Christmas delights around The Seven Wonders of the Weald.
Christmas is the perfect time to visit the Seven Wonders of the Weald which showcases some of the South East’s best loved visitor attractions. The Wonders include beautiful gardens, stately homes and castles, a steam railway and a working vineyard, and each guarantee to add some festive magic to your celebrations.
The historic Penshurst Place and Gardens is the latest attraction to become a Wonder of the Weald and sits alongside Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Marle Place Gardens & Gallery , Biddenden Vineyards, Merriments Gardens, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Chiddingstone Castle & Gardens.
All the attractions offer a great value day out and with an individual attraction pass everyone can enjoy one free entry to all the attractions for just £25. Passes are available to purchase on the Seven Wonders website, www.sevenwonders.org.uk, or from Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Biddenden Vineyards, Merriments Gardens, at The Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone or Ashford Tourist Information Centres or by calling 01892 515675.
Festive Events 2012:
Biddenden Vineyards
Biddenden Vineyard’s Christmas shop will be open daily from mid-November until noon on Christmas Eve. Tastings of the award-winning wines, ciders and juices will be available, all of which can be purchased in the vineyard shop.
The vineyards will once again be offering its Christmas hamper and gift box service. Choose a hamper or gift box and fill it with gifts of your choice from around the Christmas shop. There will be a wide range of local and speciality products including jams, chutneys, biscuits, beers, liqueurs and more to choose from. Alternatively, let the team know what sort of gift you are looking for and they can put together a hand-picked hamper for you – the perfect gift to suit any person or budget!
On weekends throughout November visitors can enjoy a complimentary glass of Monk’s Delight – the vineyard’s own spiced mulling cider, and throughout December visitors can enjoy a free mince pie.
For more information visit website or call 01580 291726.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers walking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, adventure play and orienteering for people of all ages and abilities; Bedgebury is one of South East England’s premier sites for healthy outdoor activity. Home to the world’s largest collection of conifers and nestled in beautiful parkland with lakes, streams, rolling hills and wide avenues, Bedgebury is exceptionally beautiful during the winter months. See website for details.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of the country’s finest examples of a preserved rural light railway, where visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds and service of a bygone age, and what better time to visit than Christmas.
Visitors taking a magical steam train journey throughout December can meet Santa on the popular Santa Specials. On board the beautifully decorated steam train families will meet Santa Claus during the hour and ten minute return journey to Northiam Station. Children should also look out for the pixies whose sacks are full of lovely presents. Tickets start from £14.50 and early booking is recommended to secure your chosen date. After your train ride the fun continues at Tenterden Station with a Victorian carousel, a miniature railway and the chance to have your picture taken with the Snow Queen.
For more information, ticket prices and times or to book call 01580 765155, or visit website .
Chiddingstone Castle
On Friday 30 November between 10am and 4pm Chiddingstone Castle will be hosting a Christmas Fair with ideal gifts for friends and family.
Stalls will often have unique products that are not found in the shopping malls! On sale will be home accessories, vintage wares, books, cards, slate and lacquer goods, bags, childrens’ clothes, food, drinks, soaps, cards etc.
For a restorative coffee visitors can visit the Victorian Tea Rooms which will also be serving mulled wine, mince pies, light lunches and homemade cakes. The grounds of the Castle will be open for a peaceful stroll in the fresh air. Admission to the fair is £3.00 and parking is free.
For more information visit website or call 01892 870347.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
Take a look behind the scenes of this historic family home this winter by joining one of the group tours. Find out more about the house with a tour and introduction from the housekeeper on how the state rooms are cleaned and conserved over the winter. Festive refreshments will be available throughout December. Tours cost £15. Call 01892 870307 to find out more.
Following on from your tour why not enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping. Open daily including Christmas Eve, the shop has gifts to suit everyone, including local Kentish produce hampers and mistletoe. Late night shopping is available on Wednesday evenings from 4.30pm to 8pm between 21 November 19 December. Why not visit Penshurst Farmers’ market on Saturday December 1 between 9.30am and 12 noon.
Throughout December Father Christmas will be making an early delivery to Penshurst Place. His magical grotto will be open Saturdays and Sundays between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 3.30pm. No booking is required and tickets cost £5.
For more information on any of the festive events, tickets prices and opening times call 01892 870307 or visit website .
Merriments
Merriments has a wonderful selection of beautiful and unusual gifts, glass, soaps, books, vases, candles, wicker baskets and indoor plants perfect for Christmas gifts. There is also a bird centre selling everything you need to help the birds through the winter months from bird baths to squirrel proof feeders.
Enjoy a coffee or pot of tea, or have a snack or a meal after shopping in the warm and friendly café. A special Christmas menu will be available daily from the café from the 1st of December.
For more information visit website or call 01580 860666.
The Seven Wonders of the Weald also has a number of complimentary partners which help make a stay in the area extra special and these are Bedgebury Park Equestrian Centre and Holiday Accommodation, The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club and Garden of England Cottages.
If you are planning a trip to Royal Tunbridge Wells don’t miss a visit to Calverley Grounds, opposite the train station in the town, where you will find a real outdoor ice rink from Friday 23rd November. New this year will be the chance to meet Father Christmas in his log cabin. For tickets and further details click
here
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If you are looking for gift ideas this Christmas why not treat a friend or family member to a Bedgebury Park Riding Gift Voucher. The equestrian centre offers bespoke gift packages for riding lessons and hacking at Bedgebury Park, Goudhurst, Kent. Call 01580 211602 or visit
website
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To find out more about all the Seven Wonders of the Weald and their tourism partners visit website or call the Royal Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre on 01892 515675 or email touristinformationcentre@semperey.com.
