Interests and activities
There's a wealth of historical and recreational activities to explore within a short drive of Well Cottage. Activities include, walking, cycling, golfing, fishing, and sailing, not to mention numerous gardens and woodlands. Historical sites include Bayham Abbey, Scotney Castle, Battle Abbey as well as many exciting towns and villages.
Gardens
As you might expect, since Hawkhurst Bed & Breakfast is located in the ‘Garden of England’, a number of the renowned gardens of Kent and Sussex are open for visitors. These include:
Sissinghurst Castle
This renowned garden was designed in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West. Its most famous feature is of course the White Garden, but there is much to see and enjoy at Sissinghurst. There is a good restaurant and picnicking is also allowed on the lawns. Sissinghurst is a ‘must see’ garden for any enthusiast.
Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle Garden A garden not to be missed with a romantic and ruined castle and moat, lovely woods and parkland to walk in.
Great Dixter
Great Dixter Christopher Lloyd’s distinctive and unique garden (and lovely house) is rated as one of the best that you can visit in Kent.
Pashley Manor
Pashley Manor Gardens As well as the lovely gardens, at Pashley Manor, you will find a beautiful collection of sculptures and an excellent coffee shop – all combining to make it a worthwhile trip and only a few minutes drive away from Hawkhurst Bed & Breakfast near Hawkhurst. King John’s Lodge Nursery and tearoom in a lovely tranquil garden.
Bedgebury Pinetum
Bedgebury The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is home to the largest conifer collection in the world. This is a lovely and tranquil place for walking and exploring at your leisure, at any time of year.
Historical Sites near Hawkhurst in the heart of Kent Whilst staying in the Hawkhurst area you can visit Bodiam Castle (a stunning setting), the ruins of Bayham Abbey, Scotney Castle, Battle Abbey (historic stories from 1066) and Batemans – the birthplace of Rudyard Kipling. Hastings has many historically interesting attractions and places open to visitors, as do the towns of Rye and Winchelsea.
At Tenterden, a lovely town with Georgian Buildings, visit the renowned Chapel Down Winery (one of England’s best vineyards with tasting available, along with renowned apple juice, cheeses and locally produced foods). You can also take a ride from the station at Tenterden on the Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway (about 12 miles from this accommodation), with connections to Bodiam.
At Royal Tunbridge Wells, famous landmarks such as The Pantiles are popular attractions or visit Hastings – with its arty and attractive old town, fishing boats on the beach and wonderful cliff top walks.
Another great place for walks is The Weald, where the well-marked footpaths include some that lead directly from Well Cottage Bed and Breakfast, including the Sussex Border Path.
Rye, a historic ‘Cinque Port’, Winchelsea or Romney Marsh are popular places to go, Romney being home to a wide range of birdlife, a collection of unique churches, a miniature railway, and a Military Canal.
For more information please see: www.visithawkhurst.org.uk – includes maps with all of the local attractions marked www.cranbrook.org.uk – additional details about the area around Hawkhurst and Cranbrook