Welcome to Ashford and Tenterden
With so much to see, find, taste and try in Ashford, Tenterden and the surrounding area, a little forward planning can help to make the most of your visit. Whether it's a relaxing stay in the beautiful countryside, a fun-filled activity break or even a little indulgence, we can point you in the right direction!
Tourist Information
In Ashford, you can visit Ashford Gateway Plus for information about the town centre. You can also contact the tourism team by calling 01233 330383 or emailing tourism@ashford.gov.uk if you have any questions about your visit.
In Tenterden, the Town Hall in the High Street is home to more tourist information - this time in the form of racks of brochures, where to stay and what's on information. Self-help computer terminals are also available and provide a wealth of information on the area. The Kent & East Sussex Railway also stocks plenty of leaflets.
Travelling by public transport
With superb motorway, road and rail connections, Ashford and Tenterden’s position makes it a springboard for some of Kent's best sights. Canterbury, Leeds Castle, Dover and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens are all close by and London is only 38 minutes away by train!
Ashford has a comprehensive network of bus routes connecting you with Tenterden, Canterbury, Folkestone, Maidstone, and the villages such as Wye, Chilham, Hamstreet, allowing you to make the most of your visit while remaining car-free.
These routes are mainly operated by Stagecoach, who offer a ‘Dayrider' ticket - ideal for exploring the area - allowing you unlimited hop-on / hop-off access to any Stagecoach bus in Ashford all day long. If you're planning a longer stay then you may prefer the 'Megarider' which can cover you for a week or longer. Concessionary bus passes are also valid on all services. Restrictions may apply.
For more details on fares and timetables and planning your journey by bus contact Stagecoach Buses.
Travelling by train is easy and hassle free with great services running from Ashford International Station to a great variety of places. London is a great choice reachable in only 38 minutes on the high speed train to St Pancras. You can also travel easily to Canterbury, Maidstone, Dover and Folkestone, to name a few. Useful sites for planning your train journey and booking tickets, The Trainline and National Rail Enquires.
Traveline is also a very useful tool in planning your journey on public transport showing all possible options for travel, including detailed timetables.
If you prefer to travel by taxi, you can find them parked at The Ashford International Rail Station.
If you're looking for electric car charging points you'll find a full list here https://www.zap-map.com/live/
Travelling by car and coach
If you are travelling by car, there is free car parking in some Ashford Borough Council car parks after 3pm and on Sundays in Ashford; and at Bridewell Lane car park in Tenterden. Please visit the Ashford Borough Council website for further details.
Bookings for car hire are made directly with the company online or over the phone. Some recommendations are below:
• Avis - 0344 5448704
• Thrifty - 0333 332 1222
• Enterprise - 01233 722000
• Sixt - 0844 499 3399
• Kenhire - 01233 622991
• A.S.H - 01233 626407
• Nationwide UK - 0808 1683 999
For groups visiting Tenterden, coach parking is located in Station Road (east side) just off the High Street and will be available from April until the end of October. Terms and conditions apply. Find out more information.
