England > Kent > Towns and Village

Historic Towns and Village in Kent

Appledore    A village on the edge of Romney Marsh, Appledore overlooks the historic Royal Military Canal, built in 1804 as a measure against French invasion. The village used to be on the banks of the Rother, but the river changed course. An earlier waterway is the 13th century Rhee Wall, built to carry away silt from the marshes. The village church is 13th century. Appledore, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 9624 3083 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Ashford    A market town in central Kent, Ashford was likely settled in the late 9th century. It was incorporated as a town in 1423. Ashford was the home of Jack Cade, leader of the uprising known as Cade's Rebellion. The church is largely 13th century, with 15th century additions. The local museum beside the church was built as a grammar school in 1638. There are few other older buildings left, with the exception of some half-timbered cottages near the church. Ashford, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 0182 4107 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Aylesford    Aylesford is a large village on the River Medway, accessed via a medieval five-arched bridge. There has been settlement here since Neolithic times, as evidenced by the long barrows of Kits Coty to the north of the village. Aylesford seems to have attracted famous battles throughout British history; Hengest the Jute fought the British leader Vortigern here in 455 AD, King Alfred defeated the Danes in 893 AD, and Edmund Ironside did likewise in 1016. And the royals kept coming; William the Conqueror took Aylesford manor for himself. The parish church of St Peter and St Paul dates to the Norman period. Nearby is Aylesford Priory, a restored medieval monastic house of Carmelite friars that dates to 1242. Aylesford, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 7328 5672 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Barfreston   The village of Barfreston was a stopover place during the Middle Ages for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Thomas a Becket in Canterbury. Today, this once important place is little more than a peaceful hamlet set in quite attractive wooded lanes and fields. There is a very nice village pub, but the primary reason to visit Barfreston is to see the church of St Nicholas, a 12th century gem that is a wonderful example of Norman architecture. The church has richly carved mouldings and doorways. Above the south door is a carving thought to be the first representation of Thomas a Becket following his death. A unique feature of Barfreston church is that the church bell is hung, not from a bellcote, but from the branches of a yew tree just outside the church. Barfreston, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR283477 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Benenden   A lovely Wealden village near Tenterden, with a long, broad village green where cricket is played in the summer. There are two excellent pubs, the Bull Inn and the Duke of Wellington, located near the large village green, which is lined with attractive half-timbered houses. At the top of the green is the parish church of St George. On the outskirts of Benenden lies Benenden girls school, begun in 1924, using the buildings of Hemsted House, a historic house built by the first Lord Cranbrook in 1857, on the foundations of a much, much older house. Benenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On the B2086 3 miles west of Tenterden - Photos of Benenden OS TQ805325 Heritage Highlight: Benenden School, formerly Hemsted House, stands on the outskirts of the village Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Biddenden   A village famous as the birthplace of the Biddenden Maids, a pair of siamese twins who were joined at the hip and shoulder. Marie and Eliza Chulkhurst were born in Biddenden in 1100 and lived here to a respectable age (for that era) of 34. When they died they left 18 acres of land, the income from which was to provide an annual dole of bread and wine to the poor of the parish. Biddenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: The village of Biddenden is located on the A262, 5 miles east of Cranbrook - Photos of Biddenden OS TQ849382 Heritage Highlight: The 12th century Siamese twins called the Biddenden Maids are still remembered in the town sign, and the dole they established is still distributed annually Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Broadstairs    A seaside town on the Isle of Thanet, in northeastern Kent, Broadstairs was settled as early as the Roman occupation. The village was initially a fishing port, but later became prosperous a centre of shipbuilding. The 16th century York Gate was part of defences erected to protect the shipyards at Broadstairs. The town has strong connections with author Charles Dickens, who was a regular visitor, and there is an annual Dickens festival. You can still see the wishing well on Harbour Street that was used by 18th century smugglers to hide their illegal goods from customs officers. Rising above the harbour is the bulk of Bleak House, renamed because its owner believed it to be the one used by Dickens in his tale of the same name. Broadstairs, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 3813 6896 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury   One of the most historic of English cities, Canterbury is famous for its medieval cathedral. There was a settlement here before the Roman invasion, but it was the arrival of St Augustine in 597 AD that was the signal for Canterbury's growth. Augustine built a cathedral within the city walls, and a new monastery outside the walls. The ruins of St Augustine's Abbey can still be seen today. Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town - Photos of Canterbury OS TR 1519 5646 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Charing   A small village of attractive cottages and the remains of an 11th century palace used by the Archbishops of Canterbury. Charing was a stopover place on the major pilgrim trail to the shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury. The village has a wealth of historic buildings, and these are outlined in a Village Trail leaflet put out by the Charing and District Local History Society, and available at a number of local outlets. In addition, there is a village tourist map detailing many of these historic buildings. Charing, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On the A20 5 miles north west of Ashford - Photos of Charing OS TQ957482 Heritage Highlight: The remains of an 11th century palace favoured by Thomas a Becket. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chatham    An historic port town on the Medway River in eastern Kent, Chatham grew up around a naval dockyard. The dockyard were established by Elizabeth I in 1568, and can still be visited. A number of historic vessels are on display. Over the years a number of forts were built to protect the docks, including Upnor Castle, Fort Amherst, and Fort Pitt. Charles Dickens lived in Chatham as a child, and featured it in several of his books. Chatham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 7601 6746 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chiddingstone    A wonderfully attractive village, home of Chiddingstone Castle, a 17th century house. The parish church of St Mary is mainly 14th and 15th centuries. Remarkably, over 2/3 of the buildings in Chiddingstone are over 200 years old. That may explain why the National Trust purchased the entire village to preserve its heritage value. Two miles away is Hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyn, while the Elizabethan manor of Penshurst Place is less than 3 miles distant. Chiddingstone, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 4925 4298 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chilham   An attractive village near Canterbury, Chilham is based around a square hemmed by half-timbered buildings. The wealth of historic architecture in Chilham makes it one of the most visited places in Kent. Among the older buildings is the White Horse inn, which dates to the 16th century. Much older is Chilham Castle, a manor house and Norman castle keep built for Henry II in 1174. The gateway to Chilham Park was built by Inigo Jones in 1616. Chilham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: Plenty of free parking in the village car park, just off the A252. - Photos of Chilham OS TR06845360 Heritage Highlight: Fantastic collection of beautiful historic buildings, including two castles, one a Norman keep, the other a lovely Jacobean mansion. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Cobham    The village of Cobham was mentioned by Charles Dickens in The Pickwick Papers. The Leather Bottle Inn has a collection of Dickensian memorabilia. The church has a notable collection of medieval brasses. On the High Street is Owletts, a red brick 17th century house that was the home of architect Sir Herbert Baker. The National Trust has preserved the house as it was during Baker's residence. Cobham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 6710 6765 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Cranbrook    A small market town, home to the largest working windmill in England. The church of St Dunstan is known as the Cathedral of the Weald. It boasts a wooden carving of Father Time, set into the 15th century tower. A chamber in the south porch was used as a prison during the reign of Mary I. Three miles away is Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, one of the great gardens of England built about the ruins of a medieval castle. Cranbrook, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 7753 3460 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Dartford    A town in the north west corner of Kent, Dartford was established by the Romans at a ford across the River Darent. The town grew in prosperity during the Middle Ages, due to its location on the main pilgrim route to Canterbury. In 1422 Henry V's funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Church in Dartford. There was a medieval priory here, but that was destroyed during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Martyr's Memorial commemorates the death at the stake of Christopher Waid, burned as heretic by Queen Mary I in 1555. Just outside Dartford are the remains of St John's Jerusalem, a 13th century chapel and gardens once owned by the Knights Hospitaller. Dartford, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 5412 7466 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Deal    Deal was settled as early as the first Roman invasion by Julius Caesar in 55BC. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book, but Deal really began to prosper with the burgeoning naval dockyards here. Henry VIII built no less than 3 castles in and around deal. Of these, two remain; Deal and Walmer Castles. Walmeer is the official residence of the Lord of the Cinque Ports. The Time Ball Tower Museum on Prince of Wales Street is housed in a peculiar tower built in 1820. At precisely 1 o'clock every day, a large ball was dropped from a pole atop the tower to enable ships to set their clocks. Nearby is the Deal Maritime & Local History Museum, telling the story of Deal and the Cinque Ports. Deal, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 3753 5187 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Dover    Dover has been an important port since Roman times, when Julius Caesar chose this spot to land his invasion forces. The most famous landmark associated with Dover are the famous 'White Cliffs', one of the most easily recognisable of British icons. But there is more to Dover than the cliffs. Dover Castle was begun immediately after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and extended in the 13th century by King John. Allied forces in WWII used King John's underground tunnels as part of the command centre, and these tunnels can be explored by visitors. Dover, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 3097 4229 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Edenbridge    The 13th century parish church of St Peter and St Paul is Early English and boasts some fine memorials and stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones. There are a large number of medieval half-timbered buildings in the town, and some attractive 16th and 17th century houses as well. Just outside Edenbridge is historic Hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyne, Henry VIII's second wife. Nearby is the 17th century manor of Squerryes Court. Edenbridge, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 4453 4470 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Folkestone    A resort town in south east Kent, known today for the Channel Tunnel, but formerly a popular seaside destination for holidaymakers. The older part of town is a lovely mix of Georgian buildings, cobbled streets, and a long, sweeping promenade along the seafront. A famous native of Folkestone was William Harey, medical pioneer. Harvey's mother is buried in the parish church of Saint Mary and St Eanswythe dates to at least the 13th century. Eanswythe was the 7th century granddaughter of King Ethelbert, and her relics are buried in the sanctuary. Folkestone, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 2305 3637 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Fordwich   A village on the River Stour, 2 miles from central Canterbury, Fordwich was once the port for its larger neighbour. Today it is a quiet place, with a timber-framed town hall. Fordwich, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village - Photos of Fordwich OS TR180597 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Gillingham    A busy town that dates back to at least the 10th century. In the 11th century Gillingham was the site of a archbishop's palace, built by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. Gillingham is close to the historic royal dockyards at Chatham, with the result that a ring of 19th century defensive forts ring the coast all about, from Fort Amherst, to Fort Darland at Gillingham. The workforce needed to built the forts swelled the population of Gillingham, and the town has never looked back. Upnor Castle is two miles distant, and Rochester Cathedral is close by. Gillingham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 7742 6864 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Godmersham    A small village near Chilham, Godmersham has associations with author Jane Austen, who visited here often when her brother Edward owned Godmersham Park. The 12th century parish church has the earliest known bas relief carving of St Thomas a Becket. Godmersham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR 0611 5052 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Goudhurst   Goudhurst, in Kent, probably began as a clearing in the great forest of Anderida that covered the Weald of Kent and Sussex long ago. The name is obscure; 'hurst' certainly means 'wood' but there is some uncertainty over Goud. It may just be a simple corruption of Good. The earliest record of a name (Guithhyrste) dates from 1095. Goudhurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town Location: Goudhurst is 10 miles east of Tunbridge Wells and 14 miles south of Maidstone. Details of Goudhurst - Photos of Goudhurst OS TQ722 377 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Gravesend    A large town on the bank of the River Thames. It was at Gravesend that the native American princess Pocohantas died on her way back to America in 1617. She was buried at the parish church of St George in Gravesend. The exact location of her grave is unknown, but a statue to her stands in the churchyard. In the town is the Milton Chantry, a 13th century chapel. Gravesend was granted a market charter in 1268, and the market is still held today, which must make ot one of the oldest in England. The Gravesend Local History Society manages a museum in the remains of the 17th century New Tavern Fort on the riverside. Gravesend, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 6460 7313 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Groombridge    Groombridge is medium sized village near Tunbridge Wells, with a lovely triangular green and attractive red brick cottages. Just outside Groombridge village is Groombridge House and Garden, a heritage garden surrounding a 17th century moated manor house. The small church of St John features good stained glass and memorial brasses. Groombridge, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 5296 3567 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Hawkhurst    A very attractive village near Tunbridge Wells in mid-Kent. Hawkhurst is famous (or infamous) for the group of smugglers known as the Hawkhurst Gang. The Gang operated a smuggling ring across the south east of England from 1735-1749. The Oak and Ivy Inn in Hawkhurst was the headquarters of the gang, who were only defeated after a pitched battle with militia. Three miles distant is the moated medieval castle at Bodiam. Hawkhurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 7538 2897 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Hythe    A historic market town on the edge of the Romney Marshes, Hythe was one of the Ancient Cinque Ports, though it is now well inland of the shore due to silting of its old harbour. Two castles once defended the port, but little now remains of Saltwood and Lympne Castles. The Royal Military Canal runs through Hythe, and the remains of three early 18th century Martello Towers, built to defend against French invasion, still stand. The parish church of St Leonard dates to the 11th century, and contains a rare ossuary, or bone storage, in the chancel, with over 2000 skulls on display.. Hythe, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 1589 3488 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Ightham   The name Ightham is probably most familiar to readers who have heard of the historic moated manor house called Ightham Mote, but that manor is several miles south of the pretty village of Ightham. Though the village lies close to Sevenoaks, it is set in quiet counryside, and presents an idyllic outlook, with a number of historic houses about a small green, and a half-timbered pub. Ightham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: Off the A25 seven miles east of Sevenoaks - Photos of Ightham OS TQ595565 Heritage Highlight: The parish church of St Peter boasts wonderful medieval and Jacobean tombs Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lamberhurst    Lamberhurst is a lovely village of half-timbered and red brick buildings. Just a few miles away are the remains of medieval Bayham Abbey, while even closer is Scotney Castle, with beautiful gardens around the ruins of a medieval moated castle. The parish church of St Mary in Lamberhurst contains a private chapel with memorials to the Hussey family of Scotney Castle. Lamberhurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 6702 3425 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Leeds    Not to be confused with the large city of the same name in Yorkshire, Leeds, Kent is a village near Maidstone. Leeds is famous for lovely Leeds Castle, a moated medieval fortress dating to the 12th century. The parish church of St Nicholas has a large Norman tower thought to be the second highest in Britain. The church may date to the Saxon period, and it contains a medieval rood screen and and a 15th century wood-beamed roof. There was once a priory in Leeds, founded around 1119, but that was destroyed in Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The site of the priory can be see behind the George Inn. Leeds, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 8277 5149 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lullingstone    A small hamlet near Eynsford, Lullingstone packs a lot of history into a small space. First there is Lullingstone Roman Villa, one of the best preserved Roman residences in Britain. Nearby is Lullingstone Castle, a 15th century fortified manor set in superb gardens. In the grounds of the castle is the lovely old church of St Botolph, which is largely 14th century but sits on foundations thought to date to at least the Saxon era. The interior boasts a 16th century Flemish rood screen, and an unusual wall-mounted font. Lullingstone, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ530643 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lydd    Lydd is the most southerly town in Kent, located on high ground that was once an island in Romney Marsh. Indeed, the parish church is often referred to as the Cathedral of the Marsh. The church, dedicated to All Saints, is the longest in Kent at 200 feet in length. It is primarily 14th century, but incorporates early Saxon remains that may date to the 8th century or even earlier. In the churchyard is the grave of Thomas Edgar, who served at Lieutenant with Captain Cook. Experiments at Lydd in 1888 led to the development of the explosive called Lyddite. Lydd, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 0496 2077 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lyminge    A village near Folkestone, Lyminge boasts a lovely Saxon church dating to at least 975 AD. But the history of Lyminge goes back much further, at least to the Roman period, when a villa was built close to the site of the current parish church. Queen Ethelburga of Northumbria founded a nunnery here in about 633 AD. Lyminge, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR 1589 3978 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lympne    With a history stretching back to Roman times, Lympne has a lot to offer visitors. The Romans built a a port at the base of the cliffs here, and also built a road, known as Stone Street, running along the cliffs to Canterbury. At the foot of the cliffs is the fortress known as Studfall, or Stutfall, Castle, built by the Romans to guard to port. This should not be confused with Lympne Castle, a 15th century moated manor built on the site of a Roman tower. The parish church is a lovely Norman building with a squat tower and flying buttresses supporting the walls. Somewhat newer is Howlett's Wild Animal Park, an 80 acre family attraction featuring animals from around the world. Lympne, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR 1262 3408 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Maidstone    A popular town on the River Medway in north east Kent, Maidstone is an administrative centre and the foremost market town in the county. The remains of a 14th century archbishop's palace built by the Archbishops of Canterbury stand beside the parish church. The remains of the palace banqueting hall still stand. The old palace stables now house the Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages. Maidstone museum displays finds of local archaeology - and there are a lot, for the area was heavily settled by the Romans. There are also iguanodon bones, for that dinosaur was first discovered near Maidstone in the Victorian period. Maidstone, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 7566 5495 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

New Romney    New Romney was one of the medieval Cinque Ports, a league of coastal towns granted special privileges by the crown in return for providing coastal defenses against foreign invasion. The River Rother changed its course, however, leaving New Romney well inland of the sea. Take a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, a miniature rail line with 1/3 size engines and coaches running between Hythe and Dungeness. A pair of 13th century houses stand on West Street, beside a row of 17th century almshouses. The parish church is of Norman origin, and has boat hooks built into its outer walls; a testament to how close New Romney once was to the sea! New Romney, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 0598 2453 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Newenden   A pretty little hamlet on the River Rother, at the time of the Domesday Book survey Newenden was once one of only two villages in Kent with the right to hold a market. There was a pre-Roman hillfort near the current village, but the earliest reference to Newenden is in 791 AD, when King Offa of Mercia granted the manor to the monks of Christchurch Priory in Canterbury. Newenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On the A28 1 mile north of Northiam - Photos of Newenden OS TQ834272 Heritage Highlight: The parish church boasts a wonderfully carved late Saxon font Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Penshurst    A beautiful, historic village astride the River Medway, Penshurst is famous for sumptuous Penshurst Place, an Elizabethan manor set in superb gardens. Most people come to see Penshurst Place and don't stop to see the village itself, which is a real shame, because Penshurst is a lovely, peaceful place, with everything that makes a traditional English village so special. Chiddingstone Castle is close by, as are Hever Castle and the stately home and garden at Groombridge Place. Penshurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 5274 4309 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pluckley   The village of Pluckley is known for two things; one of which it is rather proud of, and the other most inhabitants wish would go away. The first is that the atractive little village was the film location for the popular television series The Darling Buds of May. The second is a rather unwelcome reputation as the most haunted place in Britain. The Pluckley ghosts are  the stuff of legend. Pluckley, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On a minor road 5 miles north west of Ashford Website: Pluckley - Photos of Pluckley OS TQ925455 Heritage Highlight: All the old houses have arched windows outlined in white - all the better to bring luck. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rochester    One of the most historic market settlements in a county replete with history! Rochester stands on the old Roman Watling Street, and boasts a cathedral, medieval castle, Carolingian mansion, and a 13th century manor owned by the Knights Templar. The cathedral is Rochester's pride; it is primarily 12th century, and is an excellent example of Romanesque style. The castle is one of the best Norman fortresses in England, and is built on the ruins of a Roman fort. Rochester has strong links to Charles Dickens, who lived at nearby Gads Hill fore many years. There are two annual Dickens festivals to celebrate the popular author and his works. Rochester, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 7442 6837 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rolvenden   An attractive Wealden village, with period houses of brick and weatherboard. The church is primarily 14th century, with a tall tower. The most intriguing aspect of the church interior is an 18th century squire's pew, built up above the aisle like a comfortable chamber, with carpeting, table and chairs. Rolvenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On the A28 3 miles west of Tenterden - Photos of Rolvenden OS TQ845315 Heritage Highlight: Great Maythem Hall, home of author Frances Hodgson Burnett Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sandhurst    Just outside Sandhurst is the medieval Bodiam Castle, a romantic moated ruin. There is a historic windmill (now a house) and a medieval parish church. Sandhurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 8012 2727 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sandwich    A historic market town in north eastern Kent. Two miles away is Richborough Roman Fort, which may have been the site of the first century Roman landing in Britain. In the medieval period Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports, a league of influential seaside ports on the east and south coasts. Today, Sandwich is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Britain. There are at least 6 inns that date to the 16th century; some much older! St Clement's church is 12th century, with a fine Norman tower and a collection of beautifully carved grotesques, as well as a section of medieval tiled floor. Sandwich, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TR 3379 5727 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sevenoaks    The town of Sevenoaks grew up around a a chapel surrounded by seven oak trees in what is now Knole Park. Knole is a 15th century house built by an Archbishop of Canterbury and once owned by Henry VIII. Sevenoaks is home to the Vine cricket ground, which may well be the oldest cricket ground in existence, as a match was reported here in 1734. Three miles distant is the moated manor house of Ightham Mote. Sevenoaks, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 5357 5424 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Smarden   Smarden has been called the most beautiful village in Kent. While that is open to debate - I've seen lots of other worthy candidates - it is certainly a lovely village, blessed with a number of attractive historic cottages, a medieval church, and three pubs. Smarden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On a minor road 3 miles northeast of Biddenden - Photos of Smarden OS TQ885425 Heritage Highlight: The 14th century parish church, known as the Barn of Kent for the width of its nave. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sutton Valence   A lovely historic village high above the Kentish Weald, Sutton Valence must have been settled as early as Roman times. A Roman road runs through the parish and a Roman cemetery has been found nearby. An intriguing historical mystery is provided by the name of a playing field known as Bloody Mountain. This name is thought to be a reference to a Saxon battle fought at the site. Sutton Valence, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village Location: Off the A274 4 miles south of Maidstone - Photos of Sutton Valence OS TQ809491 Heritage Highlight: The ruined fortress of Sutton Valence Castle looks out over the Stour Valley Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tenterden   Tenterden is a lovely old town that dates to the Saxon period. It became prosperous in the 14th century as a centre of the wool trade. Its most famous native was William Caxton (born 1422), who was responsible for printing the first book in English. The parish church of St Mildred is a fine 12th century building with a distinctive tower. Just outside Tenterden is Smallhythe Place, a half-timbered 16th century house that was once the home of famed actress Ellen Terry. Tenterden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town Location: On the A28 5 miles east of Cranbrook. Plenty of free and paid parking available around the town centre. - Photos of Tenterden OS TQ885335 Heritage Highlight: The lovely old parish church of St Mildred's has a 15th century tower 100 feet high. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tonbridge    Not to be confused with nearby Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge is home to Tonbridge Castle, an imposing Norman motte and bailey fortress protected by an massive gatehouse. The castle may be the best example in England of the motte and bailey style so favoured by the Normans. There is more to Tonbridge than the castle, though. The parish church of St Peter & St Paul is a 12th century building with a 14th century tower. Tonbridge, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 5968 4515 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tunbridge Wells    Tunbridge Wells is a fashionable Georgian spa town with a location that makes it a perfect base for exploring Kent and south-east England. Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town Details of Tunbridge Wells OS TQ584 395 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Westerham    A town near Sevenoaks, Westerham was the home of General James Wolfe (of Battle of Quebec fame), who grew up at Quebec House. There is a monument to Wolfe on the green, and the font at which he was baptised still stands in the 13th century parish church of St Mary. The town dates to before the Domesday Book of 1086, when King Harold owned the manor of Westerham. Westerham gained a market charter in 1227 under a grant from Henry III. Chartwell, home of Sir Winston Churchill, is close by. Westerham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Town OS TQ 4544 5400 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Whitstable    Famous for its oyster beds, which have been cultivated for over two millennia, Whitstable is a picturesque town on the coast of north east Kent. Whitstable Castle is a late 18th century manor built by Charles Pearson. Whitstable was a smuggler's haven during the Napoleonic Wars, and there are quite a number of narrow alleys leading down to the sea that were once used by smugglers. Whitstable, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR 1074 6674 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Wrotham    A village notable for its 13th century church of St George, which contains a set of medieval funerary brasses. Above the village is Wrotham Beacon, site of the very first FM broadcast tower in England, built circa 1955. Wrotham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TQ 6103 5913 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Wye    A village on the slopes of the Downs, Wye was settled as early as the Roman period. In the Saxon era Wye was a royal manor and site of a royal court. It was later owned by Battle Abbey, and supplied the abbey with tiles from a workship here. The mid-15th century college and school founded by Archbishop Kempe still stand, as does the ancient 13th century church of St Gregory, with its Georgian remodelling. Wye, Kent, England Attraction Type: Village OS TR 0510 4676 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts