Biddenden

Biddenden sits in the Wealden countryside between Cranbrook and Tenterden, a village built around a long green with a medieval church, a working vineyard 10 minutes' walk from the square, and hop-garden country in every direction. The place has not been configured for visitors; the vineyard is a working enterprise and the village is a functioning settlement.

Biddenden Vineyards, which has been producing wine, cider and fruit juice since 1969, is the main draw and the main reason to time a visit carefully. Guided tours run Wednesday to Saturday from May to September and include the winery as well as the vines. The shop is open year-round but the tours give access to the production side. The surrounding Wealden countryside -- hop gardens, orchards and ancient footpaths -- rewards a slow walk after the tasting; the footpath network connects Biddenden directly to the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

April to October is the productive window; June to September for tours and the vines in full leaf, October for the harvest season and Wealden autumn colour at its sharpest. Biddenden is most naturally combined with Sissinghurst (3 miles north) or Cranbrook (4 miles east) for a full Wealden day without doubling back.