Cycling World Magazine March 2018 | Page 22

22 | Cycling World
Places of Interest
Tudor Trail Tonbridge Castle
The Tudor Trail, runs from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place. It offers an Reputedly England's finest example of a Motte and Bailey Castle with a
excellent ride from the heart of Tonbridge alongside the River Medway, splendid 13th Century Gatehouse.
out into the countryside to the glorious buildings of Penshurst Place.
Tonbridge Castle is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the River
This route is mostly off road to Penshurst Place. When off road do expect Medway. Yet its glory lies not only in what can be seen. Its story is
pot holes and small cracks, routes do go through a working farm and so interwoven with that of kings and archbishops, tyrants and heroes,
occasional farm traffic should be expected. Do take care on the road. murderers and mercenaries who, on this ancient site and inside these
weathered stone walls, have helped write 900 years of English history.
Penshurst Place & Gardens Hever Castle & Gardens
Described as 'the grandest and most perfectly preserved example of a Be inspired to come and visit this thirteenth century romantic castle -
fortified manor house in all England', the Sidney family home of Penshurst once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
Place has been the place for poetic inspiration and lavish Royal hospitality
for over 650 years.
Set in magnificent gardens from the majestic formal Italian Garden and
topiary, to the informal meanderings of the lakeside and Sunday Walk.
The house at Penshurst showcases a marvellous mix of paintings, The Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island and the Yew Maze challenges
tapestries and furniture from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, with a both adults and children alike!
unique medieval Baron's Hall and decadent staterooms on show.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Hever Castle and Gardens will
The jewel in the crown is the 11 acres of Elizabethan walled gardens;
stunning displays divided by a mile of yew hedges into 'rooms'; each
garden is planted to give a succession of colour as the seasons change
give you a day to remember.
Isle of Harty Trail
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There is fun for all the family with events, activities and workshops The Isle of Harty Trail is flat, circular and perfect for families. It is mainly
throughout the season, including a toy museum, adventure playground traffic free but with some sections on road. At a moderate speed it can be
and woodland trail, a maze made of maize in the summer holidays, and completed comfortably in under an hour, depending on your fitness, but
a superb garden restaurant. The wonderful gift shop and Porcupine with young children it will take longer.
Pantry Café are open daily all year for visitors to take away a special gift
or memento.
Why not stop along the way to enjoy the local attractions or spend a
whole day exploring the area? Leysdown is a small but lively seaside