Eden Valley Museum & Visitor Information Point
Despite being only 25 miles from London, the Eden Valley
is a tranquil gem in the English countryside, its acres of
farmland broken by quiet country lanes, its hills swathed
in woodland, all surrounding the gently meandering River Eden.
To enable residents and visitors alike to fully appreciate
the pleasures of the Eden Valley, a Visitor Information Point,
open Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm during the holiday season,
is situated in Doggetts Barn, just off the High Street. Visitors
can obtain help and advice on local attractions, holiday accommodation,
walking and cycling routes, bus and train timetables, and
residents can purchase supplies of black, clear and garden
refuse sacks. The VIP can be contacted on 01732 865368 and
further information is available on the website www.edenvalleykent.org
The valley has many picturesque towns and villages which offer
something for everyone. Of individual character, most have
historic churches, attractions, fascinating history, beautiful
rural walks nearby, charming country pubs and excellent quality
restaurants. They also have their own colourful and exciting
events throughout the year. Information for the area, including
all the large and small historic houses and gardens, and other
attractions, can be found in the VIP.
Walking is a great way to experience the countryside and,
with many miles of footpaths, there is something for walkers
of all abilities. The Eden Valley is just as good for short
walks and gentle strolls as it is for long-distance walking.
A selection of 10 leaflets are available from the VIP –
three of them (Walks 8, 9, 10) cover the majority of the Eden
Valley Walk from its start at Cernes Farm, passing through
Edenbridge, Hever, Chiddingstone, Penshurst and finishing
at Leigh. Two others (Walks 6, 7) were created to celebrate
the centenary of the Town Council’s Footpaths Committee
in 2004, and they can be walked separately or combined to
make a complete parish boundary walk.
One of Edenbridge’s architectural jewels is home to
the Eden Valley Museum. The building was probably built after
the ravages of the Black Death and the Peasants Revolt in
the latter years of the 14th century, and was once the farmhouse
of Doggetts Farm, residence for the yeoman farmer, his family
and his labourers. Major alterations were made to the hall
house during the mid 16th century, and the late Georgian brick
façade almost hides the medieval timber framed house.
Known as Church House from 1913, the origins of its community
use date from then, when the property was bought by a Miss
Rickards who built the community room now known as Rickards
Hall. On completion, this building was soon pressed into service
as a hospital for Belgian soldiers during World War I. In
1921 Church House was given to the Parish of St Peter and
St Paul and continued to be used by the church until 1992,
when the building was purchased by Edenbridge Town Council.
In 1997 the Eden Valley Museum Trust reached agreement with
the Town Council to use the Grade II* listed building as a
museum. Visitors will be intrigued by the objects, visual
images and interactive displays telling the story of life
in the Eden Valley. Permanent displays cover industries associated
with the area and include brick making, tanning and cricket
ball making. The museum, which is run by volunteers, provides
a programme of short term exhibitions of interest to both
residents and visitors. A growing archive is available for
the more serious researcher interested in family or local
history. Special group visits can be arranged outside normal
opening hours. Free admission during normal opening hours:
Wednesday and Friday 2 - 4.30pm
Thursday and Saturday 10am - 4.30pm
Summer Sundays (April - end Sept) 2 - 4.30pm
Closed for January, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Enquiries: 01732 868102, curator@evmt.org.uk, www.evmt.org.uk
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