It’s not just wineries the area is known for, Ashford’s rolling countryside boasts some remarkable culinary credentials, with hop gardens and an abundance of orchards perfectly complementing the vineyards. Take guided tours of Hukins Hops in Tenterden and see how Kentish hops are grown, before settling in for your own brew and stay experience at the adjacent McCanns Brewery.

Taste freshly pressed cider from Nightingale Cider Company and Biddenden Vineyard, try award-winning beers and local produce at The Curious Brewery, or head to historic Chilham Village for The Tudor Peacock, a Kentish Wine Tasting Room in the village square. Ashford’s sensational tipples are best served with the area’s local produce, so visits to its many gastro pubs and farm shops are a must.

Vineyard visits and foodie days out are perfectly rounded off with visits to some of Ashford and Tenterden’s top attractions, so don those exploring boots and choose from days out across the area. In the vibrant town of Ashford you’ll find Ashford Designer Outlet, home to over 100 big name designer brands and Europe’s largest living wall. While just outside the town, you’ll find a green haven and astonishing Jacobean manor at Godinton House and Gardens.

Known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, Tenterden is that picture-perfect English country town with a historic church at its heart, independent shops and quirky cafes, perfect for sitting and watching the world go by. Here you can hop aboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway steam train, and even treat yourself to luxury dining aboard the Wealden Belle or escape to the beauty of Hole Park’s gorgeous parkland just outside the town. Just a stone’s throw from Chapel Down, the National Trust’s Smallhythe Place tells the tale of actress Ellen Terry’s theatrical life and Smallhythe’s former role as a thriving shipbuilding port.

No stay is complete without the perfect accommodation, and Ashford has just that, boasting getaways to oast houses, country cottages, luxury hotels and even vineyard stays at the likes of Brabourne Vineyard, Biddenden Vineyard and Oxney Estate.

Digital detoxers and star gazers will love Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts for their unique setting beneath some of the darkest skies in the South East, not to mention those luxury touches and beautiful views. Relaxation-seekers can settle in for spa treatments and rural stays in the conservation and well-being focused Green Farm. Luxe lovers are truly spoiled with the likes of Boys Hall, a beautifully restored and award-winning manor house with its very own restaurant and boutique suites, and Eastwell Manor, with its Champneys Spa. Nature enthusiasts will be inspired by Frasers' idyllic rural location, stylish bedrooms and impressive sustainable credentials. While those on the go will find the perfect location at the new Hampton by Hilton Ashford International, just a few minutes’ walk from Ashford International Station.

With travel links from London and beyond, getting to Ashford couldn’t be easier. Travelling by train is made simple with Southeastern and High Speed rail links from St Pancras to Ashford International, so you could be in the heart of Ashford in as little as 38 minutes. If you’re travelling by car, Ashford is well-connected from London and beyond with M20 junctions eight and nine taking you into the heart of Ashford town, and the A28 connecting you to the town of Tenterden.

If you arrive by train, you’ll find train stations across the region, with Southeastern services taking you from town to countryside in just a matter of minutes. From here, be sure to pre-book a taxi to your chosen winery or tour the vineyards by bike with UK Electric Bike Centre, which offers electric bike rental through the Ashford countryside.

For a vineyard break without the designated driver, let Wine Tours of Kent lead you through the Ashford countryside on a guided tour of some of the area’s award-winning vineyards, with everything from the transport to the accommodation taken care of. Or craft the perfect team-building experience with Opulence Bespoke Wine Experiences, which are specifically tailored for corporate hospitality. However you travel, we encourage you to drink responsibly and plan ahead by booking transport or nominating a designated driver.

Just a taste - Discover Ashford's vineyards by train with Southeastern

With High Speed Southeastern train services you could visit a vineyard, enjoy a wine tasting and indulge in sumptuous Kentish food all in just one day, with no need for a designated driver

Wine, vines and a truly historic short break

Three days of vineyard views, wine tasting, luxury accommodation and gorgeous Wealden towns await.

Wining, dining and picture-perfect stays

There are many things that make Ashford the perfect wine growing region, and many more things that make it an exceptional staycation destination! Allow us to inspire your foodie escape.

Ham Street Wines

With nature at the heart of everything they do, Ham Street Wines is proud to produce exceptional natural wines. As a biodynamic vineyard and winery, Ham Street Wines farms with nature to produce chemical and additive free wines, offering visitors the chance to learn about their wines and vines at specially booked appointments.

Fun fact: Ham Street Wines is the biggest natural wine producer in Kent

Harbourne Vineyard

Set in High Halden, the boutique vineyard of Harbourne Vineyard has been making fine English wine for more than 40 years. With plenty of exciting events and changes on the cards, including tours, tastings and sales, this vineyard is one to keep on the must-visit list.

Don’t miss: Luxury glamping in the vineyard soon to be on offer

Penstock Estate Vineyard

With an eye for innovation, the first plantings in 2017 were the 3 Fizz varieties, on a chalky mixture of Wealden clay set in the diverse landscape of the Kent Downs.
Our wines are an expression of the land on which we live, and look after here in Kent, The Garden of England.

Fun fact: The first plantings were the three fizz varieties in 2017