BODIAM CASTLE
Bodiam. East Sussex

Bodiam Castle is an outstanding example of a courtyard castle. Nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside, a four sided castle defended with huge circular towers at each corner. Midway on each side is a square tower, modified into the main gate house. Surrounding the castle is a spectacular mote, with views from every angle as you amble freely around the grounds.

Run by the National Trust there is also a well stocked shop and large dining area indoors or 'al fresco' perched next to the river Rother and looking across the valley.

Bodiam Nursery is clearly etched into this superb setting, directly opposite these remarkable historic ruins

KENT AND SUSSEX RAILWAY
Tenterden. Kent.

Take a breathtaking trip on the Kent and Sussex Steam Railway from Tenterden through Rolvenden and onto Bodiam. At Bodiam you can take a 5 minute walk to the castle ( or across the road into one famous nursery!!) to complete a lovely day out for all the family.

Many attractions are held during the year such as the hoppers weekend, Thomas the tank engine and period themes depicting the 2nd world war.

In the height of the season you can also take a horse and carriage to the castle from Bodiam station for those with weary legs, child or adult walking memory lane.

SISSINGHURST CASTLE
Sissinghurst. Kent.

One of the most internationally famous gardens of this century, Sissinghurst castle gardens are now run by the National Trust, and created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson in the 1930's. His classical and her romantic and poetical tastes resulted in the most beautiful gardens in formal design with joyously abundant planting.

Enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year visiting the famous white garden, Lime walk, nuttery and the decorative wild garden in the orchard are a picture to behold.

Sissinghurst Castle offers a large shop full of gifts, a small plant area and a large cafe/ restaurant overlooking the country side.

Surrounding the Castle there are some breathtaking walks (free) which include two peaceful lakes and cross the garden of England country side. Well worth a wonder away from the crowds.

GREAT DIXTER
Nr Northiam. Kent

Great Dixter is a charming 15th century timber framed manor house and is the family home to Christopher Lloyd, who has devoted his life time to creating one of the most experimental, exciting and constantly changing gardens of our time. His use of strong shapes and colour combined with a bold style give interest to this charming garden all year.

The garden is divided into a number of outdoor rooms, you will find topiary birds, a subtropical garden, the wild garden and the sunken garden, each expertly planted to show a riot of colour , foliage , shapes and offer a pallet of colour to bring out the artist in all of us.

Further attractions and some wonderful country trails include Bewl Waters, Scotney Castle, Battle's Historic Abbey, Rye Cinque Port, Bodiam Bonsai, Finchcocks' Museum of Past Musical Instruments, Smallhythe Place (Prior home to Ellen Terry), Cranbrook Windmill, very welcoming and productive local Vineyards as well as forest walks and picturesque villages.