The Tonbridge and Malling Borough spans from the North Downs at Burham and Snodland in the north to the town of Tonbridge in the south. The River Medway meanders northeast through the borough, heading towards the Medway Gap. Predominantly agricultural, the borough boasts orchards and livestock, yet its villages remain well-connected due to nearby railways and motorways, facilitating easy commutes. Beltring stands as a testament to the historic hop-growing industry, now a tourist destination offering Dray rides with Shire horses in the Animal Village and hop-picking history at the interactive Hop Story Museum. The East Malling Research Station shares insights from research on horticultural crops, focusing on fruits, hops, and nursery stocks. West Malling, a medieval town adorned with Elizabethan, Jacobean, Queen Anne, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, centers around St Mary’s Abbey, home to Benedictine Nuns. Surrounded by the picturesque Kent countryside, Manor Park, and Lake, the town thrives with historic pubs, excellent eateries, and distinctive shops, earning the title of Kent Rural Community of the Year 2012. Tonbridge, the heart of Kentish life, is a bustling market town dating back to the Middle Ages. Alongside the River Medway, it features an 11th-century castle, a prime example of a motte-and-bailey gatehouse, where audio tours and interactive displays animate the rich history of Kent.
For more information have a look at the Visit Kent website for Tonbridge and Malling.
Image courtesy of Visit Kent.