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SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
>> Wednesday
A new artistic exhibition has just begun at Trinity’s art gallery. East and West: An Exhibition of Ceramics and Brush Painting is the work of Nick Winter and it showcases his large collection of beautifully hand-painted and glazed pottery which draws on both Western and Eastern influences. The show is free to attend and the artist will be giving special talks on his work at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday (August 6 and 7) and Saturday August 13, also at 3pm. For more information visit www.nickwinter.com
Bewl Water’s Summer Camp for children continues throughout the month of August. They can do a half day of activities from 9am-1.30pm for £24.99 or a full one until 4pm for £39.99. As well as nature walks and treasure hunts, other pursuits include mountain biking, football, painting and pedalos. Open to children aged five and over. Pre-booking and payment is essential. For more information visit www.bewlwater.co.uk
Hever Castle is the wonderful backdrop for the Immersion Theatre’s performance of The Wizard of Oz today at 2.30pm. Acted out in the open air theatre it promises to be a fun afternoon for all the family. Tickets cost from £14 or you can buy a family one for £52. For more information visit www.heverfestival.co.uk
Until August 7 there will be face painting and nail art events for children to enjoy at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Running from 11am until 4pm, a team of talented artists will be on hand to etch all manner of woodland creatures on your little ones’ hands and faces. This event is free once you have paid the usual entry fee of £5.75 per child. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk
>> Thursday
There will be a Winnie the Pooh trail on at both Chartwell and Emmetts Gardens throughout the summer holidays. So if you’re stuck for something to do then why not visit one of these National Trust properties and join in the treasure hunting fun! www.nationaltrust.org
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is putting on a Family Bushcraft event today from 10am until 1pm. This stunning reserve forms part of the Kent Wildlife Trust so if you want to learn all manner of forest skills, including den building and fire making, out in the great outdoors this is the course for you. Registration fee costs £15 per person. To book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
>> Friday
If you fancy a day out somewhere then head to Drusillas where two of PAW Patrol’s finest – Chase and Marshall – are making their debut. The policing pups from the Nickelodeon TV series will be patrolling around the grounds, meeting and greeting visitors. Entrance to the zoo, which boasts over 190 different species, costs from £11 per child. www.drusillas.co.uk
What better way to spend a summer’s Friday evening than with a pint and a pie on the picturesque Spa Valley railway line? Departing at 6.45pm from Tunbridge Wells West, passengers can enjoy this classic cockney meal – complete with mash, peas and liquor and jam roly poly for pud – as they travel through the High Weald countryside along to Eridge. Prices are £49.90 for a table of two or £99.80 for a table of four. Prices include the meal, one alcoholic beverage and all train travel. For more information visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Tonight at The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge The Bridge Trust will be holding a charity quiz night from 7pm. Tickets and further information from the www.bridgetrust.org.uk or 01732 368363
Today and tomorrow there will be a Tudor-themed demonstration happening at Knole House. There will be four daily sessions hosted by a team of history experts who will show visitors how the well-to-do dressed for formal occasions and the kinds of things they carried to court. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org/knole
>> Saturday
Today and tomorrow there will be a World War I Weekend at Batemans in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Various re-enactments will be staged throughout each day and there’ll also be a recreation of an ammunition store and a field ambulance and mess tent. Children will have the opportunity to make a soldier’s identity badge. Separate charges apply for this event so to find out more visit www.nationaltrust.org/batemans
From 11am to 1pm there will be a nature walk organised by High Weald around Broadwater Warren. This will be hosted by natural history expert Dr Ian Beavis who will be examining the area’s wildlife, birds and variety of plants. The event is open to children aged eight and over. To reserve a place email museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
As part of The Lamberhurst Music Festival there will be a production of The Barber of Seville taking place in the glorious grounds of Bayham Abbey. Doors open at 5.30pm and guests are welcome to bring in picnics to enjoy before the performance starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £30. To book visit www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk
>> Sunday
This summer you can experience the beauty of Groombridge Place and also benefit from a little theatrical entertainment at the same time. Theatre troupe Brymack is putting on two productions each day of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, a play based on the life of Peter Pan. They will also be holding drama workshops. Tickets cost £10.95 per child and £14.95 per adult.
Showing at 5pm at Trinity Theatre is The Meddler. This American film stars Susan Sarandon as Marnie, a lonely widow who follows her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) to Los Angeles in order to find happiness again. When she gets there she soon realises Lori and her friends need Marnie just as much as she needs them. Whiplash’s JK Simmons also stars in this comedy drama.
There’s more live music at Tonbridge Castle this afternoon. This time it’s the turn of the Jon Hamilton Big Band who play from 3-5pm and entrance is free. www.tonbridgecastle.org
>>Â Monday
Over at Knole another one of their Family Mondays is taking place. Each week throughout the school holidays there are a variety of child-friendly activities with different Themes going on and today it’s all about Wild Art and Wood. Next week’s is Wool and Weaving and the final one is Deer and Animal Tracks. If you’re interested in popping along then normal National Trust entrance fees apply.
Treat the children with a trip to the cinema to see this enjoyable version of The Jungle Book. Starring Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Bill Murray and Neel Sethi, who plays Mowgli, it’s a delightful tale about learning valuable life lessons and of self-discovery. Screening is at 5pm. To book tickets visit www.trinitytheatre.net
>> Tuesday
If you can’t get away this summer then fear not as Tonbridge’s heated outdoor pool, located behind the town’s historic castle, will make you feel like you’re on your holidays. There’s also an appealing alfresco dining area where you can enjoy light snacks or lunch. Tickets cost from £3.80 for non-members. For more information visit www.tmactive.co.uk
Today there will be a Willow Workshop organised by the Community Engagement Team at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. It gives you the chance to learn this ancient crafting skill in the beautiful outdoors. If the weather’s wet the workshop will take place in the Hub. For further information email steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Every day throughout the summer holidays until September 4 children can enjoy the fun Maize Maze that forms part of Penshurst Place’s glorious gardens. Hunt out the clues hidden in the tricky maize and see if you can solve the various riddles strewn about. Gardens and grounds tickets cost £6 per child. www.penshurstplace.com
WORTH THE TRIP:
Arundel Wetlands, Sussex
Be a nature explorer this summer and pay a visit to the beautiful Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) in Arundel, Sussex. This conservation area gives visitors close-up access to certain protected species and areas of environmental importance. There’s also a great café so you can make a day of it. Tickets cost £5.45 per child and £11.95 per adult. www.wwt.org.uk
