Kent villages are pretty and full of history, heritage and sheer charm. Whether you’re looking for a castle or a country pub, Kent has a village for you.
Aylesford
Located on the banks of the River Medway, Aylesford is one of several charming Kent villages with almshouses. The village is home to Kit’s Coty House, a Neolithic stone monument.
The megaliths or large stones lead to a tomb that could date to 4000BC. You’ll also find a tea room here and the village pub at the Hengist.
Chiddingstone
Chiddingstone is one of the oldest villages in Kent and full of historic timber-framed houses. The village is owned by the National Trust and dominated by Chiddingstone Castle — a 400-year-old country house.
Chiddingstone is a good place to see village community life at its best and to enjoy a traditional tea room.
Goudhurst
Goudhurst is beautifully set out with a steep hill and high street running from the church to a character village pond. It dates from the 13th century, when Flemish weavers settled in the area.
Goudhurst was also a big part of the brewing industry, with hop-growing a major industry in the area.
Bethersden
Close to Ashford, this charming village is a world away from a busy town. It has oast houses from the hop industry and two pubs.
There is also a beautiful church dating from the 15th century and a real community feel to the village.
Biddenden
Biddenden is not only a picturesque Kent village but has one of the few Michelin star restaurants in the area. The village is full of historic streets and old weavers’ cottages and is also home to the Biddenden Malds — an arts and crafts signpost.
You can also walk through Biddenden vineyards and take a tour.
Cobham
The village of Cobham is famous for its connections with Charles Dickens. You can enjoy a pint in the Leather Bottle Inn where he wrote The Pickwick Papers or walk around Cobham Park, which inspired his writing.
There are over 450 houses in this beautiful village. Wandering through the streets is an excellent way to soak up the literary atmosphere.
Penshurst
Penshurst was once home to Henry VIII and lies in the Weald of Kent. The pretty village lies between two rivers and has a lot of timber-framed buildings.
It is also home to one of England’s oldest cricket pitches, where matches are still played by the locals.
Elham
Elham is a beautiful village that is cross-crossed by walking and cycling trails in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are two pubs and a restaurant among the amenities in this vibrant community.
Pluckley
Pluckley is famous for ghosts and is said to be the most haunted village in England. It is also really picturesque with past houses and traditional cottages — and often used in filming.
Pluckley is the film setting for the TV series The Darling Buds of May.
Fordwich
Technically, Fordwich is not really a Kent village, but it has all the charms of one. It is actually the smallest town in the United Kingdom.
You’ll find the 16th century Watergate House, a town hall and many beautiful houses.
A bridge over the River Stour in Fordwich is a beautiful place to admire the view before heading to the local pub.
Appledore
Appledore is another one of the quintessential Kent villages with traditional medieval cottages and three pubs.
It is also on the Saxon Shoreline long-distance walking trail and is a delight to explore. It is also home to a 14th-century church, a village store and antique shops.
Newenden
Newenden is the smallest village in Kent and is located in the High Weald area.
You can fish on the River Rother or take the Bodiam Ferry to Bodiam Castle, dating from the 1300s. Watching cricket is another popular activity at Newenden Cricket Club.
Godmersham
There are lots of country walking trails and panoramic views in and around Godmersham.
The village is also famous for Godmersham Park, a country estate that was once home to Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Knight.
Ightham
One of the features in the village of Ightham is the wonky brickwork and half-timbered houses.
It all adds to the character of this historic village that has no less than three pubs and a farm shop. Ightham Mote is a local historic country house with a 14th-century moat that is interesting to visit.
Wye
The village of Wye is surrounded by hilly countryside with walking opportunities and spectacular views.
You can relax on the bridge by the River Stour and perhaps spot some wildlife, or you can chill out in the local pub with a pint in this beautiful Kent village.
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is one of the few places where a book has been written about it entirely in rhyme.
It was once a major player in the wool trade but is a quieter place now. Cranbrook has a windmill and is a delightful village to explore.
Eynsford
Eynsford is surrounded by farmland and woods in the Kent countryside. There are lots of walking trails nearby, including the Darent Valley Path.
Eynsford has a historic castle, lots of beautiful old houses, and a popular pub.
Sissinghurst
The picture-postcard village of Sissinghurst is best known for its gardens and castle. The gardens were created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson and are some of the most spectacular in England.
Upnor
Lower and Upper Upnor are two small villages in the Kent Medway region. You can walk the picturesque streets or visit the Elizabethan Upnor Castle.
Chartham
The village of Chartham has over 600 years of history of papermaking and is still in production today.
There is a traditional village green, timbered houses and a 13th-century church. Farmland surrounds the village in the Kent countryside.
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