Ranging between 20 and 200 feet in diameter, these Orwellian sentinels tower eerily over the shingle peninsular of the Dungeness National Nature Reserve. Erected between 1928 and 1930 the three concrete 'listening ears' detected the approach of enemy aircraft, but when radar was invented before WW2 they became redundant.

You can get up close to these impressive feats of engineering is by joining one of Dr Richard Scarth's walks organised by the Romney Marsh Countryside Project. Check the noticeboard on the Project's website for dates.

Romney Marsh Countryside Project
website: www.rmcp.co.uk/NoticeBoard.php
Phone: 01797 367934
More info: www.greatstone.net/history/sound_mirrors.htm
Google map: bit.ly/zeXoCe

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Set amid sprawling greenery and a floral splashed moat Bodiam Castle is the epitome of fairytale. The ruins are are compact and easy to explore with spiralling stairways and picturesque archways that lead between the ramparts. Built in 1385 the castle was both a defence against French invaders and a family home, and during the peak season there are medieval events and costumed actors on hand to provide further insight.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-bodiamcastle
Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA
+44(0)1580 830196
Google map: bit.ly/gwDH0n

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This is a find! Birthplace of the Jacobean playwright John Fletcher (he was as well known as Shakespeare in his day) this charming house is now Fletcher's Tea Rooms.

A great place for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas. The size of the scones is amazing and makes other cafe's scones look a trifle midget! The owners are gracious and charming and there is a warm welcome.

Upstairs is a quaint, but stunning, private function room. Perfect for a small party or gathering. I was invited to a private funtion and the buffet was absolutely stunningly presented.

The house is situated right beside the church in Rye, one of the quaint Cinque Ports. Lamb House, a National Trust property, is close by. It was home to the authors Henry James and, later, E.F. Benson creator of the 'Mapp & Lucia'novels. The fictional 'Tilling' is in fact Rye and you can walk around and see the houses and locations used in the TV series.

We loved Rye and the atmosphere and food at Fletcher's. Well worth a visit!

www.fletchershouse.co.uk/

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Lovely Tudor coaching inn at the centre of Rye. A couple of friends live in nearby Hastings, so I come to Rye and stay at The George when I want to extend my trip with some R&R!

The place had closed for restoration until recently (i'd actually been in a couple of years ago when only the bar was open. The rest of it was a bit of a 1970s nightmare). Couldn't believe it when I went back. Beautifully designed rooms, very personal and quirky, as far from a hotel room as you can imagine (and no box shaped rooms in sight).

The George also has a restaurant (very good food, particularly when Rye's many tea rooms get a bit samey) and an evocative, historic pub.

Unfortunately we're currently in the depths of winter as The George's garden, which is in a courtyard, is also very pretty.

This really is a homely but stylish place, and I'd also urge those just visiting Rye for the day to stop in for lunch or a drink, as it's such a beautiful hotel.

One more tip: try to visit Rye when Lamb House is open, a National Trust property that Henry James lived in for the latter part of his life. Only open a couple of days a week but well worth a visit.

98 High Street
Rye
East Sussex TN31 7JT


T 01797 222 114
www.thegeorgeinrye.com

Nearest Station Rye

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