insideKENT Magazine Issue 22 - January 2014 | Page 93
DAYSOUT
winter in the weald
WITH MANY OF US LIVING IN THIS
BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE COUNTRY, ONE
THING'S FOR SURE: THERE IS NEVER A
SHORTAGE OF WONDERS IN WEALD TO
MARVEL AND ENJOY. SO WHY IS IT THAT
SO MANY OF US STILL DON'T KNOW A
HUGE AMOUNT ABOUT OUR LOCALITY?
IF UP UNTIL NOW SEVERAL PLACES HAVE
REMAINED ON YOUR ‘ONE-DAY’ LIST,
MAKE 2014 THE YEAR IN WHICH YOU
RESOLVE AND GET TO KNOW THE HIGH
WEALD A LITTLE BETTER.
While January and February sees most of us
avoiding the winter chill with cosy nights in,
there really is nothing nicer than wrapping up
warm and going for a long walk or cycle ride
in the Weald. Or if the weather is less clement,
how about getting on a train chugging thr
ough
the beautiful countryside of the Rother Valley
or visiting a working vineyard?
For less than the price of a monthly gym
membership you can purchase a pass to the
Seven Wonders of the Weald and enjoy a
wealth of beautiful gardens, stately homes
and castles, a steam railway, a working
vineyard and 2,000 acres of Pinetum and
forest. In the Weald, there really is something
for everyone.
Passes can be purchased via the website
www.sevenwonders.org.uk, or at Biddenden
Vineyards, Freedom Holidays and the
Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Ashford
Tourist Information Centres. You can also
book passes by calling 01580 201720, but
please note that they are sold on a first-comefirst-served basis, as there are only ever 200
passes available.
Each pass offers one free adult and child
entry to all of the Weald's attractions for just
£25, however if you purchase two passes, a
family of four can enjoy free entry. What's
more, all passes are valid for one year from
the date of purchase so that you can take
your time exploring.
JANUARY'S WONDERS OF THE WEALD
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Biddenden Vineyards
Biddenden Vineyards
is open Mondays to
Saturdays throughout
January. There is one
particular event on the
25th January, whereby
visitors will be given
the chance to look
around the vineyard
during its dormant
period — the phase
after the harve