Other Attractions & Places of Interest
The Hawkhurst Fish Farm is a uniquely quiet and tranquil venue; with its four main angling lakes it’s the perfect location for the big fish hunter, match angler and the pleasure angler alike. Also located on-site is a well stocked tackle and bait shop 'Kent Tackle'. So don't worry if you are short of anything or you are running out of bait, you can find what you need right here. And the good advice comes at no extra charge! If the fish aren’t biting, you have a non-angling guest with you, or you fancy a change there is a paint-your-own ceramics shop 'Slap & Dash', creative fun for adults, teens and children of all ages. There is also an excellent cafe where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast, a home-made lunch or maybe a scrumptious cream tea while taking in the picturesque views from the terrace which overlooks the five acre lake. And if that’s not enough, the farm is home to one of the largest and most varied selection of birds including wildfowl and if you are lucky Osprey’s are regular visitors as they migrate from Scotland to Egypt.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway. Slip back in time and nostalgia as the restored line gently wends its way from Tenterden for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.
A large coastal nature reserve with shingle beaches, sandy shores at low tide, grassland, saltmarsh and reedbeds bordering lakes and pools hosting a vast array of wildlife. A network of footpaths leading throughout SSSI areas to 5 birdwatching hides - 3 of which are wheelchair accessible, plus an information centre open throughout the year.
700 years of Rye history are brought to life in this fascinating and informative show, centred on the beautifully crafted model created to show Rye as it was in the early 19th century. As the story unfolds, the commentary is enhanced by dramatic sound and light effects, all of which combine to capture the imagination in a way which is sure to echo in your mind as you explore the cobbled streets and passages of Rye.
Discover a magical time travel adventure that the whole family will enjoy at award-winning Yesterday’s World. When you walk through the pretty shop entrance in Battle High Street you enter a world where you can spend hours journeying through time. This deceptively large attraction magically recaptures and vividly brings to life olden day times. Wander through the intriguing backstreets of Victorian England, go back to the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation and rediscover the fashion of the psychedelic 70s. Set in a charming 600 year old Wealden hall-house and new £3 million exhibition centre, Yesterday’s World is home to over 100,000 genuine historical artefacts collected over the past 50 years. With evocative sounds and smells, new 3D interactive displays, beautiful English country garden and a play village for the kids, a trip to Yesterday’s World will be one you’ll always remember.
Walk around the ruins of the cloistered chapel, the east Gate and Chapter House. Enjoy the stunning views across the town, explore the dungeons carved out of rock beneath the North Gate, then enter the medieval siege tent and enjoy the fascinating history of Britain’s first Norman Castle. April 30th to May 3rd 2010 is the ‘Jack in the Green’ Festival, a fantastic family day out rich in history – more information at www.hastingsjack.co.uk.
A Smugglers Adventure is an extensive exhibition about 18thC smuggling and incorporates a museum and video theatre. The highlight of the attraction is the Adventure Walk, in which visitors travel the length and breadth of the caves, with dramatic scenes, numerous push-button effects and also a few surprises. The romantic, yet often bloody heyday of the smuggler is brought to life in this themed experience and captures the danger and excitement of a turbulent period in English history.
Hastings Blue Reef aquarium takes visitors on an incredible undersea safari. Over 40 naturally - themed displays including a giant tropical ocean display with a spectacular underwater walkthrough tunnel. Display of marine life with hundreds of marine creatures including sharks, rays, crabs and starfish and a sea life nursery for newly-born creatures.
The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for the contemporary arts comprising two state of the art galleries, a stylish café and modern restaurant, an open roof terrace with spectacular sea-views, the original auditorium, curvaceous silver staircases and balconies and terraces for basking in the sun. Situated a pebble’s throw from the sea; the Pavilion puts on a lively programme of exhibitions by national and international artists, contemporary music gigs and classical concerts and events for children and young people both inside and outside the building. The restaurant serves delicious, freshly-prepared light lunches and pre-theatre suppers, whilst the café/bar serves fair-trade and speciality teas, coffees and home-made cakes and scones.
The Observatory Science Centre is one of the leading "hands-on" science centres with over 100 exhibits. As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, with its domes and telescopes, visitors can savour its unique atmosphere.
Have you ever tickled a sheep under the chin, scratched a pig's ear, or patted a golden goat? You can at The South of England Rare Breeds Centre, the home of friendly animals. Home to a large collection of rare British farm breeds, you can get close to 'history on the hoof'. Meet the Bagot goat, brought to Britain by the Crusaders. See the Lincoln Longwool sheep, dating back to Roman times. These are the ancient breeds from farming's past, with a vital role in farming's future. This is more than an ordinary farm – it's home and workplace for residents of the Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity determined to give disabled people an equal place in society. Adults with learning and physical disabilities are involved in all work of the centre. The Trust's residents are breaking down barriers as they carry out their jobs - real jobs in the real world. They are proud to work at the Rare Breeds Centre and look forward to welcoming you.
Take a trip by steam train from the historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells to the impressive High Rocks, Groombridge and new for 2010, Eridge. Joint tickets available with Groombridge Place Gardens. Special events throughout the year including 'A Day out with Thomas'.
Inter-active displays, life size models, dramatic lighting, special effects and a personal audio tour excitingly re-create the life and atmosphere of Tonbridge Castle over 900 years. It makes a fascinating visit for young and old alike - whatever the weather