insideKENT Magazine Issue 99 - June / July 2020 | Page 13

BIDDENDEN VINEYARDS
GUSBOURNE VINEYARDS
THE SMALL TOWN ESCAPE
Nestled in ancient woodland near Ashford lies
the picturesque town of Tenterden. Surrounded by
flora and fauna, rivers and forests, and populated
with stone-bricked, black-beamed houses, a
Staycation here is like stepping back in time. This
holiday is a chance to enjoy the simple things in life,
while also partaking in your own particular brand
of quaint luxury.
Where to Stay?
If you don’t mind a quick drive to the town centre,
and are looking for a bit of rural comfort, we
recommend getting yourself a reservation at one of
the many luxury holiday cottages in Tenterden's
outskirts. These include converted, self-catered farm
houses surrounded by countryside that are equipped
with those all-important summer holiday essentials
such as hot tubs, barbeques and swimming pools!
These are often dog friendly and are perfect for large
families or groups of friends.
What to Do?
Tenterden is a tourists dream, and is bursting at the
seams with fun, quirky things to do. Of course, postlockdown,
it is essential to explore the local high
street that is filled to the brim with unique shops run
by independent retailers. These include everything
from antique stores to craft shops, so be sure to pop
in and support some small local business owners.
Next on the agenda; some local wine tasting of
course! They don’t call Kent the Wine Garden of
England for nothing, and Tenterden is as best-placed
as it comes to explore some of our county’s top
vineyards, producers of award-winning sparkling
wines, wine and ciders too! In fact there are five
within five miles - from the smaller Harbourne and
Sandhurst, to the renowned family affairs of
Biddenden and Gusbourne, and of course not
forgetting Chapel Down - which is leading the charge
for global recognition and can arrange anything
from a tour to a masterclass to some mouthwatering
wine and cheese tasting! If you are visiting while the
vineyards are still closed due to that pesky Covid-
19, don’t worry because many of the local wineries
have online shops that deliver locally. If this is the
case, fire up the barbeque, pop open a bottle of wine
and enjoy the sweet tang of sophistication as you
dine alfresco in the summer heat. Or why not develop
your knowledge of these Kentish greats with an
online virtual wine tasting session courtesy of Wine
Tours of Kent.
Where to Eat?
When in the small town of Tenterden be sure to eat
local. The town is chock-full of traditional public
houses that serve authentic, back-to-basics, British
pub grub. Is there anything better than enjoying a
steak and ale pie and a pint as you sit in a beer
garden with the sun beaming down on you? Be sure
to check out the Vine – a bustling little pub with
hints of contemporary comfort – if this sounds like
your cup of tea. Whilst the White Lion is renowned
for its Sunday roasts, steaks and fresh pizzas cooked
in its in-house wood-fired pizza-oven as well as an
extensive wine list and oodles of real ales. Whatever
you are craving, Tenterden has something to tickle
those taste buds.
Go forth and indulge in a home holiday like no
other. We’ve earned it.
All Staycation plans should follow current Government advice
regarding social distancing, visiting attractions and leaving
your family home.
For more inspiration on planning your ideal
staycation get your copy of Kent Staycation 2020
now www.kentstaycation.co.uk
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