What is it?
A picturesque and seriously stylish working vineyard, hotel and set of restaurants in one, located around a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Rye, Kent. Tillingham is leading the way on the UK’s natural wine scene, and bottles of chardonnay, pinot blanc and pinot noirs are packaged up with quirky labels. Taste them on a tour or at the restaurants, then grab a few souvenir bottles from the shop.
Is it worth visiting?
If you’re heading to Rye and looking for a romantic and stylish place to spend the night with a more countryside setting, this could well be it. But it’s so much more than a place to sleep (and drink wine, of course).
There are two excellent restaurants: one is a more laid-back pizza barn, the second is a relaxed Michelin Green-awarded dining room with bare brick walls and vineyard views. The Sunday lunch is worth a pilgrimage here in itself, but three- to five-course weekday menus are also excellent. There are also daily vineyard tours (with all important tastings), so make an afternoon of it.
How many rooms are there?
There are 11 rooms located in the former hop barn – all dog-friendly but no kids under 10 are allowed. You can also book one of the cute bell tents for an overnight stay in spring or summer. It’s possible just to day trip here for 90-minute-long vineyard tours (£35pp, book ahead on the website) and lunch, but it’s a tranquil countryside setting for an overnight stay (check out the midweek and Sunday night deals)
How far is Tillingham wines from Rye?
It’s about a 15-minute drive in a taxi from Rye train station and it’s best to book your return taxi with a local firm in advance. Parking is available if you’re in your own car. There are no public transport options.
📍 Discover more of the UK’s best vineyards