And just when it felt like January would never end, we have almost made it to the last weekend of the month. Here’s our roundup of ideas for getting out and about with the family in and around Tunbridge Wells. We are so lucky that we can escape to the countryside or the coast for a walk and fresh air in relatively quick time. We have some fab locations for you to discover this weekend, animals to meet, stunning views to enjoy, ruins to explore and cafes for warming up in.
♥ Hip, hip, hooray for Superworm and his brand-new adventure trail at Bedgebury Pinetum. Pick up a trail pack for £3.50 to discover and learn about the heroic minibeasts from the Julia Donaldson book. The 1-mile, self-led trail is aimed at families with children aged 3-9 and is suitable for pushchairs. The activity is estimated to take around an hour, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the adventure play areas and café. (Parking charge applies for non-members).
♥ For adventurous walkers, the fabulous Walk Tonbridge has a brand-new walk to enjoy! Walk 23 starts at The Kentish Rifleman (!) and takes in plenty of far-reaching views on this 4 mile walk, through quiet country lanes and challenging hills. Don’t forget your wellies or walking boots!
♥ Try something new for all the family in Yalding at Kenward Place. Bookable experiences include taking the friendly Alpacas on a trek, walking in the shoes of Robin Hood at the archery experience or mastering your Frisbee skills on the 9 or 18 hole disc golf course. Refuel with a picnic box in the tearoom and feel free to explore the 15 acres of grounds, meet the goats, chickens or ducks, then visit the play area.
♥ Get up close to stunning birds of prey at Willows Wildlife Trail at Coolings Lifestyle, Knockholt. As well as gift shopping and the Blueberry Café, you can enjoy 6-acres of Nature Trail and meet the birds, along with pigs, goats, and even racing ferrets if you’re lucky! Birds fly at 11am and 1.30pm, and keeper talks are held at 12pm and 3pm.
♥ If you’re looking for something active to do on a cold or rainy day, Chimera indoor boulder climbing gym in Tonbridge offers an experience for adults and the over 5s to enjoy together. (Kids can also climb under your supervision if you’re more of a spectator!) Test your co-ordination, flexibility and problem-solving and we should say, there’s no ropes or harnesses, but the walls are low and surrounded by matting! I am told it’s a great workout too. No need to pre-book, but check the climbing times for under 12’s before you go as they vary.
♥ Relax and unwind with a gentle walk and something homemade to eat, from traditional Raclette to breakfast bowls at Kingdom in Penshurst. This stunning building is nestled in 13-acres of woodland, and it’s only 7 miles from Tunbridge Wells but feels like a world away! No need to book.
♥ If you’ve got that mid-term feeling and fancy taking it easy this weekend, Sing 2 (U) is showing at Odeon Cinema all weekend. Expect comedy and music and an all-star cast including Matthew McConaughy, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johannsson.
♥ In a little over an hour you can be on the North Kent Coast at the family-friendly Reculver Country Park and Towers, Herne Bay. There is a circular walking route which takes in views of the sea, 3.5 miles long, plus a ten mile stretch of shingle beach. There are medieval ruins to explore, a café and children’s play area. You can even pick up a Reculver Country Park activity pack from the HatHats Coffee Company, ideal for ages 6-12 years, packed with ideas for play, adventure and fun. Let us know if you go.