Tenterden Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Tenterden Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Tenterden packs a lot into a small area. The High Street is lined with independent shops, cafes and pubs housed in beautiful weatherboarded buildings. I recommend starting at the Town Hall (TN30 6EW) and working your way along.

Kent & East Sussex Railway (TN30 6HE, open 10am-5pm Feb-Oct) offers steam train rides through stunning countryside. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "step back in time" experience. Book ahead on summer weekends as trains fill up fast.

Chapel Down Winery (TN30 7NG) is England's leading wine producer. Their guided tours (£25pp, daily at 11am and 2pm) include tastings of their award-winning sparkling wines. We suggest booking 2-3 weeks ahead.

Smallhythe Place (TN30 7NG, Wed-Sun 11am-4pm) was home to Victorian actress Ellen Terry. The National Trust property houses her theatrical collection and beautiful gardens. TripAdvisor gives it 4/5 with visitors highlighting the "fascinating history" and "peaceful setting".

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Tenterden almost as much as their owners do! Many cottages welcome pets, often with secure gardens and handy boot rooms for muddy paws.

The White Lion pub (TN30 6BD) on the High Street welcomes dogs inside and out, even providing water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are fantastic after a long walk.

Tenterden has brilliant walking routes. Try the 4-mile circular from the High Street to St Michael's village through apple orchards. Maps are available from the Tourist Information Centre (TN30 6BW).

For off-lead fun, head to Tenterden Recreation Ground (TN30 6RA) which has a dedicated dog exercise area. The nearby woods at Knock Wood (TN30 7LT) offer miles of paths where dogs can explore safely.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Tenterden

1. Kent & East Sussex Railway (TN30 6HE) is a must-visit. This preserved steam railway runs from Tenterden to Bodiam Castle through 10.5 miles of gorgeous countryside. The 1-hour 50-minute round trip takes you past hop gardens, vineyards and ancient woodlands. Kids love the special events like Thomas the Tank Engine days and the Santa Specials in December. One visitor wrote: "Worth every penny. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly and the views spectacular."

2. Chapel Down Winery (TN30 7NG) produces world-class wines just outside Tenterden. Their vineyard tours explain the winemaking process from grape to glass, ending with a tasting session of their award-winning products. The on-site restaurant, The Swan, serves excellent locally-sourced food with vineyard views. A recent visitor commented: "We learned so much about English wine production and the tasting was generous. The shop has great gifts too."

3. Tenterden High Street itself deserves your time. Unlike many UK high streets, it's full of independent shops rather than chains. Highlights include Webbs of Tenterden (TN30 6BH), a family-run department store established in 1911; The French Gourmet (TN30 6BW), an amazing cheese shop; and Bottega (TN30 6BX) for stylish homeware. The street's wide pavements and benches make it perfect for people-watching with an ice cream from Peggotty's (TN30 6BW).

When is the best time to visit Tenterden?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. Tenterden Festival Week in early July brings street performances and markets. Apple pressing happens in October at local farms, while December sees excellent Christmas markets.

Do I need a car in Tenterden?

A car is useful but not essential. The 2/2A bus connects Tenterden to Ashford (for high-speed trains to London) and Hastings. Local taxi firms include Tenterden Cars (01580 762444) who can arrange winery tours.

Where can I buy groceries in Tenterden?

Waitrose (TN30 6BW, 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun) is centrally located. For local produce, try Silcocks Farm Shop (TN30 7HQ, 9am-5pm daily) or the Friday market (9am-2pm) on the recreation ground.

Are there any good pubs within walking distance?

The William Caxton (TN30 6BD) serves excellent food and local beers with a large garden. The Woolpack (TN30 6AP) is a 15th-century inn with open fires in winter and a great atmosphere.

What if it rains during our hot tub cottage stay?

Tenterden Museum (TN30 6HN, Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) tells the town's history. Nearby Ashford Designer Outlet (TN24 0SD) offers covered shopping. Or embrace the weather - hot tubs are brilliant in the rain!

Can I bring elderly relatives to Tenterden?

Absolutely! The High Street is fairly flat with plenty of benches. Many cottages offer ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms. The Kent & East Sussex Railway has accessible carriages (book ahead).

Some helpful links:

1. Official Tenterden Town Website
2. Kent & East Sussex Railway
3. Chapel Down Winery
4. Smallhythe Place