Jules's Guidebook
Local eating and drinking
These are all places I know personally and am happy to recommend!
My favourite pub in Cranbrook, and voted the best pub in Kent by CAMRA 2022. Larkins Alehouse has a constantly changing smorgasbord of local beers and wine. Great service and a warm welcome. Courtyard garden. A small menu of snacks, but best of all you can bring in your takeaway food and it eat it there! Closes early so don't go too late in the evening. No TV, music, or slot machines. But great beer, wine and company.
Larkins' Alehouse
7 High StreetMy favourite pub in Cranbrook, and voted the best pub in Kent by CAMRA 2022. Larkins Alehouse has a constantly changing smorgasbord of local beers and wine. Great service and a warm welcome. Courtyard garden. A small menu of snacks, but best of all you can bring in your takeaway food and it eat it there! Closes early so don't go too late in the evening. No TV, music, or slot machines. But great beer, wine and company.
The Milk House is locally famous for its great pizzas - they're huge and delicious! The menu is good quality, standard pub fare, and it serves good local beers and wines.
There's a big pub garden with lots of tables, as well as a children's play area (there are plenty of quiet corners as well!). The pub has a car park and there's street parking if needed.
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Milk House
The StreetThe Milk House is locally famous for its great pizzas - they're huge and delicious! The menu is good quality, standard pub fare, and it serves good local beers and wines.
There's a big pub garden with lots of tables, as well as a children's play area (there are plenty of quiet corners as well!). The pub has a car park and there's street parking if needed.
One of my favourite haunts, The Three Chimneys is a popular gastro pub serving cask local beers and wines, and has a great menu. The food quality and service are excellent, and you can eat on the terrace, in the restaurant, or in the lovely pub garden. Beer lovers looking for an authentic Kentish pub should visit the saloon bar which hasn't changed for many years - no music or slot machines allowed. The lounge bar oozes traditional Kentish country charm. The clientele tends to be upmarket judging by the cars in the ample car park. Something for everyone! My recommendation is to book in advance to eat, especially for weekend dining. Located between Sissinghurst and Biddenden, postcode TN27 8LW.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Three Chimneys
One of my favourite haunts, The Three Chimneys is a popular gastro pub serving cask local beers and wines, and has a great menu. The food quality and service are excellent, and you can eat on the terrace, in the restaurant, or in the lovely pub garden. Beer lovers looking for an authentic Kentish pub should visit the saloon bar which hasn't changed for many years - no music or slot machines allowed. The lounge bar oozes traditional Kentish country charm. The clientele tends to be upmarket judging by the cars in the ample car park. Something for everyone! My recommendation is to book in advance to eat, especially for weekend dining. Located between Sissinghurst and Biddenden, postcode TN27 8LW.
The Woodcock is a cosy traditional Kentish pub in Iden Green, near Benenden, where you'll get a warm welcome from their excellent staff. There's a good menu of pub favourites plus some more adventurous dishes. It's close to public footpaths and popular with walkers. Great for Sunday lunch and real ales. Perfect for a romantic meal for two.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Woodcock Inn
Woodcock LaneThe Woodcock is a cosy traditional Kentish pub in Iden Green, near Benenden, where you'll get a warm welcome from their excellent staff. There's a good menu of pub favourites plus some more adventurous dishes. It's close to public footpaths and popular with walkers. Great for Sunday lunch and real ales. Perfect for a romantic meal for two.
Frankie's is a perfect spot for lunch, with a menu of high quality, home made food with plenty of choice for vegetarians. I love their signature dish, quiche lorraine with salad. Lots of space to eat outside if the weather is good. There's a children's menu and dog's are welcome. You'll find it well off the beaten track near Staplehurst.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Frankies Farmshop
Clapper LaneFrankie's is a perfect spot for lunch, with a menu of high quality, home made food with plenty of choice for vegetarians. I love their signature dish, quiche lorraine with salad. Lots of space to eat outside if the weather is good. There's a children's menu and dog's are welcome. You'll find it well off the beaten track near Staplehurst.
A new restaurant in town serving Greek mezze for lunch and a longer menu of Greek authentic dishes for dinner - and just a stone's throw away in Stone Street! If it takes you five minutes to walk to Kypseli, then you're a slow walker.
There's a lovely terrace at the back for eating al fresco, and an incredible array of desserts on show on the way in, you could go straight to pudding if you wanted to...
Kypseli Greek Tavern, Deli, Patisserie, Barista & Wine Bar
15 Stone StreetA new restaurant in town serving Greek mezze for lunch and a longer menu of Greek authentic dishes for dinner - and just a stone's throw away in Stone Street! If it takes you five minutes to walk to Kypseli, then you're a slow walker.
There's a lovely terrace at the back for eating al fresco, and an incredible array of desserts on show on the way in, you could go straight to pudding if you wanted to...
Amber is the owner of Arthur's cafe, named after her dog, so dogs are all welcome.
Serves good coffee and snacks, and has a secret garden to the rear if you fancy some fresh air. It's in Stone Street, on the way to the St Dunstan's Church, three minutes walk max.
Arthur’s, Cranbrook
11-13 Stone StreetAmber is the owner of Arthur's cafe, named after her dog, so dogs are all welcome.
Serves good coffee and snacks, and has a secret garden to the rear if you fancy some fresh air. It's in Stone Street, on the way to the St Dunstan's Church, three minutes walk max.
Lovely tea shop selling homemade cakes, tea, coffee and great milkshakes. It's the nearest coffee shop to the Apartment, in Stone Street. It's a cut above your standard tea shop.
The Wendy House
27 Stone StLovely tea shop selling homemade cakes, tea, coffee and great milkshakes. It's the nearest coffee shop to the Apartment, in Stone Street. It's a cut above your standard tea shop.
This place is tucked away off the High Street, next door to Hammond's the Optician. Nicely cooked homemade meals and snacks, with a lovely sun terrace at the back. Serves a great full English Breakfast.
Food for Thought
19-20 The GrnThis place is tucked away off the High Street, next door to Hammond's the Optician. Nicely cooked homemade meals and snacks, with a lovely sun terrace at the back. Serves a great full English Breakfast.
The Jumeira has recently opened on Cranbrook High Street, to rave reviews from local diners. Although the menu is familiar, the produce, cooking and presentation are high quality. I'd suggest booking a table as it has become very popular, or you can order takeaway and as it is just a three minutes walk from the Apartment it will still be piping hot when you get back (10% discount for takeaway orders).
Jumeira Indian Restaurant
The Jumeira has recently opened on Cranbrook High Street, to rave reviews from local diners. Although the menu is familiar, the produce, cooking and presentation are high quality. I'd suggest booking a table as it has become very popular, or you can order takeaway and as it is just a three minutes walk from the Apartment it will still be piping hot when you get back (10% discount for takeaway orders).
In the centre of Cranbrook stands The George Hotel, conveniently located just a two minute walk away from the Apartment. Records show there's been a pub on the site of The George since the 13th century. It has two bars and a dining room, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as bar snacks. The menu is standard pub fare of good quality, I'd recommend booking a table at popular times, otherwise you can walk-in. The beer is from England's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, and you can choose from hand pulled beer or fizzy lager. The Cranbrook Bar is smaller and quieter, but has a TV (not always on). There's live music in the Main Bar from time to time. You can also sit at a pavement table outside to watch the world go by, or try the patio at the back when the sun moves around.
George Hotel
Stone StreetIn the centre of Cranbrook stands The George Hotel, conveniently located just a two minute walk away from the Apartment. Records show there's been a pub on the site of The George since the 13th century. It has two bars and a dining room, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as bar snacks. The menu is standard pub fare of good quality, I'd recommend booking a table at popular times, otherwise you can walk-in. The beer is from England's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, and you can choose from hand pulled beer or fizzy lager. The Cranbrook Bar is smaller and quieter, but has a TV (not always on). There's live music in the Main Bar from time to time. You can also sit at a pavement table outside to watch the world go by, or try the patio at the back when the sun moves around.
The Great House combines history with modern tastes, with a contemporary menu and chi-chi decor within a building dating back to the 16 century, when it was a smugglers den. It has a lovely patio for outdoor eating, and I've always found the service to be good. Cocktail happy hour is weekdays from 3 - 6 pm! Just 3.5 miles away so it's less than a 10 minute drive. Postcode TN18 5EJ.
Combine it with a trip to the fantastic Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst.
37 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Great House
The Great House combines history with modern tastes, with a contemporary menu and chi-chi decor within a building dating back to the 16 century, when it was a smugglers den. It has a lovely patio for outdoor eating, and I've always found the service to be good. Cocktail happy hour is weekdays from 3 - 6 pm! Just 3.5 miles away so it's less than a 10 minute drive. Postcode TN18 5EJ.
Combine it with a trip to the fantastic Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst.
Sightseeing
Rye was a cinque port, a fortress town built on a hill to defend England from foreign invasion. It's now a lively and picturesque place full of quaint buildings, and great places to eat and shop.
388 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rye
Rye was a cinque port, a fortress town built on a hill to defend England from foreign invasion. It's now a lively and picturesque place full of quaint buildings, and great places to eat and shop.
Great for cycling, dog walks and birdwatching, start at Rye Harbour (not in Rye town), then follow the River Rother out to sea, and the beach at Winchelsea.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (Winchelsea)
Great for cycling, dog walks and birdwatching, start at Rye Harbour (not in Rye town), then follow the River Rother out to sea, and the beach at Winchelsea.
A beautiful moated ruined castle on the edge of Romney Marsh, go by car or ride there on the steam train service from Tenterden. Take a picnic or have the cream tea in the National Trust tea shop. Or both!
276 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Castillo de Bodiam
A beautiful moated ruined castle on the edge of Romney Marsh, go by car or ride there on the steam train service from Tenterden. Take a picnic or have the cream tea in the National Trust tea shop. Or both!
Brilliant for adults and children, you can ride the steam trains or just enjoy the atmosphere at Tenterden Station. Famous for its Thomas the Tank Engine events, annual beer festival and other events all year round.
Tenterden's Old Dairy Brewery is nearby, I recommend a tasting there...
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ferrocarril de Kent y East Sussex
Station RoadBrilliant for adults and children, you can ride the steam trains or just enjoy the atmosphere at Tenterden Station. Famous for its Thomas the Tank Engine events, annual beer festival and other events all year round.
Tenterden's Old Dairy Brewery is nearby, I recommend a tasting there...
The home of Winston Churchill, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, oozes with history and atmosphere.
105 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Chartwell
Mapleton RoadThe home of Winston Churchill, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, oozes with history and atmosphere.
Cranbrook Union Windmill
Russells YardFrom the bedroom window you can see Union Mill, built in 1814 by the local Dobell family. It's the tallest smock mill in the UK and towers over the town. Opening times are limited from Easter until September, mostly on Saturdays and public holidays in the afternoon, check their website for details. It's well worth a visit, it's run entirely by volunteers and boasts great views of Cranbrook from the top deck. It's a working mill and you'll see the sails turn on special occasions. I recommend sensible shoes and a head for heights if you decide to visit - there are six floors to climb! It's an important landmark in Cranbrook and the town is proud of its connection with such an important part of our Kentish heritage.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cranbrook Union Windmill
Russells YardFrom the bedroom window you can see Union Mill, built in 1814 by the local Dobell family. It's the tallest smock mill in the UK and towers over the town. Opening times are limited from Easter until September, mostly on Saturdays and public holidays in the afternoon, check their website for details. It's well worth a visit, it's run entirely by volunteers and boasts great views of Cranbrook from the top deck. It's a working mill and you'll see the sails turn on special occasions. I recommend sensible shoes and a head for heights if you decide to visit - there are six floors to climb! It's an important landmark in Cranbrook and the town is proud of its connection with such an important part of our Kentish heritage.
Beach
Something for everyone - bucket and spade family fun, sand dunes, miles of open beach space, cool-looking beach houses, chips and tea at the Kit Kat Cafe. Park your car further along towards Lydd at Broomhill Sands if you want a quieter spot.
310 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Camber Sands
Something for everyone - bucket and spade family fun, sand dunes, miles of open beach space, cool-looking beach houses, chips and tea at the Kit Kat Cafe. Park your car further along towards Lydd at Broomhill Sands if you want a quieter spot.
Places to visit
Local places I've enjoyed visiting and am happy to recommend to you!
Tunbridge Wells offers everyday shopping as well as upmarket stores and great places to eat and drink.
Go to the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre for all the national shipping brands, including Fenwicks.
The High Street offers independent shops and eating chains such as Wagamama, and the wonderful Hoopers department store.
Further along you'll get to The Pantiles, the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. It hosts regular food and craft markets, as well as great restaurants - such as Sankey's and The Tunbridge Wells Hotel - and lots of pubs serving local beers. Hopefully we'll soon see the return of the very popular Thursday night jazz nights at the Bandstand on The Pantiles, which are free and create a fantastic open-air atmosphere.
150 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells offers everyday shopping as well as upmarket stores and great places to eat and drink.
Go to the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre for all the national shipping brands, including Fenwicks.
The High Street offers independent shops and eating chains such as Wagamama, and the wonderful Hoopers department store.
Further along you'll get to The Pantiles, the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. It hosts regular food and craft markets, as well as great restaurants - such as Sankey's and The Tunbridge Wells Hotel - and lots of pubs serving local beers. Hopefully we'll soon see the return of the very popular Thursday night jazz nights at the Bandstand on The Pantiles, which are free and create a fantastic open-air atmosphere.
A favourite haunt of mine, Tenterden is great for independent shops and foodies.
Recommended pubs - The Woolpack, The White Lion and The Vine, all serve good food and local beers and wine.
Recommended shops - Woodcock's for home accessories, The Rising Star for gifts and knick knacks, Webb's the best ironmongery store in the world, Judge's Bakery, County Clothes for men, Bond Street to High Street for designer vintage bags, Manor Row for interiors, Tenterden House Interiors for beautiful furniture - the list is endless! Plus Waitrose, Tesco, Boots, etc. Chapel Down Vineyard is nearby, as well as the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
108 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tenterden
A favourite haunt of mine, Tenterden is great for independent shops and foodies.
Recommended pubs - The Woolpack, The White Lion and The Vine, all serve good food and local beers and wine.
Recommended shops - Woodcock's for home accessories, The Rising Star for gifts and knick knacks, Webb's the best ironmongery store in the world, Judge's Bakery, County Clothes for men, Bond Street to High Street for designer vintage bags, Manor Row for interiors, Tenterden House Interiors for beautiful furniture - the list is endless! Plus Waitrose, Tesco, Boots, etc. Chapel Down Vineyard is nearby, as well as the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
Dungeness is a coastal landscape supporting a unique mixture of plants, wildlife and people who want to live in a bleak and also uplifting landscape. Which must be why it attracts many artists to live there in wooden houses dotted across the Marsh and the pebble beaches. The nuclear power station at Dungeness adds to the impact of the location.
Your lunch must be a visit to The Pilot pub for fish & chips.
120 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Dungeness
Dungeness is a coastal landscape supporting a unique mixture of plants, wildlife and people who want to live in a bleak and also uplifting landscape. Which must be why it attracts many artists to live there in wooden houses dotted across the Marsh and the pebble beaches. The nuclear power station at Dungeness adds to the impact of the location.
Your lunch must be a visit to The Pilot pub for fish & chips.
A perfect stop off for wine lovers, Chapel Down offers wine tours and tastings (book in advance), a well-stocked shop selling their wine and gin, and a good restaurant upstairs (again, booking in advance is recommended). Look out for special offers incorporating lunch, a wine tour, and a tutored tasting. Chapel Down is a must for anyone interested in the story of one of the most successful vineyards in England.
73 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tenterden Vineyard Park
Small Hythe RoadA perfect stop off for wine lovers, Chapel Down offers wine tours and tastings (book in advance), a well-stocked shop selling their wine and gin, and a good restaurant upstairs (again, booking in advance is recommended). Look out for special offers incorporating lunch, a wine tour, and a tutored tasting. Chapel Down is a must for anyone interested in the story of one of the most successful vineyards in England.
Canterbury is the only city in Kent. Anyone with a passing interest in English history or architecture couldn't fail to be impressed by the Cathedral and the city, with much of its original city walls and gates still intact. It oozes medieval history, and is best seen on foot after you've parked in one of the car parks that ring the city. I recommend booking entry to the Cathedral in advance on their website as it is not always open to the public, and visitor numbers are limited.
Canterbury also offers great shopping and places to eat and drink, and is one of those places where wandering around is well rewarded.
Catedral de Canterbury
Canterbury is the only city in Kent. Anyone with a passing interest in English history or architecture couldn't fail to be impressed by the Cathedral and the city, with much of its original city walls and gates still intact. It oozes medieval history, and is best seen on foot after you've parked in one of the car parks that ring the city. I recommend booking entry to the Cathedral in advance on their website as it is not always open to the public, and visitor numbers are limited.
Canterbury also offers great shopping and places to eat and drink, and is one of those places where wandering around is well rewarded.
City/town information
Essential services:
Dial 999 for the emergency services - police, fire & rescue and ambulance services.
Doctors - Cranbrook has three GP surgeries: The Crane Surgery 01580 712260 , Orchard End Surgery 01580 713622, The Old School House 01580 712476.
Dentists - BUPA Dental Care 01580 715786, Tanyard & Golding Dentist 01580 713230.
Opticians - Hammonds 01580 715008, Peter Jones 01580 712254.
Post Office - located inside the Welcome Store on the High Street.
Groceries - the Welcome Store on the High Street is open until 2100hrs most nights (not Sunday) and stocks all the essentials; the Coop is the town's main supermarket open until 2200hrs every night (not Sunday), located further along the High Street.
Banks - The Post Office, Lloyds, Nat West and Nationwide are all found on the High Street.
Churches - St. Dunstan's, Church of England, on the corner of the High Street and Stone Street; St Theodore's Catholic Church and the Congregational Church are also on the High Street.
31 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cranbrook
Essential services:
Dial 999 for the emergency services - police, fire & rescue and ambulance services.
Doctors - Cranbrook has three GP surgeries: The Crane Surgery 01580 712260 , Orchard End Surgery 01580 713622, The Old School House 01580 712476.
Dentists - BUPA Dental Care 01580 715786, Tanyard & Golding Dentist 01580 713230.
Opticians - Hammonds 01580 715008, Peter Jones 01580 712254.
Post Office - located inside the Welcome Store on the High Street.
Groceries - the Welcome Store on the High Street is open until 2100hrs most nights (not Sunday) and stocks all the essentials; the Coop is the town's main supermarket open until 2200hrs every night (not Sunday), located further along the High Street.
Banks - The Post Office, Lloyds, Nat West and Nationwide are all found on the High Street.
Churches - St. Dunstan's, Church of England, on the corner of the High Street and Stone Street; St Theodore's Catholic Church and the Congregational Church are also on the High Street.
Entertainment
Movie buffs will love the Kino at Hawkhurst. Heaven knows why there's an art house cinema in the middle of a small Kentish village, but there it is and we love it! There's an all day every day programme of classics, blockbusters and foreign language movies, as well as National Theatre Live events. Seating is comfortable with good legroom, and you can take in a glass of wine or beer from the well-stocked cafe/bar. In daytime, I'd suggest using the free car park further down the street past Tesco (you've found it if you can see the community recycling centre) or you can use Waitrose car park next door in the evening. Either way the Kino is a very civilised cinema experience, and less than a 15 minute drive away. Booking tickets online is recommended and you can choose your seats. No popcorn allowed! 😁 A pre or post movie drink in The Queen's Inn along the street would be a good choice.
Postcode TN18 4ET.
31 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Kino Hawkhurst
Rye RoadMovie buffs will love the Kino at Hawkhurst. Heaven knows why there's an art house cinema in the middle of a small Kentish village, but there it is and we love it! There's an all day every day programme of classics, blockbusters and foreign language movies, as well as National Theatre Live events. Seating is comfortable with good legroom, and you can take in a glass of wine or beer from the well-stocked cafe/bar. In daytime, I'd suggest using the free car park further down the street past Tesco (you've found it if you can see the community recycling centre) or you can use Waitrose car park next door in the evening. Either way the Kino is a very civilised cinema experience, and less than a 15 minute drive away. Booking tickets online is recommended and you can choose your seats. No popcorn allowed! 😁 A pre or post movie drink in The Queen's Inn along the street would be a good choice.
Postcode TN18 4ET.
Located at nearby Benenden School, Hemsted Park is a state of the art theatre for professional stage, dance, comedy and music productions. It hosts a full programme of events, and it's just a ten minute drive away. The seats are comfortable and all have great views. Check their website for details.
Hemsted Park
Located at nearby Benenden School, Hemsted Park is a state of the art theatre for professional stage, dance, comedy and music productions. It hosts a full programme of events, and it's just a ten minute drive away. The seats are comfortable and all have great views. Check their website for details.
The Queen’s Hall Theatre
Located less than a one minute walk away from the Apartment at Cranbrook School, the Queens Hall Theatre hosts professional and amateur shows all year round. Regular shows include the excellent Cranbrook Comedy Club, which attracts stand up comedy talent from near and far. Booking in advance is a must, check their website for details.
The Queen’s Hall Theatre
Located less than a one minute walk away from the Apartment at Cranbrook School, the Queens Hall Theatre hosts professional and amateur shows all year round. Regular shows include the excellent Cranbrook Comedy Club, which attracts stand up comedy talent from near and far. Booking in advance is a must, check their website for details.