Cranbrook

Cranbrook is only a 10 minute drive away from Bedgebury Camping.

The first thing that you will probably notice on visiting Cranbrook is its size; technically-speaking it is a town but has more of a village feel.

Cranbrook's high street is home to an eclectic mix of establishments including those selling antiques and 'bric a brac', gift shops, delis, a toy shop, a fine jewelers and a number of high quality fashion boutiques. There are also several high street banks, a post office and a well-stocked supermarket.

For those requiring light refreshment or something more substantial, there are a number of pubs, restaurants, coffee bars and tea rooms along the main high street or within easy reach on foot. The George Hotel & Brasserie sits majestically in Stone Street and legend has it that Queen Elizabeth 1 stayed there on her visit to the town in 1573

The name 'Cranbrook' is derived from the cranes that traditionally frequented the town's little stream and the crane is visible today in the town's emblem. Cranbrook is mentioned in the Domesday Monachorum in 1070 and it is thought that this is around the time it became more of a formal settlement. Surrounded by the pretty Kentish countryside, Cranbrook has an enchanting quality with its narrow 'olde worlde' street at one end of town and a mix of quaint weather-boarded buildings and grander, graceful architecture.

The north end of the town is dominated by an impressive Union Windmill, built in 1814, which is the second tallest surviving windmill in the British Isles. The windmill is open to the public on specific afternoons during the summer.

The Cranbrook Museum can be easily found along one of the side roads and has a number of interesting collections including one dedicated to the area's rural industry and agricultural history, birds and eggs, costumes and militaria to name but a few.

On the outskirts of town is The Weald Sports Centre and public swimming baths, which are worth a visit when the weather restricts outdoor activities.

There are several picturesque Walden villages within easy driving distance of Cranbrook, including Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Benenden and Biddenden all with their own unique charm. Don't forget to look out for a number of farm shops on the way to pick up local produce which, depending on the season, might include Kentish Cherries, Kentish Cob-nuts and locally grown orchard fruits.

If you would like to include a visit to Cranbrook in your short break or holiday in Kent and would like to be based nearby, why not consider staying at Bedgebury Camping. Bedgebury Camping can be found on the outskirts of Goudhurst, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.