Out and About at Bridgewood Manor
Top Attractions
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham. Telephone number: 01634 823807
Explore the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail and discover the hidden secrets of the yard that built over 400 ships for the Royal Navy, including Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory.
Enjoy guided tours around a powerful Destroyer fighting ship and spy submarine on an 80 acre site covering 400 years of maritime history. For more information click here
Brands Hatch. Telephone number: 01474 872331
The home of British Motorsport, Brands Hatch, with its many race meetings, is a convenient 30 minute drive from Bridgewood Manor.
Many fixtures are held throughout the year - please contact the course for details.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Nr. Canterbury. Telephone number: 09068 800605
Howletts has been described as one of the best wild animal parks in the world. See gorillas and their babies, African elephants, Indian tigers, clouded leopards and many more endangered species.
Rochester Cathedral. Telephone number: 01634 401301
Being the second oldest cathedral foundation in England, Rochester Cathedrals history goes back to AD604 when Augustine sent Bishop Justus to establish the house founded by King Ethelbert of Kent.
Though one of the smaller Norman cathedrals, Rochester was an important centre for pilgrimage during the 13th century, and even today attracts many visitors who are keen to learn more about its fascinating history.
Canterbury Cathedral. Telephone number: 01227 762862
This world famous Cathedral has an immense history, from medieval pilgrimages, the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 to the last Pope visiting in 1982.
Rochester Castle. Telephone number: 01634 402276
Rochester Castle, a fine example of Norman architecture, is situated by the side of the Cathedral and has one of the tallest keeps in England, measuring 113 feet high.
Diggerland, Strood. Telephone number: 08700 344437
Children (and adults if they wish!) have the opportunity to ride in, and drive, different types of construction machinery including Dump Trucks, Mini JCB Diggers and Giant JCB Diggers (all under strict supervision).
Hever Castle, Hever nr Edenbridge. Telephone number: 01732 865224
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn which dates from the year 1270. Beautiful gardens, the Yew Maze, a children's adventure playground and the historic castle ensure that all will have a wonderful day.
The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood. Telephone number: 01622 872068
Offering an enjoyable family day out, this 1,000 acre site has the world's largest collection of Victorian oast houses, rural crafts, shire horses, pets corner and plenty of events.
Bluewater Shopping Centre. Telephone number: 08456 021021
The perfect place for a spot of retail therapy and only 20 minutes drive from the hotel, Bluewater is the largest shopping centre in Europe with over 320 shops and restaurants to choose from.
Buckmore Park, Chatham. Telephone number: 01634 201562
Europe’s most exciting choice of professionally run Karting experiences. Their website is : www.buckmore.co.uk. The distance from Bridgewood Manor is 8 miles.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone. Telephone number: 01622 765400
Described as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle, near Maidstone Kent was originally the site of a manor of the Royal Saxon Family. A Norman stronghold, the castle became a Royal palace, and was for 300 years the home of Kings and Queens of England.
Leeds Castle is open to the public from 10am-5pm daily from March until the end of October, and 10am-3pm during the winter months, The castle is clearly signposted from junction 8 of the M20. For further information visit the website or telephone 01622 765400
Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst. Telephone number: 020 84673264
Chislehurst Caves are a labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways which have been hewn by hand from the chalk, deep beneath Chislehurst. The war and the constant bombings over London turned the caves into a massive air raid shelter within easy reach from London and its main suburbs. The Caves are also used as a film location and have been used by the BBC and independent film companies. Doctor Who, Insemenoid, Bliss, Neverwhere and Randall & Hopkirk (deceased) have all been filmed at the caves.
Deal Castle, Deal. Telephone number: 01304 372762
Deal Castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. It is among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles. Today you can explore the whole of the castle from the storerooms to the first-floor captain's residence. A pleasant cycle path links Deal and Walmer Castles along the beachfront.
Druidstone Park, Blean Nr Canterbury. Telephone number: 01227 765168
Whether you are interested in meeting our many friendly animals, having fun in the adventure play areas, finding peace and tranquillity in the enchanted woodland, or just relaxing in the idyllic surroundings of the park garden, you won't be disappointed. Set in a landscape valuable, not only for its natural beauty, but moreover its abundance of wildlife and flora.
Garden Organic Yalding, Nr Maidstone. Telephone number: 01622 814650
Garden Organic Yalding nestle against a traditional Kentish backdrop of hop gardens and oast houses. We have created a unique combination of a tour through garden history and organic gardening techniques set against a backdrop of beautiful, mixed borders. They inspire reflection on humankind's experience of gardening over the centuries.
Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford, Kent. Tel: 01233 620773
Godinton House and Gardens set in extensive parkland are a joy to discover. Approached through the park, the house with its mellow brickwork and distinctive gables, nestles in a hollow surrounded by a magnificent yew hedge. One of the most important and fascinating houses in Kent, it has medieval origins and a wealth of carved panelling of great quality.
Groombridge Place and Gardens, nr Tunbridge Wells. Tel: 01892 861444
A visit to Groombridge Place will give you an unforgettable day whether you come as garden enthusiasts to explore the sights and scents of the 17th century formal gardens; or with your family to discover the secret, quirky and mysterious gardens of the ancient forest where children's imagination will run wild. A major location for the film 'Pride and Prejudice' - visit our exhibition with a collection of photos taken during filming and costumes to match.
Hole Park Gardens, Cranbrook, Kent. Tel: 01580 241344
Hole Park Gardens are situated on the edge of the picturesque Weald village of Rolvenden. A family owned estate Hole Park has been owned by the Barham family for the past four generations. The gardens reflect the care and long-term planning that is unique to family owned estates. It also manages to combine formalised gardens with true woodland elements. Visitors can now enjoy the New Exotic Border and autumn colour in the gardens.
Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway, Tenterden. Tel: 087060 06074
Less than an hour from the M25 lies an area of gentle hills, woods and marshland where friendly olde world charm of a past age await to greet you. Our line joins together the jewels of the Weald, Tenterden Town and Bodiam Castle, brushing past the quiet Sussex village of Northiam on the way.
Museum of Kent Life, Sandling, Maidstone. Tel: 01622 763936
At the Museum of Kent Life you can discover the rich and vibrant history of the people who lived and worked in the Garden of England over the past 150 years. Events run throughout the year.
Penshurst Place & Gardens, Penshurst, Kent. Tel: 01892 870307
Set in the rural Weald of Kent surrounded by picturesque countryside and ancient parkland, Penshurst Place and Gardens has changed little over the centuries. This mediaeval masterpiece has been the seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and retains the warmth and character of a much-loved family home.
Restoration House, Rochester. Tel: 01634 848520
Unique town house, stayed in by Charles II on eve of the Restoration. The Satis House of Dickens' Great Expectations. Fine collection of English furniture and pictures (Mytens, Lely, Kneller, Dahl, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable, etc) Unique productive walled gardens incl, cutting gardens & Parterre.
St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 767345
This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the cathedral and St Martin's Church. The impressive abbey is situated outside the city walls and is sometimes missed by visitors. At the abbey, you can also enjoy the museum and free interactive audio tour.
The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 454888
A visit to The Canterbury Tales, one of Kent’s most popular attractions, with its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England, is just like stepping into the Middle Ages. Inside the historic building of St. Margaret’s Church you can step back over 500 years to join Geoffrey Chaucer (England’s finest poet) and his colourful characters as they journey from London towards the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral and enjoy their medieval adventure stories.
Walmer Castle & Gardens, Walmer, Kent. Tel: 01304 364288
Walmer Castle dates from the 16th century, and forms part of a line of defence along the edge of the Downs. Walmer Castle has a gentle air with elegant rooms still used for formal entertaining and lovely gardens.
Wingham Wildlife Park, Wingham nr Canterbury. Tel: 01227 720836
A natural haven for birds and small mammals with landscaped lakes, pet village, aviary, exhibition room, adventure playground and tea room. Open all year round, 7 days a week.
