Historic Biddenden is a picturesque village in the county of Kent. According to legend, it is named after the Biddenden Maids, twin sisters born in 1100 that were joined at the shoulders and hips. Biddenden All Saints church, dating back to the 13th Century and likely built on the site of a Saxon church, impressively heads the main street that is lined with Flemish clothworkers' cottages from the reign of Edward III. It is a pretty village with a growing reputation for local produce and excellent food. One-star Michelin restaurant, The West House, puts Biddenden on the map for fine diners, but for those wanting more casual fare, there is the Bake House café which serves tasty lunches and traditional tea and cakes. Nearby, the Heritage Garden Kitchen run by Amy & Dan is a real find for lazy brunches and it sits within Bloomsburys, the lifestyle, yoga and wellness hub.

For wine enthusiasts, nearby Biddenden Vineyard holds cellar-door tastings and you can walk the estate to take in the fantastic views. Towards Staplehurst, just 10 minutes drive away, Balfour winery at Hush Heath will draw you into its American-style tasting rooms, all glass and steel, with sophisticated English cheese platters to accompany the English whites, sparkling and reds.

There are many characterful ‘proper’ English pubs serving outstanding food and craft or local beers in the vicinity. The Three Chimneys at Biddenden comes highly recommended for its atmosphere and excellent food. The Milk House in Sissinghurst is another popular destination.

As well as the many local walks in the surrounding countryside, you can bike, hike or just amble around Bedgebury Forest, which is just a 15-minute drive away in Goudhurst, or Hemsted Forest, which is just an 11-minute drive. Plenty to see for garden lovers, with the National Trust’s Sissinghurst Castle Garden, nearby Hole Park, with its delightful valley of bluebells and wild garlic in the spring, and the famous Great Dixter house and gardens, to name just a few.

Culture, castles and history in every direction and mostly within a 40-minute drive. Historic towns, such as Tenterden, and Cranbrook which ha the tallest smock windmill in the UK. The Kent and Sussex Steam Railway is less than 5 miles drive and will transport you to Bodiam Castle. A Little further afield is Leeds Castle with its wonderful moat and many attractions for all. Scotney Castle, another National Trust treasure is not far and a stone's throw from Bewl Water, another great destination for hikers and bikers. Or perhaps a trip to the seaside, to the ancient town of Rye with its almost vertical cobbled streets. Game of golf? Sir Nick Faldo's signature golf course, Charts Hill, is just around the corner. We could go on. You'd best come and visit and see for yourself.