DISCOVERKENT
Discover THE WEALD
THE GLORIOUS KENT WEALD STRETCHES ACROSS THE NORTH AND SOUTH DOWNS , A SPRAWLING AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY WHICH ENCOMPASSES SOME OF KENT ’ S MOST TREASURED AND CELEBRATED CHARACTERISTICS . BEAUTIFUL ORCHARDS , LUSCIOUS VINEYARDS , HISTORIC TOWNS AND PRETTY VILLAGES ALL SIT NESTLED AMONG THE HILLSIDES , JUST WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED AND LOVED BY VISITORS AND LOCALS .
THE LEMON TREE
Framed by gentle rolling hills and epitomised by winding country lanes interrupted by sleepy villages and buzzy towns , The Weald is without doubt one of Kent ’ s most picturesque locations . Utterly unique , The Weald represents the very best of the county . With an enthralling history that can be unwound at one of the many castles , country houses or museums , and a vibrant culture , which can be celebrated and enjoyed at one of the charming towns or villages that each come complete with independent shops and eclectic eateries , whatever you are seeking from a staycation in The Weald , you are sure to find it .
The Weald ’ s most famous town is Tenterden . Referred to as the Jewel of The Weald , the evidence of Tenterden ’ s riches , which originally arose from the affluent wool trade that began in the 1300s , can still be admired today . In the 1330s , Edward III encouraged weavers from Flanders to settle here and bring their weaving and dyeing techniques to the district and far beyond , resulting in Tenterden becoming the most important centre for the manufacture of broadcloth . A proud reminder of the town ’ s former days as the nation ’ s cloth trading centre is The Woolpack Inn ( www . thewoolly . com ) a venue which is just as central to community life today as it was in the 15th century when it was founded . Visitors from further afield can indulge in a lovely stay at The Woolly as it is affectionately known , in one of their six uniquely decorated , boutique deluxe double rooms . With crisp cotton linen , soft featherdown bedding and comfy double beds , you are certain to have a peaceful night ’ s sleep at this countryside haven that also welcomes fourlegged furry friends .
Whether you are bringing along your canine pals or not , The Weald is the perfect place for countryside walks with panoramic views of the beautiful landscape . Immerse yourself in the luscious countryside while listening to the bleating of the descendant sheep of those responsible for the original wool trade hundreds of years ago , as well as the chirping and rustling of the wildlife that calls The
Weald home . Before setting out on a walking adventure , take the morning to fuel yourself with a hearty breakfast at The Lemon Tree ( www . lemontreetenterden . co . uk ), a 14th-century heavily timbered former Wealden Hall House , reputedly visited by King Henry VIII . Open every day , this traditional English restaurant offers unashamedly great British comfort food and is therefore the perfect place to enjoy a full English breakfast with scrumptious local sausages , or lunchtime favourites such as homemade steak-and-ale pie using the local Spitfire ale , liver and bacon with fluffy leek and onion mash , or even a traditional Kentish cream tea . While in Tenterden , make sure you admire the broad high street lined with independent shops and picturesque houses . Nearly all have their original facades and some demonstrate traditional Kentish weatherboarding , typical and unique to the area circa the 16th to 18th century . Most of these houses however were built in a busy period between 1720 and 1760 , so there is something of a Georgian feel to Tenterden town , which adds yet more to its charm .
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