What's on Locally

SISSINGHURST CASTLE

Built in the 16 century, Sissinghurst Castle is a moated Tudor house that was left to fall into disrepair. Then, in 1930 Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson took over what was left of the building, and over the years they lovingly restored the house and the gardens. Sissinghurst Castle is now world-renowned for its gardens, that are not to be missed at any time of the year. Here you will see the famous series of small, enclosed gardens, each with its own colour scheme. Near Sissinghurst, you could try lunch at The Three Chimneys at Biddenden. www.thethreechimneys.co.uk

DOVER CASTLE

Visit Dover Castle and experience the majesty, colour and opulence of medieval court life within the Great Tower. Then re-live the turbulent war years as you venture underground into the Secret Wartime Tunnels, set deep within the cliffs. Finish off your day with a walk round the extensive battlements, the Medieval Tunnels and Roman Lighthouse. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.14571

CANTERBURY

Steep yourself in tradition in the historic university and cathedral city of Canterbury. During your visit to the cathedral, reflect on the fact that the knights who came over from France to murder Thomas a Beckett stayed overnight at Saltwood Castle, just up the road from The Shieling. http://www.canterbury.co.uk

www.canterbury-cathedral.org. Check the website for events. http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/events/eventsdiary.

LEEDS CASTLE

Follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and visit Leeds Castle. Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, a visit to Leeds Castle in the garden of England is full of discovery. Open all year round, its special blend of heritage and history, glorious gardens, attractions, programme of events, and licensed restaurant make it the perfect choice for a day out. www.leeds-castle.com.

ROMNEY HYTHE AND DYMCHURCH RAILWAY

From the garden at the Shieling, you will often hear the whistle of the narrow gauge steam trains of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway. Treat yourself to a day out on the railway, and enjoy chugging through the Romney Marsh, all the way to Dungeness. www.rhdr.org.uk. If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for this landscape - mile after mile of shingle, and a huge variety of wildlife. Try and find Derek Jarman’s house, Prospect Cottage. Sample some fish and chips at The Pilot. www.thepilot.uk.com/corporate. Alight at new Romney station and take a look at the railway museum; explore the vision of the railway’s founders, Captain J.E.P Howey and Count Louis Zborowski.

KENT BATTLE OF BRITAIN MUSEUM

Not for nothing was this part of the world known as “Hellfire Corner” during the war. Take a look at the Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge – the oldest established and largest collection of Battle of Britain artefacts on show in the country and privately run by enthusiasts and volunteers. www.kbobm.org. Try some lunch at the Cat and Custard Pot at Paddlesworth - www.catandcustardpot.co.uk Follow in the footsteps of the pilots and personnel who were based at Hawkinge airfield.

PORT LYMPNE WILDLIFE PARK

A short drive or bus ride from the Shieling is John Aspinall’s Port Lympne wildlife park., set in six hundred acres, including a magnificent mansion, and fifteen acres of landscaped gardens. The mansion was once owned by the Sassoon family. Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill are among the famous visitors. There is a 13th century castle at Lympne. It’s worth taking a look at the website (www.lympnecastle.co.uk) and keeping an eye open for events. You could try The County Members for lunch.

ST LEONARD’S CHURCH, Hythe. A visit to this church, which has stood above the little town for more than a thousand years, is a must. See if you can spot the Green Man. Visit the Crypt.

Thomas fans will have a field day. Not only do you have the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway on your doorstep, but also the KENT AND SUSSEX RAILWAY. www.kesr-operating.org.uk. It starts at Tenterden, “the jewel of the Weald” and ends in the shadow of Bodiam Castle.

BODIAM is a true fairy tale castle, built in 1388. Its interior was ruined by Oliver Cromwell’s troops at the end of the English Civil War. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-bodiamcastle

Hythe Tourist Information http://www.hythe-tourism.com/

Discover Folkestone Hythe and Romney Marsh http://www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk