Seasonal Itineraries

Spring
During spring and early summer consider visiting Bedgebury National Pinetum. In April visitors can see the bluebells and rhododendrons and in late May the glory hole becomes a mass of colourful azaleas. In late May discover the wild orchids. Scotney Castle has wonderful azaleas and rhododendrons at this time of year. See the roses and wisteria on the castle ruins in late spring. Marle Place Gardens has azaleas and a wonderful allium pasture which peaks in May. The allium pasture has been admired and written about by many well known garden writers including the Times Garden writer, Stephen Anderton. Finchcocks is pretty in spring with daffodils and blossoms. It holds and annual Spring Garden Fair and Flower Festival in May.

Summer
This is concert season and the individual websites will have details of these including the outdoor pop concerts at Bedgebury National Pinetum.

The Swan at Lamberhurst Vineyard has an annual beer festival. Finchcocks has a Midsummer Music Series with concerts and opera, some which are held in the garden, with opportunity for people to either have supper in the restaurant or picnic in the ground. There are also eighteenth century Galas in costume held over the August Bank Holiday.

Autumn
Lamberhurst Vineyard has a grape harvest in October and Scotney Castle as well as Bedgebury National Pinetum have some spectacular autumn colour on show and host the ever popular fungi forays. Finchcocks has its main Festival of concerts in September, and there is an annual Autumn Fair in October. Bewl Water hosts a Dragon Boat Festival in September.

Winter
Winter is when Bedgebury is at its best. The conifers in the National Pinetum are at their best and look magnificent with a light dusting of snow or sharp frost. Bedgebury is also open all year round and makes the perfect place for a winters walk. Finchcocks runs a lively December season with Christmas concerts. It is also a popular venue for many organizations and societies who hold their Christmas parties and functions there, with seasonal music and refreshments.

Note opening times: eg Finchcocks is open, without booking and with musical demonstration/recitals on Sundays, from Easter to the end of September, as well as on Bank Holiday Mondays, and Wednesdays and Thursdays in August, without booking. However groups and individuals can also come for music on many other days from mid March to Christmas, as long as they book in advance. Marle Place Gardens are open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon etc