Tunbridge Wells Tours

The season has started with a bang - some fantastic weather back at the end of March, but rather damp since then, however I'm sure things will hot up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and London Olympics!

Tours have been going well with various walks around Kent and Sussex organised for groups as well as individuals - Canterbury and Brighton have been the hot spots for me so far! But I do enjoy travelling further afield to Windsor, Chichester and even Dover to show people around South East England. 

My new tours in Tunbridge Wells itself began this month - I have a new Ale Trail that runs every fortnight throughout summer. They are currently on Tuesday evenings starting at 7pm and we talk about the historic pubs in old Tunbridge Wells - as well as sampling what they have to offer in 3 of the finest! Tickets cost £10 per person and include some free beer!! Contact me to book your place. You don't have to drink beer, or even drink, to come on the tour if history is your thing.

Tunbridge Wells Ale Trail (Photo (c) David Bartholomew)

As well as my regular Monday (11am) and Tuesday Tours (11am and 2pm) - that start at the Tourist Information Centre on The Pantiles and cost £5per person with discounts at Woods Restaurant - you can now also enjoy a Sunday Stroll once a month. My Sunday strolls take in the top of the town, and are perfect for a gentle walk before you enjoy your Sunday Roast! From Burton to biscuits the next Sunday Stroll is May 13th at 11am. Again you can reserve your place if you contact me directly - either ring 07759 226060 or email catherinepitt@hotmail.com - and I can give you more details of where to meet.

Remember if any of these dates and times aren't great for you, and you can organise a group of at least 5 people or more, I can make it a private tour at a date and time that suits you! Maybe as a gift for someone's birthday or anniversary - it's certainly something different!

A Bun on the Run in Sandwich!

There are many local and national traditions that happen throughout the year, plus many fun books written about them. I hope to be able to bring your attention to some of the more unusual ones, especially those in the South East region.

On Wednesday 24th August, try and get yourself down to the Cinque Port of Sandwich - a beautiful town with a large concentration of preserved medieval houses. It is on the 24th August, St Bartholomew's Day, that you can join in the Sandwich Bun Race for free at St Bartholomew's Hospital.

St Bartholomew's Hospital is one of the oldest established hostelries for pilgrims and travellers. The building dates back to 1190 and is located on the Dover road - an important pilgrimage route from London via Canterbury and on to the Continent. The Chapel was built around 1217 and is said it was built to celebrate the defeat of the French.

Every 24th August, a special service begins at 11am which concludes with a run around the church. Children are given buns, and adults are given a hard baked biscuit stamped with the arms of the town on it. The buns and biscuits may represent a dole of bread that may have been given out to the poor, but no one is sure for certain. What you do need to know, though, is that the Bartlemas Bun Run is part of The Sandwich Festival 2011 which this year runs all week from Sunday 21st August to Monday 29th August, with music, festivals, walks, fashion shows, Markets, Duck Races and much more.
Have a look at: www.open-sandwich.co.uk for more details.