Kent


<p>She founded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fionapenny.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiona Penny Bespoke Home Finders</a>&nbsp;16 years ago and knows both the housing industry and this area of the country inside out. So we asked property guru Fiona Penny to spill the beans on her favourite places south of Tunbridge Wells. Notepads at the ready!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-small-shop">Best small shop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89109" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/greenfinch-ticehurst-kent-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.greenfinchshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenfinch</a>, Ticehurst</h3>



<p>So much more than a gallery. Alongside artwork, jewellery and ceramics, they showcase an eclectic mix of local goodies such as sustainably made women’s clothing from Claire at The Makeshed and beautifully crafted lampshades and bases from Bloomsbury Revisited.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Pub</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89115" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-bell-in-ticehurst-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thebellinticehurst.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bell</a>, Ticehurst</h3>



<p>This quintessential Kentish village pub, originally a 16th&nbsp;Century coaching inn, sits in the centre of this picturesque village &#8211; complete with smoky beams, roaring winter fires, tasty seasonal food and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and those from further afield.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Interiors Shop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89112" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/ensor-interiors-kent-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://ensorinteriordesign.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ensor Interiors</a>, Frant</h3>



<p>They have been sourcing the best of UK and European home furnishings, furniture, lighting and fabrics for nearly 30 years. They combine this with professional and creative designers and what you have is a recipe for drool-worthy interior inspo. Visit their packed showroom in Frant, brimming with goodies to inspire you, and we guarantee you won&#8217;t be able to leave empty handed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Farm Shop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10046" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/05/4-Eggs-to-Apples-1-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eggstoapples.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eggs To Apples</a>, Hurst Green</h3>



<p>A family run business since the 1960’s, this is a truly fabulous &#8211; and friendly &#8211; farm shop selling the freshest local fruit and vegetables, alongside a butchery, a delicatessen, craft beers, English wines and gifts. It&#8217;s accessible too being just off the A21 but top that off with a lovely café that overlooks the countryside at the back! You&#8217;ll want to return again and again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Wellness</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89110" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/wild-iris-spa-flimwell-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.wildiris-spa.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Iris Spa</a>, Flimwell</h3>



<p>A tranquil, spa space overlooking 46 acres of ancient woodland at Flimwell Park but just off the A21 &#8211; yes, a real hidden gem. The focus here is very much on holistic therapies – natural and pure, but luxe at the same time. The relaxation room on the top floor, overlooking the trees, means there really is no rush to leave after your personalised and pampered treatments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Restaurant</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1.jpg" alt="Birchwood restaurant in East Sussex interior" class="wp-image-84050" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/Birchwood_091122_4_websize-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://birchwoodrestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birchwood</a>, Flimwell</h3>



<p>While you&#8217;re at Flimwell Park why not make a day of it? Birchwood is an elegant sustainable dining restaurant, sitting in magical 46-acres of birch, the second restaurant by one of Kent&#8217;s top chefs, Will Devlin. Sitting in the midst of the magical 46-acres of birch and chestnut trees, Birchwood is the second restaurant from iconic Chef Will Devlin and his brother Matt. Having started with The Small Holding in Kildown in Kent, which was awarded a coveted Michelin Green Star in 2022, this new venture maintains their farm to table ethos &#8211; with the produce being sourced locally or even foraged from the woods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Schools</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67480" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277-720x481.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/03/SacredHeart-277-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sacred Heart</a>, Wadhurst</h3>



<p>Ruled out an independent school education for your child because of the wallet-busting fees? This hidden gem of a school offers many of the bonus points of a prep without the usual price tag. SHS is a small mixed prep just south of Tunbridge Wells in Wadhurst, offering one-form entry throughout from 2 – 11 years old. Ranked in the top 50 of the&nbsp;<em>Sunday Times</em>&nbsp;Top 100 Prep Schools in 2022. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Hotel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89114" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-middle-house-mayfield-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.mhmayfield.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Middle House</a>, Mayfield</h3>



<p>There&#8217;s a lot to love about this Grade I listed Elizabethan architecture &#8211; think wattle &amp; daub, gorgeous old fireplaces and romantic four poster beds. They offer both excellent gastro pub type food or more casual bar dining &#8211; all cooked to order using locally produced food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Café</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89113" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/the-artful-grocer-wadhurst-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theartfulgrocerswadhurst/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Artful Grocer</a>, Wadhurst</h3>



<p>This is a fabulous greengrocers and delicatessen with a quirky indoor or outdoor café in the day time. It&#8217;s open for pre-booked weekend dinners in the evening and events such as their monthly Pop up Wine Bar. Another off-the-grid find.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Castle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/bodiam-castle-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bodium Castle</a>, Robertsbridge</h3>



<p>A striking, 14th&nbsp;century moated castle, built in 1385 by a knight of Edward III as a show of prestige and power and to defend the area against the French during the Hundred Year’s War. Now a ruin but still a very splendid ruin with a whole heap of history and fun days out for the kids &#8211; medieval armour, archery, jousting and medieval fairs&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Day Out</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park.jpg" alt="Bewl water aqua park" class="wp-image-75956" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/bewl-water-aqua-park-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.bewlwater.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bewl Water</a>, Lamberhurst</h3>



<p>The largest reservoir in the South East, surrounded by 800 acres of parkland, means a massive amount of family fun on or off the water: sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, windsurfing, walking, cycling and home to a huge inflatable Aqua Park in the warmer months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Gardens</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89116" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/pashley-manor-gardens-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.pashleymanorgardens.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pashley Manor</a>, Ticehurst</h3>



<p>Think 11 acres of stunning, award-winning gardens, established over generations of the same family, who have shared a love of the traditional English Country Garden.</p>



<p>Add to it a café with views from the terrace, a plant shop and a sculpture garden and you have all you need for a relaxing day out. A particularly hit with grandparents too.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.fionapenny.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiona Penny Bespoke Home Finders</a>&nbsp;is a property finding service that can help you find your dream property in Kent and East Sussex</em>.</p>


My Favourite Places with Fiona Penny: South of Tunbridge Wells

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