Tenterden is situated in the Weald of Kent on the A28 between Ashford and Hastings with Maidstone to the north and Rye to the south. Ashford 12 miles, Hastings 20miles, Maidstone 18 miles and Rye 11 miles. For foreign visitors 25 miles from the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone and 35 miles from Dover.
The tree lined high street is very pretty and attracts many visitors. The many antique shops are particularly popular and The Kent and East Sussex Railway which runs between Tenterden and Bodium is a must for steam engine fans. St. Mildred's Church which dates from the 12th Century is located behind the High Street.
Tenterden started as a centre for the wool trade in the 13th Century when it had access to the sea at nearby Smallhythe. At that time the Weald of Kent was mainly forested and the wood was used in the local ship building industry. In 1449 Tenterden was incorporated into the Confederation of Cinque Ports attached to Rye. Over time the sea receeded leaving behind the Romney marshes which were subsequently drained leaving the town some ten miles from the sea.