Sunninglye Farm, Bell Yews Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The farm and surroundings

Sunninglye Farm is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the High Weald, just outside the picturesque Sussex village of Bell Yews Green. The distinctive landscape of the High Weald, with its rolling hills, sunken lanes and captivating villages makes for one of the finest stretches of countryside in England. Our farm on the Sussex/Kent border, whilst offering complete tranquility, lies only 2 miles outside the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and only 20 minutes from junction 5 of the M25.

History of Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells lies at the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in England surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Weald. Royal Tunbridge Wells has been attracting visitors for 400 years, ever since the chance discovery of the “Chalybeate Spring” by a young nobleman in 1606. Word of the purported health-giving properties of the newly discovered spring water soon spread, and visitors from London and elsewhere flocked for UK short breaks, to 'the Wells' to try the waters.

Georgian Tunbridge Wells

In Georgian times, this popular spa town gained a reputation as the place to see and be seen amongst royalty and fashionable members of the aristocracy. Tunbridge Wells became a well-known and popular spa resort and a rival to nearby Brighton. The lively social scene in Tunbridge Wells was famously organised by the dandy, Richard Beau Nash who made sure that residents and visitors alike adhered to the 'rules' of social behaviour.

Victorian Tunbridge Wells

In the early 1800s Tunbridge Wells became a very desirable place for rich business and professional people to take not just a holiday, but also in which to live. A great deal of building was undertaken to the north of the small spa as large villas and family houses were built - many of them by the architect, Decimus Burton.

Royal Tunbridge Wells in the 20th and 21st centuries

King Edward VII officially recognised the popularity of Tunbridge Wells with its many royal and aristocratic visitors over the centuries by granting the town its "Royal" prefix. In 1909 the town became known, as it is to this day, as Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of only two towns in England to be granted this title. Today, Tunbridge Wells remains a popular place to live and to visit as it maintains much of its original charm and elegance. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and just a short distance from London it is an ideal destination for UK short breaks.

Farming at Sunninglye farm

Formerly a mixed farm, home to cows, sheep, pigs and some corn growing, Sunninglye, a 120 acre farm, is in a very beautiful setting, surrounded by extensive woodland. You are free to wander all over the farm, now all grassland, providing grazing for sheep and horses, with lambing taking place in April. There is abundant wildlife and you should see deer, badgers and foxes who spend their lives in the surrounding woodland. A warm welcome awaits you from our menagerie of animals which include chickens, ducks and pigs and our pet miniature horse Braveheart. You are more than welcome to help feed and tend to the animals, collect and eat the eggs and if you wish, take Braveheart for a walk!

The Miles family at Sunninglye farm

All four of Jo’s family grew up on Sunninglye and have many memories as children of being involved with the day to day running of a small family farm where all hands, large and small were required at certain times. Now all adult, Rob, Don, Sannah and Gill all live either at the farm or within a few miles and you will meet some or all of them and their families during your stay. All are involved in the present day to day running of the farm.

The location of the Feather Down tents

The tents are set in a small hilltop copse enjoying unspoilt, far-reaching views over the beautiful countryside; there’s not a road in sight!

Our farm will provide you and your children with endless possibilities for exploring and den-making. If you fancy a lazier option, then why not enjoy one of Jo’s delicious home-cooked meals and discover a picnic spot next to the River Teise or in the shade of an ancient oak tree. If total tranquility is what you are after, then you could take up the option of fishing. If you prefer a more energetic past time, cycling or walking around Sunninglye could be for you.

Pets allowed
Pets are welcome at Sunninglye Farm, but please keep them under close control near livestock.

EXTRA IN 2010

• Farmers Soup or Stew from the Open Fire
£27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew)
not only is it delicious but it’s also a great stress buster... Slooow Food at Feather Down is the real thing with real ingredients, great taste and unexpected flavours that you just couldn’t capture at home.

You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe and cooking utensils to prepare a delicious Farmers Soup or Stew at your tent enough for four people.

• Pre ordered Meals
In order to make your stay with us as relaxing and enjoyable as possible you can pre-order some supplies and order tasty, freshly home-cooked hot meals.

• Pre-ordered Food
Have a delicious hot meal waiting for you on your arrival night or arrange with the farmer for a meal during your stay.

>> Click here to make a reservation at Sunninglye farm.

Things to Do in the area

• Shopping in Royal Tunbridge Wells:
• The Pantiles - in the historical heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the famous colonnaded walkway now home to antique shops and specialist small boutiques.
• The old High Street & Chapel Place - full of character and with a wonderful range of small shops many still retaining their original Victorian frontages now selling designer clothes, home furnishings, jewellery and gifts.
• Royal Victoria Place - an award winning undercover shopping centre with over 100 well known High Street names.
• Bedgebury National Pinetum: has the finest collection of conifers on one site in the world. The 300 acre Pinetum contains nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs (including 1,800 different species) from across five continents, many of them rare and endangered and are proud to support the Forestry Commission in their work.
• Bewl Water: is a truly outstanding venue for outdoor education and activity courses. Set in the Weald of Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is the largest area of inland water in the South East of England and easily the most picturesque.
• Finchcocks: is a fine early Georgian manor in a beautiful unspoilt setting. It is noted for its outstanding brickwork, with a dramatic front elevation attributed to Thomas Archer.
• Lamberhurst Vineyard:- offers the chance to learn about fine English wines in a beautiful Wealden setting. Enjoy good food at The Bistro and nearby gastro pub, The Swan. Be pampered at the Vino Beauty; find unusual plants at the plant centre; or on a vineyard tour and taste leading English still and sparklingwines. 7 miles south east of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
• Marle Place Gardens: a peaceful, privately owned Wealden garden, ten acres of formal planting and many more acres of woodland and orchard.
• Scotney Castle Garden :One of England's most romantic gardens with a ruined 14th-century castle in a tranquil lakeside setting.
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden :One of the world's most celebrated gardens, the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson.

>> Click here to make a reservation at Sunninglye farm.