A Great Day Out John Miller © National Trust
Toast of the town
Why not turn your day into a tasting tour: Chapel Down in Tenterden produces world-class sparkling and still wines and award-winning beer and cider. Less than three miles away is Biddenden Vineyards - Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard - then there’s the micro-brewery, the Old Dairy Brewery, in Tenterden and, of course, Woodchurch vineyard. All four offer tours and tastings to the public. See websites for details.
T
he charming tree-lined, historic main street of Tenterden provides
the perfect backdrop for a bit of what you fancy. Whether that’s shopping, exploring or
dining; a ride on a steam train, or tasting the wares from one of the largest wine producing regions in the country - this “Jewel of the Weald” definitely has it all, in spades. With an abundance
of historic buildings, the small market town manages to blend the best of old and new, with independent retailers touching shoulders with national neighbours like Waterstones and Laura Ashley, specialist suppliers and dining destinations to suit all tastes.
access to the sea at Smallhythe and with much of what is now Romney Marsh under water, ships could shiſt wool from across the Weald and timber from its forests for ship-building. In 1449, Tenterden was incorporated into the Confederation of Cinque Ports, with vessels built at Smallhythe supporting Rye’s ship building quota for the Crown.
Its riverside today is
“Olympic hockey player Sholto Marcon earned a gold for Britain in 1920 and became vicar of Tenterden until his death in 1959”
Historic swineherds Originally a simple swine pasture for the men of Tanet, Tenterden dusted down its coat in its own right in the 14th century, establishing itself as a centre for the local wool industry. Unlike other areas, it boasted
not navigable to large vessels and its status as a wool trading centre has been lost. But the fine touches this privileged status brought to the town continue to atract visitors and residents, which have included TV presenter David Frost, Kevin Godley, from 10cc and Godley & Crème; England cricketer Peter
Richardson, actress Dame Ellen Terry and Sir Donald Sinden, whose name is taken by the town’s Sinden Teatre. William Caxton, who pioneered printing in England, is also believed to have been born in Tenterden.
Near neighbours Less than five miles away:
Woodchurch Rare Breeds Centre. Woodchurch Village Life Museum
Smallhythe Place. home of actress Helen Terry (National Trust)
Hole Park and gardens. (Dogs on leads welcome.)
Te CM Booth Collection of cars, bikes and three-wheelers in Rolvenden.
Mid Kent Living 21
Time travel Dating from the 12th century, the distinctive tower of the parish church of St Mildred – a Grade l listed building – keeps watch over the High Street. But if you want to travel back in time, visit the Tenterden and District Museum, which has exhibits spanning a thousand years. Tere’s also Col. Stephens Railway Museum, if you’re looking for a connection to the town’s historic Kent and East Sussex Railway, which runs steam-hauled and diesel observation trains on a 10.5-mile stretch of line from Tenterden Town Station to Bodiam Castle. Indeed, whatever you choose to do, this
area will have plenty to keep you entertained, with more to see and do close by. Here we have suggested a few ideas which might be of help.
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