Historic towns and villages in Kent

Ramsgate is an attractive seaside town, popular as a resort in Victorian times and later home to artists from Van Gogh to architect AW Pugin. Pugin built The Grange for himself, and St Augustine's Church, where he is buried. St Laurence's church dates to Norman times. Outside Ramsgate is Pegwell Bay, where a cross marks the site of St Augustine's landing in AD 596.
Ramsgate, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: The Grange, architect AW Pugin's home

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Rochester is one of the most historic places 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.
Rochester, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: The superb Norman cathedral has roots going back to the 7th century

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

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

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: Great Maythem Hall, home of author Frances Hodgson Burnett

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The pretty village of Sandhurst stands just inside the Kent border and is notable for its large number of timber-framed buildings. It boasts a restored windmill, 14th-century church, and striking Victorian clock tower. Just outside Sandhurst is 14th-century Bodiam Castle, a romantic moated ruin now preserved by the National Trust.
Sandhurst, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?


Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The tourist brochure published by the local town council calls Sandwich 'The Most Complete Medieval Town in England'. While there may be other worthy contenders for that title, I'd agree that this lovely old market town in south eastern Kent is one of the prettiest and most enjoyable historic towns in the south-east of England.
Sandwich, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?


Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The town of Sevenoaks grew up around 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, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?


Nearest Self Catering Cottages

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

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: The 14th-century parish church, known as the Barn of Kent for the width of its nave.

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

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

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: The ruined fortress of Sutton Valence Castle looks out over the Stour Valley

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

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.

Tenterden, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: The lovely old parish church of St Mildred's has a 15th century tower 100 feet high.

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Not to be confused with nearby Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge is home to Tonbridge Castle, an imposing Norman motte and bailey fortress protected by a massive gatehouse. The castle may be the best example in England of the motte and bailey style so favoured by the Normans.

Tonbridge, Kent, England

Heritage Rating:   ?


Nearest Self Catering Cottages