Close your eyes and picture the scene: ambling, cycling or driving along leafy country lanes with views over rolling hills, pretty woodlands and patchwork fields, glimpses of historic houses and gardens. Imagine stopping for coffee, lunch, tea or a stroll in a charming town or village where weatherboarded houses, oasts or Tudor buildings nestle round a fine church or picturesque green � the whole bathed in English sunshine� this is the High Weald of Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Within this idyllic scenery lie the Seven Wonders of the Weald � seven attractions, no more than 10 minutes� drive apart, that offer a variety of activities for all ages and interests, from nature lovers to cultural enthusiasts and keen sportsmen and women. Each of the Seven Wonders brings something special to the whole, be it historic relics of the past, prettily laid out gardens, water-based fun, an appreciation of nature, sampling local produce, or listening to world class music. A day out or a longer stay offers plenty of inspiration for both local visitors and those from further afield.

Much of the Wealden countryside was created by farming and the unique oast houses are reminders of the great hop farming industry. Today, visitors are more likely to see vineyards decorating Kentish fields. Lamberhurst Vineyards is among the more successful: its red, white, ros� and sparkling wines have won several awards and can be bought at the onsite shop and bistro, alongside other Kentish produce. But the vineyards are about more than eating and drinking: walking through the vines is a pleasurable pastime, while visitors who stay until early evening are rewarded by spectacular sunsets crowning the wonderful views over the Tiese valley. Why not stop for dinner at the gastro-pub next door? The Swan, winner of the South Eastern Pub of the Year 2007, serves the finest local produce on its enticing menu.

Bayham Old Abbey is hard to beat for picnics in the open air and tranquil scenery. The ruins of a 13th-century monastery, which were incorporated into a landscape design to complement a Georgian dower house, lend an air of serenity to the surrounding countryside. As the ruins provide the perfect scrambling ground for youngsters, adult visitors can relax on the grass, or explore a little history themselves among the Abbey remains, or in the two rooms of the dower house open to the public.

At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest nature wears a different mantle as tall trees, both exotic and native, provide a shady haven for picnickers and amateur botanists who can enjoy spotting rare trees, plants, and observe bird and insect life throughout this enormous natural site. Bedgebury is also a magnet for the more active visitor with its 10km of cycle paths, 13km of mountain bike routes (including a Freeride Area) and 12km of bridle paths together with several walking routes. All are carefully planned to ensure plenty of space for all the individual pastimes within a marvellous forest setting. A large visitor centre with a caf�, cycle hire and even showers, as well as a Victorian plant hunter themed adventure play area and Go Ape high wire course, ensures visitor needs are very well catered for. It�s also worth keeping an eye out for the many events that take place including pond dipping for children, dormouse awareness and bat walks for all.

For a water landscape, Bewl Water, which is the largest body of water in the South-east, has a visitor centre with caf� and adjacent adventure playground, and the activities on offer include walking, riding and cycling round the 13-mile perimeter with opportunities to spot plenty of waterfowl. Learn or improve your skills at fishing, sailing, canoeing, rowing and windsurfing skills. Bewl also has various events throughout the year, such as car rallies, garden shows and exhibitions.

If your pleasures are more on the cultural side, then Finchcocks is definitely the attraction to head for. A fine Grade 1 Georgian manor houses a celebrated collection of over 100 period keyboards including pianos, harpsichords and organs. On afternoons when the house is open, visitors will be treated to a demonstration or musical recital showcasing some of these lovely instruments. And there are also summer concerts in June and July and a September Festival featuring professional musicians from home and abroad. On concert nights, special catering can be provided, while the formal gardens lend themselves to a peaceful stroll.

At Marle Place Gardens, where art mingles with delightful planting, this privately owned garden designed by husband and wife team, Lindel and Gerald Williams, is truly magical with lots of interesting areas such as the secret fern garden, Victorian orchid houses, water features, sculptures and Victorian summerhouse. Here you have the beauty of the gardens combined with the opportunity to see art and sculpture exhibitions in the gallery.

Allow yourself time to enjoy the many attributes in this peaceful and beautiful Wealden garden � all blending seamlessly and leading to the woodlands where native wildlife flourishes spectacularly. Book into the painting classes to capture your own vision of the gardens to take home.

Gardens of a different kind surround Scotney Castle, famous for its 14th-century fairytale castle, deliberately ruined to create one of the finest examples of a Picturesque garden. Perched beside a lake, the castle is truly a scene stealer, but the rest of the gardens warrant time spent in appreciating them, from banks of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas to a hidden quarry garden. This year the mansion, to which the gardens belong, will be open to the public for the first time, offering something new to regular visitors. Scotney Estate offers walks through quintessential Weald countryside of woods, fields and hedges with views all around.

With so much to see and do, the Seven Wonders really does appeal to everyone, and the convenience of the attractions to each other means that spending summer in the Weald is easy.

For more details on the Seven Wonders of the Weald, visit www.sevenwonders.org.uk which also links through to the individual members� sites.

Events:

Summer Events at the Seven Wonders of the Weald

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 June Garden Show � Bewl Water 10am-5pm Stalls form top growers plus garden products and crafts. Fun stalls and children�s entertainment. Charity proceeds to Kent & Sussex Border Lions. Entry included in car park admission of �5.

Friday 8 to Sunday 24 June South East Open Studios � Marle Place Gardens Group art exhibition in the Gallery � entry included in garden admission.

Saturday 9 June Plants of Bedgebury � Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum 10.30am-12.30pm Sue Buckingham leads a walk identifying the many species that inhabit Bedgebury�s varied habitats: heathland, acid grassland, etc. Call 01580 879820 to book.

Saturday 9 June James Morrison Outdoor Concert � Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum Evening Bring a picnic, or buy refreshments on site. Tickets: �23.50 from 01842 814612.

Sunday 10 June Travis Outdoor Concert � Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum Evening Bring a picnic, or buy refreshments on site. Tickets: �23.50 from 01842 814612.

Sunday 10 June Midsummer Music Series � Finchcocks Musical Museum �Music for a Summer�s Evening� Programme to be confirmed. Performance starts at 8pm; call 01580 211702 or email: info@finchcocks.co.uk

Sunday 10 June Southern Classics Car Show � Bewl Water 10am-4pm Vintage and classic cars on show, plus autojumblers.

Wednesday 15 June National Gardens Scheme � Marle Place Gardens All garden admission proceeds go to charity. Cream teas available.

Saturday 16 June to Saturday 7 July Art & Photographic Exhibition � Bewl Water Opening times vary � call 01892 890661 for details. Works by Roger Gorringe and Chris Coates.

Sunday 17 June Austin Seven Car Rally & Picnic � Bewl Water 10am-4pm Over 200 exhibits of cars, commercials, motorcycles and machinery, plus craft exhibits and stalls. Entry included in car park ticket.

Sunday 17 June Midsummer Music Series � Finchcocks Musical Museum �Music for a Summer�s Evening� Programme to be confirmed. Performance starts at 8pm; call 01580 211702 or email: info@finchcocks.co.uk

Saturday 23 June Dragonfly Event � Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum 1pm-3pm A tour led by John & Gill Brooks to see some of the 25 varieties of dragonflies � some rare, but all beautiful. Call 01580 879820 to book.

Sunday 24 June Midsummer Music Series � Finchcocks Musical Museum �Music for a Summer�s Evening� Programme to be confirmed. Performance starts at 8pm; call 01580 211702 or email: info@finchcocks.co.uk

Friday 29 June Venetian Masked Ball � Finchcocks Dinner dance with Italian cuisine from by L�Italia A Tavola, Tunbridge Wells.

Friday 29 June to Monday 16 July Photographic Show � Marle Place Gardens Highly professional photographs, inspired by the gardens, taken by patients at Hospice in the Weald � entry included in garden admission.

Saturday 30 June & Sunday 1 July Aerial Zip Wire Charity Event � Bewl Water 10am-4pm In aid of the Red Cross and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Anyone can take part � just pay �15 entry fee and raise a minimum sponsorship of �100. Call 01865 875757 or 01622 625112 for more details.

Sunday 8 July Midsummer Music Series � Finchcocks Musical Museum �Music for a Summer�s Evening� Programme to be confirmed. Performance starts at 8pm; call 01580 211702 or email: info@finchcocks.co.uk

Friday 20 July Bizet�s �Carmen� � Scotney Castle & Gardens 8pm (gates open 7pm) Performed by Opera Brava. Tickets: �25 adult, �10 child � call 01444 443060.

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 July Water Activities Have-A-Go Weekend � Bewl Water 10am-4pm Your chance to try anything from windsurfing and canoeing to rowing and sailing for just a small charge per activity.

Wednesday 1 August Pirate Party � Bewl Water 4pm-6pm Party for kids on board the cruising ferry �Swallow�; treasure hunt, fancy dress and party food, �7 per person. Call 01892 890171 to book.

Thursday 2 August Teddy Bears� Picnic � Scotney Castle & Gardens 12.30pm-2.30pm �5 per child. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Friday 3 August Face Paint Friday � Scotney Castle & Gardens �2 per child, plus normal admission charge. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Saturday 4 August Vintage Motorcycle Club � Bewl Water A lunch stop for the International West Kent Run. Machines form the 1900s to the 1980s stop by� over 500 expected. www.westkentrun.co.uk

Saturday 4 August Bedgebury�s Summer Birds � Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum 10am-12noon A guided walk to help identify the many (some rare) species of birds � and their songs � that reside in, summer in, or briefly stop at Bedgebury. Call 01580 879820 to book.

Wednesday 8 August Pirate Party � Bewl Water 4pm-6pm Party for kids on board the cruising ferry �Swallow�; treasure hunt, fancy dress and party food, �7 per person. Call 01892 890171 to book.

Wednesday 8 August National Gardens Scheme � Marle Place Gardens All garden admission proceeds go to charity. Cream teas available.

Friday 10 August Face Paint Friday � Scotney Castle & Gardens �2 per child, plus normal admission charge. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Tuesday 14 August Treasure Island � Scotney Castle & Gardens 2pm (gates open 1pm) Tickets: �15 adult, �8 child (5-15yrs), from 0870 240 4068.

Wednesday 15 August Pirate Party � Bewl Water 4pm-6pm Party for kids on board the cruising ferry �Swallow�; treasure hunt, fancy dress and party food, �7 per person. Call 01892 890171 to book.

Wednesday 15 August Pirates & Mermaids � Scotney Castle & Gardens 12.30pm-2.30pm �5 per child. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Friday 17 August Face Paint Friday � Scotney Castle & Gardens �2 per child, plus normal admission charge. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Friday 24 August Face Paint Friday � Scotney Castle & Gardens �2 per child, plus normal admission charge. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

Bank Holiday Monday 27 August Summer Craft Fair � Finchcocks Musical Museum Organised by Cherry Picked Events. Admission to fair only: �3. House and music: �3 extra.

Friday 31 August Face Paint Friday � Scotney Castle & Gardens �2 per child, plus normal admission charge. Call 01892 8910810 to book.

-Ends-

Editors� Notes: Lamberhurst Vineyard, The Down, near Lamberhurst. Family owned. Open: daily all year round, 10am-5pm. Admission free. Facilities: wine tastings, car park, shop, bistro, toilets, disabled access. Bayham Old Abbey, off B2169, near Lamberhurst. English Heritage owned. Open: 1 April-30 September, 11am-5pm. Admission: adult �3.50, child (5-15) �1.80, concs �2.60. Free parking. Facilities: toilets, shop, snacks (in shop), picnics welcome, disabled access. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, B2079, between Goudhurst & Flimwell. Forestry Commission owned. Open: daily, 8am-8pm. Admission: �6 per car. Facilities: visitor centre, toilets, caf�, cycle hire, showers, disabled access and facilities including bike hire. Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, near Lamberhurst, signposted off A21. Southern Water owned. Open: daily, 9am-sunset. Admission: �5 per vehicle. Facilities: visitor centre, self service restaurant, toilets, disabled access. Finchcocks, near Goudhurst, off A262. Privately owned. Open: 8 April � 30 September: Sundays; also Wednesdays & Thursdays in August, 2pm-6pm. Also for special events and evening concerts. Also by appt. Admission: �8 adult, �5 student, �4 child, �2.50 garden only. Facilities: afternoon teas. Marle Place Gardens, Marle Place Road, near Brenchley, off B2162. Privately owned. Open: 1 April � 8 October, Fridays to Mondays, other days by appt, 10am-5pm. Admission: adult �4.50, child (4-12) �1, senior, �4, wheelchair user free. Facilities: car park, self service teas, toilets, picnic area, partial disabled access. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, A21. National Trust owned. Gardens open: 21 March � 28 October, Wednesdays to Sundays & Bank Holiday 11am-5pm. (Estate open all year round). Garden admission: adult �5.80, child �2.90, family �14.30. (Mansion extra). (Free admission to estate). Facilities: car park, toilets, shop, planned light refreshments, limited disabled access.

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