KENTSTAYCATION
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There is plenty to explore and discover while staying at Wilderness Bed and Breakfast as it is only a short , scenic drive away from the village of Headcorn , the ancient town of Tenterden , picturesque Cranbrook and one of the most famous gardens in England : Sissinghurst Castle . Described as a poetic refuge dedicated to beauty , Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world-renowned garden in its grounds , a romantic legacy which can now be enjoyed by all , no matter what time of the year they visit . After a morning spent admiring this paradisiacal spot , venture into Tenterden , known as ‘ Jewel of the Weald ’ to discover its pretty , broad high street lined with shops and houses , nearly all with their original facades dating from 16th to the 18th centuries and giving the town something of an enchanting Georgian feel . Stop by for lunch at The White Lion ( www . whiteliontenterden . com ), a characterful English pub with broad oak beams and warm fireplaces serving up wholesome favourites and hand-stretched pizzas ; a great place to provide those cosy nooks and crannies perfect for snuggling up in after a hearty meal .
Sitting neatly west of Tenterden is Cranbrook , the prettiest place to explore upon an afternoon . Winding streets are again lined with quaint weatherboarded shops and houses making an utterly quaint backdrop while adding a real depth of
history to any visit . Stop by at The Wendy House ( www . thewendyhousecranbrook . co . uk ) for a delicious afternoon tea , or to sample a cake from their delectable patisserie . Although The Weald is best known for its green fields and gentle hills , it is also home to other diverse landscapes and tranquil beauty spots . One of these is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest ( www . forestryengland . uk / bedgebury ) the site of a world-leading collection of conifers that provide a beautiful setting for peaceful walks and picnics . Bedgebury Forest also has miles of cycling and mountain biking routes , walking and running trails , making it a great place for those that fancy getting active this February .
Known for its variety of diverse landscapes , Kent is also home to grassy , wet marshlands as well as sprawling green countryside , jagged cliffs and windswept beaches . Perhaps the best place to enjoy the county ’ s marshes and all the rare wildlife and serenity that come with them is the Isle of Sheppey . Soul searching open skies and orange sunsets await visitors to this English island which is home to swathes of green nature reserves as far as the eye can see . These include Elmley Marshes and The Swale , whereupon a rich tapestry of heritage , from seafaring to Saxons , is waiting to be discovered .
© National Trust Images / David Sellman
© Cranbrook Union Mill
CRANBROOK
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN
THE WENDY HOUSE
BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM AND FOREST
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