January is finally over, so come on out of hibernation and enjoy the weekend in and around Tunbridge Wells. From blowing away the cobwebs by the sea, family bike rides, roller-skating and crazy-golf to wood-carving and the return of the Winter Lantern Parade!
♥ Setting off at 5.30pm on Saturday 4th February is this year’s Tunbridge Wells Winter Lantern Parade. A parade of Secret Garden themed lanterns will be lighting up the sky, from the starting point at 17 Calverley Road, to Grosvenor & Hilbert Park. If you’d like to participate, lantern-making kits can be purchased from Whirligig, M.Saltmarsh Artists Materials, Manic Ceramix and Serendipity!
♥ Build it Live is back and offering visitors the opportunity to make a success of a self build, renovation or extension project! Grab a pair of complimentary pair of tickets for Build it Live on 4th and 5th February 2023 at The Kent Event Centre to find out more about how to make your next project a reality!
♥ A new Farmer’s Market is popping up in Groombridge Village Hall, on the 1st Saturday of every month. A fantastic range of local food and drinks producers and crafts will be on offer, including honey, cheese, marinades, meat and wooden crafts.
♥ If you have fans of Elmer the Elephant books, the Horniman Museum is a must! Until mid-April the Elmer & Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee exhibition is a chance to head into the jungle and get closer to the illustrations and stories of Elmer, Mr Benn, King Rolo and Not Now Bernard. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, charges apply. Apart from the aquarium and butterfly house, the museum exhibits and gardens are free to explore, where the whole family can learn about; world cultures, music, different species and the natural environment.
♥ Now that the weather has warmed up a little, we can’t wait to get back to the Forest Way cycle path! We are so lucky to have this 10 mile stretch of disused railway just a short drive from Tunbridge Wells. It’s very flat, so ideal for cycling or walking for all ages, and runs between Groombridge and East Grinstead. We use the carpark on Corseley Road and on a good day we make it to Forest Way for tea and cake in one of the cafes.
♥ How about blowing away the cobwebs on a walk at the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover. From the National Trust carpark there is a short wheelchair/buggy-friendly footpath that leads one of the best views of the cliffs – look out for the remains of 2 shipwrecks! For the more adventurous, you can also walk to Dover Castle, a 2nd World War tunnel and lighthouse. There is also a play area and National Trust cafe.
♥ Goldsmiths Recreation Ground in Crowborough has lots to offer if you’re looking for a change of scene in the fresh air this weekend. There is a great skate park, large gated play area similar to Tonbridge Park and a playing field with views. Parking is free at the Leisure Centre and there’s a Costa Coffee shop inside. The athletics track is fun to try out with the kids and a model railway runs at certain times.
♥ Also in Crowborough, kick off your Saturday with a visit to the weekly Leisure Centre Roller Disco! This 11.30am-12.45pm session is perfect for families, morning go-getters and skaters of all abilities. There is a range of skates to hire, if you don’t have your own. Book now.
♥ This month at Bewl, bike hire is half price, so this could be a great way for the whole family to enjoy a ride together! Mountain bikes and free helmets are available in all sizes for adults and kids, and the cycle path is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy nature and views across the water. Pre-booking recommended. N.B. Part of the circular route is currently closed to preserve the ground in the winter months.
♥ The Hatch makes a welcome return to Wilderness Woods, as it reopens for the season, serving hot drinks and cake! If you fancy trying something different in this lovely location, small groups of all ages and abilities can experience the joy of working with green wood on Sunday. The workshop runs from 10am-4pm and you can decide what to make, with guidance along the way! Booking essential.
♥ Blast-off at Eastbourne’s redesigned indoor crazy golf course, located at Sovereign Harbour. Ten holes of space-themed challenges await and for added fun, Planet Golf is glow-in-the-dark! The harbour also offers family-friendly places to eat and we have found a walking route there too, taking in views of the yachts, wildlife and beaches.