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SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
>> Wednesday
This is the final week for a number of special summer holiday activities, including the Winnie The Pooh Trail, which is on at both Chartwell and Emmetts Gardens. 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
It’s also the final day you can catch theatre troupe Brymack’s production of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up – a play based on the life of Peter Pan at beautiful Groombridge Place. So if you haven’t seen it then today is your last chance. Tickets cost £10.95 per child and £14.95 per adult. To book visit www.groombridgeplace.com
Monty Python’s Spamalot continues every day at Trinity Theatre until Saturday, so if you want a dose of surreal, side-splitting comedy then make sure you catch one of the anarchic performances happening this week. David Fawcett and Director John Martin lead the talented cast. For further information and to book tickets visit www.trinitytheatre.net
>> Thursday
This is also the final week you can experience Penshurst Place’s Maize Maze. This fun activity will keep children – and their parents – amused and you also get to visit the stately home’s glorious gardens and brilliant adventure playground. For tickets visit www.penshurstplace.com
Today Ightham Mote will be hosting a Colouring Book fun day. Artist Amy Jane Adams will be in residence to coincide with the launch of the National Trust’s new colouring book, for which she has created a stunning picture of this medieval moated manor house. Visitors will be able to buy the book and gain artistic advice from Ms Adams. www.nationaltrust.org/ighthammote
Jazz On The Pantiles continues its summer run this evening, so if you like this musical genre and enjoy dining alfresco then pop along to the bandstand at 7.30pm. www.thepantiles.com
>> Friday
Another school holiday event that’s coming to an end is the Tall Tales and Tiny Tavern exhibition at the Tunbridge Wells Museum. If you haven’t already seen it then make sure you visit as the gallery space cleverly presents an intriguing story told through the installation of dolls’ houses and furniture. www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
If you’re looking for great family day out then head to Ashdown Forest. Not only is it a wonderful area for walks, its connection with AA Milne’s Winnie The Pooh makes this corner of East Sussex a must visit for children of all ages. When you’re there make sure you pop into the Pooh Corner café in Hartfield. See pooh-country.co.uk
Scotney Castle is hosting a series of Hop Walks over the next few weeks until September 25. It is one of the last places to grow, pick and dry hops in the area, so if you’re a beer fan or history buff then this is the perfect activity. There will be two daily sessions – from 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm – which will take in the hop gardens, picking shed and drying oast, with a sample of Scotney Ale available at the end of the tour. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
>> Saturday
The Ramblers’ Walk About event starts today and runs until September 11. Its aim is to get people out walking. There are over 1,000 different walks in Britain, with 270 in the south east alone, so there really is a route for everyone to enjoy. During the festival there will be a number of group-led walks. These include one tomorrow which takes in Frant, Eridge Rocks and the Tunbridge Wells circular. It starts at 10.30am and is a distance of 11 miles. To take part please visit www.ramblers.org.uk
MusicStation in Bank Street, Tonbridge is hosting an open day from 10am this morning. Whether you’re already into music, or fancy the idea of learning how to play an instrument, then why not pop along and take the opportunity to have a chat with one of the school’s experts, or pick up a guitar and have a strum. www.musicstation.pro
Mental health charity Crossways Community is holding a late summer picnic for residents, families and supporters at their premises located at 8 Culverden Park Road in Tunbridge Wells. Running from midday until 3pm, there will be a selection of drinks and snacks, a bric-a-brac stall and live music by Jonah’s Wail. The event is free, but to reserve a ticket call 01892 529 321. www.crosswayscommunity.co.uk
This weekend Crowborough will be hosting its third Open Studios event. No fewer than 41 artists and four creative collectives will be showing their work around 18 different venues in the town and Jarvis Brook. As well as painters and sculptors, there will be ceramicists, jewellery-makers and textile artists showing their work from 11am to 5pm. For more information please visit www.crowborough-arts.org.uk
>> Sunday
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
Bowles is a popular outdoor activity centre based just outside Tunbridge Wells and it’s got a wealth of interesting activities on over the summer holidays. Children aged over eight can enjoy participating in the balance challenges, which also promote good teamwork. All course prices vary so to find out more visit www.bowles.ac
If you really want to have a go at swinging through the trees and navigating wobbly wooden bridges but are too small for Go Ape at Bedgebury, then try out the excellent junior version in Cranbrook. Tickets are priced from £18. www.goape.co.uk
>> Monday
Bedgebury Pinetum is the perfect place to spend a sunny soj0urn, so if you’re looking to fill the last day of the school holidays with some enjoyable activities and plenty of fresh air then head over to this wonderful forest. As well as plenty of great cycling action and walks you can browse through an art exhibition about the pinetum’s vital conservation work. For more see www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
Alternatively, you could visit Haysden Country Park, just outside Tonbridge, and see its newly refurbished play area or indulge in a spot of fishing. Day tickets are available from the bailiff at Barden Lake. For information visit www.tmbc.gov.uk
The Tonbridge Folk Club meets at the Chequers Inn at 8pm. Tonight’s guest is Jed Grimes. All singers and musicians welcome.
>> Tuesday
Lisa Class’s returning Chinese Brush Painting Exhibition continues at Trinity Theatre Gallery this week. The artist is inspired by the classic paintings and studied under one of China’s leading specialists in this area: Xiao Bai Li. Class’s work, which is both beautiful and timeless, is on until September 11. www.trinitytheatre.net
Chiddingstone Castle is a great day out for all the family. As well as its interesting historical artefacts, curated by former owner and antiquarian Denys Bower, this summer there is an interesting Egyptian Experience to enjoy too. For details visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
Keen cyclists will love Explore Kent’s On The Trail of The Tudors six-mile bike ride. This takes you on a traffic-free route via Tonbridge Castle and the magnificent Penshurst Place for a brilliant day out. For more information and maps visit www.explorekent.org
WORTH THE TRIP:
The Continental Circus of Berlin, Dunorlan Park, Thursday September 1 until Sunday September 4
Roll up, roll up! Dunorlan will be home to the Continental Circus of Berlin from Thursday until Sunday. With two performances being put on daily, visitors can expect to see a variety of classic turns, such as acrobatic and aerial acts, and plenty of additional entertainment, including comedy and music. For timings and tickets visit www.circusberlin.co.uk
