Tonbridge Accommodation

Tonbridge Castle Tourist Guide Hop Farm Kent UK

Tonbridge boasts a selection of historic features including a 13th century motte and caste. Markets were held on Tonbridge's High Street as far back as 1259 and the River Medway flows right into this small Kent market town. Tonbridge Tourist Office sits within the central castle grounds.

You're well placed centrally in the pretty Kent Weald countryside here at Tonbridge, close to a number of top attractions including Hop Farm where you'll find Kent's largest collection of Victorian Oast hop drying houses, as well as a choice of surrounding Kent Weald gardens. Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Knole and Royal Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook are all within easy reach of central Tonbridge.

Featured Kent Accommodation

The Old Stables Holiday Cottage - Shipbourne

Well presented self catering holiday cottage in the beautiful Kent countryside close to Tonbridge. Pets by arrangement, families welcome. Two bedrooms, sleeps 4

£260 to £420 Per Week (Seasonal)

Tonbridge Castle Tours & Tourism

Considerable investment and effort has gone into the restoration of 13th century Tonbridge Castle in recent times to good effect. The gatehouse is one of Britain's fines, and you can tour it thoroughly inside and out thanks to recent workt. The fact that the Medway runs into Tonbridge is part of the reason a castle was built here and Tonbridge Castle began life as a simple motte and bailey structure. The Castle is Norman, and after William defeated Harold in the Battle of Hastings, land around Tonbridge was given to Richard Fitzgilbert to protect the crossing over the Medway.

For the history of Tonbridge Castle and detailed timeline checkout the castle's webguide right for details. Activities and events run particularly in the summer season. Surrounding the castle is 14 acres of stunning grounds, with ample space for picnics. Tonbridge Castle is a popular spot for weddings!

A selection of attractive short walks are easily accessed from the centre of Tonbridge, including Riverside Walks. For details see the Tonbridge Town Webguide. Cycle hire is also available within the town at Secret Garden Cycles, 5 Bank Street, Tonbridge, Kent. Tel. 00 44 (0)1732-500533.

Tonbridge Castle Tourist Information Centre, Council Offices, Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BG. Tel. 01732 770929.

Hop Farm near Tonbridge

Hop Farm just east of Tonbridge, alongside the Museum of Kent Life, is Kent's top rural farming museum, digging deep into the history of hop production within Kent. Once a working farm, Hop Farm covers 400 acres. A village of Oast Houses are on the site, the world's largest collection of Oast Houses in fact. As well as top family visitor attraction, Hop Farm is a popular venue for corporate events and weddings.

New play areas and attractions are being added for 2008 including play areas for younger children, a wax works museum and more exhibits. Childrens' attractions are already numerous, including indoor and outdoor play areas, an animal farm and pets petting area, resident shire horses, a pottery and craft area and the popular Tree Jumpers outdoor adventure centre with zip wires, climbing walls and The Leap of Faith - you leap 50ft onto a trapeze.

The new and improved Wax museum and Hops Interactive exhibit is a particular highlight, making Hop Farm one of Kent's most popular family attractions. A Oast House Tearoom, Country Kitchen restaurant and gift shop are all on-site.

The Hop Farm at the Kentish Oast Village, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY. Tel. 01622 872068.

Featured Kent Accommodation

The Old Stables Holiday Cottage - Shipbourne

Well presented self catering holiday cottage in the beautiful Kent countryside close to Tonbridge. Pets by arrangement, families welcome. Two bedrooms, sleeps 4

£260 to £420 Per Week (Seasonal)