Local news
The latest news, openings and updates from around Tenterden.
AI illustrationKent & East Sussex Railway's new youth programme marks its first graduation at Tenterden Town Station
The Kent & East Sussex Railway recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of its inaugural cohort from its new youth programme. The ceremony took place at Tenterden Town Statio…
26 August 2026
AI illustrationKent & East Sussex Railway celebrates first graduates of new youth programme
A significant milestone was celebrated recently at Tenterden Town Station, where the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosted a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of its new youth programme. The eve…
26 August 2026
AI illustrationWater returning after 1,800 properties affected
Residents of Tenterden and the surrounding areas are beginning to see the restoration of their water supply after a recent disruption that affected approximately 1,800 properties in the nearby Bene…
20 August 2026
File photoGoodwood Road Racing Club members to display vintage vehicles at Tenterden station
On Sunday, 23 August, Tenterden Town Station will be host to a delightful showcase of vintage vehicles, as members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club visit the historic site. This event promises to b…
20 August 2026
File photoKent & East Sussex Railway to host signed-book event featuring Terrier locomotive Knowle
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is set to host an engaging book-signing event at Tenterden Town Station, providing a unique opportunity for railway enthusiasts and book lovers alike. Scheduled for S…
20 August 2026
AI illustrationOver 2,000 properties still facing water disruption
Residents in Tenterden and the surrounding areas are currently facing significant water supply disruptions, with South East Water reporting that over 2,000 properties are affected. The utility comp…
19 August 2026
AI illustrationFour-day Wilderness Gathering returns to Hole Park in Rolvenden
The Wilderness Gathering is set to return to Hole Park in Rolvenden this August, promising an exciting four-day experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Running from Thursday, 20 Augu…
19 August 2026
File photoWater supply restored to 7,600 properties, firm says
Residents in Tenterden can breathe a sigh of relief as water supply issues affecting a significant number of homes in the surrounding areas have been resolved. After a recent disruption, South East…
18 August 2026
AI illustrationKent & East Sussex Railway launches new ‘Bricks on the Move’ family experience
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has unveiled an exciting new family experience, “Bricks on the Move,” designed to engage young minds and inspire creativity in a fun and interactive way. This…
18 August 2026
File photoTenterden Wildlife awarded £8,200 for local nature recovery work
Tenterden Wildlife has recently received a significant boost in funding, amounting to £8,200 from The National Lottery Community Fund, aimed at enhancing local biodiversity through its Local Nature…
16 August 2026
File photoKent & East Sussex Railway extends diesel-only service indefinitely as fire risk outlasts August 7 deadline
The Kent & East Sussex Railway, a cherished attraction for residents and visitors alike, has announced an indefinite extension of its diesel-only service due to ongoing fire risks in the region. In…
16 August 2026
File photoGrand Reopening Event Held at Tenterden Town Hall
The Tenterden community came together recently to celebrate the grand reopening of the Town Hall, a central hub for local activities and events. This occasion marked the culmination of significant…
15 August 2026
AI illustrationAppledore Book Festival seeks volunteers for its September programme
The Appledore Book Festival is set to return for an exciting 10-day programme from 18 to 27 September 2026, and the organisers are extending an invitation to members of the Tenterden community to j…
15 August 2026
AI illustrationSouth East Water cuts supply to almost 1,400 homes in Benenden, Cranbrook and Rolvenden
Residents in the Tenterden area experienced significant water supply disruptions on Friday, 15 August 2026, affecting nearly 1,400 homes across the neighbouring villages of Benenden, Cranbrook, and…
15 August 2026
AI illustrationNew chair takes the reins as Biddenden Tractorfest returns this weekend
Biddenden Tractorfest is gearing up for its much-anticipated return this weekend, with new leadership at the helm. Taking place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026 at Holden Farm, located on S…
13 August 2026
AI illustrationProposed holiday let submitted for upper floors of listed Tenterden High Street building
Plans have been put forward for a holiday let at a prominent building on Tenterden’s High Street. Ashford Borough Council has recently published two planning applications related to 32 High Street,…
13 August 2026
AI illustrationMurder mystery evenings aboard Kent & East Sussex Railway sell out — fifth date added for September
The Kent and East Sussex Railway has announced a fifth date for its popular Murder Mystery evening after all four original performances sold out, with the additional event scheduled for Friday 19 S…
12 August 2026
AI illustrationTenterden festival promoter GCE Live enters administration after Heritage Live cancellations
Giles Cooper Entertainment Limited, known as GCE Live, has recently entered administration, marking a significant change for the Tenterden-based company. The firm, which has been a key player in pr…
11 August 2026
AI illustrationCancer Research UK charity shop on Tenterden High Street set to close at end of August
The Cancer Research UK charity shop located at 17 High Street in Tenterden is set to close its doors for the final time on 30 August 2026. This closure marks another shift in the ever-evolving land…
11 August 2026
AI illustrationSaddle up for a rootin' tootin' open afternoon at St Michael's Care!
St Michael's Care, a well-respected care home located in Westgate-on-Sea, is set to host an engaging open afternoon themed around the lively spirit of country and western culture. This event promis…
10 August 2026
File photoAll-day folk song and music session to keep Tenterden Folk Festival legacy alive on 3 October
An All Day Folk Song and Music Session is set to take place in Tenterden on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at The Tenterden Club. Running from 11:30am to 10:30pm, this event is designed to celebrate and…
9 August 2026
File photoStaff at Homewood School, Tenterden, confirm strike action over redundancies
Teachers and staff at Homewood School in Tenterden are set to take strike action following the announcement of redundancies at the school, which is known as Kent's largest educational institution.…
9 August 2026
AI illustrationTenterden-area farm shop and café plans new extension as demand grows
The owners of a well-loved farm shop and café in the Tenterden area have announced plans to expand their establishment in response to increasing customer demand. The anticipated extension aims to e…
9 August 2026
AI illustrationSteam railway to host Hop Pickers, Craft and Country Fair weekend
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is set to host its annual Hop Pickers, Craft and Country Fair, a weekend event designed to celebrate the rich hop-picking heritage of the area alongside a showcase of…
6 August 2026
File photoTenterden Town Hall set to reopen after major refurbishment
Tenterden Town Hall, a central fixture in the community, is undergoing significant refurbishment and is anticipated to reopen its doors in the summer of 2026. The renovation work aims to enhance th…
6 August 2026
AI illustrationAppledore Roadworks – update from KCC
Residents and visitors to Tenterden will be pleased to hear that there is an update regarding the ongoing roadworks on Appledore Road, overseen by Kent County Council (KCC). These works have been a…
4 August 2026
AI illustrationFear month-long road closure will hit businesses
Local businesses in Tenterden are expressing concerns over a planned month-long road closure that is set to impact Appledore Road. The closure, which will occur due to two separate highway and util…
4 August 2026
File photoTown Council & Ashford Borough Council Public Drop-in Sessions
Tenterden residents have a valuable opportunity to engage directly with local authorities in upcoming public drop-in sessions hosted by the Tenterden Town Council in collaboration with Ashford Boro…
3 August 2026
AI illustrationKent & East Sussex Railway runs diesel-only over fire risk as Terrier loco 'Knowle' goes on display at Tenterden
The Kent & East Sussex Railway, a cherished attraction for both locals and visitors, has recently made adjustments to its service in light of the current fire risk conditions. In a proactive measur…
3 August 2026
AI illustrationModel Railway Exhibition to run at Tenterden Town Station on 22 August
On Saturday, 22 August 2026, Tenterden Town Station will buzz with excitement as it hosts a Model Railway Exhibition, an event that promises to captivate both enthusiasts and families alike. The ex…
1 August 2026
AI illustrationWeald of Kent Steam and Country Show organisers reassure Woodchurch residents over wildfire fears
Organisers of the Weald of Kent Steam and Country Show, which is set to take place in Woodchurch near Ashford, have addressed concerns raised by local residents regarding the potential risk of wild…
31 July 2026
AI illustrationVintage bus rally to run at Tenterden Town Station on 9 August
On Sunday 9 August 2026, the picturesque Tenterden Town Station will transform into a hub of nostalgia as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts a Vintage Bus Rally. This exciting event promises to b…
30 July 2026
AI illustrationTenterden's Chapel Down reports 19% rise in sales as US expansion drives growth
Chapel Down, the renowned winemaker located in Tenterden, has experienced a notable increase in net sales revenue, reporting a 19% rise to £9.4 million in the first half of 2026. This performance m…
29 July 2026
AI illustrationTemporary 40mph limit on Rolvenden Road and Dingleden, Benenden, for Openreach pole works from 1 September 2026
Benenden Parish Council has announced the introduction of a temporary speed limit on Rolvenden Road and Dingleden, effective from 1 September 2026. This measure will see the current speed limit of…
26 July 2026
AI illustrationKent & East Sussex Railway advances 'Ready for Robertsbridge' plans to reconnect the line by 2028
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has made significant progress on its 'Ready for Robertsbridge' project, which aims to reconnect its heritage steam services to the national rail network by 20…
26 July 2026
AI illustrationA262 Tenterden Road, Biddenden to close for water pipe repair, 27-29 July 2026
Residents and visitors to Tenterden should be aware of upcoming roadworks that may impact travel plans. From 27 July to 29 July 2026, Kent County Council will close a section of the A262 Tenterden…
25 July 2026
AI illustrationTenterden's first-ever Public Space Protection Order approved to tackle antisocial behaviour
Tenterden has taken a significant step towards enhancing community safety with the approval of its first-ever Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This new measure aims to address various forms of…
24 July 2026
AI illustrationTenterden Schools Trust to explore new takeover as Homewood redundancy consultation continues
Tenterden Schools Trust (TST), which oversees Homewood School, the largest secondary school in Kent, has announced plans to explore a potential takeover by a larger educational trust. This developm…
22 July 2026
File photoAppledore Road, Tenterden to be resurfaced 20–30 August 2026 between East Hill and Collison Place
Residents and visitors of Tenterden should be aware that Appledore Road is scheduled to undergo resurfacing from 20 to 30 August 2026. The work will take place between East Hill and Collison Place…
19 July 2026
File photoOpenreach closures at Iden Green: Standen Street (21–22 July) and Mill Street (4–5 August 2026)
Residents and visitors to Iden Green, a charming area within the Benenden parish, should be aware of upcoming road closures as Openreach conducts essential utility and cabling works. The closures a…
18 July 2026
File photoHalden Lane, Benenden closed for Openreach pole works, 20–21 July 2026
Residents and visitors in the Tenterden area should be aware of an upcoming road closure on Halden Lane in nearby Benenden, which is set to take place from 20 to 21 July 2026. The closure will affe…
18 July 2026
File photoBenenden gas and road works: Walkhurst Road (until 3 August) and Cranbrook Road (from 14 July)
Residents and visitors to Benenden are advised of upcoming road closures due to essential gas and infrastructure works being carried out by SGN. The works on Walkhurst Road are set to commence on 1…
18 July 2026
File photoAppledore Road to close for streetlight trench works, 3–19 August 2026
Residents and visitors in Tenterden should be aware that Appledore Road will be closed for essential works from 3 to 19 August 2026. The closure is necessary to facilitate the installation of new s…
18 July 2026
File photoSwain Road in Tenterden to close for KCC drainage works, 27-29 July 2026
Residents and visitors in Tenterden should be aware of upcoming road closures on Swain Road due to essential drainage works being carried out by Kent County Council. The closure is scheduled to beg…
15 July 2026
File photoGoddards Green Road closed at East End near Benenden, affecting Benenden Hospital access
Goddards Green Road at East End is currently closed due to essential drainage and footway construction works being undertaken by Cottier Contracting. This closure affects the stretch of road from t…
15 July 2026
AI illustrationPoundstretcher opens in Tenterden High Street
Tenterden has a new addition to its High Street, with discount retailer Poundstretcher opening in the town for the first time on Friday 3 July 2026. The store has moved into the prominent unit at 9…
3 July 2026
AI illustrationNew shops and businesses open across Tenterden
Tenterden's High Street and surrounding streets have welcomed a fresh wave of new businesses through 2026, adding to the town's already varied mix of independent shops and services. Among the new a…
30 April 2026
AI illustrationThe Original Factory Shop closes in Tenterden
One of Tenterden's familiar High Street names has closed its doors, with The Original Factory Shop holding its final day of trading on Saturday 28 March 2026. The store had occupied the large unit…
28 March 2026