Luxury self-catering accommodation in Cranbrook

A thriving cloth industry hub in the 14th century, Cranbrook's prosperity is still evident in its varied architecture. St Dunstan Church, affectionately called the "cathedral of the weald", is an impressive 74ft structure housing the prototype for London's Big Ben, while the Grade I-listed Union Mill is the tallest smock mill in the UK. Today, Cranbrook's creative spirit thrives, with art galleries showcasing local talent and live performances. Don't miss Pashley Manor Gardens, where imaginative plantings and a pretty moat meet a souvenir shop selling local honey, hand-painted ceramics, and tapestry cushions, while farm shops stock artisan sourdough, homemade pastries, local wine, and fresh blooms.

The town's pubs and restaurants benefit from the abundance of Kent produce including asparagus, oysters, whitebait, samphire, and marsh lamb, as well as a longstanding brewing tradition. Don't be surprised if you make friends in the local – visitors here are always welcomed with open arms. For a family-friendly trip, bundle little ones aboard a steam train at the Tenterden Railway, with its restored carriages and pretty views. Just three miles away, you'll find the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West, and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson. These stunning grounds are among the most visited in England, and for good reason.