Activities

High Weald Landscape Trail Explore the High Weald AONB on this fabulous 90 mile walk that links the ridge-top villages and historic gardens for which the area is famous.

Explore the 460 acres of gorgeous Wealden countryside in the Sissinghurst Castle Estate on this walk in Kent.You can stroll through the stunning gardens before heading into the surrounding woodland to stretch your legs further. Highlights include the gazebo by the pretty moat, and the 16th century tower with vast panoramic views from the top. There's also some nice woodland with pretty bluebells in the spring. The gardens are varied and extensive with a rose garden, herb garden, orchard and glasshouses. There are also a number of ruined buildings and a library with a collection of 11000 rare books. Sissinghurst Castle is located near Cranbrook and Tenterden in Kent. Sissinghurst Castle Ordanance Survey Map Google Map of Sissinghurst Castle

Royal Military Canal Path This walking route runs from Pett Level to Seabrook along the Royal Military Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century as a defence against a possible invasion by Napoleon, the canal-side path now makes for a nice easy walk. The route starts off on the coast at Pett Level and heads inland towards Winchelsea and then onto Rye. The path then heads to Hythe via Appledore before finishing at Seabrook just outside Hythe. Highlights on the route include the lovely Rye Harbour Nature Reserve near Rye. The reserve includes salt marsh, lagoons, grazing marsh, shingle and reed beds. You can also visit the ruins of Henry VIII's Camber Castle. The Device Fort was built to protect the Sussex coast against French attack in the 16th century. You'll also pass Lympne where there's the splendid Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, the medieval Lympne Castle and the interesting Portus Lemanis Roman Fort. Information and Map

Bedgebury is a great place for cyclists with miles of family cycle tracks and a more challenging mountain bike trail. The gentle 10km trail is perfect for exploring the 2000 acre forest at a leisurely pace on generally flat surfaced paths. Adrenalin junkies can enjoy 13km of single-track mountain biking. It's generally graded as a red trail and has fast sweeping gradual descents and some challenging climbs. There's also cycle shop where you can hire a bike. The forest is also great for walkers with miles of peaceful woodland trails to follow. You can enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Bedgebury Pinetum. This recreational and conservational arboretum has 10,000 trees growing across 320 acres including the most complete collection of conifers on one site in the world. If you would like to extend your exercise then you can head to the nearby Bewl Water and enjoy a splendid 12.5 mile cycling and walking trail. Bedgebury Forest Ordanance Survey Map Bedgebury Forest Street Map

Tenterden High Street Tenterden, a very attractive small market town with plenty of independent shops and small cafes. A beautiful High Street with a lovely tree lined avenue and greens, and an abundance of historic buildings. Excellent shopping opportunities. See listings here https://www.mytenterden.co.uk/directory/tenterden-high-street-shops-browse-834.aspx

Rye Rye has just a few chain shops and a lot of independents. Trawling its eclectic vintage/antique shops can take a day in itself, and many places present their wares beautifully, making the shopping experience itself a joy, regardless of whether you buy. The Quay Virtually every shop along this picturesque street leading down to the Quay sells second-hand goods (and, increasingly, faux second-hand goods); they’ve been lumped together here for reasons of space, but in reality they all have their individual charms. Some of our favourites include Halcyon Days for rustic furniture, upcycled using Annie Sloan’s fantastic chalk paints; quality vintage clothes at Tallulah & Rose; and the multi-tenanted rummage-fest that is The Quay Antiques. Strand, Rye TN31 7DB Rye Pottery Rye Pottery’s charming folk-infused ceramics are having a renaissance in a world newly appreciative of the decorative arts. It is best known for its hand-painted animals and figures, full of lively detail, and its mid-century tableware, including the classic Cottage Stripe design. The fact that the pottery isn’t sold widely makes a visit to its shop-cum-studio even more of a must (head upstairs to see some of the making in action). As well as its own pieces it sells a small but well-curated selection of homewares and prints. The Old Brewery, Wish Ward, Rye TN31 7DH www.ryepottery.co.uk Tel: 01797 223038 The Soap and Salvation The name of this gorgeous lifestyle shop comes from its former life as a Salvation Army chapel – “soup, soap and salvation” was one of the mantras of William Booth, its Victorian Founder. The lack of a proper shop window to peek into means that you might pass it by thinking it sells touristy bath products, when in fact it is full of simple, rustic wares for the home, including antique Mennonite quilts, chunky glazed stoneware crockery, cushions and candles. There’s a dinky kitchenware section out the back and a vintage bookshop to browse upstairs, and it’s all very atmospheric thanks to the high-ceilinged chapel itself. 18-20 Rope Walk, Rye TN31 7NA. www.soapandsalvation.com The Rye Art Gallery There’s always something inspiring on at this highly regarded gallery, which combines a permanent collection of 19th and 20thC art, plus contemporary selling shows. The permanent collections include works by John Piper, Paul Nash and Edward Burra, while the pieces for sale crossover many media, from Sculpture, prints to jewellery. This is the perfect place to pick up a classy, memorable souvenir. 107 High St, Rye TN31 7JE www.ryeartgallery.co.uk Tel: 01797 222433

Ashford Designer Outlet McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is situated in the Heart of Kent, the Garden of England. Conveniently located just five minutes’ walk away from Ashford International train station and less than 30 minutes from Dover Port, it is the best place to find all the designer brands you love under one roof. The Centre has over 80 of your favourite brands which include Abercrombie & Fitch, All Saints, Jack Wills, Kurt Geiger, Links of London, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger and more all at up to 60% off the RRP. There's something for everyone and within our beautiful settings you'll also find a children's play area, cafes and restaurants. Treat yourself to a Pizza Express, Wagamama’s or a snack from Patisserie Valerie or Caffè Nero. And with the exciting news that Ashford Borough Council has approved plans for expansion, there will soon be 38 new stores, restaurants and cafes. The Centre expansion is scheduled for opening in 2019, establishing Ashford Designer Outlet as the South East's premier shopping destination. Kimberley Way, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0SD www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com

Soak up the vibes... Take a trip to Camber Sands, one of England’s finest beaches. You can hop on a bus or drive down to Camber. Here you can simply lie back and enjoy the rays, walk along the pristine sands or for the more adventurous of you the kite surfing school is situated at the far end of the beach Keep an eye out for marsh harriers and seals popping their heads out above the waves.

E Bike Hire Electric Fat Bike hire and pedal cycles. Explore the many cycle paths in the area, from Camber to ancient Rye, you will see lakes, wildlife and even Castles along the way! Ebike hire provides helmets and high visibility vests. Half and full day rentals. Electric pedal assist models make light work of covering longer distances. Enjoy the great outdoors without getting out of breath! 123 Lydd Road, Camber, Rye TN31 7RS England

The Kite Surf Centre The Kitesurf Centre is a BKSA kite and watersports school based on Camber Sands beach. It was set up in 2007 by 3 brothers who are at the heart of all the lessons, courses & running of the centre. We offer lessons in kitesurfing, kite land boarding, kite buggy, stand up paddle board (SUP) and power kite. As well as lesson there is also equipment available to hire and an onsite shop. All ages from 8 upwards Be warned, these sports are extremely fun and very addictive!

Full throttle Boat Charters This is a high speed RIB boat ride from Rye harbour. The £18.50pp rides for half an hour are the most popular trips. They also run 1 hour whole boat charters for ups 9 passengers (£225) that goes to Hastings and back. Suitable for all the family. Booking essential. All safety equipment provided.

Rye Harbour Cycles These are quality bikes for hire to explore Rye Harbour and it's beautiful surroundings. Family friendly, we are able to supply kids bikes, tag-along and child trailer.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve A coastal nature reserve with 5 birdwatching hides and miles of footpaths to explore. Habitats include salt marsh, shingle, saline lagoons, grazing marsh and reed bed. Visit at any time of year to see a range of birds, plants and other animals, including many that are rare. Find out more by visiting the website. The Discovery Centre is open 10-4pm every day.

Rye History Walks These company are only offering private walks booked in advance over the winter months. They need to be contacted directly if anyone wishes to book this expert guided walk of beautiful Rye. Prices start at £10 per head and they can accommodate groups of any size.

Rye Watersports Rye Watersports is a long established teaching centre by Camber Sands in East Sussex giving lessons in Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing and Stand Up Paddleboarding. Enjoy the thrill of a windsurfing or dinghy sailing lesson on this unique coastal lake on the South East Coast, where the wind always seems to blow, or learn to kitesurf on the Kent and Sussex beaches that are amongst the best in the country. This company have a range of top quality boards and sails for hire including wetsuits and harnesses. Dinghy hire is available too but has to be booked in advance, though it is possible to bring your own as day sailors are welcome.

If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare for this landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the water birds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare Grebe or Diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful Smew. During the summer, the reserve is awash with vibrant wildflowers which provide food for all sorts of insects including many different species of Butterfly and Bumblebee! Listen to the chorus of the Marsh Frogs in the reed beds and look out for sunbathing Grass Snakes too! The nature trails lead around a series of hides where there is an excellent chance of seeing Bitterns and bearded Tits in winter. There is plenty to be seen at other times too. Dungeness's position, jutting into the English Channel, makes it ideally placed to watch for migrant birds arriving or departing, with Wheatears, Swallows, Martins and Warblers regularly seen. The reserve is open daily (except December 25 and 26) from 9am- 9pm (or sunset if earlier). The visitor centre is open from 10am-5pm (4pm November - February).

At Chapel Down Vineyard - learn more about growing grapes in Kent, the production of English Wines and then taste the various complexities in the different wines produced at Chapel Down Vineyards

In Season Local Hop Farm Visit and Tour.