The 10 Prettiest Villages in Kent
Fondly referred to as the Garden of England, Kent boasts hop gardens, fruit groves, and vineyards, and is encircled by coastline on three sides, with over a quarter of its verdant expanse designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As the English county nearest to Continental Europe, Kent has historically been the first stop for numerous invading groups, which has enriched its cultural heritage. One need not be an expert to enjoy Kent's age-old brewing customs, burgeoning viticulture, and rich architectural history, evident in the charming blend of oast houses, clapboard cottages, and timber-framed Tudor coaching inns dotting its many villages.
Selecting Kent's most picturesque villages is a charmingly difficult task. Born a maid of Kent rather than a Kentish maid—a distinction stemming from the county's division into east and west since the Anglo-Saxon era—my loyalties lie with the eastern part. However, the allure of the villages in western Kent cannot be overlooked. Thus, here is my highly personal top 10 list, which I'm sure will spark significant controversy and discussion, ideally in some of the excellent pubs mentioned later, or in the comments section.
10. Biddenden
Upon entering Biddenden, you may notice the wrought iron sign standing on the quaint village green if you’ve passed by Sissinghurst Castle along the way. Created in the 1920s, this sign illustrates the famed conjoined twins believed to have been born here in 1100. Known as the Biddenden Maids, these twins initiated a legacy of continuous charitable acts that persist in the village. Throughout the town, depictions of these charitable sisters are frequent, especially along the charming High Street which boasts 17th-century cottages with lattice windows once home to Flemish weavers.
On the opposite side, Biddenden Bakehouse, recognizable by its leaning bay window, offers the village hearty all-day breakfasts and local beverages. A short walk away, the West House, nestled in a 16th-century wattle-and-daub building with a Michelin star, serves more upscale dishes. Additionally, the Biddenden Vineyards, dating back to 1969 and noted as Kent’s earliest commercial winery, offers local wines and ciders.
For a pint
The Red Lion stands as the sole pub in Biddenden, a historic coaching inn now thriving with its new proprietors. It offers wood-fired pizzas and features a charming garden.
Stay here
Gourmets should consider dining at the West House (thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk), complementing it with a night in one of its four rooms (starting at £380 per night, including a dinner for two and a breakfast hamper). Alternatively, the nearby Three Chimneys pub (thethreechimneys.co.uk), just outside the village limits, provides four upscale rooms in a renovated nuttery with views toward Sissinghurst (starting at £190 per night).
Did you know?
The oldest building in Biddenden, Vane Court, dates back to 1419. This Grade II listed Wealden house was transformed into a royal abode in 1939 when King Rama VII of Thailand purchased it following his abdication. The king and Queen Rambai Barni were frequently seen cycling and attending local fêtes.
9. Eynsford
Nestled among a network of motorways just south of Dartford, Eynsford sits gracefully along the Darent River. The village features a striking hump-back bridge near an ancient ford, where large vehicles are directed through the riverbed, and families often gather with ducks in the water. (Consider picking up fishing nets at Bridgehouse Newsagents before reaching the bridge.)
Recorded first in 864, Eynsford holds significant historical importance, with several nearby sites offering enriching day trips. A brief walk from the bridge lies Eynsford Castle, a remarkably intact Norman structure dating to the 11th century. A short drive takes you to the Lullingstone Estate, home to both the well-maintained Lullingstone Roman Villa and the Lullingstone Castle with its global botanical collection.
For a pint
At the heart of Eynsford, the Five Bells pub sits near the castle, surrounded by the local butcher, a convenience store, and the Castle Hotel. The Malt Shovel, closer to the ford, allows you to enjoy your drink by the river in plastic cups.
Stay here
The Castle Hotel (castlehotelkent.com) places you at the center of Eynsford, offering seven appealing rooms, some overlooking Eynsford Castle (from £110, including breakfast). Opt for the hearty cooked breakfast to try the local meats from Norman’s Butchers.
Did you know?
Sir William Hart-Dyke, along with his friends including King Edward VII, first played lawn tennis at Lullingstone Castle in 1873. They improvised a net with a ladder and two barrels, laying down foundational rules for the game of tennis.
8. Plaxtol
Located amidst undulating landscapes about five miles north of Tonbridge and the same distance east of Sevenoaks, Plaxtol is a quaint and charming village. It primarily consists of a collection of houses with quaint names like Rorty Crankle and Apple Blossom, which stretch down from the expansive Fairlawne Estate towards the lush riverside of the Bourne. Historically, Plaxtol hosted three watermills, one of which was a paper mill that inspired the local pub's name, the Papermakers Arms. Here, a French chef serves genuine moules frites and ham hock terrine, offering a perfect culinary stop during a picturesque loop walk that includes the National Trust sites of Ightham Mote and Old Soar Manor.
For a pint
Enjoy genuine French tastes accompanied by local Chapel Down wines in the welcoming ambiance of the Papermakers Arms. A brief two-minute drive away in Dunk’s Green lies the Kentish Rifleman, an inviting pub renowned for its outstanding cuisine, including a daily special “proper” pie.
Stay here
The Nut Plat Retreat (nutplatretreat.co.uk) provides rustic glamping experiences in two antique shepherd’s huts and a wooden cabin, starting at £90 per night.
Did you know?
Acquired by the Cazalet family in 1871, the Fairlawne Estate was where Major Peter Cazalet, trainer of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s racehorses, housed her royal thoroughbreds for over two decades, with the Queen Mother being a frequent visitor.
7. Sissinghurst
With a population of just 748, Sissinghurst stands as one of the tiniest and most renowned villages. Nestled in the verdant Weald of Kent, this village quickly passes by with its line of whitewashed, ancient brick, and clapboard structures, complete with a post office, pub, church, and local chippy. Its real charm lies in the namesake castle and gardens, conceived by Vita Sackville-West. Excluded from inheriting the nearby Knole House, Sackville-West purchased the Elizabethan derelict in 1930, previously owned by her forebears. Alongside her spouse, Harold Nicolson, she transformed the property into a globally influential garden. To escape the crowds that these gardens typically attract, consider an early morning visit or a stay at the adjacent Priest’s House.
For a pint
Though choices are scarce, the solitary Milk House pub excels, offering classic pub fare, local brews, wood-fired pizzas, and refined British dishes in its Dining Room.
Stay here
The Milk House (themilkhouse.co.uk) boasts four delightful rooms, starting at £160 including breakfast. Enthusiasts of gardening might opt for the luxurious Priest’s House (nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/kent-surrey-sussex/priests-house), an exquisite three-bedroom dwelling positioned on the edge of Sackville’s cherished White Garden, granting exclusive after-hours access to the gardens.
Did you know?
Until 1851, Sissinghurst was known as Milkhouse Street or Mylkehouse. The renaming to Sissinghurst Castle Estate was part of an initiative to detach the village from its past connections with the smuggling pursuits of the Hawkhurst Gang.
6. Kingsdown
Distinct from the typical British seaside towns with their fast-paced charm, Kingsdown exudes a calmer West Country vibe. Positioned at the north end of the White Cliffs of Dover on the South Foreland Heritage Coast, the village descends to a pebbly stretch reaching northward to Deal. The approach via car through narrow Upper Street reveals quaint flint and whitewashed cottages adorned with sprawling roses. Beyond the King’s Head and Del’s Village Shop, Cliffe Road transitions into rugged paths that lead to the pebble beach. An even more scenic approach is on foot, following the White Cliffs coastal trail from St Margaret’s Bay (one hour) or Dover (three hours), culminating in a refreshing drink at the beachfront Zetland Arms.
For a pint
The Zetland Arms claims an unbeatable location, with its pub tables set on the pebble beach, offering views of colorful Kingsdown beach huts to the left and a sweeping bay with the majestic White Cliffs to the right. Now managed by the proprietors of the esteemed Rose restaurant and hotel in Deal, the pub features a menu rich in local beers, wines, and predominantly seafood dishes. Just a short walk inland, the historic Rising Sun, dating back to 1692, serves as a more traditional option.
Stay here
Oldestairs House, a meticulously restored early 20th-century residence, overlooks Kingsdown beach and the bay. A brief walk from the shore, this five-bedroom home also features a secluded garden, available for a weekly self-catered stay starting at £2,487 (keeperscottages.co.uk).
Did you know?
Local folklore often identifies Kingsdown as the backdrop for Ian Fleming’s 1955 novel "Moonraker," with many believing that Sir Hugo Drax’s atomic research headquarters was located between Dover and Deal, as described in the story.
5. Ightham
Ightham is similarly famous for its grand estate just outside the village—the exquisite Ightham Mote, a moated medieval manor that traces back to around 1320. This architectural gem is a key attraction for those visiting the area. Beyond the manor, Ightham offers a quaint cluster of medieval, timber-framed buildings, housing three pubs, an acclaimed Italian eatery, and an attractive church.
Recently, it was listed among the UK's most exclusive villages, with average home prices exceeding £995,000, offering plenty of beautiful residences to appreciate.
For a pint
The George & Dragon stands out as a lively, timber-beamed tavern adorned with floral hanging baskets, rumored to be where Guy Fawkes planned the infamous Gunpowder Plot. For traditional ale enthusiasts, a visit to the Old House is a must. This Grade II-listed building, hidden along the narrow Redwell Lane outside the village, serves as a classic pub offering local bitters, ales, dark beers, and ciders, many stored in traditional wooden casks.
Stay here
While Ightham itself lacks accommodations, nearby West Malling offers stylish options like the Farm House (elitepubs.com/venue/the-farm-house), set in an Elizabethan coach house. This boutique establishment features a restaurant, pizza shack, and a tapas bar in renovated stables, with rooms starting at £90 (room only).
Did you know?
During the Civil War, it's said that Cromwell's troops were dispatched to Kent to seize Ightham Mote but were thwarted by the convoluted country lanes and eventually abandoned their mission. As noted by Vita Sackville-West’s son, Nigel Nicolson, the manor is one of England’s most ancient and charming, having resisted destruction from fire, storm, war, and unrest for over 650 years.
4. Goudhurst
Perched on a heavily forested hill, Goudhurst boasts expansive views across Kent's Weald. Its village church, dating back to 1170 and known as “the chapel on the hill,” offers vistas so vast that its tower was used in the 18th century to calculate distances between the Royal Greenwich Observatory and the Paris Observatory.
On a clear day, it's said you can see up to 50 church spires—and even France—from this vantage point. Residents and visitors often relax outside the Star & Eagle Hotel, observing tourists as they navigate the challenging S-bend adjacent to the imposing church walls. Below, the High Street descends to a scenic, duck-filled pond near the village hall.
For a pint
Originally a 14th-century monastery, the Star & Eagle was later headquarters for the infamous Hawkhurst Gang. It now functions as a restaurant, not a pub. For those seeking a pint alongside great food in a picturesque setting, the Goudhurst Inn near Cranbrook, owned by Balfour Winery, is the ideal spot.
Stay here
In the center of Goudhurst, the Star & Eagle (starandeaglehotel.com) offers quaint, somewhat old-fashioned accommodations (from £100, including breakfast). For a quieter stay, the National Trust's Scotney West Lodge, a two-bedroom house at the entrance to Scotney Castle, provides a peaceful retreat (from £650 for three nights).
Did you know?
The Hawkhurst Gang, active from 1735 to 1749, was a feared criminal group based just south of Goudhurst. Their reign of terror ended when local farmers, forming a militia, famously defeated them in a fierce gunfight outside St Mary’s Church in 1747.
3. Ickham
Ickham may be the smallest of these villages, with a combined population of 449 with the adjacent hamlet of Bramling. A stroll down the main street takes just five minutes, passing picturesque gabled and clapboard cottages, several notable listed buildings, and the 13th-century St John the Evangelist Church. Set back from the road on a small village green and opposite a chic pub called the Duke William, the church is neighbored by thatched barns.
For a pint
The Duke William offers a modern, welcoming atmosphere, drawing both locals and Canterbury visitors who combine a scenic walk with a meal warmed by the fireside. The pub is a popular spot for local regulars, families, and couples enjoying a cozy weekend.
Stay here
The Duke William provides four cozy yet fashionable rooms, with breakfast options available either in the pub or delivered to your room as a hamper (from £157, including breakfast).
Did you know?
Hollywood celebrities Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie once lodged in Ickham, with Pitt reportedly visiting the Duke William for a pint after filming long hours on the set of World War Z.
2. Elham
Nestled in the verdant Elham Valley at the core of the North Downs, residents claim Elham is ideally situated, only 20 minutes from both Canterbury and the coastal town of Folkestone. Many who visit this charming chalk valley do so by trekking the 22½-mile Elham Valley Way, which begins in Hythe and culminates at Canterbury Cathedral.
The village features an impressive collection of 43 heritage-listed structures, among them the ancient Church of St Mary the Virgin, numerous Tudor homes adorned with roses, and a pair of pubs dating back to the 15th century. The atmosphere is well-maintained yet charmingly rustic. The elegantly renovated Kings Arms enjoys a prominent position in the quaint town square opposite the church. The gastropub quickly earned accolades shortly after its debut.
For a pint
Despite its modest size, Elham offers an abundance of choices. Besides the Kings Arms, the traditional Rose & Crown and the Abbot’s Fireside lie just a short walk away. The inviting Rose & Crown is known for its hearty Sunday roasts, while the Abbot’s, nestled in a 15th-century freehouse filled with historical elements and antiques, offers an array of local brews and vintages.
Stay here
For overnight stays, the Rose & Crown (roseandcrownelham.co.uk) and Abbot’s Fireside (theabbotsfireside.com) provide five and six rooms respectively, nestled right in the village’s heart. Alternatively, for a deeper dive into the scenic Elham Valley, rent a six-bedroom Tudor house situated within 10 acres of lush gardens, featuring private woodlands, ponds, and a wood-fired hot tub, all a mere five-minute drive from Elham.
Did you know?
Notable past residents of Elham include actress Audrey Hepburn during her childhood, cricketer Leslie Ames, and ex-prime minister Anthony Eden. Eden resided in the 15th-century Park Gate, a timbered home set within exquisite gardens, where he hosted Winston Churchill. Presently, this historic property is on the market for those desiring a slice of bucolic Kent life (jackson-stops.co.uk/properties/18641810/sales/sevenoaks).
1. Chilham
Positioned adjacent to Chilham’s medieval square, the White Horse Inn is a picturesque staple of the village. Chilham itself embodies the quintessential image of an English village with a medieval square bordered by impeccably kept timber-framed dwellings, the vibrant White Horse Inn, and the historic St Mary’s Church on one flank, with a grand Jacobean manor and a Norman castle on the other. The square is perched at the village's peak (home to just 823 residents), with quaint lanes lined with additional listed buildings stretching from each corner.
One lane leads to the village’s second pub, the Woolpack Inn, another to the well-frequented Church Mouse tearooms en route to a spacious (free) parking area, while another skirts the primary school. The last offers views into the Capability Brown-inspired Chilham Castle gardens, cascading from the residence down to a lake amid fields grazed by horses. The current owners continue the tradition of opening these gardens to the public on select days (May-September) and have transformed the castle into a high-end wellness sanctuary (chilham-castle.co.uk).
