Magic happens when contrasts combine which is certainly the case for Ashford and Tenterden. Here, the modern meets ancient, chic meets quaint, towns meet Downs.

Ashford is just 38 minutes from London on the High speed train, making it an innovative town with an exciting, contemporary feel. A huge discount designer outlet makes it a serious shopping hotspot, and great cafes and restaurants provide plenty of places to indulge.

Idyllic Tenterden is the perfect counterpoint to its sister town. With a profusion of ancient buildings framing tree-lined greens and unique shops bordering quaint lanes. Tenterden provides plenty of calm yet thriving spaces to explore. Replete with antiques, books and gifts.

Encircling both towns are strings of enchanting villages overflowing with rural charm. This is pure Darling Buds of May countryside. Here, Weald of Kent can be seen stretching right up into the dramatic North Downs and beyond, dotted with oast houses, hop fields, vineyards and orchards and giving way to glittering sea.