As I listen to the guide explaining the history of the vast medieval building and its treasures, I wonder about the hundreds – possibly thousands – of servants who must have toiled here over the years. The focus of the tour is on the architecture, the works of art and the story of the nobles […]
How to explore the Pilgrims’ Way by car
The Pilgrims’ Way is an ancient route in the South of England, connecting the shrine of St. Swithun in Winchester Cathedral with the shrine of the martyr St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. It’s impossible to know how many pilgrims followed this route in medieval times, but historians believe that as many as tens of […]
How to visit Penshurst Place & Gardens, Kent
Penshurst Place & Gardens is a beautiful historic estate in England’s Weald of Kent, near Tunbridge Wells, and it’s a wonderful place for a day out, with or without children. Penshurst Place feels like a National Trust property, but it’s actually the current and ancestral home of the Sidney family. King Edward VI granted the […]
Review: Groombridge Place, Kent
On a summer Sunday afternoon my 18 year-old daughter and I go for a stroll around Groombridge Place Enchanted Forest and Gardens. Groombridge is a gorgeous 17th century moated manor house near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, with a 200-acre estate with woodland and historic formal gardens to explore. We used to go there a lot […]
Kent cycling holiday: staying in a Fisherman’s Hut in Whitstable
In April I went on a brilliant cycling trip with three friends. It was a birthday trip for my illustrator friend – she loves cycling, as long as there are no hills. When I came across a tour called Kent For Art Lovers on the Carter Company website, I thought that it would be ideal. […]
English Tourism Week
English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the many great things for visitors to see and do in England. This year the event runs from 5th – 13th March, and I’m taking part in a blogger carnival to mark the occasion. Each of us has chosen three locations in England to showcase. My chosen […]
8 historical Kent attractions for families
The county of Kent stretches from the southeastern edge of London down to the English Channel, and is known as the Garden of England. We live just across the border from Kent and have enjoyed countless days out there over the years. Here’s my pick of some of the best historical Kent attractions for a […]
Family days out: Quex Park
‘Mum, I can’t believe you said that. Who says that? It’s so embarrassing’ says my son, in an outraged tone. ‘I’m proud of you and ashamed at the same time’ says my younger nephew, solemnly. My sister laughs and says: ‘Well I didn’t know what ‘re-spawn’ meant either!’ Quex Park We’re talking about paintballing. I’m […]
Family days out: Hever Castle, Kent
We live just a few miles away from Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent in the South of England and I’ve been taking my kids there since they were toddlers. Hever Castle dates from the thirteenth century and is one of those places which both adults and kids love going to. We always used to buy […]
Port Lympne Camping Pods
Earlier this month I went to Port Lympne Reserve for the opening of their new Pinewood Camping Pods – and very swish they are too. Port Lympne Reserve Port Lympne Reserve is a wild animal park in Kent in the South of England. The park is home to a range of animals including lions, tigers, […]
