England is known across the world for its rich and interesting , and many of the country's businesses have been operating for ages, some even for hundreds of years. The Tulip Tree in the beautiful village of Chiddingstone in is thought to be the oldest shop still doing business in the UK. Nowadays it serves customers as post office, gift shop and , with the building believed to date back as far back as 1453, 32 years before the Tudors even came to the throne. At that time, Henry VI was king, and the country was in the grips of a civil conflict known as the Wars of the Roses.

He was ousted by Edward IV, before being reinstated again. Henry then lost his crown once more, and died while imprisoned in the Tower of London. Eventually, Henry VI, Henry VIII's father, defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth in 1485. Speaking of Henry VIII, the shop is thought to have been owned by her father, Thomas.

The family were very influential at the Tudor court, and Anne was coronated as the Queen of England when she became the infamous king's second wife.

Her fate is well known, with her husband in the end accusing her of being a witch and committing adultery, then hiring a swordsman from France to end her life, instead of resorting to the traditional executioners axe.

The shop went on the market in 2023, with its then owners moving on after ten years.

Stepping into the Grade I listed building is like travelling in time, as customers use a wide hinged door and very well-worn step.

A customer who had been shopping at The Tulip Tree for nearly 40 years previously that it was 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", the long-term patron added.

In December, a customer 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!"

This was after a different person wrote in October: "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."