Tenterden Hideaway

Tenterden Hideaway enjoys a sensational countryside spot, far away from anyone though close to the picture postcard town of Tenterden. There are numerous timeless villages around including Wye, Chilham, Pluckley, Rolvenden and Biddenden. Walkers love the calm beauty of Wye which is home to the charming New Flying Horse Inn. The gorgeous fifteenth century Chilham often doubles as a movie set, as does Pluckley, the quintessential Kent village used for filming The Darling Buds of May. Biddenden enjoys its famous vineyards where you can enjoy a tour.

Tenterden is known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’. It enjoys a wealth of attractive architecture, excellent shopping and a fascinating history. It boasts tree-lined greens where you can browse the unique shops looking for gifts, crafts, books and antiques. To discover more about this historic town, you can visit the local museum or board a nostalgic ride back in time on the Kent and East Sussex Railway. You can steam to Bodiam Castle and visit the 16th century half-timbered home of the 19th century Shakespearean actress Dame Ellen Terry.

Wine lovers are in for a treat when staying at Tenterden Hideaway. There are many vineyards around including Tenterden’s own. The most famous Kent vineyard is the Chapel Down Vineyard, England’s leading winemaker. It is open to visitors throughout the year. You can enjoy tastings, tours and masterclasses. The vineyard also boasts the Curious Brewery, home to the beer and cider arm of Chapel Down. Also popular are the Biddenden Vineyard, the Mount Vineyard, the Chartham Vineyard, the Terlingham Vineyard and the Hush Heath Winery, a family run vineyard that produces award winning wines. You can easily book an expert-led tour through their beautiful vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands. There are also many local farm shops selling local produce.

Those that enjoy shopping may want to head to the recently expanded Ashford Designer Outlet where you can pick up designer labels at bargain prices. There are also many restaurants to eat there. Train enthusiasts might want to give the shopping a miss and head to the Ashford Borough Museum instead where they can learn about Ashford’s railway heritage and history. There is a pop-up model railway exhibition to look at too.

There are plenty of walks from Tenterden Hideaway. You can head off on stunning trails on the North Downs Way, Pilgrims Way, Greensand Way and Saxon Shore Way. You will discover landscapes filled with Kentish apples, pears and cherries, vineyards, ancient woodlands and finally the south coast beaches.

You are close enough also to visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a historic, poetic, iconic refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West, poet and writer and Harold Nicolson, her diplomat and author husband, fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created the famous gardens. Harold’s architectural garden planning and Vita’s colourful, abundant planting reflect the romance and intimacy of her writing. Sissinghurst Castle Garden was the backdrop of a colourful history from a time as a prison in the 1700’s to a home for the women’s land army. The gardens are so popular entry is by timed ticket so you need to plan in advance.

Hythe, the coastal market town on the edge of Romney Marsh offers a delightful beach,  the lovely Brockhill Country Park and the famous Port Lympne Reserve. The authentic safari experience is unlike a normal zoo. Over 90 species and 766 animals roam within the 600 acres. There are big cats, gorillas and primates roaming free.

Read more about Kent

Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Kent

Welcome to the bloomin' marvellous "Garden of England", Kent! Sprinkled with Oliver’s Travels cute cottages, bee-shaped lodges, mansion houses, seaside wonders and colossal party houses, you will find just the perfect place to stay to discover this wonderful county. So, gather up your favourite friends or your family or whisk away your special someone for a romantic getaway. Thanks to Oliver’s Travels, your adventure in this flowery haven is just a booking away!

Kent is home to some real showstoppers. First up is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Archbishop of Canterbury's favourite hangout. With its Gothic glam and incredible history, it is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Leeds Castle, named the "loveliest castle in the world", is surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens that make you question if you have stepped into a fairy tale. The White Cliffs of Dover stand tall and proud, like the bodyguards of Britain. These chalky wonders have guarded this fine land for centuries and a trip to Dover not only treats you to panoramic views of the English Channel but also a chance to explore the historic Dover Castle.

Nature lovers adore The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a green haven of rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages. It feels like Mother Nature threw a garden party and you are invited! You can lace up those hiking boots, hop on a bike or just bask in the countryside tranquility. If you are looking for beachside bliss, Margate and Broadstairs have sandy shores and a lively arts scene. You should check out the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.

Canterbury is a living, breathing medieval postcard with cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Stour snaking through. Tenterden and Faversham, the market towns, are like stepping into a scene from a quaint British movie. Markets, boutique shops and historic architecture blend together in a beautiful way. Chilham, the village with a Tudor-style square, is practically a movie star. You might have seen it in period dramas, it is that photogenic.

There are plenty of festivals that take place, including The Canterbury Festival of music, theatre and art. The Rochester Dickens Festival offers Victorian-themed events, parades and street performances. It is like stepping into a Dickens novel. Get your taste buds ready for a dance because Kent is the "Garden of England" for a reason. Featuring orchards, hop gardens and vineyards, it is a feast for the senses. You can visit farmers' markets, cider houses and wineries to savour the local delights. Kentish cherries and apples are the celebrities here and you are the VIP guest at their flavour-packed party.

Kent is a whirlwind of history, natural beauty and culture. You will fall head over heels and the memories will linger like the scent of summer roses. So, whether you are storming medieval castles, sauntering through charming towns, lazing on a beach or feasting on oysters in Whitstable, a trip to Kent guarantees an adventure. Cheers to Kent where every moment is a bloomin' good time!