Some of our guests ask if they can bring along a partner or non-playing guest. Plus-ones are very welcome! It’s very easy to while away a couple of days enjoying the luxury of our grade I listed stately manor, the grand pianos, grounds, food and wine. However, non-playing guests and partners might like a few ideas to keep themselves occupied whilst the playing guests are in workshops and practising away.

Jenny our Assistant Course Director has put together a few of her local favourites to max out on your mini-break…

Walk from Finchcocks to Scotney Castle, visit the grounds or just enjoy the café before returning! The walk is an easy 30 minutes door to door and offers fantastic views of the local countryside.

Award winning Bedgebury Pinetum also provides scenic nature walks through 1,800 species of carefully cultivated and managed trees. You can rent a bike and cycle through them on the numerous cycle tracks, or get up close in the canopy at Go Ape if you’re feeling adventurous!

Explore picturesque Goudhurst and St Mary’s Church (with 360֯ views from the church tower) by yourself, or with the help of the pictured guide above!

Attempt the 12.5 mile circumference of nearby reservoir and nature reserve Bewl Water, on foot or by bicycle, taking in the peaceful vista as you go. The reservoir also offers the opportunity to enjoy fishing, boating, sailing and other water sports, although the adventure playground may not be age appropriate for Finchcocks guests!

Visit spa town Tunbridge Wells:

• Enjoy the town’s heritage old town, the Pantiles
• Sample the town’s chalybeate spa water (Definitely an acquired taste!)
• Follow the town heritage walking trail. A must for history enthusiasts!
• Visit one of the town’s regular weekend events, the farmers’ market or an artisan craft fair
• Visit the Common and Tunbridge Wells’ Wellington Rocks
• Walk from the Pantiles’ car park through the Happy Valley to the Beacon, Rusthall or similar
• Enjoy the independent shops of the lower High Street and upper Monson and Camden Road, as well as the shopping centre the Royal Victoria Place
• Sample Tunridge Wells’ coffee culture in one of their many independent cafés. Favourites include the Black Dog, Camden Road, Basil, Lime Hill Road and Trinity Theatre Cafe
• Visit the town’s “crown jewel” Dunorlan Park

Bayham Abbey near Lamberhurst is well worth a visit. Entry is free April to October when the site is open to the public.

Kent, the Garden of England, is fast establishing its reputation in the wine industry. Just 10 minutes down the road is the award-winning Hush Heath estate, offering vineyard tours, wine tasting and nature walks around the estate.

And what better way to round off Saturday than back in the main hall of Finchcocks with the rest of the group, a glass of wine and a piano recital? Most of our tutors happily share their talent with the group in an informal concert before dinner, allowing guests and their partners to sit back, relax and be inspired!

Room supplements for non-playing guests are £350 for a weekend course and £750 for a 5 day course. This covers accommodation in the grade I listed Manor House , tutor evening recital/ talks and all food and wine during your stay.

Last updated 5th April 2023