Antiques, boutiques, steam trains & a splash of the English bubbles
Tenterden in the heart of the Kent countryside has everything an old Kentish town should have.
The village green, heritage locomotives, tea rooms and heaps of character.
It’s one of those towns that you just want to jump out of your car and go and discover, and in the ‘Garden of England’ why wouldn’t you?
![The pin image for our post - 'The quaint town of Tenterden in Kent, England](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/St-Mildreds-Church-visit-Tenterten-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-Pin4.jpg)
Where is Tenterden?
Need a car?
Tenterden through time
A little history![The Tenterden town sign depicting a galleon on the open sea with sails displaying the coat of arms of the cinque ports which are 3 heraldic lions that merge into 3 long boats.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Tenterden-town-sign-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
![The town sign on entry to Tenterden identifying it as a Cinque Port and that it is twinned with Avallon in France.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Tenterden-Cinque-Port-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Exploring Tenterden
Strolling the Town![A selection of antique shops and tea houses line the old High Street in period buildings. Tables and chairs line the streets while antiques and bric-a-brac fill the windows.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Quaint-little-stores-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
![A street scene of hanging baskets being displayed from a half-timbered period building](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Welcoming-colourful-stores-and-restaurants-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
![An old red brick building in the High Street titled Quill House with a rather large anchor & chain by the window. The whole High Street has a real Dickensian feel to it.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Quill-House-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
![The collection of trestle tables outside antiques and collectables shop displaying all manner of bric-a-brac.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Antiques-and-collectables-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Visit some of Kent’s Historic Towns, Villages & Cities
A visit to Tenterden
Holding on to its charm![A florist in the High Street alongside other shops and cafes. All very picturesque.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Barry-Jones-Florists-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
With little alleyways leading off the High Street, you find yourself becoming quite inquisitive.
You get the sense that there is a feeling of pride within Tenterden, beautifully kept homes and welcoming restaurants.
![A view outside an antique shop looking down the tree lined High Street](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Tree-lined-High-Street-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
More info
![A half-timbered period building in the High Street but now houses the Lemon Tree restaurant.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Half-timbered-Lemon-Tree-Restaurant-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Discovering Tenterden
The Centrepiece![The Norman Saint Mildred’s church against the blue sky from a pathway in the cemetery.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/St-Mildreds-Church-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
![A narrow cobbled Lane between the boundaries of the church and some traditional red brick houses](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/A-peaceful-lane-by-Church-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Our Kent road trips
A treat in Tenterden
Heritage Railway![The signal box at Tenterden town steam railway with a white picket fence in front displaying posters of a bygone era.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Steam-railway-station-signal-box-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
The original line through Tenterden Town was only open for around 50 years from 1903 until 1954.
It wasn’t until 1974 that the Kent and East Sussex Railway decided to give this nostalgic track a new lease of life.
![The back of a steam train with dark smoke coming from its chimney and the driver preparing to get on his way on a bright sunny day](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Final-preparations-at-Tenterden-Town-railway-station-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Today you can hop on the beloved steam train, with its historic carriages, and travel the 11.5 miles (18.5km) across the beautiful Kent countryside.
There are 5 stops along the way, which takes around 50 minutes, it’s such a pleasurable way to travel.
Advance tickets
![Tan & cream Pullman carriages in the sidings at Tenterden steam railway.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Pullman-carriages-at-Tenterden-Town-railway-station-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Visit to Bodiam Castle
Discovering the Kent and East Sussex Railway
Platform pass![Small black steam locomotive named the “Norwegian”. Black smoke coming from its chimney as it prepares to set off on its journey.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-‘Norwegian-locomotive-at-Tenterden-Town-railway-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Where to eat in Tenterden?
A few of our recommendations![The Vine pub on the High Street freshly painted in a green and cream colour scheme. Decorated with flower arrangements and tables and chairs outside.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Vine-pub-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Where to stay in Tenterden?
And why would you not want to?![The white painted Town Hall and the Woolpack hotel on the High Street with the tower of Saint Mildred's church in the background.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18th-century-Town-Hall-visit-Tenterden-things-to-do-in-Kent-places-to-visit-in-England-V5.jpg)
Escape for a few days
Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?
After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
Close to Tenterden
Chapel Down Vineyard![The entrance to the Chapel Down Wine shop, and where the wine tour starts in what looks like a large converted barn.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Chapel-Down-Vineyard-entrance-tour-and-tasting-at-Chapel-Down-Vineyard-English-wines-visit-Kent-visiting-England-V5.jpg)
Chapel Down’s speciality is sparkling wines and is now starting to give France a run for their money. Due to the location in the southeast of England, every year our climate gets slightly warmer.
So great news for the lover of the bubbles.
![Row 12 of the Bacchus vines, in one of the vineyard at Chapel Down.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Grapes-capturing-the-full-sun-tour-and-tasting-at-Chapel-Down-Vineyard-English-wines-visit-Kent-visiting-England-V5.jpg)
![Bunches of Bacchus white grapes on the vine, nearly ready for harvesting in late September or early October.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Bacchus-vines-nearly-ready-for-harvesting-tour-and-tasting-at-Chapel-Down-Vineyard-English-wines-visit-Kent-visiting-England-V5.jpg)
If you’re curious about English wines
![69992:full](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/View-from-the-Wine-Sanctuary-tour-and-tasting-at-Chapel-Down-Vineyard-English-wines-visit-Kent-visiting-England-V5.jpg)
A tour and tasting at Chapel Down Vineyard in Kent, England
Our video of Tenterden
A look through our eyesWe have created a little YouTube video of Tenterden. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
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I’m embarrassed to say I have a good working (wink) knowledge of Chapel Down but have never heard of Tenterden. Antiques, steam trains and bubbles – what more could a girl want on a day out? Looks picturesque and so Kentish. #farawayfiles
If you ever go to visit Chapel Down you should definitely pop into Tenterden, it is a lovely town full of so much character.
I used to live in Kent before moving to France and always enjoyed a mooch around Tenterden. Such a quintessentially English town. #farawyfiles
Yes it really is a lovely town, interesting history and some great shops. Where in Kent did you use to live?
Yet another pretty little English town you’ve stumbled upon! Though I doubt there’s a city in England that isn’t picturesque! Pinned! #FarawayFiles
Yes there are so many beautiful towns, we love just driving around the little countryside lanes and you find so many interesting places. It’s the joy of avoiding the main roads.
We visited Tenterden years ago on a Thomas the Tank Engine day at the railway station. We didn’t have time to linger long in the town but it looks well worth a return trip. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
The old heritage railway station is lovely, the attention to detail is fantastic. Tenterden is certainly worth another visit and there are so many other villages to visit nearby.