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Kent country
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between the Continent ute
cycling, walking and horse rid
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Heart of Kent Country Tour

East Kent Country Tour

Romney Marsh
& Rye Country Tour
www.eurotunnel.com
High Weald Country Tour

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k www.kenttourism.co.uk
 o ntents
C

Welcome to the
Garden of England . . . . . . . . . page 2

Tour Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5

Heart of Kent Country Tour page 6

East Kent Country Tour . . . page 14

Romney Marsh
& Rye Country Tour . . . . . . . page 22

High Weald Country Tour . . page 32

Published by Kent Tourism Alliance, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XX T: 01622 696165 F: 01622 691418
E: tourism@kent.gov.uk www.kenttourism.co.uk
Tourist Information
Disclaimer
The information in this brochure is intended to assist visitors to Kent and is
Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 42
published in good faith. Details were correct at the time of going to press
(April 2002). Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of
the information shown in this publication, Kent Tourism Alliance cannot be
held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused by any
Map of Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44
errors or subsequent changes. © Kent Tourism Alliance. No reproduction
permitted without prior permission of the publisher.

With special thanks to our sponsors Eurotunnel and Kent County Council
for the production of this leaflet.

1
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 to the Gard
We lcome
en of England
Kent is just perfect for a short break. Where else could you
find beautiful countryside, dotted with orchards, hop fields
and oast houses, historic towns and picturesque villages, a
charming coastline and more castles than any other county in
England? And it's so easy to reach, with fast road and rail
links from London and the continent. So don't just speed
through Kent, instead take time out to explore the
'Garden of England' at your leisure.You'll find it
captivating. Visit just once and you'll be seduced
by its charm.
To make it easy for you to explore,
we've created four Country Tours.
Each Tour takes a circular route of
between 50 and 70 miles (80-
122kms) and is clearly
signposted with distinctive
brown and white road
signs. The Tours run in
an anti-clockwise
direction and you
can join them at
any point. You
could drive around
each tour in a day,
but we recommend
you taking a more
leisurely pace to
enjoy the many
attractions on route.
2 3
On these Country Tours
you'll find hundreds of
delightful places to stop off
and explore, from great stately
homes and majestic castles to
fascinating local museums. There are
some glorious gardens to visit, vineyards
and animal parks too, and there are
countless rural pubs, restaurants and
tearooms to refresh you on the way.
If you stay overnight,
you'll be spoilt for
choice with everything
from self-catering
cottages and homely
farmhouse B&B's to
upmarket country house
hotels with luxurious
leisure facilities.
For those who enjoy walking,
cycling or horseriding, we
have highlighted several trails
that cross the Country Tours.
So why not park your car,
stretch your legs and explore.
With over 4,000 miles (6,800
kms) of public rights of way
across some of the most
enchanting and unspoilt
countryside, you won't be
disappointed.
Penshurst Place
n t
y o u r v i s i t t o Ke
E n j oy
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 a nd r Sy mbols
W elco
m e t o t h e G a r d e n of E n g l
To u
Each Country Tour has a unique symbol, so
In this brochure, you'll find that you can easily follow the road signs along
each Tour has contact details the route.
for attractions on route plus
details of walking, cycling and The Heart of Kent Tour is symbolised by the Invicta
horse riding trails that meet Horse.The Tour follows leafy country lanes, through
the Tour along the way. arable farmland and areas of woodland with
You can gather more detailed captivating views of the Greensand Ridge and the North
information on what to see Downs, both are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
and do on your visit to Kent
A tree symbolises The East
at www.kenttourism.co.uk or
Kent Tour, which takes you
by contacting the Tourist Information
through the beautiful
Centres listed on pages 42 and 43.
countryside and picturesque villages
of the North Downs, south of
Details of walking, cycling and horse
Canterbury.
riding routes and locations of Kent's
country parks can be found at The symbol for The Romney
Marsh & Rye Tour is
bulrushes. Here you will be
www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess
guided through one of the most
contrasting and un-explored areas of
England, through wild countryside,
open marshland and arable farmland.

The High Weald Tour uses oast houses as its

symbol and passes through charming Kentish
Wealden towns and villages over open rolling
landscapes with extensive areas of woodland, hop
fields, gardens and orchards.

To help you find your way around Kent,

fold out maps indicating the route of
Groombridge Place Gardens each Tour are included in this
brochure.
The Tours are suitable for both cars and coaches and use mainly minor roads and country lanes.
Motorists are reminded to drive with care. The roads maybe narrow and winding in places, so
4 please be courteous to other road users including walkers, horse riders and cyclists. 5
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 our
rt of Kent Country T
Hea
Follow the tour through enchanting countryside.
In Spring, orchards of fruit trees are bursting
with blossom and later laden with rosy apples
and plump red cherries. Late summer, tall green
hops waft their heady scent across the fields and
charming country inns tempt you in for home-cooked food in the
heart of the Garden of England.
The Tour takes you through enchanting
villages and towns, with half-timbered
and tile-hung houses up to their eaves
in history.
You'll be enthralled by the ambience of
the moated medieval manor house
Ightham Mote and mesmerised by the
lively recreation of medieval life in
Norman Tonbridge Castle. At the
Hop Farm Country Park, learn the
fascinating story of hops and meet
those famous gentle giants, the shire
horses. For a fascinating insight into more everyday farming, visit
Nepicar Farm at Wrotham Heath.
If you're a garden lover, this tour will
delight you. Start at Great Comp
Gardens at Wrotham Heath -
seven glorious acres of trees,
shrubs, heathers and
herbaceous plants. Take a
trip through gardening
history from a Knot
Garden to a
wildlife haven at
Yalding Organic
Gardens or succumb
to the romance of
Marle Place Gardens
with its sculptures,
woodland walks and
6 7
mosaic terrace.
Hop Farm Country Park
Direct
The Country Tours ion
are signed and the following directions s
will provide additional assistance:
➜ The tour starts at Wateringbury on the A26.
➜ Head in the direction of Mereworth and turn right at the
junction onto the A228 towards West Malling – take a short
detour to West Malling village from here.
➜ The Tour turns left towards Offham, down Teston Road.
➜ Travel towards Wrotham Heath on the A20, then take the left-
hand lane near The Royal Oak Pub on the A25 heading
towards St Mary’s Platt.
➜ Continue for several miles until you reach a roundabout and
then follow the signs for Ightham - just before Ightham
the tour turns on the A227 towards Shipbourne.
➜ Continue down the A227 on to the outskirts of
Tonbridge towards the town centre.1
➜ Travel along the A26 towards Maidstone and Hadlow
for several miles before turning right
on to Seven Mile Lane (A228).
➜ Continue along the A228, towards Royal Tunbridge Wells,
with the Hop Farm Country Park on your right.
➜ Pass Colts Hill on your left, cross over two roundabouts and
then take the left hand turn, further on, signed to Matfield and
follow signs for Brenchley & Horsmonden (going straight on at
the crossroads).
➜ Travel through several miles of countryside on to the B2079
to the village of Marden.
➜ Follow signs for Staplehurst turning right at the T-junction,
then almost immediately left onto the A229.
➜ Continue along the A229, turning left at the traffic lights, then
take the B2079 signed Marden and Goudhurst.
➜ Take the right hand turn signed for Collier Street and Yalding.
➜ From Yalding the Country Tour route crosses the River
Medway to join the B2015 to the start point at Wateringbury.
1
This part of the tour may suffer from congestion and drivers are advised to
avoid this area during peak periods. (0730hrs - 0900hrs & 1630hrs -
1830hrs)
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
Heart of Kent Country Tour

TOUR STARTS
HERE

Key

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 , Cycling and Ho
of Kent Country Walking rse riding ces to visit on route
Heart Tour Map l a
Below are some walking, cycling and horse riding routes P
that cross through the Heart of Kent Country Tour.

Walking routes
Tunbridge Wells Circular - 28 miles (45km)
High Weald Landscape Trail - 89 miles (142.41 km)
The Wealdway - 82 miles (131.2km)
Eden Valley Walk - 15 miles (24km)
Medway Valley Walk - 28 miles (44.8km)
The public rights of way network in this area is extensive. Why
not use the vast network of paths to explore the countryside
around the smaller villages and towns. Attraction Telephone Web site
Great Comp Gardens 01732 886154 www.greatcomp.co.uk
Heart of Kent Country Tour Cycling routes The Hop Farm Country Park 01622 872068 www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Parish Pedals Tunbridge Wells -
Ightham Mote 01732 810378 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4 circular routes totalling 45 miles (71km)
Manor Park Country Park 01622 221767 www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess
Trosley Country Park - This Park
covers 160 acres of the North Downs. Marle Place Gardens 01892 722304
Cyclists are permitted to use the main
Nepicar Farm 01732 883040 www.nepicarfarm.co.uk
routes through the woodland. Mountain
bikers and other cyclists looking for Old Soar Manor 01732 810378 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
more adventurous routes should use
the bridleway around the perimeter of
Sprivers 01892 890651 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
the park. St. Leonard's Tower 01732 870872 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tonbridge Castle 01732 770929 www.tmbc.gov.uk
Yalding Organic Gardens 01622 814650 www.hdra.org.uk
Horse riding routes
There are three loops to explore on horseback, which make up
the Dryhill Rides around the High Weald and Surrey Border. The
rides are up to 15 miles (24km) long.

The British Horse Society's Kent on Horseback publication

features two circular riding routes in this area. The rides are 10
miles (16km) and 16 miles (25.7) long.
For further information about
Kent, including what to see and
do, where to stay, events
For information about walking, cycling and horseriding visit and where to eat and
11 12 www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess drink, visit 13
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 r Direct
East
Kent Country Tou
Discover a rural idyll on this delightful tour
through woodlands and secret valleys, past
hopfields, orchards and lush green pastures. Go
wine tasting and walking on the Downs,
explore charming villages and historic market
towns or visit England’s very first Cathedral.
The tour starts in the picturesque village of Chilham with its
square of half-timbered houses and inns clustered at the castle
gates.Then it’s on to Wye, stopping off on route to admire the
spectacular woodland colours at Beech
Court Gardens. Wye is a delight with
its timber-framed houses, riverside mill,
splendid 15th century church and
excellent restaurants and inns. Drive
up past the medieval buildings of the
famous College for dazzling views from
the top of Wye Downs.
You’ll find more top-of-the-world
views at Farthing Common on Roman
Stone Street.Tucked away in a secret
valley, the village of Elham is a real
charmer with its hidden square, 12th
Chilham Square century church and excellent
hostelries. At the Elham Valley
Vineyards you can sample the wine or enjoy a cream tea, or sip
the latest vintage at Staple Vineyards.
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen in nearby Goodnestone
Park Gardens and admire the stately swans and geese at
Wingham Bird Park.You’ll be mesmerised by the howling of the
wolves at Howletts Wild Animal Park and bewitched by the
social life of the gorillas and the powerful beauty of the big cats.
Take time out in Canterbury for the awe-inspiring Cathedral
and St Augustine’s 6th century Abbey.
Re-live medieval life in the Canterbury Tales Visitor
Attraction and enjoy the almost medieval ambience that
still pervades in Canterbury with the cobbled streets,
14 buskers, street vendors and intriguing shops.
The Country Tours
are signed and the following directions
ion
s
will provide additional assistance:
➜ The tour starts at Chilham.
➜ Take the A252 and turn left onto the A251 at Challock.
➜ Continue along the A251 through Forestry Commission land,
following brown signs through Boughton Lees, crossing the A28
near Wye.
➜ Driving through Wye turn left at the brown signs into Churchill
Gardens. At next brown sign turn right. At T-Junction turn left
and right after 100 yards into Oxenturn Road. Straight on, then
turn left towards Brabourne Lees. Turn right at telephone box
at Bircholt Forstal. Turn left onto Woolpack Hill.
➜ Turn left onto the A20 briefly at Smeeth.
➜ Then take 4th turning on the left into Swan Lane (a little
before motorway bridge).
➜ Carry on to join the B2068 – climbing to the ridge
of the North Downs at Farthing Common.
➜ Turn left towards Lyminge.
➜ After approximately two miles along the B2068, turn
right at petrol station (through West Wood).
➜ At junction turn right at Yew Tree Cross, then take the turn left
to Elham, B2065 following the Elham Valley.
➜ Pass through the village of Barham and turning right under the
A2. Join the A2, towards Dover, for approximately 1 mile.
➜ Leave the A2 at the next main junction, along the B2046
towards Aylesham.
➜ Just past Aylesham forward to Wingham on the A257 towards
Canterbury.
➜ On reaching Wingham, turn left. Forward to Littlebourne.
➜ Turn left at the Anchor Inn, passing Howletts.
➜ Turn right at the mini roundabout towards Canterbury.
➜ At crossroads go straight across towards Petts Bottom.
➜ At T Junction, turn left towards Petham.
➜ Turn right towards Chartham, through Shalmsford Steet.
➜ Turn left onto the A28 and continue through
the Great Stour Valley for a short distance
before returning to Chilham.
15
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 , Cycling and Ho
Walking rse riding es to visit on route
Below are some walking, cycling and horse riding routes Plac
that cross through the East Kent Country Tour.

Walking routes Attraction Telephone Web site

North Downs Way National Trail - 157 miles (251km) Kent’s
most prestigious walking route from Surrey to Dover. Beech Court Gardens 01233 740735 www.beechcourtgardens.freeserve.co.uk

Stour Valley Walk - 55.5 miles (82.4km) Canterbury Cathedral 01227 762862 www.canterbury-cathedral.org
Elham Valley Way - 22.5 miles (36km)
Canterbury Tales
The public rights of way network in this area is exceptional. Use Visitor Attraction 01227 479227 www.canterburytales.org.uk
the vast network of paths to explore the stunning downland
around the smaller villages and towns. Elham Valley Vineyards 01227 831266

Goodnestone Park Gardens 01304 840107 www.kenttourism.co.uk/goodnestone

Cycling routes
Howletts Wild Animal Park 01303 264647 www.howletts.com
Bike Trails by Rail in the Stour Valley.
All routes start and finish at railway
St Augustine’s Abbey 01227 712111 www.english-heritage.org.uk
stations along the beautiful Stour River
Valley, north and west of Ashford and Wingham Wildlife Park 01227 720836 www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk
around the Canterbury area.
Wantsum Channel Ride - 21.5 miles
(34.4km)
Duke of Burgundy Ride - 20 miles
(32km)
Coppice Cloud Chamber Ride -
10 miles (16km)
Pulpit Ride - 15 miles (24km)
Typically Kent Along Country Lanes - 20 miles (32.5km)
King of the Downs - 21 miles (33km)
The Buffalo Ride - 21 miles (33km)

Horse riding routes Canterbury Cathedral

Wye and Crundale Rides - a network of six loops up to

17 miles (27.2km).

The British Horse Society’s Kent on Horseback publication For further information
features six riding routes in the area, with rides ranging from about Kent, including what
9.5 miles (15.3km) to 19 miles (30.5km). to see and do, where to stay,
events and where to eat and drink, visit
16 For information about walking, cycling and horseriding visit 17
www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
East Kent Country Tour

TOUR STARTS
HERE

Key

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 East Kent Country Tour Map om n ey M a rs h & Rye ur
R To
Countr y

Smuggling, seafaring, steam

trains and sheep could be Kent & East Sussex Railway
the theme to this
fascinating tour. It starts at the charming old wool town of
Beech Court Gardens
Tenterden, ‘the Jewel of the Weald’, with its wide, tree-lined Smuggling was once a
main street and tempting antique and gift shops. Take a popular pastime on
nostalgic trip on the old Kent and East Sussex Railway or to the Romney Marsh and still
wonderful collection of Morgan cars at nearby Rolvenden. retains an air of mystery and
Here, too, you’ll find the original Secret Garden - at the romance. Discover its secrets – explore its beautiful
East Kent Country Tour Lutyens-designed Great Maytham Hall. Just over the Norman and medieval churches, unspoilt country pubs
border in Sussex is Great Dixter, the ultimate English and wildlife havens for heron, kingfisher and the large and
Garden, designed by Lutyens and lovingly tended by vociferous Romney Marsh frog. Watch for unusual
gardening writer, Christopher Lloyd. Rye is an migrants in the remote wilds of the Dungeness Nature
enchanting little town with its cobbled streets Reserve, or climb to the top of the old lighthouse.You
winding up from the quay between quaint half- may be seduced by the golden sands at Dymchurch but
timbered houses. The views from the hilltop don’t miss out on the enchanting Romney, Hythe and
over the marsh are spectacular. Dymchurch miniature steam railway which puffs, in places,
beside the Royal Military
Canal, built, with the
Martello Towers, to repel
Napoleonic invaders. On
the hills above, elephants,
lions and rhino roam at the
Port Lympne Wild Animal
Park, while at Woodchurch,
spring lambs frolic happily
at the South of England
Rare Breeds Centre.

21 22 23
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k Smallhythe Place w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 t io ns
rec The Country Tours

D i are signed and the following directions will

provide additional assistance:

➜ The tour starts at Tenterden.

➜ Take the A28 towards Rolvenden and over the border
to the East Sussex village of Northiam. Continue to the
T-junction until the road meets the B2089 towards Rye.
➜ Leaving Rye, take the right hand lane then the A268
signed to Hawkhurst, then take the first turning on the
right after the bridge, heading back into Kent, towards
Appledore.
Coaches
➜ Take the B2080 towards St Clement, through Brenzett.
➜ Coaches should follow the A259 to Hythe (due to weight
➜ Continue along the A256 to St Clement church.
an width restrictions) and turn left onto the A261. Take the
➜ From Old Romney church it is possible to explore an A20 at Newingreen and turn left onto the B2067.
additional loop (see map on page 28).
Cars
➜ Cars may wish to follow a more scenic route, where there
Additional Loop are no Country Tours signs. Turn left onto the Burmarsh
➜ Stay on the A259 and turn right onto the B2075 to road about one mile after Dymchurch. Just before
Lydd. Burmarsh turn right into Donkey Street.

➜ Turn left at the fork in the road and continue across the ➜ Follow the road past Lathe Barn and turn right at the
roundabout passing the Dungeness Nature Reserve. end towards Lympne.The road crosses a bridge then
rises steeply away from the marshlands turn left to join
➜ At The Pilot Public House, at Lydd on Sea, follow the
the B2067.
coast road to Littlestone and Greatstone.
➜ Continue along the B2067, you will pass several small
➜ At Littlestone, turn left onto the B2071 to New
villages including Ruckinge and Hamstreet and the South of
Romney, pass the railway station to the T-Junction, turn
England Rare Breeds Centre.
left on to the A259 signed Brenzett.
➜ At the end of the B2067 turn
➜ At Old Romney, turn right past the church and follow
right then left towards the
the signs through the Marshes.
start point at Tenterden.
➜ When you arrive in Dymchurch, turn left on to the
A259.

Continue the Country Tour

➜ Staying on the tour, follow the signs through St Mary in
the Marsh to Dymchurch.
➜ For just over a mile the tour follows the Dymchurch
Wall with the sea on your right.

24 ➜ After about a mile the route splits. 25

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 Walking and Cycling routes
l aces to visit on route
Below are some walking and cycling routes that cross
through the Romney Marsh and Rye Country Tour.
P

Walking routes
Attraction Telephone Web site
Royal Military Canal Path - 28 miles (44.8km) Brenzett Aeronautical Museum 01233 627911
Saxon Shore Way - 163 miles (261km)
Dungeness Nature Reserve 01797 320588 www.rspb.org.uk
High Weald Landscape Trail – 89 miles (142.4km)
Dungeness Old Lighthouse 01797 321300
There are nine circular walks within Romney Marsh between
3 miles - 9 miles (5km - 14km) Dungeness Power Station 01797 321815 www.bnfl.com

Great Maytham Hall 01580 241346 www.cha.org.uk

Cycling routes
Great Dixter 01797 252878 www.buzzgarden.com
One Thousand Years of Invasion &
Defence - 16 miles (26km)
Kent & East Sussex Railway 01580 765155 www.kesrail.fsnet.co.uk

Wealden Day Out - 15 miles (24km) Port Lympne Wild Animal Park 01303 264647 www.howletts.com

Monuments, Memorials and Romney, Hythe and

Sculptures - 18 miles (29km) Dymchurch Railway 01797 362353 www.rhdr.demon.co.uk
Appledore & Churchwood - South of England Rare
16 miles (24km) Breeds Centre 01233 861493 www.rarebreeds.org.uk
The Isle of Oxney - Nature at its Best
12 miles (18km)

Tenterden - 11 miles (17km)

The Romney Marsh Meanders - guide to five cycle rides

that follow quiet country lanes ranging from 10 miles -
44 miles (16 km to 70 km)

Port Lympne

For information about walking, cycling and horseriding visit

www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess For further information about Kent, including what to see and
do, where to stay, events and where to eat and drink, visit
26 27
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
Romney Marsh & Rye Cou ntry Tour

TOUR STARTS
HERE

Key

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 ey Marsh & Rye Countr our Ma
p
h Wea ld C To ur
Rom
n yT
Hig ountry

Enchanting Wealden towns and villages, historic

castles and stately homes, romantic gardens,
orchards and vineyards and even a Georgian Spa
- this tour reveals yet another aspect of Kent’s
many charms.

First you will need to tear yourself away from the delights of
Tenterden. Console yourself with a drop of wine, cider or Nearby, is one
apple juice from the Biddenden Vineyards or coffee in Claris’ of England’s
Tearoom in the pretty little village of Biddenden, still famed for greatest medieval
its 12th century Siamese twins. You’ll be entranced by the manors, Penshurst
famous white garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Place, home to the Hever Castle

enchanted by the half-timbered and tile-hung houses in villages Elizabethan poet, Sir Philip
like Goudhurst and and the small town of Cranbrook. Stop off Sydney, (his descendants still live here).
at stately Georgian Finchcocks for an enthralling musical tour You may be lured off the main tour to the picturesque
of early keyboard instruments, and continue your wine studies National Trust village of Chiddingstone or to Ann Boleyn’s
at the vineyards at childhood home, the magnificent 13th century Hever Castle.
Lamberhurst and The gardens and Enchanted Forest of Groombridge Place
Romney Marsh
Penshurst. delight adults and children alike and save some time for the
& Rye Country Tour Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells. Get a fascinating
glimpse into everyday Georgian life in this elegant spa.
Shop for treasures in the antique and specialist shops in
the historic Pantiles, the town’s most well-known walkway.

A revitalising boat trip on Bewl Water or a stroll in

Bedgebury National Pinetum could be the perfect antidote to
shopping, and a visit to 14th century Scotney Castle Garden
will revive the romance
in the most jaded of
souls. Enjoy!

The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

31 32 33
w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 c ti o ns
re The Country Tours are signed and the following
Di directions will provide additional assistance:

➜ The tour starts in Tenterden.

➜ Take the A28 towards Maidstone and then the A262 to
Biddenden.
➜ A detour on to the A229 towards Hastings, just past
Sissinghurst takes you to the market town of Cranbrook.
➜ Back on the tour, continue to Goudhurst.
➜ Through Goudhurst, take the A21 towards Pembury and
Tonbridge turn left on to the A26 taking the first turning at
the roundabout towards Southborough at the second
roundabout follow signs towards Tunbridge Wells.
➜ Continue south on the A26 before turning sharply right on to
the B2176 towards Bidborough and Penshurst.
➜ Car drivers are encouraged to follow the scenic detour to
Chiddingstone.
➜ A further detour takes you through the village of Hever.
➜ The tour continues on the B2188 through the little village of
Fordcombe before joining the A264 towards Tunbridge Wells.
➜ Signposted just off the tour on the B2110 is Groombridge
Place.
➜ Continue into Tunbridge Wells heading towards Eastbourne Scotney Castle Garden
and the Pantiles Tourist Information Centre by turning right
down Major Yorkes Road.
➜ At the end of the road turn left leaving Tunbridge Wells on the
A267, then the B2169 to Lamberhurst.
➜ Follow the A21, then the A268, through Hawkhurst continuing
along the A268.
➜ Continue for several miles before turning left
towards Rolvenden
➜ After approximately 2 miles you will
join the A28 back to
Tenterden.
➜ A detour to the right
onto the B2082 will
take you to Smallhythe
Place and Tenterden
Vineyards.

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 , Cycling and Ho
Walking rse riding es to visit on route
Below are some walking, cycling and horse riding routes Plac
that cross through the High Weald Country Tour.
Attraction Telephone Web site
A Day at the Wells 01892 546545 www.heritageprojects.co.uk
Walking routes Bayham Abbey 01892 890381 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tunbridge Wells Circular - 28 miles (45km)
Bewl Water 01892 890661 www.bewl.co.uk
High Weald Landscape Trail - 89 miles (142.2km)
Bedgebury Pinetum 01580 211044 www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
The Wealdway - 82 miles (131.2km)
Biddenden Vineyards 01580 291726 www.biddendenvineyards.com
C.M. Booth Collection
Cycling routes of Historic Vehicles 01580 241234
Bewl Water – Off-road route around
Cranbrook Union Mill 01580 712256 www.kentwindmills.co.uk
Bewl Water Reservoir – 14 Miles (21km)
Finchcocks 01580 211702 www.finchcocks.co.uk
Headcorn, Frittenden &
Sissinghurst - 12 miles (18km) Groombridge Place Gardens 01892 861444 www.groombridge.co.uk
Hawkhurst & Bedgebury Forest - Hever Castle 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk
8-16 miles (13km-26km)
Kent and East Sussex Railway 01580 765155 www.kesrail.fsnet.co.uk
Benenden - 7.5 miles (12km)
Penshurst Place 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.co.uk
Tenterden - 11 miles (17km)
Penshurst Vineyards 01892 870255 www.penshurst.co.uk
Bedgebury Forest – near Tunbridge
Wells. A number of cycle routes through Scotney Castle 01892 891081 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
the Forest.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden 01580 710700 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Penshurst Off-Road Centre – open
Smallhythe Place 01580 762334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
all year round. There are a number of
off-road routes for all abilities. Spa Valley Railway 01892 537715 www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Tenterden and District Museum 01580 764310 www.ukpages.net/kent/museum.htm
Tenterden Vineyards 01580 763033 www.englishwines.com
Horse riding routes Tonbridge Castle 01732 770929 www.tmbc.gov.uk
The British Horse Society’s Kent on Horseback publication
features a 9 mile (14.5km) circular route in this area
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Museum and Art Gallery 01892 547221 www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/museum

For further information about Kent, including what to see and

For information about walking, cycling and horseriding visit do, where to stay, events and where to eat and drink, visit

www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess
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High Weald Country Tour

TOUR STARTS
HERE

Key

w w w. k e n t t o u r i s m . c o . u k
 High Weald Country Tour Map o
u rist inf rmation Centres Accommodation
To If you’re looking for a place to stay you can
contact or call into one of the Tourist
Information Centres (TICs) listed here. They
Tourist Information Centres offer a wealth of information.You’ll can give you a list of accommodation in the
find one in all major towns and some larger villages (see the list area and most will be able to book
below). They’re also plotted on the fold-out map at the back of accommodation on your behalf. Some even
this guide.You’ll recognise them by the internationally recognised operate the Book-A-Bed-Ahead scheme
sign. where they can book accommodation for an
onward destination in any part of the
Information
country.
Friendly staff can advise on a whole host of things from places to
visit, events, and walks to pubs, restaurants and evening When Tourist Information staff make your
entertainment. You can pick up leaflets, guides and maps, and booking you will usually be asked for a small fee and a non-
some of the larger centres sell souvenirs too. refundable deposit – which will be deducted from your
accommodation bill.

Opening times Most TICs are open from 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday, and later during the holiday season, Many are also open at weekends and Bank holidays.

ASHFORD EDENBRIDGE MAIDSTONE SANDWICH

18 The Churchyard Ashford TN23 1QG
T: (01233) 629165 F: (01233) 639166
E: tourism@ashford.gov.uk
BROADSTAIRS
6B High Street Broadstairs CT10 1LH
T: (01843) 583334 F: (01843) 868373
CANTERBURY
34 St Margaret’s Street
Canterbury CT1 2TG
T: (01227) 766567 F: (01227) 459840
High Weald Country Tour E: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
CLACKET LANE
Motorway Service area (Eastbound)
Junction 5/6 M25 Westerham TN16 2ER
T: (01959) 565063 F: (01959) 565064
E: ticclacket@sevenoaks.gov.uk
CRANBROOK (summer only)
Vestry Hall Stone Street
Cranbrook TN17 3HA
T: (01580) 720340 F: (01580) 712538
DEAL
Deal Library Middle Street Deal
T: (01304) 369576 F: (01304) 380821
DOVER
Old Town Gaol Biggin Street
Dover CT16 1DL
T: (01304) 205108 F: (01304) 245409
E: tic@doveruk.com
Stangrove Park
Edenbridge TN8 5LU
T: (01732) 868110 F: (01732) 868114
E: edenbridge.tic@sevenoaks.gov.uk
FAVERSHAM
Fleur-de-Lis Heritage Centre
13 Preston Street Faversham ME13 8NS
T: (01795) 534542 F: (01795) 533261
E: faversham@btinternet.com
FOLKESTONE
Harbour Street Folkestone CT20 1QN
T: (01303) 258594 F: (01303) 259754
E: tourism@folkestone.org.uk
GRAVESEND
18A St George’s Square
Gravesend DA11 0TB
T: (01474) 337600 F: (01474) 337601
E: info@towncentric..co.uk
HERNE BAY
12 William Street Herne Bay CT6 5EJ
T: (01227) 361911 F: (01277) 361911
E: hernebayinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
HYTHE
Red Lion Square Hythe CT21 5AZ
T: (01303) 267799 F: (01303) 260085
The Gatehouse Palace Gardens
Mill Street Maidstone ME15 6YE
T: (01622) 602169 F: (01622) 673581
MAIDSTONE M20
Junction 8 M20 Hollingbourne
Maidstone ME17 1SS
T: (01622) 739029 F: (01622) 738985
E: hollingbournetic@maidstone.gov.uk
MARGATE
12-13 The Parade Margate CT9 1EY
T: (01843) 583334 F: (01843) 292019
E: margatevic@yahoo.com
NEW ROMNEY
Magpies Church Approach
New Romney TN28 8AS
T: (01797) 364044 F: (01797) 364194
E: onestop.newromney@shepwaydc.gov.uk
RAMSGATE
17 Albert Court York Street
Ramsgate CT11 9DN
T: (01843) 583334 F: (01843) 585353
E: ramsgatevic@yahoo.co.uk
ROCHESTER
95 High Street Rochester ME1 1LX
T: (01634) 843666 F: (01634) 847891
E: visitorcentre@medway.gov.uk
Guildhall Sandwich CT13 9AH
T: (01304) 613565 F: (01304) 613565
E: sandwichtowncouncil@btopenworld.com
SEVENOAKS
Buckhurst Lane Sevenoaks TN13 1LQ
T: (01732) 450305 F: (01732) 461959
E: tic@sevenoakstown.gov.uk
SWANLEY
London Road Swanley BR8 7AE
T: (01322) 614660 F: (01322) 666154
E: ticstaff@swanley74.fsnet.co.uk
TENTERDEN (summer only)
Town Hall High Street Tenterden TN30 6AN
T: (01580) 763572 F: (01580) 766863
E: ttic@lineone.net
TONBRIDGE
Castle Street Tonbridge TN9 1BG
T: (01732) 770929 F: (01732) 770449
E: tonbridge.castle@tmbc.gov.uk
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
The Old Fish Market The Pantiles
Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN
T: (01892) 515675 F: (01892) 534660
E: touristinformationcentre@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
WHITSTABLE
7 Oxford Street Whitstable CT5 1DB
T: (01227) 275482 F: (01277) 275482
E: whitstableinformation@canterbury.gov.uk

41 42 43
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 l e ge n d
Motorway County boundary

Motorway services Area of outstanding Natural Beauty

Primary route
Urban area
B road
Beach
Railway
Tourist information Centres
Ferry route

Channel Tunnel

Map produced by Lovell Johnd Ltd Witney Oxford T: 01933 883161

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