The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway with the main station based in Tenterden, Kent, UK. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain’s most loved and original heritage lines.
With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley to Bodiam in East Sussex.
The Museum is devoted to Promoter, Engineer and Manager of Rural Light Railways Colonel Holman F Stephens (1868-1931). Stephens believed in creating and running local railways to serve local people including the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
Stephens was a man of his time and, like the Railway itself, was perhaps born too late but his energy and achievements must command admiration.
The Museum is housed in a two-storey weather-boarded building, one of the last representatives in Tenterden of a type of industrial building common in the area in the latter part of the 19th century.
The Museum was opened in 1976 and is run entirely by volunteers. It is an Arts Council accredited museum and a member of the Wheels of Time initiative with other Kent museums.
Your visit can be enhanced by using our audio guide or accessing any of our interactive systems to gain further information on the exhibitions on display. You can also access information in our digital archive which features pictures about people, places and events.
At the heart of Tenterden stands St Mildred’s Church, a stunning medieval landmark with an imposing tower that defines the town’s skyline. Built over centuries from c.1180, the church continues to evolve, with recent improvements to heating, flooring, and lighting ensuring it remains a welcoming space for the community.
Nearby, St John the Baptist, Smallhythe, is a charming Tudor church built in the early 16th century, when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port. Constructed from imported Low Country bricks, it replaced an earlier chapel destroyed by fire in 1515. Next door is Smallhythe Place, home to the Dame Ellen Terry Museum.
To the north, St Michael’s Church dates to 1863 and was built in what was once the hamlet of Bird’s Isle. Designed by G.M. Hills, its reredos features a cross carefully placed in the wall due to the era’s restrictions on altar crosses. Recent additions, including kitchen and toilet facilities, have made this little-known gem even more welcoming.
Together, these three churches reflect the rich history and evolving heritage of Tenterden and its surrounding villages.
Tenterden’s Millennium Garden is a hidden gem within the centre of the High Street.
Accessed through the tall but narrow doorway located to the left of White Stuff, you can walk down the passage where John Mace rode his horse whilst still wearing his top hat back in the 1700’s to the quiet and tranquil Millennium Garden beyond.
Tenterden Town Council owns both the garden and Pebbles building, with a dedicated Maintenance Team who care and nurture both the flora and fauna in the garden.
Freedom Leisure, who operate Tenterden Leisure Centre, is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit charitable leisure and cultural trusts.
They operate over 120 leisure, cultural and entertainment venues across the UK. Their mission is to ‘improve lives through leisure’. They actively promote healthy lifestyles across the communities they serve.
Tenterden Leisure Centre provides high quality, affordable and accessible physical activity, mental health and social opportunities in local community facilities, including a 25m pool with wave machine, flume ride with exciting water features and shallow beach area for toddlers.
Kiln Field Nature Reserve is a haven of peace and tranquility. It covers an area of 1.8 hectares with trees, wild grasses, flowers and wildlife. The woodland has been thinned to allow in light and air and wildflowers have been planted on the advice of a wildflower consultant.
An accessible pond dipping platform made from recycled plastic has been installed, reached by a gravel footpath. Bat boxes and owl boxes have been installed to encourage and nurture wildlife. Alder trees and Hazel trees have been planted to establish a coppiced area synonymous with Kent Woodlands.
Please note there is no parking at Kiln Field. Visitors are advised to use the parking facilities in the town and take the path from behind the Leisure Centre.
Tenterden Town Hall is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1790s, and was commissioned after the original court hall was destroyed by fire in 1661. Today it is an important High Street landmark and symbol of the town’s heritage and community spirit.
The Georgian Assembly Room is a beautiful spacious room, with minstrel’s gallery, art collection, list of Bailiffs and Mayors dating back to 1449 and splendid balcony overlooking the historic and bustling High Street.
While the elegant Mayor’s Parlour is perfect for small weddings and civil partnerships, the Assembly Room is the ideal location for larger events.
The Town Hall in addition, hosts the Town Councils advisory and support services as well as community events through the year.
The Town Hall can be contacted by telephone 01580 762 271 or by email: townhall@tenterdentowncouncil.gov.uk.
Set in the grounds of Homewood School, Tenterden, in the heart of the Weald of Kent, The Sinden’s intimate 290-seat venue boasts a programme of performances and events that are sure to leave you feeling awestruck. Opened in 2004, the venue is named after its patron, actor and former local resident, the late Sir Donald Sinden CBE.
The Sinden provides a wide range of performances and entertainment for all to enjoy – from throwbacks to your favourite era of music to the annual Christmas family pantomime, as well as hosting regular school productions and events.
The Sinden bar is open during every event serving local beers, wine and spirits, as well as sweet and savoury snacks. Taywell’s ice cream is also stocked in a range of scrummy flavours and is served during the intervals of every performance. Parking onsite is completely free, with blue badge holders given access to park directly outside of the theatre foyer.
In addition to the large green area for multi-use, St. Michaels Recreation Ground offers a play park, public toilets and a half pipe ramp. The area is owned and maintained by Tenterden Town Council.
St. Michaels Recreation Ground is located in the centre of the village of St. Michaels, opposite the petrol station. There is no parking available onsite, however, there is on-street parking available in nearby residential areas.
Built in the early 16th-century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port, Smallhythe Place was later purchased by renowned Victorian actress, Ellen Terry, in 1899.
A year after her passing in 1928 her daughter, Edith Craig, transformed the house into a museum which now displays a fascinating personal and theatrical collection that reflects Ellen’s extraordinary career and unconventional private life.
Chapel Down, England’s leading wine producer, is renowned for its award-winning range of sparkling and still wines.
Located in Kent, the heart of the Garden of England, the estate produces high-quality wines that showcase the best of English winemaking. The winery offers guided tours and experiences, making it a popular destination for visitors.
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Bus Stop
Charging Point
Toilets
Cycle Parking
Parking
Doctors Surgery
Tenterden Gateway - Tourist Information and Library
