Tenterden, a quaint market town in Kent with a rich history, often features on the UK’s best places to live lists.
However, this gem, with a modest population of just over 8,000 and only half an hour from the coast, is frequently overlooked by tourists passing through.
Referred to as the Jewel of the Weald, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside Ashford was once covered in forest.
The town is central to the UK’s wine industry, hosting several vineyards including Chapel Down, Biddenden, Sandhurst, Gusbourne and Harbourne.
It has repeatedly secured a place on Muddy Stilettos’ list of the UK’s best places to live and has been dubbed one of Kent’s most stylish towns by Furniturebox.
Tenterden’s broad, historic high street is adorned with broadleaf trees and set back are Victorian and Georgian homes and businesses, built with traditional Kent tile and weatherboard.
The town prides itself on a range of independent shops such as jewellers, gift shops, florists and more, all providing views of the 12th-century tower at the 15th-century parish church of St Mildred.
Local attractions include the Kent and East Sussex Railway Museum, Smallhythe Place, the Tenterden Family Fun Trail, and Tenterden Museum.
The locale also plays host to a variety of seasonal events such as a Christmas Market, Folk Festival, the Spirit of Tenterden Festival, and Tributes in the Park. Additionally, London Beach Golf Club and Spa, and Tenterden Golf Club offer more leisure activities.
Walking and cycling trails through the High Weald countryside and stillwater trout fishing at Tenterden Trout Waters are also available.
With VisitEngland recommended restaurant Flackley Ash and hotel Coldharbour Cottage, there’s certainly no lack of dining and accommodation options. The high street is also populated with a variety of pubs and restaurants.
Property websites Rightmove and Zoopla report that the average house price in the town over the past year is approximately £490,000.
The town’s name, Tenterden, has its roots in the old English ‘Tenet Waraden’, signifying a clearing in the forest belonging to the men of Thanet.
Founded in the 12th century, Tenterden was formerly a port where the sea extended up the River Rother valley. Its prosperity stemmed from ship building and the wool trade.
Source: express.co.uk