Tenterden

Tenterden is a market town and civil parish in the Ashford borough of Kent, England. It lies at the northern end of the Tenterden Ridge, a sandy outcrop running between the Great Stour and the Rother valleys. The town is situated approximately 17 miles south-east of Maidstone and 15 miles south-west of Canterbury. Historically, Tenterden was a significant Cinque Port town, though its connection to the sea is now distant due to land reclamation.

The town's layout is dominated by a wide, tree-lined high street, which has been a focal point for trade and community life for centuries. Notable architecture includes the imposing St Mildred's Church, with its distinctive detached tower, and a variety of Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the high street. Tenterden retains a strong sense of its market town heritage, with regular markets still held in the town centre.

The surrounding area is known for its agricultural landscape, particularly hop growing and fruit orchards. The Kent and East Sussex Railway, a heritage steam railway, runs from Tenterden Town station, offering scenic journeys through the countryside. The town serves as a hub for the surrounding rural communities, providing shops, services, and amenities. Tenterden is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in its history, architecture, and the natural beauty of the Weald of Kent.