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.
As we adventure and explore others are preserving and protecting so we can continue to enjoy. Do your bit and ensure you follow the countryside code when your exploring:
Respect everyone ✅ be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside ✅ leave gates and property as you find them ✅ do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking ✅ be nice, say hello, share the space ✅ follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment ✅ take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit ✅ take care with BBQs and do not light fires ✅ always keep dogs under control and in sight ✅ dog poo –bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do ✅ care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors ✅ check your route and local conditions ✅ plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do ✅ enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
The seedhead is a large conspicuous ‘clock’ composed of cylindrical seeds with a long-stalked pappus or parachute to aid dispersal.
Dandelions have many uses including as a diuretic, the blanched leaves can be added to salads, roots are used to make dandelion ‘coffee’ and dandelion wine is made from the flowers.
Did you ever blow to tell the time or make a wish?
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.
Simpsons’ wine estate have two vineyards nestled in the North Downs that produce delicious still and sparkling wines.
We completed their weekend vineyard and winery tour and tasting experience and I would highly recommend it.
With covid restrictions in place across England they have provided excellent facilities to accommodate their tours. With hand sanitiser station at the front of the building and an impressive area which was set up for the wine tasting.
Once everyone had arrived our hosts Henry and Sylvia took us on the short walk to one of their nearby vineyards, walking through the beautiful churchyard of St John’s and a few of the beautiful village lanes of Barham you come to one of the two of Simpsons Vineyards.
Henry explained a vast amount about the history of Simpsons and the vineyard in an eloquent way and was excellent at ensuring everyone heard what he was saying. Both Henry and Sylvia answered the questions asked by the group and provided comprehensive answers.
We spent an enjoyable amount of time out exploring and then headed back to the winery to undertake the wine tasting.
Wine tasting was in the ‘media barn’ which is used to host media events (tasting is normally inside the building). Tables were set out with tablecloth’s, glasses, flowers, breadsticks, water and an information pack. Perfect set up for the current circumstances.
As each wine was poured by Sylvia, Henry discussed the wine. We placed little hearts by on the information sheet to show which wines we liked the most. We were both delighted with how delicious the wines were.
There was no pressure to purchase wines they spoke for themselves and we purchased several bottles to enjoy at home.
The experience started at 10:30 and finished at 13:15 and ran spot on time. A great experience showcasing English wines at their finest.
Don’t forget to scan your NHS Covid app to register where you have been.
P.S. My favourite was the Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé 2018
Aged for 15 months on lees, Canterbury Rose is delicately pink with a fine mousse and a soft bouquet of rose petal and strawberry sorbet. A creamy, rounded texture is balanced with crisp berry flavors and a refined finish.
Bluebells are a famous feature of many of our woodlands and they are truly beautiful. As we move further into April they will carpet woodland areas. This annual display is just stunning. Did you know native bluebells have a strong sweet scent? Much weaker scents come from the non native varieties. Native bluebells are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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.
The truly beautiful Emmett’s Garden is a fantastic day out, boasting beautiful landscape views and tranquil gardens. A must visit for anyone wanting to explore a glorious part of the ‘garden of England’.
The Rose Garden – Emmett’s Garden
As with many gardens you must book a time slot to be able to book the gardens (there is a small possibility on non-holiday weekdays that availability will be available to the same day, but you would be taking a chance). Currently March 2021 National Trust are releasing visit slots every Friday for the following week. Please ensure that you are following national guidelines in relation to travel and visit places of interest.
The garden is open daily between 10am and 5pm, with the last entry slot between 3.30pm and 4pm.
There is a beautiful woodland walk that takes you to the ‘Ram House’ & Pond’ you can opt to take a longer walk or a shorter walk the walks clearly marked and easy to follow.
There is a play park and lots of room to play games and have picnics on the open grassland.
The Emmett’s Garden Tea Room is currently open serving takeaway hot and cold drinks, bakes and light snacks. The outdoor seating has been removed for the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers but there are benches across the site and picnic tables available in the meadow. Picnics are welcome with plenty of benches across the gardens to use.
Why not visit Emmett’s Gardens for their Easter Egg Hunt this spring running from Monday 29 March 2021 – Sunday 18 April 2021 (whilst stocks last); 9am-5.30pm (last entry at 5pm). The trail is £3.00 per person (including National Trust members). Normal site admission applies.
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.
Pashley Manor Gardens
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.
My Mum and I visited the gardens on Friday 26th June as the Covid19 pandemic social distancing rules aloud us. We arrived in the car park in our separate cars and walked to purchase our tickets at the entrance gate building. With excellent procedures in place including hand sanitizer, contactless payments and a glass screen. We were informed that the tea room was offering a takeaway service if we wished to use it – we all know that I will end up getting something yummy from the tea room.
We were provided with a map and asked to follow the route one way to ensure that social distancing could be easily facilitated.
There is a stunning Japanese rock garden & water garden, arboretum, Miz Maze and a beautiful walled garden near the tea room. You can take as much time as you wish exploring the many parts of the gardens then a stop off at the tea room for refreshments.
Picnics are welcome at the gardens, a great reason to buy an annual pass – remember to always take your rubbish home with you.
Remember now more than ever our local attractions will need support as tourist numbers will be much lower than normal. Why not plan your visit now?
Mount Ephraim Japanese rock garden & water garden flower
Mount Ephraim Japanese rock garden & water garden
Mount Ephraim Miz Maze
In to the Mount Ephraim Miz Maze
Mount Ephraim Tea Room Refreshments
Nothing better than a scone, cream and jam in the Mount Ephraim gardens
My Jones Life 