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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