural woodlands are enhanced by sculptures and freestanding art work, some permanent some for sale. In April, the lawns will be swathed in daffodils and narcissi then tulips and flowering trees take pride of place in the colourful and scented borders. In the garden’s Art Gallery, original vibrant works of art by one of the owners, Lindel Williams, will be on display from 7 to 30 April to be followed throughout the season by other varied exhibitions
Adding aural delights to the visual pleasures, Finchcocks Musical Museum in Goudhurst starts its season at Easter, opening on Sundays from 8 April. Visitors are treated to informal demonstrations and recitals on some of the over 100 historical keyboard instruments and they can also wander through the attractive gardens surrounding the fine Georgian mansion.
Tantalise at least one more of the senses at Lamberhurst Vineyard, open all year, where award-winning English wines are produced in an attractive setting. As well as tours of the vineyards, where the vines will just be starting to bud in Spring, visitors can sample free tastings, stock up their wine cellars and taste Kentish produce in the vineyard shop, or in the gastro pub next door. A beauty centre entices a longer stay for a little pampering and the Pet’s corner will safely amuse children.
All the Seven Wonders of the Weald are within easy travelling distance of each other and their variety and accessibility make them perfect choices for day and weekend itineraries for families, visitors with active or historical interests, garden lovers, or anyone keen to appreciate the best of the visitor attractions in a beautiful part of England.
More information about the Seven Wonders of the Weald can be found on the website www.sevenwonders.org.uk