Elmfield Farm Cottages

My friend Kate recently gave me a lovely book called the Great British Picnic Guide. Full of lovely fresh recipes and at the back are recommended places to take a picnic, and a suggested menu. Low and behold it had my favourite picnic spot. The white cliffs of Dover are amazingly dramatic. You can park at the National Trust car Park for a couple of pounds, and look down over the very busy Dover port. The children are gripped for ages watching the ferries load and unload and see them sail away to France. I always think there is something very romantic about being able to see France on the horizon.

There is a wonderful walk to South Foreland Lighthouse, along the cliffs. (Cliff edge is mostly fenced, so that excited children and dog don’t drop off the edge!). There are lots of seabirds to watch including Kittiwakes and Peregrine Falcons.

After a bracing walk or gentle stroll the National Trust Centre has a nice Tea Room, with explanations of the local geology, flora and fauna. For the more technically minded South Foreland was used by Faraday as the the first electrically lit lighthouse, and Marconi used it for the first international radio broadcast to France.

The White Cliffs of Dover are 20 minutes from Elmfield. Take the M20 signposted to Dover, follow the road into Dover towards the port. Take a left turn sign posted to White Cliffs. Follow the National Trust Signs to the car park.

Although the weather hasnt been very reliable this year we managed to find a wonderfully sunny day last weekend to visit our favourite beach, Joss Bay. About 50 minutes away from Elmfield it is a lovely sandy cove with rock pool at low tide. There is a little shop (which stocks everything you need for a beach trip) and clean toilets. Our children were very happy with buckets and spades digging holes in the sand. At low tide you can explore many more coves and go hunting for fossils

Co-incidentally we went to the beach just as it was announced that Kent (including Joss bay) have been awarded 1/8 of the countries Blue Flags. These are awarded to the beaches that reach strict criteria on water quality, cleanliness, facilities and safety.

For more information on the blue flag beaches in Kent click here

Thanet have produced a useful leaflet detailing some of their beaches and coves. Download the .pdf file by clicking thanet_beaches-bays-leaflet_2008

Many of our visitors have enjoyed a day out to Dover Castle. With an amazing history stretching from Roman times, through to WWII it is well worth a days visit. There are a labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels built deep in the White Cliffs of Dover. Walk through the rooms where Sir Admiral Ramsay planned the “miracle of Dunkirk” and tour the underground hospital. Above ground, check out one of Europe’s best-preserved Roman lighthouses, explore the towering keep with its spectacular views across the channel and its recreation of King Henry VIII’s.

As well as the permanent attractions, there are also school holiday activities for children, and music at the castle every sunday in June. For more information please check out the English Heritage website.. Dover Castle is only 20 minutes from Elmfield.

English Heritage have several other castles nearby including Deal and Walmer Castles (Approximatley 40 minutes away)

Today the the Marine Conservation Society has published its latest guide to the state of the UK’s beaches.  They assess quality of the water and how sewage discharge is treated, recommending beaches in its Good Beach Guide only if it exceeds the guideline European water quality standard.

Although the news isnt good for all beaches, Kents beaches have faired comparatively well.

Our favourite beaches are all on the Conservation Society Recommended List.  They are:

Hythe - Pebbled beach with sandpit - 10 minutes from Elmfield

Joss, Stone and Botany Bays - picturesque sandy bays, some rock-pools and fossils with  varying levels of facilities - 50 minutes from Elmfield

Dymchurch, St Marys Bay- Sandy Beach (until high tide) 20 minutes from Elmfield

For a full list of beaches click here

I went on such an unusual and amazing walk yesterday that I cant resist adding it to our blog.  Although at the start of the walk there is a couple of hundred yards on a road, the rest of the walk is across fields and paths.

Starting from The Royal Military Canal Car Park we walked up to the top of the North Downs next to Lympne Castle.

We had fantastic views of Lympne Castle, and walked right past the third century ruins of Stutfall Castle. It was a steep walk, but worth it for the views across Romney Marsh all the way to Dunganess. Turning left and going along footpaths the walk takes you around the top of Port Lympne Wildlife park.

After a while turn left  where you can walk along a well signposted bridle path which runs though the middle of the wildlife park. You can see Elephants, Giraffes, Wilderbest and Ostrich (not your average Kent wildlife!)

At the bottom of the path turn left and walk along the side of the Royal Military Canal.  After a mile or so you will get back to the car park.

All in all the walk is about 3 1/2 miles.  It is easy to navigate, even I didnt get lost.  If you are staying at Elmfield we have OS maps for you to borrow.  The car park is a 10 minute drive from Elmfield.

Originally made from the ground roots of the marsh mallow plant - marsh mallows are now set with gelatine.  Marsh Mallow plants are increasingly rare, but even rarer are the marsh mallow moth. This moth can only be found on Romney Marsh and one other location in the UK.

Built from the 13th Century Romney Marsh is a quiet peaceful area with anicient churches and a wide variety of special and rare wildlife.  It is a wonderful area for walking and cycling and edged by beaches both sandy at Dymchurch and St Marys and shingle at Dunganess.  The straw bale constructed visitors center on Romney Marsh is full of useful information about the local area.

Places to visit include the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway which will take you from Hythe all the way to the Dunganess Lighthouse with many stops along the way.

Why not stop at Dereck Jarmans unusual garden  and sculptures on the huge expanse of shingle at Dunganess.  The unique flora and fauna can be seen at the Dunganess National Nature reserve.

Romney Marsh is 10- 15  minutes from Elmfield Farm, and accessible from many different directions.  Information on walks in the area can be found in both cottages and OS maps of the area are available to borrow on request.

Kent Life Magazine has recommended 10 good reasons to visit Canterbury in their January edition.

1. Canterbury Cathederal -founded in 597 by St Augustine it is the oldest institution in the country.   Open all year.

2. Norman Castle at Canterbury Castle - Built in 1080s by the Normans, it has wonderful views and forms part of the city wall trail.  Open all year,  free entry.

3. St Augustins Abbey Originally created as a burial place for the anglo saxon kings of Kent it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage site.  Open all year.

4.  The Canterbury Tales - This popular attraction reconstructs scenes from the 14th century.  It introduces you to Geoffrey Chaucer and the characters from his Canterbury tales.

5. Museum of Canterbury with Rupert Bear Museum. - This new museum covers the history of canterbury from pre-roman times to Rupert bear and beyond.  There are many hands on exhibitions such as “the ‘who dunnit’ Marlow Murder” and “Wartime blitz experience”.

6. Dane John Gardens - Canterburys most popular park with Monuments, memorials a bandstand tearoom and childrens maze.  Stroll over the city walls or enjoy one of the concerts. Open all year.

7. Go Shopping - Both larger department and chain stores and small unusual shops are in abundance in Canterbury.  There are art galleries, antique shops, music specialists, hand made chocolates, and plenty of places to stop for something to eat and drink.

8. Eating and Drinking - There are so many resteraunts in Canterbury - that you are spoilt for choice.  from tradiotional english, italian, greek, mexican, chinese, thai, arabic etc.  The Goods Shed is a daily farmers market with an on site resteraunt.

9. Canterbury Centre - This converted medieval church hosts many shows and local events.  With a cafe on site there are exhibitions to illustrate Canterbury past and present.

10. Evening Entertainment -There are many ways to spend your evenings in Canterbury - there is the Marlow Theatre, Gulbenkian Theatre and Cinemas, music at the Orange Street Music Club to name but a few.

This month (November) English Heritage have suggested a tour of Kent. The links below take you to pages where you can find more information about each location.

Exploring Kent with English Heritage.

Charles Darwin’s Study at Down House This month we put the spotlight on the lovely county of Kent. Known for its gardens, it also boasts a rich history covering almost everything from Romans to recent Royals!

Day 1:

Leave your worries behind as you enter Kent. We start with a visit to Down House - the Home of Charles Darwin: Charles Darwin, perhaps the most influential scientist of the 19th-century, lived at Down House for over 40 years. He wrote the revolutionary book, ‘On the Origin of Species’ here. Explore the exhibition on the first floor and visit the ground floor study, which was the centre of his life and its glorious gardens.

After enjoying refreshments in the tea room - continue to nearby: Floor mosaic at Lullingstone Roman Villa

Lullingstone Roman Villa: Discover the history of one of the most important archaeological finds in the 20th century through our new framatic film and light show. Now in ruins, this site was once the home of a wealthy Roman family.

Day 2:

Today we recommend you spend the day enjoying the Kentish coast line. First make a visit to the ever-popular:

Dover Castle & the Secret Wartime Tunnels: Experience the majesty of the castle known as the ‘Key to England’. With its commanding position on the White Cliffs of Dover, it has protected England since Roman times. Travel deep inside the cliffs into the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Above ground witness the castle in preparation for the arrival of Henry VIII and experience castle life during a medieval siege.

After lunch in the NAAFI restaurant, continue along the coast to the wonderful The Queen Mother at Walmer Castle Walmer Castle & Gardens: This Tudor castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens, has been transformed into the elegant residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports. See the rooms where the Duke of Wellington lived and died. HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother enjoyed many summers here. See the rooms in which she entertained.

End the day with afternoon tea and a slice of homemade cake in the Lord Wardens Tea Room. Richborough Roman Fort

Day 3: Start the day with an invigorating walk around: Richborough Roman Fort: Explore the site of the first Roman landing in Britain at a site now over two miles from the sea! Visit the museum with its collection of artefacts uncovered on site and enjoy the inclusive audio tour. See the remains of the huge triumphal arch, once 25 metres high. View of Exterior Wall

Then head into Canterbury to explore the World Heritage Site that is Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey: One of the most important historic religious centres in the country. Originally a burial place for Kentish Kings, it was founded in 598 by St Augustine when he came to England to re-convert the people of Kent to Christianity. On site museum and inclusive audio tour.

We have had several visitors over the last year who have really loved going to Port Lympne Animal Park. The wonderful 600 acre park, has many wild animals and very successful breeding programmes for gorillas, black rhinos and African hunting dogs amongst others. The safari truck ride takes visitors over a huge savanna where zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and many other animals roam together. There are cafes, little shops, play areas and places to picnic.

Port Lympne and its sister animal park Howletts are 15 and 20 minutes from Elmfield. Both parks are featured in the CBBC programme Roar. Roar is on BBC1 and CBBC at 7:30 every morning.

Click here for more information about Port Lympne and Howletts.

Thanks to my sister in law Kirsty you can click here for money off vouchers for Port Lympne

This year I am determined to enjoy getting ready for Christmas. So I thought I would post some information I have found about day trips to France.

Taking the Car: Take the car to France to stock up on beer or bubbly. Eurotunnel is 15 minutes and Dover 20 minutes for P&O Ferries or Seafrance. These crossings all take you to Calais where there are many shops and Cite Europe a huge shopping centre. There is even a Tesco Wine Store - we have found that you can preorder your wine and they will have it ready for your collection.

If you would prefer - there is a Speed Ferry which travels from Dover to Bologne. There are hypermarkets, individual shops, beaches and many other attractions to visit.

Foot Passengers: P&O and Seafrance will take you as a foot passenger - but Speed Ferry to Bologne is exclusively a car ferry. Foot passengers arriving in Calais can catch a bus to the town centre for 1.50 Euro.

Alternatively you can catch the Eurostar Train from Ashford station. This can take you direct to Paris, Brussels or Lille.

Staying at Elmfield is a great base for which ever means of transport you choose. Eurotunnel terminal is just 10 minutes away, Dover Port and Ashford Eurostar terminal are 20 minutes away.