Things to do

The Eden Valley offers some fantastic opportunities for long distance walking, whether you are looking for a full-day walk, or even longer and staying overnight along the way. Ten popular circular walks start and finish at Edenbridge, leaflets available at the station.

The North Downs Way passes through 153 miles of stunning landscapes, making a great family day out, a short walk or bike ride, a really good ice cream or a life-changing long distance walk. 35 railway stations are located near the trail. Visitor attractions and country parks give plenty of reasons to escape stress and noise of modern urban living.

The museum tells the story of East Grinstead through important collections including work by plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe. His pioneering procedures at the Queen Victoria Hospital during WW2 treating badly burned airmen, who called themselves the Guinea Pigs, afforded him world renown.

The Bluebell Railway platform is a short distance from the mainline East Grinstead station and you can step on board heritage steam trains that will take you 22 miles through the Sussex landscape to Sheffield Park, via Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. At Sheffield Park there's a railway museum where dedicated volunteers maintain the engines.

Eridge is a mecca for rock climbing and bouldering enthusiasts and sandstone crags feature throughout the surrounding countryside. The most well-known of these is Harrisons Rocks at Groombridge. Many local organisations offer tuition such as Bowles Outdoor Centre. Try a walk from Eridge station to Harrisons Rocks, or Cycle Route 21.

The Spa Valley Railway runs steam and vintage diesel trains between Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks and Tunbridge Wells West stations. Run by volunteers, themed events through the year include historic rallies, children's events, restaurant trains, even Santa specials. The train can take you to historic, romantic Groombridge Place.

This red-brick Georgian house has literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson lived here. Lamb House has a walled garden, one of the largest gardens in the old town of Rye. Find roses, lilies, spring bulbs and many herbaceous varieties bordering the lawn which ensure continuous colour and interest throughout the year.

If you don't have the luxury of a car to visit the Forest there are regular bus services. There are amazing views, open heathland, wooded areas, streams to cross, wildlife to spot, walking trails and a cycle route with many pubs, restaurants and tearooms around the Forest to take a break and revive yourself. Or why not take a longer break and stay at one of the many B&B's, campsites or self catering units?

History comes alive for young and old at Tonbridge Castle. You can see and hear what it would have been like to be a Lord or Lady 700 years ago. The castle park hosts music events and festivals throughout the year.