Tenterden may not be as well-known as other Kent towns like Canterbury or Margate, but it certainly is worth stopping by if you’re in the area. Several events are held in Tenterden throughout the year including The Spirit of Tenterden Festival (July), Tenterden Folk Festival (October), and a Christmas Market (November), so there’s often something going on.
Things to do in Tenterden
One of my favourite things to do in Tenterden was just wandering around and admiring the unexpectedly pretty houses! These ones are on the high street, but set back a bit from the main road with their lovely lawns.
Smallhythe Place
If you enjoy visiting historic houses, then Smallhythe Place is a National Trust owned property that is close by. It was originally owned by Ellen Terry, an A-list celebrity of the Victorian age who appeared in Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Some of her costumes are on display here.
Chapel Down Vineyard
For wine lovers, Chapel Down Vineyard is the leader in UK wine and offers wine tasting and guided tours. The Swan Restaurant is also on site, which has two AA Rosettes and specialises in modern British cuisine.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
You can also take a ride on an old steam train from Tenterden to Bodiam at Kent and East Sussex Railway. The train journey is around 50 minutes each way, and passes through unspoilt countryside. Their Freedom Tickets allow you to hop on and off any of the trains operating that day.
Shopping in Tenterden
Rising Star
There’s plenty of shops to explore on Tenterden High Street. My favourite is the Rising Star. Any shop that looks as pretty as this on the outside is bound to draw me in! Described by its owner as a ‘crazy little emporium’, it is filled with a mixture of new and old items spanning furniture, homeware, fashion, and jewellery.
Tenterden House Interiors
Tenterden House Interiors is also worth checking out. It’s a family run business which started in Bedfordshire back in 1826 before moving to Tenterden in the 1980’s. Set over three floors, it has 16 different showrooms with a mixture of furniture, lighting, upholstery, and gifts.
Re Memories Antiques
Another gem is Re Memories Antiques. It sells anything antique from furniture, clocks, and china, to books and jewellery. Its owner, Richard, has over 24 years’ experience in antiques so if you’re looking for something in particular, he may be able to help!
As well as many independent shops, there’s several mainstream shops in Tenterden too including Boots, Waterstones, White Stuff, M&Co, Crew Clothing, and Space NK.
Ashford Designer Outlet
If you love your designer clothing, less than half an hour’s drive away is Ashford Designer Outlet. It has over 80 brands including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Coach at discounted prices.
Places to eat in Tenterden
The Lemon Tree
For a reasonably small town, there’s lots of choice when it comes to eating out in Tenterden. The Lemon Tree is housed in a 14th century heavily timbered former Wealden Hall House, which proudly stands out on the high street. It was reputedly visited by King Henry VIII, with a Tudor Rose carved into the main beam in his honour. It offers traditional British comfort food including fry-ups, sandwiches with chips, steak and ale pie, jacket potatoes and cream tea.
The Woolpack
Affectionately known as the Woolley, The Woolpack is a 15th century inn and a real ‘locals’ favourite with a large dining area and separate bar. Their menu is a simple one-pager which includes fish and chips, salads, saddle of lamb, and beetroot, pesto and smoked carrot brioche subs. On sunny days, they fire up the BBQ in the spacious garden.
The White Lion
The great thing about the pubs in Tenterden is that they all have varied menus – The White Lion, like none of the others, has a keen focus on stonebaked pizzas made from their own dough recipe, and chargrilled steaks with a smoky flavour. Wooden beams on the ceiling as well as wooden panelling helps showcase the building’s historical charm.
Peggotty’s
If you’re after something a bit lighter, afternoon tea at Peggotty’s is a good choice. Found at the bottom of the high street, it’s nestled in the middle of an 18th century building with a secret garden out the back. It serves what you would expect from a classic tea room – loose leaf teas, freshly ground coffee, and homemade food using local produce wherever possible.
Montalbano
And for a more Mediterranean flavour, Montalbano is a family-run restaurant with fantastic online reviews. It serves authentic Italian cuisine, and regularly holds live music and themed food nights. The front terrace was full of diners when I walked past, so it seemed very popular!
Places to visit near Tenterden
Goudhurst
The village of Goudhurst is 20 mins from Tenterden. There isn’t lots to do, but if you’re passing through there are some nice photo opportunities with the duck pond, houses like this wonderful one above, and the church at the top of the hill (one of the highest points for miles).
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is a 15 min drive and is a bigger village, with more shops and places to eat. Its church is known as the Cathedral of the Weald, and apparently its clock mechanism was the prototype for Big Ben’s!
Scotney Castle
One of the prettiest National Trust places I’ve visited, Scotney Castle is around a 30 min drive from Tenterden. It is a beautiful and extremely photogenic 14th century moated castle, surrounded by 770 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland. Definitely somewhere to visit if you’re in Tenterden for longer than a day – you could spend a whole day here alone exploring the gardens and having a picnic!
Rye
Heading 25 mins away from Tenterden and into East Sussex, Rye is a picturesque town filled with historic buildings and cobbled streets. There’s plenty more shopping, dining and attractions here too, so it’s certainly worth visiting if you’re already in the area.
Tenterden FAQs (2026)
Yes, Tenterden is widely considered one of the most charming towns in Kent, often called the “Jewel of the Weald.” It’s known for its historic Georgian and Victorian architecture, and unique independent boutiques.
Tenterden is very welcoming to dogs. Dogs are allowed on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Many local pubs also welcome well-behaved dogs in their bar areas or gardens.
Tenterden hosts a popular Friday market where you can find local produce, crafts, and plants. There are also occasional artisan and seasonal markets throughout the year, especially during the Christmas period.
Tenterden is best known for two things: its heritage steam railway (the Kent & East Sussex Railway) and its proximity to world-class English vineyards, most notably Chapel Down.
Yes you can, it’s roughly a 2 mile (3.2km) walk from Tenterden High Street through lovely Kentish countryside. Alternatively, it is a 5 minute drive or taxi ride.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
