Biddenden Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Biddenden Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Biddenden offers plenty to see beyond its picture-postcard high street. The village sits in prime Kent countryside with excellent walking routes in all directions. I recommend starting at St Mildred's Church, parts of which date back to the 13th century, before exploring the village's distinctive architecture.

Biddenden Vineyards (TN27 8AH, open daily 10am-5pm, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) is Kent's oldest commercial vineyard. Their self-guided tours let you wander the 23 acres of vines before sampling their award-winning wines and ciders in the shop. No booking needed for groups under 10.

Just 15 minutes away, Sissinghurst Castle Garden (TN17 2AB, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) offers one of Britain's most famous gardens. Created by Vita Sackville-West in the 1930s, it's divided into distinct 'rooms' including the renowned White Garden. National Trust members get in free.

For rainy days, the Weald of Kent is packed with historic houses. Great Dixter (TN31 6PH, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) is worth the 25-minute drive, while the Tenterden Museum (TN30 6HN, 4/5 TripAdvisor) provides fascinating insights into local history.

Pet Friendly

Many Biddenden cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The network of footpaths around the village means you can take different walks each day without needing to drive anywhere. We particularly like the 4-mile circular route through Worten and Smarden - mostly flat with just a few stiles.

The Three Chimneys pub (TN27 8LW) welcomes dogs in its bar area and garden, offering water bowls and treats. They serve excellent food too, so it's a win-win. Similarly, The West House restaurant allows well-behaved dogs in certain areas - call ahead to check.

Biddenden's village shop stocks emergency dog supplies, but for anything more specific, Tenterden's Pet Stop (TN30 6BW) is just 15 minutes away. If your dog needs a wash after muddy walks, some cottages provide outdoor taps and hoses - perfect before they jump in the hot tub with you!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Biddenden

Biddenden Vineyards (TN27 8AH) tops our list. This family-run vineyard produces exceptional English wines, ciders and juices. Their Ortega grape variety thrives in Kent's climate, creating distinctive white wines that have won multiple awards. The shop sells their full range plus local cheeses and foods. Free tastings are available daily and their guided tours (£25pp, weekends April-October) include a tutored tasting of 6 wines.

St Mildred's Church stands at the heart of the village, with parts dating from the 1200s. Look for the unusual 'double-naved' design and the ancient font. The churchyard contains fascinating headstones, including one for the local blacksmith who died in 1827 aged 103! It's open daily for visitors and the volunteer guides on Saturdays are incredibly knowledgeable.

The Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair (held annually in August) transforms the village into Kent's biggest agricultural show. With over 100 vintage tractors, steam engines, craft stalls and food vendors, it's a brilliant day out. Last year's event attracted 10,000 visitors. Even if you're not into farming, the atmosphere is fantastic and the local food stalls showcase Kent's best producers.

Is Biddenden good for walking?

Yes! The village sits on the High Weald Landscape Trail with numerous marked footpaths. The tourist information point by the village shop has free walking maps. Routes range from easy 1-mile strolls to challenging 10+ mile hikes through orchards and woodland.

Where's the best place to eat in Biddenden?

The West House restaurant holds a Michelin star and offers exceptional modern British cooking. For more casual meals, The Three Chimneys pub serves excellent food in a 15th-century setting with a lovely garden. Both get booked up weeks ahead, especially for weekend dinners.

Can I buy local produce in Biddenden?

Absolutely. Besides the vineyards, Biddenden has several farm shops. Bloomsburys (TN27 8BJ) sells local meat, cheese and vegetables, while Plurenden Manor Farm Shop (TN27 8BG) offers pick-your-own fruit in summer. The village store stocks basics plus local specialties.

How far is Biddenden from the coast?

Camber Sands, the nearest sandy beach, is about 40 minutes' drive. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is similar distance and offers wonderful coastal walks without the crowds. After a day at the coast, your cottage hot tub will feel even better!

Is there public transport to Biddenden?

Limited. The 2A bus connects Biddenden to Ashford and Tenterden (roughly hourly, Monday-Saturday). The nearest train station is Headcorn (15 minutes by taxi), with services to London taking about an hour. Having a car makes exploring much easier.

What's the best time to visit Biddenden?

Spring and autumn are lovely - fewer tourists and the countryside looks stunning. Summer brings longer days and outdoor events, while winter offers cosy pub lunches and crisp walks. Many cottages offer off-season discounts and the hot tubs are brilliant year-round.

1. Biddenden Vineyards Official Website
2. Sissinghurst Castle Garden Information
3. Biddenden Village Community Website