England has a long and varied history, and there are some businesses in the country that have been serving customers for centuries. But there is only one small shop in Kent that is believed to be the oldest still operating in the UK.

The Tulip Tree in the village of Chiddingstone is thought to date back to 1453. That means it has been standing for more than 500 years. Today, it operates as a post office, gift shop and tea room, welcoming visitors through its old wooden door and worn step.

The building is Grade I listed and is believed to have been built during the reign of Henry VI, when the country was in the middle of the Wars of the Roses.

Over the years, it has been linked to the Boleyn family, who were influential at the Tudor court.

Anne Boleyn went on to become Queen of England as the second wife of Henry VIII.

The shop itself has changed with the times but continues to serve the village and visitors.

In 2023, it was put on the market after its owners decided to move on following ten years running the business.

For many locals, it has long been part of daily life. A customer who had been shopping there for nearly 40 years previously told the BBC it was once just "a little grocer shop" when she first arrived.

"The post office was used once every three months if the old lady found the key," she added.

More recently, it has become popular with tourists visiting the village.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor: "All the food was freshly made and so very tasty from the well filled sandwiches, mixed scones with lashings of cream and jam to the amazing cakes.

"And as much tea or coffee you could drink. All served by a lovely welcoming and attentive host. Can't wait to return!"

Another reviewer said: "We visited for afternoon tea to celebrate a birthday. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

"The table was all set up and ready for us and the afternoon tea was delicious. The portions are very generous and boxes were provided to take home the food we couldn't eat.

"The village is delightful and the shop well worth a visit, would definitely go back."

The Tulip Tree sits in the centre of Chiddingstone, which is described by the National Trust as the best-preserved Tudor village in Kent.

For many, walking down Chiddingstone High Street feels like stepping back in time, with half-timbered buildings and narrow pavements.

The village is home to a 15th-century inn, a 17th-century church and the Old Manor, one of its original Tudor buildings.

St Mary's Church, which was rebuilt after a lightning fire in 1624, features a font carved in 1628 from local sandstone.

At the heart of the village is the Chiding Stone, a large outcrop surrounded by folklore.

Some believe it was used as a boundary marker or a place for local justice in medieval times.