Places to Visit
National Trust
Sissinghurst Gardens - One of the world's most celebrated gardens, the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson.
Scotney Castle Gardens - Victorian country house set in one of England's most romantic gardens surrounded by a beautiful wooded estate.
Ightham Mote - Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house.
Chartwell - Family home of Sir Winston Churchill.
Knole - History and grandeur in the heart of Kent. Birthplace of novelist and poet Vita Sackville-West.
Smallhythe Place - Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens.
Bodiam Castle - Perfect example of a late medieval moated castle.
Lamb House - Fine brick-fronted house with literary associations.
Batemans - Jacobean house, home of Rudyard Kipling.
Historic Buildings
Penshurst Place - Ancestral home of the Sidney family. One of England's oldest family homes with a medieval heart and historic gardens.
Hever Castle - Once the home of Anne Boleyn. Jousting, Falconry and Cheetah hunting demonstrations are among a number of special events which take place in the grounds.
Leeds Castle - Set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years.
Dover Castle - Discover its labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels built deep in the White Cliffs of Dover.
Walmer Castle- Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe.
Battle Abbey - On 14 October 1066 an army of invading Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex. The Abbey was built by William the Conquer to commemorate the thousands who died.
Bayham Abbey - Impressive ruins of an Abbey of Premonstratensian ‘white canons’, on the Kent- Sussex border. The ruins include much of the 13th to 15th century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th century gatehouse.
Gardens
Great Dixter - Family home of Christopher Lloyd. The specialist nursery is open to the public.
Pashley Manor - A winner of the HHA / Christie's Garden Of The Year Award. One of the finest gardens in England.
Merriments - A Unique Experiment in Colour Composition with adjoining nursery and tea shop.
Hole Park - A garden for all seasons, often referred to as a hidden gem.
Other places of interest
Kent & East Sussex - The Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway.
Chapel Down - Visitors to the Chapel Down Winery are invited to wander in the landscaped grounds, herb garden or vineyards themselves.
Biddenden Vineyards - Vineyards and cider works.
Lamberhurst Vineyards - In the heart of the Kent countryside only 15 minutes south of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest - Bedgebury National Pinetum has the finest collection of conifers in the world.
Bewl Water - Is the largest area of inland water in the South East of England and easily the most picturesque.
Hop Farm Park - Once a working Hop Farm this is one of Kent’s most popular tourist attractions.
Cranbrook Windmill - Cranbrook Windmill was built for Mary Dobell by the Cranbrook millwright, James Humphrey, in 1814.
Ashdown Forest - Home of Winnie the Pooh. The shop at pooh Corner is home to the world's largest selection of Winnie-the-Pooh products. It is situated in the village where the famous stories were written by A.A.Milne in the 1920's.
Places to Eat
Cranbrook
Terracotta - Italian Restaurant: 01580 720 583
Tiffins - Wine bar, brasserie and Restaurant: 01580 720710
The George Hotel - Brasserie and Restaurant: 01580 713348
Apicius - Intimate town restaurant with Michelin star: 01580 714666
Benenden
The Bull - Country pub with restaurant: 01580 240054
William IV - Country pub with restaurant: 01580 240636
Hawkhurst
The Great House - Country pub and restaurant: 01580 753119
Zans Restaurant - Chinese: 01580 752424
Goudhurst
The Green Cross - Country pub and restaurant: 01580 211200
The Chequers Inn - Country pub and restaurant: 01580 211358
Biddenden
The Three Chimneys - Country pub and restaurant: 01580 291472