Ashford & Tenterden

Take time to explore the heart of Ashford and you will enjoy the very best of a small market town and all the vibrancy of a modern international gateway. A rich mix of historic buildings, tree lined walkways, beautiful floral displays and plenty of street entertainment creates a welcoming atmosphere, while Ashford’s international Eurostar station and busy street cafés lend a truly continental ambience to the town.  Why not stay in one of Ashford’s excellent hotels or bed & breakfasts then take Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, Lille or Disneyland Paris for a few days?

When in Ashford, follow the town’s heritage trail and discover the narrow alleyways where mediaeval, Georgian and Jacobean houses are to be found. Relax by the fountain that commemorates Ashford’s history as a railway town, or turn a corner to find a rare First World War tank. Enjoy the tranquil oasis of the historic churchyard which is surrounded by pretty weather-boarded cottages and pop into the local museum, built in 1635 to house Ashford’s first grammar school.

By day, visit the two modern shopping centres, or take the shuttle bus to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet where around 70 stores offer designer brands at rock bottom prices. Designed by Millennium Dome and Pompidou Centre architect Lord Richard Rogers, the outlet is an eye-catching building in its own right.
By night, stay in town for ten-pin bowling, or to dine locally; or head out to nearby Eureka Leisure where a 12-screen cinema and wide choice of restaurants will keep you entertained. There are always plenty of exciting events taking place in the town. Equator, a programme of world music, dance and theatre, runs from February to May, and July Summer Sounds caters for lovers of jazz, country and folk. On Sunday 8 July 2007, the Tour de France, the world’s largest annual sporting events comes right through the town centre.

Known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, nearby Tenterden offers the best of all worlds – fascinating history, a wealth of architecture and excellent shopping – all within everyone’s idea of a typical country town and surrounded by Kent’s tranquil countryside.

At its centre are the tree-lined greens that distance you from the world going by so you can shop at a relaxed pace, browsing in the wide range of shops, from the unique and unusual, to the familiar and well-known.  With beautiful gifts and craft items, books and antiques, Tenterden is the place where you’re bound to find something very special. Tenterden is also a fascinating town to explore. Georgian buildings share the streets with tall Victorian houses and tiny cottages; brick and stucco blend easily alongside traditional Kent tile and weatherboard, creating a timeless air.

To find out more about the town’s history as a limb of the Cinque Ports, visit the town’s museum, or take a nostalgic ride back in time on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Enjoy the beautiful Wealden countryside slipping by as you steam along to the fairytale Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. Visit the 16th-century half-timbered home of the famous 19th-century Shakespearean actress Dame Ellen Terry and see her sumptuous display of stage costumes and theatrical mementoes. On summer evenings you can enjoy a theatre performance in the gardens or in the intimate Barn Theatre. Take a guided tour and tasting at nearby Chapel Down Winery and relax with a glass of award-winning wine, while admiring the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the first floor Bistro Restaurant.

For more information please visit www.visitheartofkent.com