TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON TENTERDEN cont.
Things to Do
The Kent and East Sussex Railway The Kent and East Sussex Railway has been described as the finest example of a rural light railway in the country – high praise indeed, and it’ s right here in Tenterden. The track runs for 10 1 / 2 miles into East Sussex, and if you want to visit Bodiam Castle there is no finer way to arrive; the station is just outside the castle walls. The KESR is open to visitors who wish to enjoy a true slice of what train travel used to be like, but it also puts of plenty of events throughout the year including meeting Father Christmas on board a train, a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine, and candlelit suppers.
Smallhythe Place This beautiful house dates back to the 16th century, and it is a perfect example of real Wealden building techniques. But that isn’ t the only reason that people visit Smallhythe Place. The other – perhaps more well-known – reason is that famous Victorian actress Ellen Terry bought the house in 1899, and it is now a museum dedicated to her life, both personal and public. As well as the house, the Barn Theatre is open to the public. This is a tiny theatre that Ellen Terry had built in her garden. Shows are still put on here today, and it is a treat to watch an intimate performance in such a special space.
St Mildred’ s Church St Mildred’ s Church is a truly beautiful building, and it has a lot of history too, dating back to the Middle Ages. Most of the building originates in the 13th and 14th centuries. The imposing tower dominates Tenterden’ s skyline.
Tenterden Museum Tenterden Museum itself is impressive and important, and that’ s without even stepping inside. The museum is housed in a two-storey house, which is one of the last of its kind, having the famous Wealden white weather boarding on the outside. Even since 1976, Tenterden Museum has been open. It is run by volunteers so that locals and visitors alike can find out more about the town, its history, and its future.
Dining Out
Montalbano Montalbano is an authentic Sicilian restaurant run by a family with passion for their food and their business. The idea behind eating here is that you will learn about the flavours and foods that come from this particular part of Italy, and that you will leave feeling like part of the family itself. Dishes include caponatina Siciliana, risotto la reine and fritto misto di pesce and verdure( homemade tempura of calamari, tiger prawns and mixed vegetables served with garlic and herb mayonnaise).
Ozgur Running since 1990, this Turkish restaurant is a favourite amongst the residents of Tenterden. Serving authentic Turkish food and drink( as well as wine, beer, and spirits from around the world), here you can order a great selection of hot and cold meze, kebabs straight from the grill, a large choice of vegetarian dishes and an excellent fish menu. There is even an onsite delicatessen from which you can take the taste of Turkey home with you.
The Swan at Chapel Down The Swan Restaurant can be found at the heart of the world-renowned vineyard itself. There is a gorgeous dining terrace and a private chef’ s table, and of course the wine served here is Chapel Down’ s finest. An elegant restaurant that serves locally sourced, seasonal food, The Swan should not be missed. The food on offer here includes ham hock terrine with piccalilli; beef rump with smoked tomato ketchup, dripping potato and alliums; and honey parfait and yoghurt with honeycomb, coriander and a sesame seed tuile.
La Cantina di Tenterden A small menu and comfortable, relaxing surroundings make La Cantina di Tenterden a gem of a restaurant. In Italy, a cantina is a wine shop, and in this restaurant the wine is an important element of the meal – you will be helped to match each course with the perfect drink. When dining here why not try the prawn and avocado in mustard sauce, the handmade gnocchi in butter and sage, or the crepes stuffed with vegetables and ricotta amongst plenty of other dishes to choose from.
Annual Events
Ale & Cider Festival // June The annual Ale and Cider Festival takes places early each summer at the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Food is available, as well as an array of both local and foreign beers and ciders to sample. Enjoy a ride on the trains as a bonus!
Tentertainment // June or July One of Kent’ s biggest and best free summertime music and local food events held every summer on the recreation ground. This amazing weekend event showcases the very best of local music and talent with plenty of local produce and products available.
Tenterden Folk Festival // Oct Fast becoming one of the premier folk festivals in the South East with three days of fun, music, dancing and entertainment from groups and artists from across the country and further afield – normally held on the first weekend in October.
The Tenterden Nativity // Nov The Tenterden Nativity tells the traditional Christmas story, giving it a local twist. The Tenterden Nativity reflects a variety of musical styles. Well-known carols are woven into the new material, giving audiences plenty of opportunity to sing their way into the Christmas spirit.
Top Spot
English wine is surging forward these days, and it is becoming quite the thing. The wine made at Chapel Down is the cream of the crop, and it is possible to take part in a tour around the vineyard and winery, try wine tasting, and have a three-course lunch or afternoon tea whilst looking out across the Kentish Weald. There are 22 acres of wine growing expertise to take in.
Did You Know? The town of Tenterden is divided into four different wards. They are: Tenterden North, Tenterden South, Rolvenden and Tenterden West and St Michaels.
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