by Janis / 12 comments - Orgininally published:22nd November 2019
The ‘Perfick’ way to fall in love with the Garden of England
Imagine it now, the breeze in your hair, steam engines chugging through the lush countryside, oast houses nestled by vineyards and haunted villages ready to welcome you in.
Yes, you’ve arrived into “Darling Buds of May” country, in the beautiful Kent countryside in the southeast of England.
So, climb on board the “sharra-bang” (charabanc) we’re taking you on a tour of some of Kent’s most charming towns and villages.
Why not Pin it for later?
Oast Houses in Rolvenden
The Map & Route
We'll be discovering the following;
You can click on the link to jump to the section, and to return, just click on the title.
Although there are 10 destinations on this circular road trip, the distance from Headcorn picking up all these picturesque locations and back is only around 38 miles (62 km).
However, you may want to detour off along the way.
We start our mini road trip adventure in Headcorn, which is only 10 miles south of Kent’s county town, Maidstone.
‘The Chequers’ & Shakespeare House - cloth hall, Headcorn
When strolling around this lovely bustling village, you really feel that it has its community at heart and blends effortlessly with its historical past.
Half-timbered cloth halls are standing shoulder to shoulder in the High Street. Family-run independent stores and the traditional butchers and bakers, serving the same loyal locals for years.
Church of Saint Peter & Paul, Headcorn
Take a stroll around the picturesque churchyard of St Peter and Paul, located at the far end of the High Street. Where there are beautiful cottages and charming medieval homes all along Church Walk.
A little history
In this region of Kent during the 14th century, King Edward III introduced weavers from Flanders. The Wealden cloth industry then began to flourish, which resulted in so many eye-catching half-timbered ‘Cloth Halls’ dotted around the county.
The next stop is Pluckley, and I love this pretty tiny village, it just feels like you have stepped back in time. If it wasn’t for a couple of modern-day vehicles, you might believe that you had strolled onto a movie set, and quite literally.
It’s here within the tranquil village of Pluckley that the heart-warming TV series “Darling Buds of May” was filmed. With the stars David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones, yes, it is ‘Perfick’.
Pluckley local post office and butchers
One of the other reasons that Pluckley attracts visitors is because of its ghoulish goings-on. Pluckley is believed to be the most haunted village in England. I’ve never witnessed any spooky activities, although I wasn’t going to hang around to find out.
Pluckley, could it be England’s most haunted village?
When we hopped out of the car at Smarden, it was one of those places that I immediately felt an affinity with. I could so comfortably live there; it was picturesque and quaint with its lovely local cricket green and half-timbered cloth halls.
The Chequers Inn on The Street, Smarden
However, it felt like the heart of the village was its community, and it was so peaceful. Very few visitors around and a couple of very tempting country pubs, serving local food and ales.
Half-timbered home in Smarden
The attractive church in Smarden is St Michael the Archangel. The church is sometimes known as "The Barn of Kent" due to its high scissor beam roof. Within the church, a copy of the Royal Charter can be found. This was originally granted in 1333 by King Edward III, for the village’s efforts for the weaving industry. It was later ratified by Queen Elizabeth I in 1576.
Churchyard of St Michael the Archangel, Smarden
Theirs is so much history in Smarden for such a little village.
Travelling further through the Kent countryside we stop at High Halden, and park by its central village green.
Village green in High Halden
In High Halden, you must pop into the Grade 1 listed St Mary's Church. This incredible church was built during the mid-13th-century. Its unique feature is the timbered tower which was constructed in the late 13th Century. It has an octagonal ground floor, a square upper storey and then rises to an 80-foot octagonal spire.
Grade 1 listed St Mary's Church
Inside St Mary’s Church in High Halden
When you enter through the main wooden doors, you immediately step into a dark timber cladded area which is used by the local bell-ringers. It feels quite eerie.
Escape for a few days
Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?
After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
The bustling town of Tenterden has a larger community than some of the other places we visited; however, it is equally as charming.
All through the main High Street are antique shops, boutiques, coffee shops and beautiful character buildings. It is also in this delightful town that you’ll discover the nostalgic Kent and East Sussex Railway.
Quaint little stores
This heritage steam railway is kept running by enthusiasts and lovers of all things locomotive.
Hop on board, and you can visit the 14th-century moated Bodiam Castle, run by The National Trust. Which is just five stops along the line.
Where to stay in Tenterden
- The Woolpack Hotel - Located in the centre of Tenterden, this historic inn offers delightful rooms within traditional surroundings. A delicious full English breakfast is included in the price.
Final preparations at Tenterden Town railway station
However, if you fancy a visit to a lush English vineyard, head to Chapel Down, just on the outskirts of Tenterden, the wines are incredible.
If you’re curious about English wines
Take a look at our post on our tour and tasting at Chapel Down. You can read all about our personal experience on one of their guided tours. It was so informative and relaxed, and I loved the fact they didn’t pressure you into purchasing their products.
A tour and tasting at Chapel Down Vineyard in Kent, England
by Janis on 24 Sep 19
Ahh, Rolvenden, another pretty village and this quaint little place also has a tiny motor museum, which appears to double as an antique shop.
Rolvenden Motor museum
Cornex Garage, Rolvenden
You will really want to jump out of your car here and go and discover. Not only does Rolvenden have a beautiful half-timbered cloth hall and white weather-boarded homes. It also has pretty oast houses, which are so synonymous with the Kent countryside.
Cloth hall & oast houses, Rolvenden
The Bull Inn, Rolvenden
Along with the antiques barn, which is overflowing with curiosities, the Bull Inn looks very tempting. Just a short walk out of the main village is the restored Rolvenden post mill, circa1580 and of a type now rare in Kent, the mill, stands on a little hill and was featured in the Tommy Steele film Half a Sixpence.
Rolvenden windmill
Map out your route
Whether you’re planning a road trip, plotting a hiking route or cycling one of UK’s scenic trails, there’s nothing quite like using a tactile paper map.
The Ordnance Survey folk are here to help, with maps, guides, gadgets and more. Take a browse through their vast array of maps and grab your ideal companion for your adventure.
The central village green and cricket ground in Benenden is so quintessentially English, with the local village church of St. George standing so proud as the backdrop.
Benenden village sign
Never one to pass up an opportunity to take a stroll around an ancient churchyard. Gary and I had a little wander and found some touching Commonwealth war graves.
Benenden has a lovely village feel with quaint, picturesque homes surrounding the green. One of which was an old converted school. Then a short walk further on and there are tea rooms and little stores vying for your custom.
Old School in Beneden
Tempted to?
Discover more of the Great British Isles, why not jump in a car and tour the country at your own pace. You can do it all on a road trip, Rental Cars cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.
Heading onto Cranbrook, which is a small town, is in the heart of Kent’s ‘High Weald’. The countryside all around this area of the High Weald is beautiful, so it’s no surprise that it has been classified as ‘AONB’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
White Horse pub, Cranbrook
Cranbrook has some really attractive features, black and white half-timbered homes, beautiful English country gardens and a very interesting local church.
Within the church’s tower is a clock mechanism, which was installed in 1855 and was the prototype for ‘Big Ben’ in London.
Where to stay in Cranbrook
- The George Hotel & Brasserie - Choose the George Hotel for a beautiful stay in the heart of Cranbrook. The historic building is full of character and offers a delicious breakfast.
St Dunstan's churchyard, Cranbrook
Just a short hop from the church is the late medieval George Hotel, which has undoubtedly had a chequered past. As it was once frequented by Queen Elizabeth, I in 1573 and then during the 18th-century smugglers from the notorious Hawkhurst Gang hatched plans from here.
Just a short hop north from Cranbrook and you’ll arrive at Sissinghurst. Although this village is tiny, it’s so pleasant to visit.
Sissinghurst High Street
Quaint little homes with white picket fences around their front gardens, overflowing with rambling roses and colourful window boxes.
Sissinghurst village maybe small; however, there is always a place for the local store, as this is so often the hub of a community.
Another reason to visit Sissinghurst is to explore the beautiful Sissinghurst Castle Garden, slightly northeast of the Village.
A view of the Sissinghurst Castle Tower
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is now managed by the National Trust and was once owned by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Together they nurtured and completely transformed the magnificent walled gardens and renovated the few remaining ruined, historic farmhouses into their family home.
Last but by no means least is the larger village of Biddenden. This village also has strong links with the Flemish clothworkers, as you’ll see there are quite a few half-timbered cloth halls dotted all around.
Biddenden with the ‘Biddenden Maids’ village sign
This is once again lovely village to take your time to stroll around as it is immaculately kept and has an attractive 13th-century church. You can also pop into one of the local tea rooms and enjoy a cream tea while watching the world go by.
Biddenden High Street
Biddenden is also known for its ‘Biddenden Maids’ who were conjoined twins born in 1100. Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst were joined at the shoulder, and the hip and amazingly lived to the age of 34 years. The village sign in Biddenden is a touching depiction to them.
Our Kent road trips
If you’ve fallen in love with the county of Kent, we’ve created a few road trips around the “Garden of England” that we believe you will enjoy too.
Our YouTube video of our Kent road trip
We have created a little YouTube video of this road trip. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
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Such a nostalgic trip for me. I went to primary school for a short time in Benenden and know all these places well. Your photos are lovely. #farawayfiles
Ahh, thank you very much, that must have been a lovely experience. There is still such a warming village feel in a lot of these places, glad it brought make some lovely memories.
You’re really inspiring me to travel more around Kent. We live further west and I think it would be a super idea to visit a few of these lovely towns and villages on a road trip. Thanks for sharing this on #farawayfiles
There really are some pretty villages in Kent and the countryside is beautiful too. It would certainly make a great day trip for you, hopping from one to another.
Such beautiful villages. I love those half timbered building and especially like that church in High Halden! #FarawayFiles
I must admit it amazed me just how many half-timbered houses there were. I believe a lot of them originated from when the Flemish cloth workers were in the county.
We’ve visited Kent each February for the last couple of years and I still feel like we’ve barely scraped the surface. I’d love to explore more of these towns. #FarawayFiles
I know what you mean there are so many pretty villages throughout the county. Hopefully there are some places in this post, that you haven’t visited yet and then you’ll just have to return.
I don’t know this part of the UK very well, but it is terribly adorable with what you’ve presented. Time to book tickets back! I love the look of the White Horse pub in Cranbrook. Cheers from here! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles
It is a lovely part of the country and with so much history. I agree with you, the White Horse pub does look very tempting.
I Love Kent as I lived in Kent for 20 years before moving to Belgium. I Lived in the village of Hayes close to Bromley and Keston and near to R.A.F. Biggin Hill famous world War Two fighter air field and a Battle of Britain air field. Visited Maidstone and Canterbury also Dover by train from Bromley South near to Hayes by inter city train very few stops on the way.Hayes is very close to the Kent country side.
Maidstone is worth visiting too the Bishops palace a automobile museum. A tythe barn. and other interesting buildings in Maidstone and close to the river stour. Kent is such a lovely County
We love Kent too, we’ve lived here most of our lives and spent far too many years commuting upto London, although I do enjoy visiting London especially for its history.
I don’t know Hayes very well, although I have visited Bromley on many occasions, we live in a village near Aylesford. It’s funny that you mention RAF Biggin Hill as they now fly the Spitfires on nostalgic trips all through the summer months. We see them everyday flying over our village, they are so distinctive. They head down to Dover, flying over the white cliffs and Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne. They pass above Kings Hill which was also an airfield used in WWII, it’s now been developed into a little town.
It’s great to hear your memories, which region of Belgium do you now live in, is it in Flanders or the Wallonian? We’ve visited both.