Sharing and Caring on the North Downs Way

Today I spent walking on the North Downs Way with a group of fellow ambassadors training and sharing knowledge.

It was such a lovely day with everyone really supporting each other in every way. So watch out as we are going to share with you some of the amazing hidden gems of the North Downs Way.

You can explore the North Downs Way yourself with many self guided walks available from Explore Kent or the National Trails website. If you’re looking for an ambassador guided walk I will share them as they become available across the whole North Downs Way network.

September 24, 2021 0

Reculver Towers

I have spent time this morning with a wonderful friend and took a walk by Reculver Towers. The towers are steeped in history and a beautiful place to explore. With an easy trail for many to walk or cycle along the sea shore.

Reculver is believed to be one of the first Roman Forts and was later transformed into an Anglo Saxon Monastery and then later again transformed into the parish church of Reculver. The towers were added later when the church was remodelled in the 12th century. The towers are used by many as a navigation point from ships at sea to planes in the sky.

Why not make a visit and explore what is left of the ruins, the towers and walk along the coastal path either towards Birchington or Herne Bay.

In Reculver there is a lovely coffee shop Hat Hats. There are public toilet facilities and a car park making it a great place to base yourself.

May 30, 2021 0

Saturday Slowdown – The Runnymede Hotel

Saturday slowdown 🥂🥰 at The Runnymede Hotel a wonderful place to relax, eat, drink, soak up the sun and watch the world go by.

Sitting alongside the River Thames it’s a wonderful place to base yourself for having an adventure along the Thames Path.

After exploring you can come back to sit on the beautiful lawn area and terrace and watch the boats drift in and out of the lock.

You can even hire a boat and take a sail down the River Thames or play giant jenga and connect 4 on the terrace.

If your staying you can also book in to have a spa treatment. Need I say more? It’s a glorious place to stay and enjoy some time away from the day to day grind.

May 29, 2021 0

Experience Kent, England

I am currently in the process of designing, planning, collaborating and training to launch my very own experiences in Kent. Looking to provide unforgettable adventures in my very own home county. Over the coming weeks I will start to share information before my official launch. Thank you @kent_downs_aonb @visitkent for you support in making this happen.

April 27, 2021 0

Ancient Woodland

Next time you walk into the woods spend a little time looking at the magic they create.

Ancient woods are areas of woodland that have persisted since 1600 in England and Wales, and 1750 in Scotland.

They are relatively undisturbed by human development. As a result, they are unique and complex communities of plants, fungi, insects and other microorganisms.

How do I know if I’m exploring an ancient woodland? Look out for indicator species these include the commonly know bluebells, primroses and wood anemones or the less commonly known scaly male fern or hazel gloves fungus.

#RespectProtectEnjoy

April 7, 2021 0

Pashley Manor Gardens

Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst East Sussex award winning gardens and are an excellent place to visit for a relaxing day out. With 11 acres there is plenty of space to be able to social distance when you visit.

I mean this is my dream gardens….On our visit it felt like we were in the Mediterranean, it was really relaxing and peaceful.

On arrival there was plenty of parking in a field scattered with trees. We walked down to the front of the house where you enter the gardens, there was an entrance table set up outside to buy your tickets from. The social distancing measures in place were ingenious they had tennis/badminton rackets attached to the card machine so that they could move the machine to you safely for payment.

We spent hours exploring the extensive gardens following the paths and walking around the lake. We found the gardens to be tranquil and peaceful with plenty of room for everyone not to be on top of each other.

We made a pit stop for lunch at the Garden Room Café, with a one way system in place and a table allocation once you have ordered food (you can choose to sit inside or outside). There are plenty of tables available. Homemade food filled the plates and it was delicious, there were gluten free options available. If you wish to have a picnic you are invited to do this in the car park field, this is a large field and a lovely setting.

My highlights have to be finding the sculptures across the gardens, the swimming pool area and meeting the owner James Sellick who had been pruning the roses.

On exit there is a gift shop again with a one way system in place, I purchased some seeds and a reed diffuser in the scent ‘blue bell’ (it smelt just amazing). The products in the shop had a focus on supporting local business which I particularly liked I am not one for always buying something from a gift shop but I couldn’t resist here.

The gardens host many special events including kitchen garden week, Sussex guild craft show and dahlia days.

Remember now more than ever our local attractions will need support as tourist numbers will be much lower than normal.