With the unexpected sunny weather in April, we took full advantage of the beautiful countryside and picturesque gardens on our doorstep. Our Let’s Do Lunch series had to change to Let’s Do Cake!
Our first visit was to the National Trust owned Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle). We walked around the 780-acre Estate which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a herd of freerange Longhorn cows.
Our tea and cake break was then much enjoyed with a delicious jam and cream filled Victoria sponge, a gluten free cherry and almond crumble tart and
several pots of tea.
We then walked this off with a stroll around the lake and gardens enjoying the colourful blossom.
Our second visit was to the stunning gardens of Nettlestead Place which opens to the public under the National Garden Scheme. (https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/nettlesteadplace-me18/). Entrance fee goes to the charities supported by the NGS and money for the cakes and teas goes to St Mary’s Church, Nettlestead. We really enjoyed exploring the gardens which have art sculptures throughout, a sunken pond, stream and terraces on many levels.
The home-made cakes and tarts were outstanding – we enjoyed a tarte au citron, a fruit crumble cake and a lemon drizzle with tea and squash. There is plenty of seating inside and out by the sunken pond – or on the grass.
