Emma’s guide to Tenterden and beyond!
Sightseeing
These world famous gardens were created as a series of 'rooms' by writer Vita Sackville-West in the 1920s (you can also see her study). They are now open during weekends in winter as well as all week during spring/summer/autumn. Amazing walks around the huge estate with its woods, lakes and orchards, too. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
Other famous gardens nearby include Great Dixter at Northiam plus there are lesser known ones - such as Hole Park near Rolvenden – 16 acres of gardens, awash with bluebells in late spring and with a lovely mix of formal and more natural planting - limited opening so check before you visit.
186 locals recommend
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Biddenden RdThese world famous gardens were created as a series of 'rooms' by writer Vita Sackville-West in the 1920s (you can also see her study). They are now open during weekends in winter as well as all week during spring/summer/autumn. Amazing walks around the huge estate with its woods, lakes and orchards, too. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
Other famous gardens nearby include Great Dixter at Northiam plus there are lesser known ones - such as Hole Park near Rolvenden – 16 acres of gardens, awash with bluebells in late spring and with a lovely mix of formal and more natural planting - limited opening so check before you visit.
Rye is, we think, one of the prettiest towns in the UK, with cobbled streets and topsy turvy houses, plus a great little independent cinema and some good restaurants. It's also close to the vast sandy beach at Camber and the pebbly one at Winchelsea. 25 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
388 locals recommend
Rye
Rye is, we think, one of the prettiest towns in the UK, with cobbled streets and topsy turvy houses, plus a great little independent cinema and some good restaurants. It's also close to the vast sandy beach at Camber and the pebbly one at Winchelsea. 25 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
This perfect little village, near Rye, is like something from the Truman Show. Impossibly pretty houses are laid out in a medieval ‘grid’ system and the village has a fascinating history. There’s one charming little grocery shop-cum-coffee-shop, one pub and a lovely church. Don’t miss the graveyard where Spike Milligan is buried. His epiphet reads ‘I told you I was ill’ in Gaelic. The village is on a hill, about 1.5 miles from Winchelsea Beach. 30 minute drive from us. www.visit1066country.com
46 locals recommend
Winchelsea
This perfect little village, near Rye, is like something from the Truman Show. Impossibly pretty houses are laid out in a medieval ‘grid’ system and the village has a fascinating history. There’s one charming little grocery shop-cum-coffee-shop, one pub and a lovely church. Don’t miss the graveyard where Spike Milligan is buried. His epiphet reads ‘I told you I was ill’ in Gaelic. The village is on a hill, about 1.5 miles from Winchelsea Beach. 30 minute drive from us. www.visit1066country.com
We are surrounded by ancient villages, with lots of gorgeous medieval architecture, like Biddenden, Smarden, Benenden and Sissinghurst. Our local town, Tenterden, has a lovely tree-lined high street, with interesting boutiques and antique shops plus lots of restaurants, pubs and cafes
Biddenden
We are surrounded by ancient villages, with lots of gorgeous medieval architecture, like Biddenden, Smarden, Benenden and Sissinghurst. Our local town, Tenterden, has a lovely tree-lined high street, with interesting boutiques and antique shops plus lots of restaurants, pubs and cafes
A smart town, with a characterful old high street. The Pantiles, a Georgian colonnade, is particularly attractive and lined with specialist shops (including an amazing cook shop), art galleries and restaurants. 30 minute drive. www.visittunbridgewells.com
150 locals recommend
Royal Tunbridge Wells
A smart town, with a characterful old high street. The Pantiles, a Georgian colonnade, is particularly attractive and lined with specialist shops (including an amazing cook shop), art galleries and restaurants. 30 minute drive. www.visittunbridgewells.com
Tourists flock to this historic city, which has parts of the original city walls and the magnificent cathedral where there is a shrine to Thomas Becket, who was killed here. We highly recommend The Goods Shed for coffee, drinks, food - there are food stalls and an excellent restaurant. 45 minute drive. www.canterbury.co.uk
369 locals recommend
Canterbury
Tourists flock to this historic city, which has parts of the original city walls and the magnificent cathedral where there is a shrine to Thomas Becket, who was killed here. We highly recommend The Goods Shed for coffee, drinks, food - there are food stalls and an excellent restaurant. 45 minute drive. www.canterbury.co.uk
The Old Town has a warren of little streets and some great independent and vintage shops, restaurants and cafes. You can also take the funicular up to Hastings Castle and the Hastings Country Park for scenic clifftop walks. 40 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
183 locals recommend
Hastings
The Old Town has a warren of little streets and some great independent and vintage shops, restaurants and cafes. You can also take the funicular up to Hastings Castle and the Hastings Country Park for scenic clifftop walks. 40 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
Picture perfect castle, surrounded by a moat - explore the ruins and have a picnic in the grounds. 20 minute drive. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Drive here, jump aboard the steam train from Tenterden or catch the ferry along the River Rother from Bodiam Boating Station (15 min drive) www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk
276 locals recommend
Bodiam Castle
Picture perfect castle, surrounded by a moat - explore the ruins and have a picnic in the grounds. 20 minute drive. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Drive here, jump aboard the steam train from Tenterden or catch the ferry along the River Rother from Bodiam Boating Station (15 min drive) www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk
Another beauty - belonging to six medieval English queens and used as a palace by King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. You can tour the inside of the castle plus the extensive grounds. 25 min drive. www.leeds-castle.com
316 locals recommend
Leeds Castle
Another beauty - belonging to six medieval English queens and used as a palace by King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. You can tour the inside of the castle plus the extensive grounds. 25 min drive. www.leeds-castle.com
Do an ‘African safari’ at the excellent Port Lympne Reserve, which has large enclosures and lots to see. 35 minute drive. www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
104 locals recommend
Port Lympne Reserve Giraffe Cottage
Aldington RoadDo an ‘African safari’ at the excellent Port Lympne Reserve, which has large enclosures and lots to see. 35 minute drive. www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
Smallhythe Place was home to Victorian Shakespearean actress, Ellen Terry. There are often outdoor theatre performances. 10 minute drive. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place.
Also within easy driving distance is Bateman's. We love it here - was home to Rudyard Kipling and his family. 30 min drive. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Scotney Castle, is not a castle, but an English country house, with beautiful gardens. 25 min drive. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
19 locals recommend
National Trust - Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe RoadSmallhythe Place was home to Victorian Shakespearean actress, Ellen Terry. There are often outdoor theatre performances. 10 minute drive. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place.
Also within easy driving distance is Bateman's. We love it here - was home to Rudyard Kipling and his family. 30 min drive. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Scotney Castle, is not a castle, but an English country house, with beautiful gardens. 25 min drive. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
Vast sandy beach backed by dunes. Great place for sun, salty swims and picnics in the summer (with plenty of room for beach games) and for windswept walks year round
310 locals recommend
Camber Sands
Vast sandy beach backed by dunes. Great place for sun, salty swims and picnics in the summer (with plenty of room for beach games) and for windswept walks year round
Shopping
Our local town has a beautiful, tree-lined high street. Our favourite shops are Rising Star (next to the Woolpack Pub) which sells unusual antiques and bric-a-brac and Woodcocks (near Waitrose) for smart homewares. There’s also a seriously good chocolate shop – Coco at Truffles – at the far end of the high street. Tenterden has Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets
108 locals recommend
Tenterden
Our local town has a beautiful, tree-lined high street. Our favourite shops are Rising Star (next to the Woolpack Pub) which sells unusual antiques and bric-a-brac and Woodcocks (near Waitrose) for smart homewares. There’s also a seriously good chocolate shop – Coco at Truffles – at the far end of the high street. Tenterden has Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets
Tunbridge Wells has a lovely old high street with some upmarket chains (White Company, Mint Velvet etc) as well as independent boutiques. The Royal Victoria Place shopping centre has known names as well as a Fenwicks.
150 locals recommend
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells has a lovely old high street with some upmarket chains (White Company, Mint Velvet etc) as well as independent boutiques. The Royal Victoria Place shopping centre has known names as well as a Fenwicks.
Discount designer fashion and homewares can be found here. 30 minute drive. https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-ashford/
15 locals recommend
Ashford Designer Outlet
Kimberley WayDiscount designer fashion and homewares can be found here. 30 minute drive. https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-ashford/
This is the place to come for vintage finds and smaller, niche, designers. A G Hendy & Co is our favourite store – a hugely evocative Georgian shop that sells new and vintage equipment for the kitchen, including every variety of brush imaginable (may not sound exciting but guarantee you won’t leave without buying something!). There is also a tiny back room restaurant, open for lunch during July-September weekends. It serves up the fish of the day, fresh from the boats that morning, as well as vegetarian options. 40 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
111 locals recommend
Hastings Old Town
This is the place to come for vintage finds and smaller, niche, designers. A G Hendy & Co is our favourite store – a hugely evocative Georgian shop that sells new and vintage equipment for the kitchen, including every variety of brush imaginable (may not sound exciting but guarantee you won’t leave without buying something!). There is also a tiny back room restaurant, open for lunch during July-September weekends. It serves up the fish of the day, fresh from the boats that morning, as well as vegetarian options. 40 minute drive. www.visit1066country.com
Bloomsburys Biddenden
Sissinghurst RoadThis organic farm is only a few minutes drive away (or a 25 min walk) and stocks meat, dairy products, fruit, veg and more plus there’s a small onsite café. www.silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk
7 locals recommend
Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe
Grange RoadThis organic farm is only a few minutes drive away (or a 25 min walk) and stocks meat, dairy products, fruit, veg and more plus there’s a small onsite café. www.silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk
A larger farm shop with a big range of products, including its own butchery, and deli. It also has a café and a fishmonger next door to that. 15 minute drive. www.hartley-farm.co.uk
13 locals recommend
Hartley Coffee House and Farm Shop
Hartley RoadA larger farm shop with a big range of products, including its own butchery, and deli. It also has a café and a fishmonger next door to that. 15 minute drive. www.hartley-farm.co.uk
Restaurants and pubs
An ancient pub, full of charm and with a wood burner roaring on cold nights and a great garden for warm days. The food is highly recommended – eat in the bar or in the adjoining restaurant. Lots of outdoor seating areas. 10 minute drive. Visit www.thethreechimneys.co.uk
35 locals recommend
The Three Chimneys
Hareplain RoadAn ancient pub, full of charm and with a wood burner roaring on cold nights and a great garden for warm days. The food is highly recommended – eat in the bar or in the adjoining restaurant. Lots of outdoor seating areas. 10 minute drive. Visit www.thethreechimneys.co.uk
A family run restaurant (until recently Michelin starred) in a 15th century weaver’s cottage. Their tasting menu is a real treat. 5 minute drive. www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk
31 locals recommend
The West House
28 High StA family run restaurant (until recently Michelin starred) in a 15th century weaver’s cottage. Their tasting menu is a real treat. 5 minute drive. www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk
The Small Holding, Kilndown – Former pub, now with a Michelin Green Star, with excellent high-end tasting menus by chef Will Devlin (who trained with Gordon Ramsay). At they small onsite farm they grow or rear much of what they serve. They cater well for vegetarians and vegans, too. 20 minutes.
36 locals recommend
The Small Holding
Ranters LaneThe Small Holding, Kilndown – Former pub, now with a Michelin Green Star, with excellent high-end tasting menus by chef Will Devlin (who trained with Gordon Ramsay). At they small onsite farm they grow or rear much of what they serve. They cater well for vegetarians and vegans, too. 20 minutes.
Cosy, friendly pub with good ale and pub grub (great burgers!). They often have live music. 8 minute drive. Visit www.thewoolly.com
14 locals recommend
The Woolpack Bar
26 High StCosy, friendly pub with good ale and pub grub (great burgers!). They often have live music. 8 minute drive. Visit www.thewoolly.com
A former 16th century hall house transformed into a stylish pub and restaurant, serving modern, local food. Great garden with outdoor bar. 10 minute drive. Visit www.themilkhouse.co.uk
50 locals recommend
The Milk House
The StreetA former 16th century hall house transformed into a stylish pub and restaurant, serving modern, local food. Great garden with outdoor bar. 10 minute drive. Visit www.themilkhouse.co.uk
A bit of a trek, but worth it for its local, eco-friendly, food and rock ‘n’ roll vibe, set in a Grade II listed former country club. 50 minute drive. Visit www.thepighotel.com
76 locals recommend
The Pig - at Bridge Place
Bourne Park RoadA bit of a trek, but worth it for its local, eco-friendly, food and rock ‘n’ roll vibe, set in a Grade II listed former country club. 50 minute drive. Visit www.thepighotel.com
Big range of food (including great pizzas) good prices, nice decor, outdoor terrace. 7 min drive.
12 locals recommend
The Pig & Sty
Ashford RoadBig range of food (including great pizzas) good prices, nice decor, outdoor terrace. 7 min drive.
Lovely vibe, great seafood and steaks. The George has recently reopened after a fire shut it down for a couple of years. It was great before then and we have yet to try it since. Would welcome feedback from our guests.
58 locals recommend
The George in Rye
98 High StLovely vibe, great seafood and steaks. The George has recently reopened after a fire shut it down for a couple of years. It was great before then and we have yet to try it since. Would welcome feedback from our guests.
Cinemas
This cute little independent cinema in Rye has just two screens. There are no big trailers before the film, except for a few local ones, and you can take your glass of wine into the film with you. They show a good mix of big releases and arthouse movies. 25 minutes. There is also a Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst (around same distance). www.kinodigital.co.uk. Bigger cinemas are at Tunbridge Wells (Odeon) and Ashford (Ashford Picture House and Cineworld).
71 locals recommend
Kino Rye
3 Lion StThis cute little independent cinema in Rye has just two screens. There are no big trailers before the film, except for a few local ones, and you can take your glass of wine into the film with you. They show a good mix of big releases and arthouse movies. 25 minutes. There is also a Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst (around same distance). www.kinodigital.co.uk. Bigger cinemas are at Tunbridge Wells (Odeon) and Ashford (Ashford Picture House and Cineworld).
Cafés
Our favourite local place for coffee as the coffee is excellent, plus there is a limited food menu (soup, sandwiches, quiche, charcuterie and cheese boards) and you can buy more of the same to take away. 7 min drive
9 locals recommend
The Nutmeg Delicatessen
3 Sayers LnOur favourite local place for coffee as the coffee is excellent, plus there is a limited food menu (soup, sandwiches, quiche, charcuterie and cheese boards) and you can buy more of the same to take away. 7 min drive
A buzzy atmosphere – you might need to queue for a table at busy times. They do healthy and not so healthy lunches and afternoon teas in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. 35 min drive. Visit www.julietsandmore.com
31 locals recommend
Juliets
54 High StA buzzy atmosphere – you might need to queue for a table at busy times. They do healthy and not so healthy lunches and afternoon teas in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. 35 min drive. Visit www.julietsandmore.com
Activities
Miles of walking and mountain biking trails – bikes available to hire if necessary. There's also a Go Ape treetops course plus a pinetum. In the summer there are big name concerts here, in the winter, pre-Christmas, a magical illuminated trail. There's a cafe here. Please note that there is a £10 parking charge, off peak, £13 at weekends, school holidays, bank holidays. https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
20 minute drive from us
189 locals recommend
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Bedgebury RoadMiles of walking and mountain biking trails – bikes available to hire if necessary. There's also a Go Ape treetops course plus a pinetum. In the summer there are big name concerts here, in the winter, pre-Christmas, a magical illuminated trail. There's a cafe here. Please note that there is a £10 parking charge, off peak, £13 at weekends, school holidays, bank holidays. https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
20 minute drive from us
This huge and beautiful woodland area is very natural and good for walking and horse riding - a local school does hacks here.
10 minute drive from us. https://www.forestryengland.uk/hemsted-forest
https://www.hemstedforestec.co.uk
8 locals recommend
Hemsted Forest
This huge and beautiful woodland area is very natural and good for walking and horse riding - a local school does hacks here.
10 minute drive from us. https://www.forestryengland.uk/hemsted-forest
https://www.hemstedforestec.co.uk
Electric bikes are available to explore the local countryside from Bloomsburys (also see Cafes) – they can give route maps, too. bloomsburysbiddenden.com
Bloomsburys Biddenden
Sissinghurst RoadElectric bikes are available to explore the local countryside from Bloomsburys (also see Cafes) – they can give route maps, too. bloomsburysbiddenden.com
Championship golf course. 5 minute drive. There is also a links course near Rye
8 locals recommend
Chart Hills Golf Club
Weeks LaneChampionship golf course. 5 minute drive. There is also a links course near Rye
Waterskiing, jetskiing, wakeboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding, open swimming and the very cool looking fly-boarding! This site also has an outdoor Aqua Park. 35 minute drive. www.actionwatersports.co.uk
28 locals recommend
Action Watersports
1 Dengemarsh RoadWaterskiing, jetskiing, wakeboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding, open swimming and the very cool looking fly-boarding! This site also has an outdoor Aqua Park. 35 minute drive. www.actionwatersports.co.uk
Walk or cycle around this large reservoir or do water sports such as sailing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and canoeing. In the summer visitors can book on to the Bewl Water Aqua Park, with a giant inflatable obstacle course. 30 minute drive. www.bewlwater.co.uk
168 locals recommend
Bewl Water
Bewlbridge LaneWalk or cycle around this large reservoir or do water sports such as sailing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and canoeing. In the summer visitors can book on to the Bewl Water Aqua Park, with a giant inflatable obstacle course. 30 minute drive. www.bewlwater.co.uk
Sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and paddleboarding. 30 minute drive. www.ryewatersports.co.uk
48 locals recommend
Rye Watersports
New Lydd RoadSailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and paddleboarding. 30 minute drive. www.ryewatersports.co.uk
One of our favourite things to do locally. Hire a canoe, kayak or paddle board or do a river cruise on the beautiful River Rother. On-site cafe. 18 min drive. www. bodiamboatingstation.co.uk
73 locals recommend
Bodiam Boating Station
Station RoadOne of our favourite things to do locally. Hire a canoe, kayak or paddle board or do a river cruise on the beautiful River Rother. On-site cafe. 18 min drive. www. bodiamboatingstation.co.uk