DISCOVERKENT
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
THE WEALD CONT .
If you are not setting out on foot but still want to appreciate the glory of the countryside , a great , accessible way to do this is via the Kent and East Sussex Railway ( www . kesr . org . uk ). Board the traditional steam train at the idyllic and authentic Tenterden Town Railway Station and chug through valleys , over hills and alongside pretty streams and fields delighting at quintessentially English views and countryside . Feel transported back to bygone halcyon days from the comfort of a quaint carriage , just as the Victorians would have done in the days of steam and the Industrial Revolution over 150 years ago . Hop off the train at Bodiam and take a walk to Bodiam Castle ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / bodiam-castle ) an archetypal 14th-century moated castle with ruined interior , where you will gain a glimpse even further back in time to medieval splendour . One of Britain ’ s most romantic and picturesque ancient estates , Bodiam Castle boasts stunning Wealden grounds and unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside .
After a long day exploring and admiring The Weald and working up an appetite , visit Hoof and Hook ( www . thehoof . co . uk ) to sample a true taste of the produce that is farmed on this land ’ s fertile soils . Fed up with chain restaurants that felt formulaic , the family behind Hoof and Hook wanted to create a local restaurant that welcomed everyone with first class yet simple food . Achieving this by serving up ingredients from their very own farm just four miles away , Hoof and Hook ’ s food comes straight from farm to plate . As the name suggests , diners can enjoy either meat dishes from the land or seafood from the briny waters of the Kent and Sussex coast . This includes local dishes such as Rye bream with noisette beurre blanc and tenderstem , classic local juicy steaks or more unique dishes such as the roast pheasant breast with parsnip hash , baby leeks and prune jus . Finish off with one of Hoof and Hook ’ s famous Freakshakes or a divine dessert such as white chocolate bavarois with rhubarb and almond brittle .
Sitting cosily west of Tenterden is Cranbrook . Another historical town that was also a centre for the weaving industry in the 15th century , like its neighbour , Cranbrook is also proud home to several old buildings that date back to this prosperous past . Winding streets are again lined with quaint weatherboarded shops and houses , the parish church , St Dunstan ’ s , was built in the 15th century and is known locally as the Cathedral of the Weald . Dominating the town however , is the iconic Union Mill ( www . unionmill . org . uk ), a three-storey windmill built in 1816 . Standing 72-feet high , it is the second tallest of its kind in England and is open to the public from April throughout the summer months . Before admiring this mesmerising agricultural landmark , stop by at The Wendy House ( www . thewendyhousecranbrook . co . uk ) for a delicious brunch , or to sample a cake from their delectable patisserie . Enjoy a healthy thick fruit smoothie bowl such as mango topped with chia seeds , granola , fresh berries and goji berries , indulge in a full English , or opt for pancakes , which come with a choice of bacon and maple syrup , or Greek yoghurt and berries .
HOOF AND HOOK
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UNION MILL