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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261028
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20281029
DTSTAMP:20261027T180912Z
CREATED:20220123T162349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T180912Z
UID:8887-1793145600-1856390399@www.sevenwonders.org.uk
SUMMARY:Spa Valley Railway - Help Fundraise for the Broom Lane Bridge
DESCRIPTION:Fundraise for the Spa Valley Railway  \n \nSupport this amazing heritage railway – Broom Lane Bridge Appeal!\n\n\nBroom Lane 2026 Leaflet \nThe railway had no choice but to replace the old Broom Lane Bridge between High Rocks and Groombridge. The project was completed between 22nd February and 18th April; however\, the railway is still paying off the cost of this enormous project and will continue to do so for the next two years\, so they need your help! \nAs of September 2026\, they have raised over £130\,000!  \nThe original Broom Lane Bridge was built in the 1890s and was rapidly approaching the end of its life. \nTo keep trains moving along the Spa Valley Railway\, the engineering team regularly inspected the original bridge\, imposed a speed restriction\, and subjected it to enhanced monitoring.  Load-tested was carrid out to demonstrate its continued availability for rail traffic. \nHowever\, they had to take action before the corrosion reached a point where trains could no longer operate. \nTherefore\, between February 22nd and April 18th\, the Broom Lane Bridge was replaced with the great help and support of Beaver Bridges\, who designed\, built\, and installed the bridge\, and Stewart Robinson\, Managing Director of Sonic Rail Services\, who replaced the track across the structure as a very kind gesture to our railway. \nIf we hadn’t replaced the bridge\, taking a train from Tunbridge Wells west to Groombridge and Eridge would no longer be possible. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere were different phases to replace Broom Lane :\n\nPhase 1\, a certified replacement bridge design\, cost us over £30\,000. Thanks to our savings\, we engaged Beaver Bridges\, which specialises in bridge design\, construction\, and installation. This was completed by August 2025.\nPhase 2 involved constructing and painting a new bridge\, which cost over £150\,000. This was completed in January 2026.\nPhase 3 involved removing the old bridge and installing the new one\, along with associated brick and track works\, costing over £450\,000. This took place between Sunday\, 22nd February and Saturday\, 18th April 2026.\nPhase 4 is to continue paying off this huge investment until 2028. Please consider donating to our appeal\, which remains ongoing despite the bridge’s replacement.\n\nBroom Lane 2026 Leaflet \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe railway needs your support; please donate via our JustGiving page!\nThe Spa Valley Railway can’t pay off the outstanding debt without your ongoing support\, and we are appealing to anyone who can help us repay this investment by 2028. \nThey know a bridge isn’t glamorous\, but without it\, they would have been unable to run trains over the entire length of our railway. \nThe railway is extremely grateful for any donations to our appeal or for participation in our fundraising activities. \nHelp keep the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells operating for future generations. \nBroom Lane 2026 Leaflet \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow else can I donate\, and can I Gift Aid my donation?\nYou can also donate directly via BACS transfer to the following account: \n\nTunbridge Wells Eridge Railway\n85689874\n55-70-13\n\nIf you are unable to donate online or via BACS Bank Transfer\, you can send a cheque made payable to the T.W.E.&.R.P.S. to the following address: \n\nBroom Lane Bridge Appeal
\, West Station\, Nevill Terrace
\, Tunbridge Wells
\, Kent\, TN25QY
\n\nYOU MUST MAKE IT PAYABLE TO “T.W.E.&.R.P.S.” AS THE BANK WILL NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING ELSE ON A CHEQUE. \nPlease Gift Aid your donation if eligible. Please download the form below\, fill it in and email it to enquiries@spavalleyrailway.co.uk. \nEvery £1 you donate gives us an extra 25p! That means that if you donated £100\, we would actually get £125! \nClick here for the latest updates on the bridge replacement! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBUY A BEER FOR BROOM LANE!\nWhen you travel on our trains\, why not buy a beer for Broom Lane and support the bridge for just £5! Every pound spent goes straight to the appeal. \nBroom Lane 2026 Leaflet \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThank you to Sonic Rail Services!\nThe Spa Valley Railway wishes to extend an enormous and heartfelt thank you to Stewart Robinson\, the Managing Director of Sonic Rail Services. \nSonic Rail Services have very kindly gifted the Spa Valley Railway the recent track work\, materials\, and labour costs for the track they replaced at Broom Lane Bridge. The machines\, track\, and material costs total approximately £60\,000; this enormous saving and generosity cannot be underestimated\, and we are truly taken aback by his and Alex Robinson’s kindness. \nThis gift also extends to the Volker Rail tamper\, which Stewart arranged through SRS. The cost savings for this and the work it did are worth thousands of pounds\, slotting into the tampers’ extremely busy mainline schedule. \nStewart is a preservationist through and through\, always available on the phone and someone to call upon for anything infrastructure- or railway-related. \nWe are sure our followers will join us in passing an enormous thank you to Sonic Rail Services\, and long may our relationship with them continue. \nThank you\, Stewart. We are truly grateful! \nBroom Lane 2026 Leaflet \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/event/spa-valley-railway-25th-anniversary-gala/
LOCATION:Spa Valley Railway\, Tunbridge Wells West Station\, Tunbridge Wells\, Kent\, TN2 5QY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Charity Events,Heritage Railways
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stride-the-Line-Event-Groombridge.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261028
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20271029
DTSTAMP:20261027T180821Z
CREATED:20260411T215443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T180821Z
UID:10078-1793145600-1824767999@www.sevenwonders.org.uk
SUMMARY:Merriments Garden & Cafe Open Today - Garden Entry £5
DESCRIPTION:Merriments October 2026 \nGarden Events in Kent and East Sussex\nMerriments Gardens Opens Daily for autumn colour – Entry just £5\nA vibrant burst of autumn colour awaits visitors at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex. The garden has plenty of late summer colour are looking spectacular in the gardens which are always so tranquil with their delightful water features and meandering paths. \nHighlights of the Gardens\nSet within four acres of tranquil grounds\, Merriments Gardens is a favourite with garden and nature lovers. \nVisitors will find plenty of seating throughout the gardens\, perfect for admiring the flower beds\, water features\, waterfalls\, and ponds. Pathways wind through the holistic garden and lead to a wild bird area and hide\, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts. \nAutumn Colour at Merriments – East Sussex Garden \nMerriments Conservatory Café\nAfter exploring the gardens\, guests can relax at the Merriments Café\, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The café is renowned for its great coffee\, delicious treats\, and warm hospitality. In addition to Sunday lunches\, the café serves Afternoon Teas that can be enjoyed in the gardens -simply bring a picnic rug and let the staff take care of the rest.  There is also the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the comfortable café seating area or snug. Afternoon Tea in the Garden is priced at £30 per person\, while Afternoon Tea in the Café is £25 per person. \nAfternoon Tea at Merriments \nThemed Evenings at Merriments Conservatory Café\nMerriments Café hosts special themed evenings\, celebrating cuisines from around the world\, including Italian\, Malaysian\, Spanish\, and Brazilian nights. Each event features a unique menu and a lively atmosphere\, perfect for an enjoyable night out. From vibrant spring Italian dishes to small-plate Tapas and comforting French bistro classics\, every evening is thoughtfully curated by the chefs for a memorable dining experience. \nVisitor Information\nMerriments Gardens and Café are open seven days a week. Admission is £5 for adults\, with children under 15 admitted free. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday\, 08:30–16:30\, and Sunday\, 9:30 -16:30. An adult season ticket is available for £35\, granting year-round entry. \nThe gardens are easy to find\, signposted off the A21 just before Hurst Green\, with plenty of free parking provided. Merriments Café and Gardens are located at Hawkhurst Road\, Hurst Green\, Etchingham TN19 7RA. \nDogs are allowed in the garden and café but must be kept on a lead. \nFurther Information\nFor more details about Merriments\, visit www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments.
URL:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/event/garden-events-in-kent/
LOCATION:Merriments
CATEGORIES:Child Friendly,Dog Friendly Attractions,Food and Drink,Free Places to Visit,Gardens to Visit in Kent,Kent Festivals,What to do this weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Butterfly-scaled.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261107T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261230T203000
DTSTAMP:20260928T191130Z
CREATED:20260928T191045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T191130Z
UID:15968-1794049200-1798662600@www.sevenwonders.org.uk
SUMMARY:THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Spa Valley Railway
DESCRIPTION:THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Spa Valley Railway \nTHE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride\nTickets are now on sale for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride\, which departs from the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells\, Kent on selected dates between 7 November and 30 December 2026. \nThis year PNP Events\, Spa Valley Railway\, Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros. will again come together to bring this truly magical film to life in the most charming and authentic way at this popular heritage railway.  \nThis enchanting and theatrical experience brings Chris Van Allsburg’s classic blockbuster film from 2004\, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to life on a magnificent steam train.  Just like in the film\, guests of all ages are encouraged to wear their pyjamas.  Many families decide to embrace the festive spirit by wearing matching pyjamas\, which adds to the magical atmosphere on board. \nAs snow falls on the platform\, passengers wait for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to arrive before climbing on board to find their lantern lit table before beginning the magical round-trip journey towards the North Pole.  During the journey\, the talented performers bring characters from the film to life during a one-hour immersive experience based on the hit film. The lively cast delivers interactive fun throughout the ride as the conductor punches golden tickets\, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies\, and guests read along with the original book.   \nLook out for the Hobo who makes surprise appearances during the journey before Santa and his cheerful elf assistant make their way through the carriages\, presenting each guest with a silver sleigh bell – the cherished first gift of Christmas. As the story reminds us\, only those who truly believe can hear its gentle ring! \nWith the sound of Christmas carols in the air\, the train will return to Spa Valley Railway\, with just enough time to visit the gift shop to consider purchasing a festive keepsake to remember your special adventure. \nAll passengers receive a souvenir golden ticket and sleigh bell. Ticket prices range from £39.95 to £73.95 depending on the chosen date and time. \nDates sell out quickly\, so guests are encouraged to book soon at www.spavalleythepolarexpressride.com \nPNP Events will once again support the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd\, with 5p from each biodegradable carrier bag sold at the on-site shops going towards maintaining Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. \nSpa Valley Railway\, Tunbridge Wells West Station\, Nevill Terrace\, Royal Tunbridge Wells\, Kent\, TN2 5QY \nTHE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Spa Valley Railway
URL:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/event/the-polar-express-train-ride-at-the-spa-valley-railway/
LOCATION:Spa Valley Railway\, Tunbridge Wells West Station\, Tunbridge Wells\, Kent\, TN2 5QY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Charity Events,Child Friendly,Heritage Railways,Theatre,What to do this weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Polar-Express-Main-Image.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270501T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270731T163000
DTSTAMP:20260825T115511Z
CREATED:20260604T111147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T115511Z
UID:15745-1809160200-1817051400@www.sevenwonders.org.uk
SUMMARY:Lavender Heaven at Merriments Gardens
DESCRIPTION:Gardens to Visit in East Sussex\nWhere to see Lavender Gardens in Sussex \nLavender will again takes centre stage in the medicinal Garden at Merriments from late May 2027. \nThe scent and colour of lavender are filling Merriments Gardens this summer\, as the Medicinal Garden comes into full bloom with drifts of fragrant purple flowers around its tranquil water rill. \nVisitors can now enjoy one of the garden’s most atmospheric seasonal highlights\, with lavender bringing its distinctive perfume\, silvery foliage and nectar-rich flowers to the four-acre East Sussex garden. \nLong valued for its calming fragrance and loved by gardeners for its resilience in sunny\, well-drained positions\, lavender is bringing a classic summer spectacle to the garden while providing a rich source of nectar for wildlife. \nThe lavender is also playing an important role in Merriments’ wildlife-friendly approach. Grown as part of the garden’s organic\, pesticide-free planting\, it is helping attract pollinators including bees and butterflies\, while adding scent\, texture and colour for visitors to enjoy. \nThe lavender display comes as Merriments welcomes 30\,000 bees from Sussex-based specialist R and R Bees\, a small business that breeds bees\, including queens. The new arrivals\, Buckfast bees known for their prolific honey production\, have settled into two new hives – and within just a month\, the colony is expected to double to around 60\,000. \nDan Warne\, Head Gardener and beekeeper\, said: “Lavender is one of the great sensory plants of summer. It brings scent\, colour and movement to the Medicinal Garden\, and it is wonderful for pollinators. As our bees are a small colony\, we are focused on building up their numbers this year\, but they are doing so well we are expecting our first honey harvest this year. We hope to harvest around 100lbs of honey next year\, which we will either sell or use in the Merriments Conservatory Café.” \nSummer is the perfect time to experience the lavender at Merriments and uncover this garden gem. Just off the A21 near Hurst Green\, Merriments is easy to find and packed with reasons to visit. \nNow owned by Caravan Tech\, the well-established family-run business that relocated from its previous site in Hurst Green to this idyllic countryside setting\, Merriments has entered an exciting new chapter. \nSince the acquisition\, the gardens have benefited from extensive renovation and improvement\, including the opening of a new eatery known as the conservatory. Visitors can now enjoy a relaxed day out that combines a leisurely stroll through the gardens with food and drink in the Merriments Conservatory café\, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. \nHead Gardener Dan Warne\, alongside his team and dedicated volunteers\, has brought fresh energy to the four-acre site\, restoring water features and introducing vibrant new flower beds. \nThe gardens are open daily throughout the year Monday – Saturday: 8:30am-4:30pm. Sunday: 9:30am-4:30pm.  Admission is £8 for adults and Children under 15 are free.  Free admission for RHS Members. \nGarden tickets including season tickets are available from the conservatory café\, offering free entry to the gardens throughout the year. Prices are season tickets are £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket. \nDogs are welcome in both the gardens and Merriments Conservatory Café\, and the accessible\, wheelchair-friendly paths help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.  There is also a children’s play area at Merriments. \nLocation\nMerriments Gardens is at Hawkhurst Road\, Hurst Green\, Etchingham\, East Sussex\, TN19 7RA. www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments \nMerriments Gardens\nMerriments Gardens in East Sussex is a hidden gem\, tucked away behind tall hedges. Spanning four acres\, the gardens are thoughtfully designed with beautiful\, colour-themed borders\, offering an inspiring variety of plants that provide year-round interest. In spring\, visitors are welcomed by delicate wildflowers and a meadow filled with blue camassia. Mature magnolias and vibrant tulips give way to peonies\, azaleas\, and rhododendrons. In summer\, lavender\, roses\, poppies\, and an array of blooms take centre stage\, while autumn brings a striking display of fiery foliage. Guests can also explore a medicinal garden filled with fragrant herbs. \nGarden Style and Features\nMerriments Gardens combines a relaxed atmosphere with both classic and contemporary elements. The grounds feature a harmonious mix of formal and natural plantings set across a gently sloping\, south-facing landscape. Several water features add to the tranquil ambiance\, and a bird hide provides a peaceful spot to observe birds feeding undisturbed. \nAccessibility and Facilities\nThe gardens are open every day of the year and provide ample free parking. Paths are designed for accessibility\, making them suitable for wheelchair users. Well-behaved dogs are welcome\, provided they are kept on leads in the gardens and conservatory café areas. \nMerriments Conservatory Café\nMerriments Conservatory café is open seven days a week\, offering a welcoming space to enjoy a variety of refreshments. Guests can relax with coffee or drinks\, including Merriments Gin\, savour freshly prepared lunches\, indulge in afternoon tea\, or enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast (served on Sundays). The conservatory is the ideal place to unwind after exploring the gardens. \nEvents and Special Dining Evenings\nFor information about upcoming garden events and special evening dining experiences in the conservatory café\, visitors are encouraged to visit the Merriments website. \n 
URL:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/event/lavender-in-sussex-gardens-merriments/
LOCATION:Merriments
CATEGORIES:Food and Drink,Gardens to Visit in Kent,Romantic Days Out,What to do this weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sevenwonders.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lavender-Rill-with-Sculpture.jpg
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