Something very cool is coming to Ashford and Tenterden this summer and it involves lots of ice cream!

Sideways PR along with Love Ashford, Experience Tenterden and Ashford and Ashford and Tenterden Town Councils, this summer, bring a FREE ice cream trail to the region. The trail is part of a larger ‘Welcome Back’ government funded campaign that focuses on the importance of recognising, reviving and regenerating our high streets, following the impact of coronavirus.

Everyone is invited to take part in the trail and go in search of Whip and Loli, the fun summer mascots designed by local illustrator Tiny Beegle, who will be hiding with their special clues in the windows of shops, eateries and attractions along the way.

To start, participants will need to collect their map, or download from the Love Ashford or Experience Tenterden and Ashford website. The map (printed on both sides) will pinpoint locations across both towns, directing people to the hidden window stickers. For every window sticker and destination icon found, there will be letters to collect, the idea being to find all the letters to help solve the mystery ice cream anagram. Collect the clues and solve the puzzle correctly, and participants will be eligible for the Ice Cream Trail Grand Prize - a chance to win a fantastic bundle of local goodies worth over £300; including an afternoon tea, artisan hamper, pasta making workshop, vouchers, and much more!

Fabulous pinstops on the route include: Elwick Place’s Chill Lounge, a unique installation space perfect for selfies and a place to relax to the sounds of summer; Made in Ashford, Park Mall’s very own creative hub for local independent artists; Coachworks, Ashford’s go-to creative and cultural shared space; Coffee Shed in the beautiful Victoria Park; and Macknade’s newly expanded food hall and restaurant in Ashford. Whilst Tenterden’s trail will have pit stops for coffee and cake at The Latte Lounge; a family play space to burn off some energy at Spoonful of Sugar; follow the ‘lead’ to dogfriendly local fave Amy’s Pantry; uncover the history of Tenterden at Tenterden Museum and not forgetting the best gelato-makers in town – Bottega Montalbano! As well as a host of other places for you to discover and explore.

Launching on 31st July at Elwick Place’s Chill Lounge and on 1st August outside Bottega Montalbano in Tenterden, the first ‘trailers’ will not only get a beautifully illustrated trail map, they’ll also nab a limited edition Whip & Loli ‘Love Local, Love Ashford’ / ‘Think Local, Think Tenterden’ ice cream tote bag, special discounts for participating pinstops and possibly even a FREE Simply Ice Cream or gelato treat too.

Trail tags and Selfies with Whip and Loli along the way are encouraged #IceToSeeYou #LoveAshford #ThinkTenterden #WhipAndLoli

Keep updated on insta, @loveashford, @visitashfordtenterden and @insidekent for extra clues and spotlights on the trail destinations too.