Back Roads Great Britain (Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

106

w Bewl Water

Kent; TN3 8JH

Built in the 1970s, the largest inland

water in southeast England, Bewl

Water Outdoor Centre (open daily ) is

encircled by a 22-km (14-mile) walk

and riding path. There is a wide range

of activities on offer, such as canoeing,

windsurfing, sailing, fly fishing and

cycling. Alternatively take a lake cruise,

explore an adventure playground or

simply learn about the surrounding

environment in the Visitor Centre. After

all that, enjoy a snack at the restaurant.

ª Return to the A21, turn right and

then left onto the A268 to Hawkhurst,

BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Above Rural scenery of wheat fields and hay

bales near Sissinghurst, Kent

Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

q Goudhurst

Kent; TN17 1AL

This is an idyllic village with a fine

pond and lovely, uplifting views. The

church tower is sometimes open, for

even better views across the Weald.

South from Goudhurst on the B2079

lie the green forests of Bedgebury

Pinetum, with plenty for kids and

WHERE TO STAY

AROUND BEWL WATER

The Bull Inn inexpensive

West of Ticehurst, a short walk from

Bewl Water, this excellent pub has four

ensuite rooms and smart restaurant.

Three Legs Cross, Ticehust, TN5 7HH;

01580 200 586; http://www.thebullinn.co.uk

BATTLE

The Powder Mills moderate

Gorgeous Georgian country house

hotel with fishing lake and grounds.

Good restaurant open to non-residents.

Powder Mill Lane, TN33 OSP; 01424

775 511; http://www.powdermillshotel.com

Butcher’s sign,

Goudhurst

Below left The gatehouse of Sissinghurst Castle

Below right The splendid gardens and hall

house of Great Dixter

0 Sissinghurst

Kent; TN17 2AB

One of the great National Trust estates

in southeast England, Sissinghurst

Castle Garden (open Mar–Nov: Fri–Tue)

is not in fact a castle but the remains

of a Tudor manor built around 1560. It

became a “Castle” in 1756 when it was

used to house French prisoners of war

who called it “Le Château”. The estate

was bought by the parliamentarian

Harold Nicolson and gardening writer

Vita Sackville-West in1930, who laid

out the grounds as a series of “rooms” ,

each with a distinctive theme

and colour. The white

garden, best in early

July, is spectacular, but

at any time of year

there is something to

see. An added attraction

is the farm that is being

revived by Harold and Vita’s

grandson Adam Nicolson

and his wife, the cookery writer Sarah

Raven, bringing home-grown food to

the restaurant – “from plot to plate”

ª Carry along the A262 to Goudhurst.

Turn left at the village pond for free

parking, just down on the right.

adults to do – adventure playgrounds,

cycle trails and educational activities.

Hire some bikes, enjoy a picnic, or just

stroll among the tall trees.

Also near Goudhurst, off the A262

is Finchcocks (open Sun & Bank Hols;

Wed–Thu in Aug; 01580 211 712; http://www.

finchocks.co.uk), a Georgian manor set

in beautiful grounds with a museum

of early pianos and other instruments.

Return to the A262 and follow signs

for the impressive Scotney Castle (open

Mar–Nov: daily). This magical, ruined

14th-century castle has towers, a

moat, brightly-coloured flower

gardens, shady woodland

and a hop farm.

ª Take the road out of

Scotney Castle to the

roundabout, turning

left on the A21. Turn right

to Bewl Water following the

signs – park on site.

ACTIVITIES AT BEWL WATER

Bewl Water Outdoor Centre

Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH;

01892 890 716; http://www.bewlwater.org