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