THE PLOUGH & HORSES CROWBOROUGH

Out and about

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Bluebell Railway

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Sheffield Park Station
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 3QL
Tel: +44 (0)1825 720 800
+44 (0)1825 722 370 (timetable info)
Fax: +44 (0)1825 720 804
Email: info@bluebell-railway.co.uk
Web: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk



The Bluebell Railway was the first preserved standard gauge passenger line in the UK. In 1960 it reopened part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton and South Coast Railway. Run mainly by volunteers it is now the only all steam standard gauge railway in the country.



Sheffield Park Station is the headquarters of the Railway and home to the Locomotive Department. Here you will find engines awaiting restoration or their next turn of duty. Take time to visit the small exhibits Museum and model railway. On platform 1 you will find our well stocked gift shop. There is also a purpose built restaurant and real ale bar.



Horsted Keynes Station is a large country station, home to our award winning Carriage & Wagon Department, who are responsible for restoring and maintaining our carriages. Tours of the Carriage works are available on Bank Holidays and on some special event days.



Kingscote Station, this quiet country station is the northern terminus of the railway until such time as we complete our extension to East Grinstead. Please note that due to public planning restrictions, there is no public car parking at Kingscote nor on the roads in the vicinity of the station. Passengers wishing to start their journey from Kingscote must travel on the special bus (when running) from East Grinstead or arrive by taxi, cycle or on foot.



Please ring or visit our web site for details of special events and trains including Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime Pullman dining trains.



# General Information:Gift Shop

# Restaurant

# Disabled facilities

# Car parking

Groombridge Place

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Groombridge
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 9QG
Tel: +44 (0)1892 861 444
+44 (0)1892 863 999 (info line)
Fax: +44 (0)1892 863 996
Email: office@groombridge.co.uk
Web: http://www.groombridge.co.uk

# Set in 200 acres, Groombridge Place features a series of magnificent, traditional walled gardens – set against the backdrop of a 17th century moated manor. In the ancient woodland of the 'Enchanted Forest' there's mystery, innovation and excitement for all ages. Plus Bird of Prey flying displays and canal boat cruises.Hours of magical fun for all the family in the Enchanted Forest.
# Birds of Prey
# Canal Boat
# Tea Room
# Gift Shop
# Licensed restaurant
# Picnic Area and Gift Shop
# Great value family tickets
# Special Events.

Saint Hill Manor

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Saint Hill Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 4JY
Tel: +44 (0)1342 302 689
Fax: +44 (0)1342 326 711
Email: info@sainthillmanor.org.uk
Web: http://www.sainthillmanor.org.uk/

One of the finest Sussex sandstone buildings in England, Saint Hill Manor was built in 1792 by Gibbs Crawford. A subsequent owner, Edgar March Crookshank, greatly expanded Saint Hill through the addition of wings onto the Manor.

Other owners of this fine building including Mrs. Drexrel Biddle the American Ambassador's wife, who commissioned the delightful 100ft Monkey Mural, painted by Sir Winston Churchill's nephew. There are 145 monkeys in total and 20 different species. "Much as I tried to prevent it happening, the monkeys resemble human beings," John Spencer Churchill wrote in his autobiography. A capuchin monkey painting under a tree, portrays Sir Winston Churchill.

During the second World War, Mrs Norman Laski generously accommodated Royal Air Force officers, patients of Sir Archibald McIndoe, the pioneer of plastic surgery at East Grinstead's Queen Victoria Hospital. In 1959 the final owner, acclaimed author and founder of the Scientology religion, L. Ron Hubbard, bought the Manor from the Maharajah of Jaipur.

Saint Hill is situated in 59 acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands and lake, open to the public all year round.

General Information:
# Shop
# Café

Penshurst Place & Gardens

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Penshurst
Tonbridge
Kent
TN11 8DG
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 870 307
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 870 866
Email: enquiries@penshurstplace.com
Web: http://www.penshurstplace.com

Built of local sandstone, the mediaeval house with its magnificent Barons Hall dates from 1341 and is one of the finest examples of 14th century architecture. Later additions have seen Penshurst Place grow into an imposing defended manor house, containing state-rooms filled with a remarkable collection of tapestries, paintings, furniture, porcelain and armour.

Penshurst has been the ancestral home of the Sidney family since 1552 and successive generations have shaped its development. Penshurst's most famous son, Sir Philip Sidney, the chivalrous soldier poet, was a symbol of loyalty and bravery in the Elizabethan era.

The ten acres of garden at Penshurst Place retain the original terraces and walls of the 16th century. The individual garden rooms were created in the 19th century by planting a mile of yew hedge. Designed to be a garden for all seasons, visitors can enjoy a feast of colour and beauty from Spring through to Autumn.

The Toy Museum, which includes the Yootha Rose Collection, creates memories of nurseries in years gone by, with dolls houses and toy soldiers as well as toys from several generations of Sidney children.

Today's children can let off steam in the Venture Playground and Nature Trail or enjoy the many events occurring throughout the season.

Visit the Garden Restaurant and Gift Shop to complete a memorable day at one of Kent's best known houses.

New Exhibition for 2007 - From Daguerreotype to Digital - Photographs from the Sidney Family Photographic Exhibtion. A poignant look into the photo collections of the Sidney family from the past 150 years.

We have a full events programme throughout the season - see our website for details. Includes a visit from Monty Python's Terry Jones, our Glorious Gardens Week with a series of events, including a talk from BBC Plant Nut, Tom Hart Dyke from nearby Lullingstone's World Garden, and lots of family fun during the school holidays.


Opening Times
(2007 times)
24th March to 28th October: Daily.

Grounds: 10.30am - 6.00pm (last entry 5.00pm)

House: 12.00pm - 4.00pm (last entry half an hour before colsing)

Garden Tea Room: 10.30am - 5.00pm.
Shop: March to September 10.30am - 6.00pm.
November to February 10.30am - 4.30pm.

Bentley Wildfowl & motor museum

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Halland
Nr. Lewes
East Sussex
BN8 5AF
Tel: +44 (0)1825 840 573
Fax: +44 (0)1825 841 322
Email: barrysutherland@pavilion.co.uk
Web: http://www.bentley.org.uk/

The Wildfowl
The renowned waterfowl collection was started by the late Gerald Askew in the 1960's and soon became the largest private collection in the UK. Over 1000 swans, geese and ducks from all over the world roam freely in a beautiful 23 acre parkland setting. You can see every kind of swan in the world at Bentley and over 115 species of waterfowl, all at close quarters. Conservation and breeding of endangered species are the main aims of keeping wildfowl in captivity and you will see eleven of the seventeen species that are threatened with extinction here at Bentley.

The Gardens
The formal gardens at Bentley have been created as a series of 'rooms' divided by yew hedges, one room leading into the next - a reflection of the house. There is a white garden, a blue garden and a garden devoted partly to old varieties of roses - The Bourbons, the Gallicas and the Damasks. To get right away from it all, take a walk through Glyndebourne Wood, a mixture of conifers and broad-leaved trees interspersed with sunny glades which are carpeted with bluebells in May. A new trail with interactive boards makes learning about wildlife and woodland management fun.
The House
If you are interested in architecture, interior design or just like to browse, this house is fascinating. Originally a modest 17th century farmhouse it has been converted into a Palladian-style mansion by the famous architect Raymond Erith who restored 10,11 and 12 Downing Street. The House is famous not only for its fine collection of furniture and paintings, but also for the Chinese room and the Philip Rickman Gallery containing a collection of over 150 watercolours of wildfowl by the celebrated Sussex artist.
The Motor Museum
Marvel at the superb collection of gleaming Veteran, Edwardian and Vintage cars and Motorcycles in our motor museum. All are privately owned and many are used on the road. The collection is therefore constantly changing. Several cars take part in the annual London-Brighton run. The collection include many rare and unique vehicles in pristine condition.

See Bentley through the ages with our History Exhibition.

The adventure playground provides hours of fun for the children and the miniature trains will be steaming every weekend from Easter to September, plus Bank Holidays and Wednesdays in August. The Woodland trail and displays have been designed especially for children.

There is plenty of room to picnic on the Estate, but can you resist the gorgeous home-made cakes which are the speciality of the Tea-rooms? Light lunches and cream teas are also on offer to tempt you. The extended shop now includes the Guild of Sussex Craftsmen whose work provide a wide range of gifts that are ideal for all occasions.


Opening Times
(2007 times)
21st March to 30th October: Open daily 10.30am - 5.30pm (last admission).
House: 12 noon daily.
Special arrangements can be made for opening the House, Wildfowl Reserve or Motor Museum for parties outside normal opening times.

Bayham Abbey

Lamberhurst
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 8BE
Tel: +44 (0)1892 890 381




Come and enjoy this romantic Abbey ruin, set in the picturesque valley of the River Teise, in the heart of the Weald.

Founded by Premonstratensian 'White Cannons' in the early 13th century, these charming ruins stand in grounds created by famous landscape architect Humphrey Repton.

The 18th century Dower House is also open to view. A perfect place for quiet picnics and quiet reflection, or stretch your creativity as it is a delight for Painters and Photographers alike.

The Abbey grounds can also be hired for Wedding receptions and other functions please contact the site or Area Manager Dawn Postlethwaite for information on +44(0)1424 775705.


Opening Times
(2006 times)
1st April to 30th September: Daily 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Closed 1st October to 31st March.

Chartwell

Mapleton Road
Westerham
Kent
TN16 1PS
Tel: +44 (0)1732 866 368
+44 (0)1732 868 381 (Group Bookings)

Email: chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Visit the home of Sir Winston Churchill and gain an insight into the domestic life of Britain's famous wartime Prime Minister. Chartwell was loved by Sir Winston as the place where he could truly escape the pressures of his public and political life and be with his family. Today it offers a fascinating day out for all ages.

Enter the front door and step back in time. As you explore the rooms in the house that remain as they were in Churchill's time (complete with daily papers and his famous cigars), and experience unique displays and sound recordings, you will discover a man that influenced key moments in 20th Century history, but who also had a private life full of the more usual domestic trials and triumphs.
Gardens
Explore the lovely gardens that command unrivalled views over the Weald of Kent and see the lake, swimming pool and Water Garden that Sir Winston created and loved to paint. See the pools where he would sit to feed his magnificent golden orfe. Whilst in the garden, visit the studio complete with many of his unframed canvases in various stages of completion, and then wander into the peaceful Rose Garden created by Lady Clementine and along the Golden Rose Walk taking in the garden walls that Churchill built with his own hands. With so much to see and do, don't forget to visit the large gift shop and the restaurant which serves a wide selection of meals, light refreshments and, of course, afternoon tea!
Disabled Facilities
Wheelchairs available. Limited access to house and gardens. Full access to restaurant and shop. Adapted WC at Visitor Centre. Braille guide available.


Opening Times
(2006 times)
House and Garden:
25th March to 2nd July and 6th September to 29th October:
Wednesday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm.

4th July to 3rd September:
Tuesday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm.

Restaurant:
1st to 24th March and 1st November to 22nd December:
Wednesday to Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.

25th March to 2nd July and 6th September to 29th October:
Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am - 5.00pm.

4th July to 3rd September:
Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am - 5.00pm.

27th December to 25th March 07:
Wednesday to Sunday 11.00am - 3.00pm.

Civic Centre
Mount Pleasant
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1JN
Tel: +44 (0)1892 554 171
+44 (0)1892 545 449 (minicom)

Email: museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Web: http:// www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

`Explore the wild side of Tunbridge Wells in the Museum and Art gallery.' Evening Standard Magazine.

# Enjoy our wonderful collections
# Share the special story of Tunbridge Wells
# Visit our major exhibitions and events
# Take part in activities for everyone

Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery shares the special story of the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Set in the countryside of the Weald of Kent, the town of Tunbridge Wells grew from the discovery of the spa waters in 1606. The Georgian `den of iniquity' became the byword for Victorian respectability. The diverse Tunbridge Wells of today is a fascinating and unusual place to live and visit.

You can enjoy our outstanding collections of costume, art, dolls and toys. We also have excellent natural and local history, from dinosaur bones to the original `pantiles'. And you can see the world's largest collection of Tunbridge ware - the intricate wooden souvenirs made for visitors to the Wells.

Come and share the collections in the Museum, in special exhibitions in the Art Gallery and at other venues. Take part in our exciting free programme of events and hands-on activities, both at the museum and out in the community. Aimed at all ages and interests - from pre-school children to adults - events include talks and tours, holiday art and craft workshops and lots more. Look at collections on our website, or make an appointment for research access at the museum.

Additional Information:
# Situated on the first floor
# Chairlift available for disabled visitors.




Opening Times
(2007 times)
Mondays to Saturdays , 9.30am - 5.00pm. Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Closed Bank Holidays and Easter Saturday.

Pashley Manor Gardens

Pashley Road
Ticehurst
Wadhurst
East Sussex
TN5 7HE
Tel: +44 (0)1580 200 888
Fax: +44 (0)1580 200 102
Email: info@pashleymanorgardens.com
Web: http://www.pashleymanorgardens.com

The de Passele family built a moated Manor in 1262 and held the estate until 1453, when it was sold to the forebears of Anne Boleyn. In 1543 the estate was sold to Sir Thomas May, who built the Tudor house you see today. The fine Georgian façade was added in 1720.

'One of the finest Gardens in England' Pashley offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds with interest and colour throughout the year. This is a quintessential English Garden of a very individual character, with exceptional views to the surrounding valleyed fields. Many eras of English history are reflected here, typifying the tradition of the English Country House and Garden.

The present owners, Mr and Mrs James Sellick, opened the Gardens to the public in 1992 and have brought them to their present splendour with the assistance of the eminent landscape architect, Anthony du Gard Pasley.

There are exciting events throughout the year and an exhibition of sculpture and botanical art throughout the season.

General Information:

# Licensed Garden Room Cafe with outside terrace seating
# Dogs are not allowed in the Gardens (with the exception of guide dogs)
# Gift Shop
# Plants available for purchase
# Disabled visitors most welcome, wheel chairs available (please pre-book). Gardens difficult to negotiate in some places.


Opening Times
(2007 times)
3rd April to 29th September:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays. 11.00am - 5.00pm (last entry)

1st to 31st October:
Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm. (Cafe and gift shop closed)

Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 1BG
Tel: +44 (0)1732 770 929
Fax: +44 (0)1732 770 449
Email: carol.sansom@tmbc.gov.uk
Web: http://www.tonbridgecastle.org

History comes alive for young and old at Tonbridge Castle. The most complete motte and bailey castle in Kent. The grounds in the delightful setting by the River Medway are open all year round, free of charge. Many medieval features remain.


Opening Times
(2006 times)
Open all year Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays 10.30am - 4.00pm Last tour 1 hour before closing time.
Closed Christmas and New Year.
Grounds open all year.

Bedgebury National Pinedum & Forest

Park Lane
Goudhurst
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 2SL
Tel: +44 (0)1580 879 820
+44 (0)1580 213 045 (Education Officer)

Email: bedgebury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

Open 365 days a year, Bedgebury is the perfect place to walk, cycle, ride or play in a spectacular world of trees.

Bedgebury's National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers. In addition, Bedgebury Forest now offers miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking, Go Ape and adventure play for a modest £6 parking fee per car. The new Visitor Centre has a cycle franchise, refreshments, showers and an education room.

As a centre for healthy outdoor activity in a beautiful setting with accessibility for all, Bedgebury is in a class of its own.

# General Information: Cycle franchise
# Go Ape
# Adventure play equipment
# Information centre
# Refreshments
# Events
# Dogs welcome (on leads in the Pinetum)
# Guided tours by prior arrangement
# Education programme
# Parking


Opening Times
(2007 times)
Please Telephone 01580 879820 for current opening hours.

Battle Abbey

Everyone knows at least one date in English history 1066, the year the invading Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. In fact the conflict took place some 7 miles north of Hastings, at a place then called Senlac. Here, William the Conqueror later founded Battle Abbey to commemorate the event and on the site of its high altar, you can stand on the very spot where King Harold of England fell. Little of the original Norman structure survives, but you can still see many later monastic buildings, including the dormitory range with its fine vaulted novices’ chamber. The west range, incorporating the abbots’ Great Hall, was converted into a mansion after Henry VIII Dissolution of the Monasteries, and is now a school. Best preserved and most impressive of all is the Great Gatehouse, rebuilt c. 1338 and perhaps the finest surviving monastic entrance in Britain.

The exciting new exhibition, 1066: The Battle for England, uses the latest technology and interactive displays to draw a vivid picture of the social and political events, both for Saxons and Normans, of the years which led up to the conflict, and illustrates the impact this pivotal battle had on shaping English history. Hands-on interactives, touch screen displays and listening points look at how life was for the opposing sides. Central to the new exhibition is a short film which dramatically explains the events leading up to this bloody struggle, culminating in the events of 14 October. The new building also houses a stylish cafe serving light refreshments all day.

A new audio tour re-creates the sounds of the battle, as you stand where the Saxon army ridgetop shield wall watched the Normans advancing towards them. After about an hour of fighting, the Normans panicked and fled, but William rallied them and successfully counterattacked. Several pretended retreats followed. After some ten hours of fighting, the Normans launched an assault which finally broke the fatally weakened Saxon shield wall. By nightfall the Norman victory was complete. New family tour uses interviews with soldiers, monks and key figures from the time to retell the story of this fateful event.

Visit the abbey museum which explores the history of the abbey and includes artefacts found on site during excavations.

Following your visit, why not while away a pleasant afternoon in Battle town: it has a Town Trail, museum, plenty of antiqueshops. From Battle you can take the 1066 Walk to Pevensey Castle (one of Britain oldest strongholds) where William first landed before moving to Hastings.

Find out about other places in the area by visiting the tourist information centre in the site shop. Dont miss one of the highlights of the national events calendar, a spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings on the weekend of 13 & 14 October 2007.
What are the opening times?
Dates Opening Times Opening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-20 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan

Pooh's Corner

Winnie the Pooh heaven

Phone +44 (0)1892 770 456

The Pooh Corner shop, in the High Street of Hartfield village, dates from around the 1690's. The shop is home to the world's largest selection of Winnie-the-Pooh products and is situated in the village where A.A.Milne wrote the famous stories in the 1920's.

Christopher Robin and his nanny 'Alice' used to visit the shop to buy bulls-eyes, a mint flavoured candy, which were their favourites. As they lived a mile away, his nanny would bring the young Christopher Robin on the back of the family pet - a donkey called Jessica.

The shop stocks souvenirs, books and boxed sets, tapes & CDs, videos & DVDs, greeting cards, postcards, posters and prints, gift wrap, stationery, stickers, games, soft toys, cross stitch, mugs, Border Fine Arts, Disney ornaments, Royal Doulton and Spode china collectables, Royal Selangor pewter and more.

Address
High Street
Hartfield East Sussex TN7 4AE
UK

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Opening Times
Pooh Corner is open from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays and Bank Holidays the shop is open from 11am to 5pm.

Harveys Brewery

Brewery in Victorian Gothic Design.

Phone +44 (0)1273 480 217

Harveys has long been associated with the supply of beers, wines and spirits in Sussex. Records of 1794 recall the delivery of Old Red Port, Sherry and Claret within a twenty-mile radius of the medieval town of Lewes. This is a beautiful example of a country brewery in Victorian Gothic Design.

Today, Harveys remains an independent, family company with a seventh generation of Harvey's descendants involved in its affairs. Selecting the finest quality Pale and Mild Ale malts, together with the choicest Kent and Sussex hops, brewing from their own fresh spring water, and yeast that has remained unchanged in the brewery for four decades. This has resulted in a range of beers, which have delighted the people of Sussex and neighbouring counties for many years.

The Brewery Shop in Lewes has a full range of Brewery related goods from Flagons of beer to top quality wines, from single bottles to 72 pints. Items include hampers, clothing, breweryana, wine & spirits, marmalades and conserves.

Address
Cliffe High St
Lewes East Sussex BN7 2AH
UK


Awards
Winner of the First Prize Gold Medal at the International Brewers Exhibition in 1980, this beer is brewed to an original gravity of 1036° -1040° from a recipe which has evolved over many years. It is a full, well-hopped bitter with a reputation that exceeds the borders of its native and adjoining counties.

Awards
Harveys is a member of the cask ale accreditation scheme Cask Marque. This organisation awards certificates and plaques to Licensees which achieve a standard of quality and excellence for cask conditioned beer.

Bodium Castle

Perfect example of a late medieval moated castle

Phone +44 (0)1580 830 436

Bodiam was built in 1385 and is one of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Although it appears never to have seen a battle, records indicate that it was besieged on two occasions, during the Wars of the Roses and the Civil War. It is assumed that the castle was deliberately ruined after the latter. Little is recorded of the castle until the18th century when Bodiam was in the hands of the Webster family.

Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. There are spiral staircases and battlements to explore and wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind.

Education groups often use Bodiam Castle in term time. The only WC is located in the car park, 400yds from the castle entrance. There are audio/visual presentations that brings to life the fascinating story of the castle and its inhabitants, and audio interpretation explains the Second World War pill box

Address
Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5UA
UK

Wilderness Wood

Fun attraction for all the family

Phone +44 (0)1825 830 509

Wilderness Wood is a family coordinated working woodland in the beautiful hills of the Sussex High Weald. The attraction consists of 61 acres of beautiful and peaceful woodland as well as trails, a playground, picnic places, BBQs, a tearoom and tea garden, and various exhibitions.

This is unique woodland most recently won the Royal Agricultural Society "Best managed medium size wood" award! Here you can have lots of fun or find peace and quiet, learn about growing trees and using wood, buy garden furniture made from Sussex oak and chestnut, or simply come and have tea in relaxing surroundings.

The barn (with refreshments, shop, exhibition), picnic places, tea garden and the yard area are accessible to wheelchairs. There is a cubicle for disabled people in the ladies WC. A ¼ mile easy-access path includes bluebells and viewpoint although a strong pusher will be needed. The wood is open daily all the year round, from 10 am until 5.30pm and there is something to enjoy at all seasons, from bluebell time to the Christmas tree harvest.

Address
Wilderness Wood
Hadlow Down East Sussex TN22 4HJ
UK

Ashdown Forest

Bewl Water