Summer around the Seven Wonders of the Weald

The attractions which make up the Seven Wonders of the Weald are hoping to attract plenty of visitors to Kent this summer to enjoy this popular county which is also known as the Garden of England. For just £30 you can get their annual pass, which is a great way to save money as it gives one free entry to all the attractions. The pass is available from the Seven Wonders of the Weald website as well as from Chiddingstone Castle, Biddenden Vineyards, the offices of Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages in Cranbrook and the visitor information centres in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

The Seven Wonders are Scotney Castle, Biddenden Vineyards, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Chiddingstone Castle & Gardens, Hole Park Gardens, Groombridge Place and the elegant and historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The Wonders are unique places to visit and are all an easy drive from one another with the stylish Royal Tunbridge Wells at the centre. Royal Tunbridge offers museums, theatres and eateries (including the delightful Michelin-starred Thackeray’s restaurant which can be found in the Nineteenth Century building which was once home to English novelist, William Makepeace Thackeray). The town has an eclectic mix of shops from high street names to individual specialist retailers and visitors are sure to enjoy the guided walks round Tunbridge Wells which take place most Thursday and Saturday mornings (mid March to mid December).  The walks are £5 per person and they start from the Tourist Information Centre in the Corn Exchange on the Pantiles at 10.30am.  The one hour guided stroll gives a fascinating insight into the 400 year history of this spa town and includes a visit to King Charles the Martyr Church and the original lodging houses in the 'village' area of the town.  Also hear about the famous visitors - from Queen Anne to Samuel Pepys - who made Tunbridge Wells the place in which to see and be seen.

Take the 10½ mile journey on the historic steam railway at Tenterden, from Hole Park and Scotney Castle - both with their beautiful gardens - through picturesque countryside to Bodiam Station which is a short walk from Bodiam Castle.   Families will love visiting the giant tree swings and themed events, in the summer holidays, of Groombridge Place. The unique collections and beautiful grounds of Chiddingstone Castle have a surprise round every corner with ancient artefacts from Egypt and Japan in addition to recreated Victorian Rooms and historic antiquities from the Stuart era.  At Biddenden Vineyards everyone can enjoy a walk through the vines before sampling some of the best English wine, apple juice and ciders.

Visit www.sevenwonders.org.uk for further information about the wonders and all the exciting events taking place at the attractions.  If you are planning to visit more than one attraction on your visit see the website for details of discounted admission to attractions with a Seven Wonders Pass.