The town lies mid-way between Maidstone and Hastings in the Weald of Kent. The population of the parish is approximately 6700. It is notable for its many medieval buildings, the 14th century Grade 1 Listed Hall House in the north of the town and the 15th century Cloth Hall amongst others. Another noted landmark is the Union Mill Windmill, built in 1814 and still in working order. Cranbrook has many independent shops, bakers, butchers, antique stores, a small supermarket and two farm shops, one within easy reach of the plot. The Weald Sports Centre has a sports hall, tennis courts and swimming pool and there are rugby and football clubs in the town. Nearby is the National Trust property Sissinghurst Castle Garden and the 300 acres of Angley Woods, with public access over tracks and trails. The award- winning Bedgebury Forest is run by Forestry England and offers walking, cycling and horse-riding trails, a café and many other amenities. The nearest railway station is at Staplehurst, some 6.5 miles from the town, on the South-Eastern mainline and 41 miles from London Charing Cross. Local schools include the outstanding Cranbrook state boarding school, Cranbrook Church of England Primary School, rated as Good by Ofsted and the independent Dulwich Preparatory School amongst others. Further shopping and leisure facilities are available at Tunbridge Wells, including a multiplex cinema and John Lewis.