I'm back!! - Part 1

Having had a weekend in the Derbyshire Peak District, I had a day at home to do some washing and get ready for another weekend away.  This time however, it would prove more relaxing as I went down to stay with my eldest son in Kent.  As with most of this country at the moment we are having very wet weather for June, when normally it should be sunshine, suntan lotion and barbecues!! 

On the first day I decided to take a train journey from Tenterden to Bodiam and return, on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, a heritage steam train.

The engine would be pushing us there

Tenterden station taken from the train

We're off

Crossing the River Rother

Traffic waiting at the level crossing

Taking on water - it's only a little train!

Arrival

I have visited Bodiam Castle before so decided to go straight back to Tenterden but first I went to see the Edith Cavell van that was used to bring back the coffin of the Unknown Soldier from France after the 1914-1918 war - very emotional.

A replica coffin

 

We steamed out of Bodiam on the return journey with the engine now at the front -

past Bodiam Castle  -

and back to Tenterden.

I then drove to Great Dixter to see the house and gardens again.  I visited two years ago but hadn't been inside the house so this was my opportunity.

The medieval part of the house built in the 1400's

 

The 'Oast'

 The Oast is a very typical Kentish building and can be seen all over the county.  Do follow the link to read about them as they are very unusual buildings.  All are now private homes and mainly round but some are square.

Flowers by the front door

 I toured the medieval part of the house (no photographs allowed), took a turn about the gardens and dragged myself away from the nursery where I could have bought so many tempting plants.
 
So ended my first day.
 
Plenty more to do during the weekend so watch out for Part 2!