Culture vulture

© Rose Bainbridge

Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month

With lockdown lifting and spring well and truly on its way, there is now quite a lot you can visit. As always things can change at the last minute with the current Covid situation so always double check online before heading out…

BY LOTTIE BULMER

NATIONAL TREASURE

Nestled in the Weald of Kent, Sissinghurst Castle has opened up its gardens once again. Once the home to poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicholson, Sissinghurst Castle and its gardens have been immortalised in Vita’s work: “The heavy golden sunshine enriched the old brick with a kind of patina, and made the tower cast a long shadow across the grass, like the finger of a gigantic sundial veering slowly with the sun. Everything was hushed and drowsy and silent but for the coo of the white pigeons.” The historic house’s famed gardens should now be coming into bloom and the café is always a great spot for a coffee and delicious snack. Booking is required and can be done by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk awarded VisitEngland’s ‘We’re good to Go’ industry standard, this jewel in the Kentish crown of visitor attractions allows you to experience its stunning site in complete safety. You’ll need to book for your party before you go and ensure you follow the one-way system while you’re there. Visit Hevercastle.co.uk for more info.

SPLASH OUT

Located on the border of Kent and East Sussex, Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in the South East, boasting 770 acres of water. Enjoy a takeaway coffee from The Waterfront Café while watching your little ones explore the Adventure Playground or why not have a go splashing around on the Aqua Park or cruising around the mountain bike trails? If you’re

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

You are now able to wander around the spectacular gardens of Hever Castle - or even play a round of golf on the Princes Course, which wraps around the estate that was once home to Anne Boleyn. Recently looking for something more relaxing, fishing is now open, and the water has a history of large trout and pike as well as perch. Any fishing method is welcome, and fly fishing can be done from Bewl’s fleet of 54 motorised fishing boats. For more information and to make a booking, visit www.bewlwater.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Sir Philip Sidney, the Elizabethan heir to Penshurst Place inspired Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The much admired figure of the English Renaissance wrote 108 sonnets entitled Astrophel and Stella which Dickens used as his source for his novel. PALATIAL PENSHURST

The gardens of Penshurst Place are among the oldest privately owned in the country, and the team have been able to adapt to the ever-changing times. Head Gardener Tony Wiseman reflected on lockdown in his Spring 2021 notes: “When the first lockdown was announced last year, Penshurst Place, like many other workplaces had to make changes quickly.

“I’m proud to share that the team have continued to show great dedication to the gardens and their maintenance, especially to get everything ready for Spring. While we are a little behind in some jobs, what has been achieved is a testament to the team’s hard work and perseverance.”

The Gardens of Penshurst Place are open for pre-booked visits. For more information and to book tickets, visit penshurstplace.com cocktail of colour from bluebells, daffodils and camellias to wisteria and magnolia. Set in over 200 acres of parkland and near Rolvenden and Cranbrook, the gardens are open every day. To book tickets, visit holepark.com.

SALOMONS SPLENDOUR

Catch some rays on the new Sun Terrace at the Salomons Estate this spring. Watch the sunset while enjoying an alfresco pizza evening, where children can also follow a woodland treasure trail, play table tennis and football or have fun doing lawn games. Pizzas start at £7.50 each and are served 4pm to 8pm every Wednesday. The historic venue has also recommenced its afternoon tea service too with prices starting from £21.50pp. Booking is essential for both events so visit www.salomons-estate.com for more info.

A HOLE LOTTA LOVE

Named Kent’s Garden of the Year in 2016, Hole Park is now open to visitors again. Owned by the Barham Family for the past four generations, the gardens are steeped in history and especially beautiful at this time of year. In spring, the gardens boast a GLORIOUS GROOMBRIDGE

The magical Groombridge Place Estate is now open every day from 10am to 5pm. Wander through the Enchanted Forest which is now the setting for the entertaining live Punch and Judy shows on the outdoor ‘Crusoe’s World’ stage.

Or why not take a ride on one of the Giant Tree Swings? You can also take a picnic basket to the scenic Picnic Fields or enjoy the birds of prey displays which happen twice daily.

Social distancing measures are in place along with hand sanitiser stations around the state.

Visit groombridgeplace.com for more information and to book tickets.

DID YOU KNOW?

Groombridge Place’s manor house and its bridges and moat gates were mostly designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the architect known for his redesign of St Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666. REBEL REBEL

The return of people gathering (safely) together to enjoy music happens at the end of this month when, all being well, The Forum hosts its annual celebration of the music of David Bowie at the Assembly Hall on May 31. Tickets cost £13 per person but they are selling fast so be quick! More info can be found at www.twforum.co.uk Call Just Shutters today on 01892 575 858