Local Area

	The Stade Hastings has been a maritime centre for over a thousand years. The shingle beach has always been called the Stade. The word dates from before the 1066 battle of Hastings and means " landing place ".
	61 acres of beautiful and peaceful woodland. Trails, playground, picnic places, and BBQs, tea room and tea garden, exhibitions. Friendly and informal, great fun for children, and eye-opening for grown-ups.
	Eagle Heights is one of the UK's largest bird of prey centres, currently we have a collection of approximately 150 raptors. This includes over 50 species, many of which are now breeding at the centre or can be seen flying in our daily demonstrations. We also have an increasing collection of reptiles and mammals, including Meerkats, Otters, Cheetah and Huskys. The centre provides sanctuary for wild, injured raptors and regularly release rehabilitated birds back to the wild.
	Leeds Castle, set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years. Visitors are transported through 900 years of the castle’s history; an eclectic mix of period architecture, sumptuous interiors and family treasures waiting to be discovered.
	Great Dixter is the family home of Christopher Lloyd, who has devoted his lifetime to creating one of the most experimental, exciting and constantly changing gardens of our time. Incorporating many medieval buildings, the gardens surround the house, each complementing the other.
	Historic Rye, Whereas many towns boast a colourful past but have little evidence of it, Rye has many ancient and interesting buildings that bear testimony to its eventful past, including The Ypres Tower (the castle), Landgate and Town Wall, all providing excellent photo opportunities now that their days of defence are over.
	The RH&DR was the culmination of the dreams of two men; Captain J. E. P. Howey — a sometimes racing driver, millionaire land owner, former Army Officer and miniature railway afficionado and Count Louis Zborowski — eminantly well-known racing driver of his day (famous for owning and racing the Chitty Bang Bang Mercedes) and considerably richer, even, than Howey.