Page 109 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 9: The Garden of England 107

Above left Bewl Water, the largest reservoir
then turn right on the A229 and left on by Nathaniel Lloyd in 1909. He in southeast England Above right The exterior
the B2244. Turn left to Bodiam Castle, transported another, similar Tudor of Bodiam Castle
signed and with on-site parking. house from Benenden nearby and
commissioned the Arts and Crafts
e Bodiam Castle architect Edwin Lutyens, to meld
Kent; TN32 5UA them together and plan the gardens.
When it comes to castles, few live up to Nathaniel’s son, the garden writer EAT AND DRINK
the ideal as well as Bodiam Castle (open Christopher Lloyd, was born here AROUND GOUDHURST
daily; www.nationaltrust.org.uk). Built in in 1906 and made the gardens some
1385 beside the River Rother to defend of the most inspiring in Britain, using Halfway House inexpensive
Lovely country pub 8 km (5 miles)
the coast – now some miles away – it innovative planting techniques. Since northwest of Goudhurst, with a big
saw little action. A square bastion with his death in 2006, Great Dixter has garden, good-value food and real
corner towers and a carp-filled moat, been managed by a charitable trust. ale served straight from the barrel.
the castle has been the backdrop to ª Head back to town and take the A28 Horsmonden Road, Brenchley, TN12
7AX; 01892 722 526; www.
films such as Monty Python and the Holy south. Turn right and follow the signs halfwayhousebrenchley.co.uk
Grail. Re-enact movie moments on to Battle. Park by the Abbey.
the battlements, spiral staircases, and AROUND BODIAM
gatehouse with original portcullis. t Battle The Curlew moderate
ª From the car park turn left over the Kent; TN33 0AD Michelin-starred restaurant serving
river and take first left. At a staggered At Battle Abbey (open Apr–Oct: daily, modern British cuisine in a former
coaching inn that is casual and
junction turn left for Great Dixter Nov–Mar: Sat & Sun; www.english- informal. Organic and biodynamic
House and Gardens. Park in the free heritage.org.uk) stretch your legs with wines from independent producers
on-site car park. a stroll around the battlefield where, are on offer too.
in 1066, the Normans defeated the Junction Road, Bodiam, TN32 5UY;
r Great Dixter English: the visitor centre offers an 01580 861 394; www.thecurlew
restaurant.co.uk; closed Mon
Kent; TN31 6PH enlightening introductory film as
A beautiful medieval hall house, well as new interactive displays, BATTLE
Great Dixter (Apr–Oct: open Tue–Sun while the audio tour is excellent. The Cut & Grill moderate
& Bank Hol Mon; garden 11am–5pm; abbey itself was largely destroyed Fun, family-owned restaurant
house 2–5pm; www.greatdixter.co.uk) is during the 16th-century Dissolution specializing in steaks and burgers,
all of which are sourced locally.
an amalgam of two buildings. The of the Monasteries. The market 17 High Street, TN33 0AE; 01424
original half-timbered house, built town of Battle sprang up around the 774 422; www.cutandgrill.co.uk;
between 1440 and 1454, was bought abbey and merits a short visit. closed Mon & Tue
DAY TRIP OPTIONS War and Peace Ghosts, Gardens and Castles
Discover Kent’s history and country- At Battle t, see the Abbey and walk Stay in the haunted village of
side from Hythe, Battle or Pluckley. the field where the decisive battle Pluckley 4, then go to see the
in the last successful invasion of wonderful gardens and ancient
Coastal Marshes England took place. Next, head for buildings of Sissinghurst Castle 0.
In Hythe, 5 see its fine church, then a peaceful lunch in the wonderful Drive through pretty Goudhurst q
buy provisions and head to the beach house and gardens of Great Dixter to Scotney Castle and if there is time,
with a picnic. Next take the steam r, before climbing the battlements go to Bewl Water w for a lakeside
railway to New Romney and on to of 14th-century Bodiam Castle e. stroll or a cycle ride.
Dungeness 6 for a walk on the Retrace the driving directions to Great Head south out of Pluckley, turn right on
shingles and some birdspotting.
Dixter and Bodiam Castle. To return, A28 and right on the A262. Retrace the
This trip doesn’t require any driving. head north-east to A21, then south. journey to return to Pluckley.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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