Tenterden

Tenterden Walking & Cycling Routes

The Millponds Walk: Head north out of Tenterden into the surrounding countryside (passing Oastwood Wines and Tenterden Trout Waters) on this 3.9-mile (6.3km) circular trail.

Readers Bridge Walk: For a longer walk, head north from Tenterden train station (reaching McCanns Brewery with a slight 10-minute detour) on this 5.1-mile (8.2km) circular trail.

Alternatively, wander a section of the High Weald Landscape Trail which takes you south from Tenterden to Chapel Down and Smallhythe Place.

For those who want to explore Tenterden by bike, the Wealden Cycle Trail takes you through the centre of Tenterden, stopping off at Biddenden Vineyard before heading towards Ashford town centre.

Tenterden Museum

Step back in time to discover the history of Tenterden, from its past as a Cinque Port with access to the sea to its history of brewing and agricultural heritage.

Children get free entry into the museum.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with step-free access and a stairlift to the first floor | Dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed

Colonel Stephens Railway Museum

Uncover the story of how the Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway came to be and learn more about the man behind it.

Entry to this museum is free.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users except for viewing one of the video presentations | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed

Cornucopia Bottle Shop

Ideal for those who love to explore local producers and English craftmanship, Cornucopia offers a diverse selection of English wines, beers, ciders and spirits.

Drop by into the wine bar and tasting room to try some of the best England’s vineyards and distilleries have to offer.

Smallhythe Place

Built in the early 16th-century, Smallhythe Place was part of the royal ship building yard in Smallhythe before becoming home to Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry.

Explore the personal and theatrical collections, including the costume room, and enjoy the barn theatre that still holds performances to this day.

Directions: Buses run to Smallhythe from Tenterden (Stagecoach 312 service en route to Rye).

Accessibility: Less accessible for wheelchair users | Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the house or theatre, but are allowed in the grounds on leads

Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway

Hop aboard a steam train on the Kent & East Sussex Railway line between Tenterden and Bodiam. Enjoy a trip through the Rother Valley and maybe even treat yourself with a meal or afternoon tea while onboard!

Northiam: Stop off at Northiam station and spend some time on the River Rother by hiring a boat, kayak or paddleboard from Bodiam Boating Station. Alternatively, you can visit Great Dixter House & Gardens, formerly home to the gardening writer Christopher Lloyd, OBE.

Bodiam: Take a journey to the end of the line and visit Bodiam Castle. Remember you get 10% off your castle admission when you show a valid Kent & East Sussex train ticket at the entrance!

Accessibility: There is a fully accessible train coach for wheelchair users | Dogs: Dogs are allowed during standard timetables but must be on leads | Bicycles: A small number of bikes can be accommodated without charge on standard timetabled trains

Chapel Down

Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, learning about the process of creating traditional method sparkling wine. Alternatively, take a self-guided walking tour and try some wine at the tasting bar.

You can also enjoy a meal at The Swan, with Chapel Down’s award-winning wines and locally-sourced food.

Directions: Buses run to Smallhythe from Tenterden (Stagecoach 312 service en route to Rye).

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users except for the Swan Restaurant which is up a flight of stairs | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed on tours, but the vineyard site and wine shop are dog-friendly

Nightingale Cider

Sample some locally-produced Kentish cider at this family fruit farm. Join a tour of the orchard and cidery, discovering the cider making process for yourself before finishing with a tasting of a selection of ciders (including ones straight from the tank!).

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome

Oastwood Wines

Join a variety of experiences including vineyard tours, tastings and lunch at this family-run vineyard. Or, simply drop in to the tasting room to try the range of small-batch, single-harvest still wines.

Directions: Follow The Millponds Walk from Tenterden town centre to waypoint 4 (about 150m from the entrance to Oast Wood Wines) – approx 20 minutes walking.

Accessibility: Wheelchair users are welcome but there are a couple of steps to the tasting areas and the ground can be uneven due to the nature of it being a working farm | Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept under control as there is other livestock on the farm

McCanns Brewery

For beer enthusiasts or those looking for a day out in the countryside, immerse yourself in the brewing process with a guided tour in the state-of-the-art brewing facility. You can also enjoy some delicious food at the Hop House & Kitchen.

Directions: Follow the Wealden Cycle Trail from Tenterden town centre to Biddenden Vineyards but instead of turning left onto Bugglesden Road, turn right and follow the road about 300m to reach McCanns Brewery – approx 20 minutes cycling.

Dogs: McCanns Brewery is dog-friendly

Hukins Hops

Take a guided tour of this working hop farm and explore the hop yards. Learn about the process of growing hops, the different types of classic British hop aromas and how they influence modern craft beer.

Or improve your home brewing skills with a brew day experience where you’ll learn from the best!

Directions: Follow the Wealden Cycle Trail from Tenterden town centre to Biddenden Vineyards but instead of turning left onto Bugglesden Road, turn right and follow the road about 300m to reach Hukins Hops – approx 20 minutes cycling.

Accessibility: The hop building and processing facility have step-free access | Dogs: Dogs allowed on tours but must be on leads

Biddenden Vineyards

Visit Kent’s original vineyard, the source of award-winning still and sparkling English wines, Biddenden Cider and Kentish apple juices.

Explore the vineyards with a self-guided tour or book a guided tour to learn more about the family vineyard history, followed by a tutored tasting of specially selected wines.

Directions: Biddenden Vineyards can be reached by bicycle from Tenterden town centre by following the Wealden Cycle Trail – approx 20 minutes cycling.

Accessibility: Access to the shop is step-free | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed on tours and in the vineyard shop, but well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed on vineyard walks and in the yard

Millennium Garden

Find some peace and quiet in this free-to-enter small green retreat just off the High Street. Accessed through a tall and narrow doorway, a stone pathway takes you into the small garden where there are benches to sit on and pause.

Tenterden Recreation Ground

Have some fun at the Recreation Ground, with a large green area ideal for a picnic, two play parks and outdoor sports facilities to choose from.

The space also hosts some fairs, markets, circuses, and festivals throughout the year.

Accessibility: There are flat, paved paths and a disabled toilet is available | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Tenterden Lime Kiln Nature Reserve

Wander through this 1.8 hectare nature reserve, formerly an orchard, filled with woodland and wildflowers. There is an accessible pond dipping platform for visitors to discover the pond wildlife.

Accessibility: A gravel footpath leads to the pond dipping platform

Tenterden Trout Waters

For keen fishers, Tenterden Trout Waters offers a picturesque and peaceful location for visitors to enjoy still water fishing. There are 3 lakes (5.5 acres of water), filled with Rainbow, Blues and Brown Trout, where anglers can fish.

Directions: Follow The Millponds Walk from Tenterden town centre to waypoint 4 (about 150m from the entrance to Tenterden Trout Waters) – approx 20 minutes walking.