When looking for an option for a UK staycation near-ish to London for my husband’s birthday, I stumbled across a review of this organic winery in Kent and I was sold. Set amongst over 70 acres of woodlands and rolling hills, and all a stone’s throw from Rye in East Sussex, Tillingham offers natural wine, seasonal food and stylish rooms. It’s part of a new generation of UK wineries, offering the chance for visitors to also stay over on site for a short-stay experience and so I booked us in for a night amongst the vines, in the hope to sample delicious local wine, experience beautiful views and enjoy farm-to-plate dining – all of which we experienced; and some!
Launched in 2018 by winemaker Ben Walgate, this organic vineyard and farm boasts 40,000 productive vines. The renovated farm buildings provide accommodation for visitors to stay and the barn-style restaurant serves unfussy, tasty food, much of which is sourced from the farm’s very own ingredients.
On arrival, Tillingham retains the feeling of a working farm with the architecture of the outbuildings subtly restored, but blends seamlessly with the buzz of an alfresco dining area; groups and couples giggling and chattering amongst themselves as they sample wine on the south-facing terrace by the restaurant, over looking over the stunning views of the sloping vines towards Rye (there’s even a glimpse of the sea in the distance!). This might not be Napa Valley or the hills of Santa Barbara, but as someone who had low expectations of what a UK vineyard might offer, on a sunny day in June this is a pretty sublime spot for wine tasting or a vineyard tour.
There are 11 bedrooms housed in the old hop barn, with cosy, mismatched furniture, comfortable beds and views over the beautiful grounds. Little touches such as fresh biscuits, Roberts radios and a wee dram in the bedroom for after dinner is a nice touch on arrival.
If you’re looking to take part in one of the Wine Tours, it’s £35 per head and they offer a few sessions a day; you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the vineyard and the winery and treated to samples of the various final products (the sparkling was a personal favourite). If you want to leave armed with some of your favourites, make sure you stop by the very aesthetically pleasing shop before you leave, selling wine and other branded products.
Dinner at Tillingham takes place up in the barn restaurant overlooking the vines. On a weekend throughout the summer months, you can also eat pizza outside in the converted Dutch barn. Before settling in for the 4 course taster menu, we took a stroll around and then settled in for a night of simple, elegant dishes all washed down with the local wines – there’s something quite special about tasting the produce that you know is grown directly on site.
After dinner, why not sit out on the deck with a glass of red before slipping under the covers of the super-comfortable beds in the rooms. This is a really lovely spot for a romantic getaway, but equally fun for a day out with a big group of friends – you can book in to stay, visit or attend one of Tillingham’s many events by checking out their website here.
Cheers! LMNH x
