Perfectly positioned between London and the coast, West Kent lives up to the Garden of England title with its rolling countryside, historic houses and award-winning vineyards. Conveniently located just a short train journey from London or Gatwick Airport, West Kent is the perfect countryside retreat.
There are three popular towns at the heart of West Kent: Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells. Sevenoaks is famed for its independent shops, cafes and nearby Knole house and park whilst Tonbridge offers shops, restaurants and its famous castle to explore. Royal Tunbridge Wells is a Georgian spa town best known for The Pantiles, home to the Chalybeate Spring and a colonnaded walkway lined with quality eateries.
Sevenoaks
Discover Sevenoaks district, located within the beautiful Kent Downs and High Weald National Landscape. This area offers lively market towns (Sevenoaks and Westerham) and charming villages, surrounded by stunning countryside, including nature reserves and extensive footpaths with mesmerizing views stretching across the Garden of England.
Sevenoaks is a thriving food and drink hotspot, boasting vineyards, breweries, and gourmet dining alongside cosy pubs and independent shops. This culinary scene is complemented by the area’s wealth of historic sites—from ancient castles and stately homes to vibrant gardens—truly showing that Sevenoaks has it all. The area is also home to major international sporting venues, such as Brands Hatch and London Golf Club.
A memorable day out is always nearby, made easy by fast rail links between London and Sevenoaks and close proximity to motorways and Gatwick Airport.
Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells is known for its outdoor pursuits with most of the area falling in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And with two charming towns, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook, it really is town and country at its very best. Enjoy the great outdoors with walks among the conifers at Bedgebury Pinetum or take in the beauty of Bewl Water, a large scenic resevoir with nature trails and watersports. Plus with not one but two National Trust properties nearby, including the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Gardens.
Explore the villages and take in the quintessential English countryside charm with a cosy pub visit!
Tonbridge and Malling
Quaint villages and a whole host of history await in this beautiful corner of Kent. Visit the market town of Tonbridge and the 11th century Tonbridge Castle. This is Kent’s best example of a motte-and-bailey gatehouse, where audio tours and interactive exhibits bring history to life.
Plus, some of the best-loved towns and villages in Kent can be found in this area, with instagrammable Aylesford and the bustling West Malling with its pubs, restaurants and tea rooms.
Things to do in West Kent
There are plenty of things to do in the local area, including a number of historic houses and castles to explore. Hever Castle is located near Sevenoaks. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is famed for its 14th-century double moated castle, gardens, and grounds. You can also visit Chartwell, the private home of Winston Churchill, explore his art studio and the famous rose garden and lake. West Kent is also home to many National Trust houses including Ightham Mote and Scotney Castle.
When it comes to exploring the gardens of West Kent, there’s plenty of choice, from Great Comp Garden, home to 7 acres of beautiful, rare plants to the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden and surrounding estate. Or why not opt for Emmetts Garden or Riverhill Himalayan Gardens near Sevenoaks.
Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice with a variety of vineyards and wineries on offer. Kent has become the prime English wine county thanks to its sun-kissed vines, and West Kent offers a variety of wine experiences from tours at The Mount Vineyard, Yotes Court, Mereworth Winery and Biddenden Vineyards to intimate food and wine experiences at Birchden Vineyards or Squerryes Winery.
And when it comes to quintessential English villages, West Kent has plenty to offer. Aylesford is known as one of the most instagrammable Kent villages thanks to its picturesque stone bridge and row of picturesque houses. West Malling, Westerham and Cranbrook offer market towns with picturesque streets, cosy traditional pubs and independent shops.
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