Escape the mayhem of London to the tranquil, historic countryside of Kent.
Kent — often referred to as the “Garden of England” — is the perfect destination if you need some serenity in the form of expansive fields, rolling hills, quaint villages, beautiful gardens, historic homes, medieval castles and more!
Let’s explore some stunning villages and all they have to offer, including Instagrammable photos!
| Read More: While you’re in Kent, explore the quaint seaside town of Whistable. Remember to re-fuel yourself at these fabulous Restaurants in Whitstable. |
This Article Contains
10 Of The Most Beautiful Villages In Kent
10 Of The Most Beautiful Villages In Kent
Add these villages to your travel list when you want a change of scenery:
1. Appledore
Appledore is one street village that sits on the edge of the Romney Marsh. It has medieval houses, a 13th-century church, and quaint cottages with beautiful front gardens.
- Location: Ashford, Kent
- Founded/ Built: 1804 (as a measure against the French invasion)
- Must-Visit: St Peter & St Paul Church
- Instagram Photo Ops: Picture-perfect cottage front doors!
2. Ashford
You need a full day or a weekend to comb the village of Ashford. There’s plenty to see and do like museums, churches, shopping, and good food.
- Location: Along the River Great Stour and 61 miles southeast of central London
- Founded/ Built: 1804 (as a measure against the French invasion)
- Must-Visit: Borough Museum in the Church Yard
- Instagram Photo Ops: Victoria Park in Ashford Green Corridor (Ashford Green Corridor is a collection of parks, recreational grounds, and other greenery
3. Aylesford
Aylesford is a delightful village with plenty of historic buildings and houses with lots of character. It’s well-known for its stunning bridge from the 14th-century and activities since the Neolithic era.
- Location: Along the River Medway, 4 miles northwest of Maidstone
- Founded/ Built: 1242
- Must-Visit: Kit’s Coty Megalithic Burial site (constructed around 4000 BCE)
- Instagram Photo Ops: Allington Castle and 14th-century bridge
4. Biddenden
The village of Biddenden was a hotspot for the iron and clothmaking industries, and it was also known for being the birthplace of Biddenden Maids, who were Siamese twin girls born in 1100. However, today, it’s famous for its impressive selection of English wines and Biddenden cider.
- Location: In the borough of Ashford, four miles northwest of Tenterden
- Founded/ Built: Around 700AD
- Must-Visit: Biddenden Vineyards
- Instagram Photo Ops: Sissinghurst Castle Garden
5. Broadstairs
Broadstairs was a fishing hamlet connected with the village of St. Peter. Today, it’s popular for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and white cliffs. Charles Dickens had a holiday home in Broadstairs where he penned David Copperfield.
- Location: On the Isle of Thanet, Thanet District
- Founded/ Built: Around 1080AD
- Must-Visit: Dickens House Museum
- Instagram Photo Ops: Botany Bay
6. Whitstable
Whitstable is a popular beachside destination famous for its native oysters during the summer.
- Location: Sevenoaks District
- Founded/ Built: Unclear, but it was recorded in the Domesday Book completed in 1086.
- Must-Visit: Whitstable Castle & Gardens
- Instagram Photo Ops: Tankerton Beach
7. Chiddingstone
This well-preserved Tudor village is recognised as one of the oldest and most beautiful villages in Kent. Plus, it’s listed as a National Trust site.
- Location: Sevenoaks District
- Founded/ Built: Unclear, but it was recorded in the Domesday Book completed in 1086.
- Must-Visit: Chiddingstone Castle and Chiding Stone
- Instagram Photo Op(s): Chiddingstone Castle
8. Fordwich
Fordwich is known as Britain’s smallest town and has only 381 residences. Although small, Fordwich is a beautiful place to visit.
- Location: North coast, Kent
- Founded/ Built: Around the 1830s
- Must-Visit: Fordwich Town Hall
- Instagram Photo Ops: Take a boat tour along the Fordwich River
9. Marden
Marden is a picturesque rural village in Maidstone, Kent with beautifully preserved buildings.
- Location: Tonbridge, Maidstone
- Founded/ Built: Possibly during the Stone Age
- Must-Visit: Anno Distillers
- Instagram Photo Ops: St Michael & All Angel Church
10. Penshurst
Penshurst is the destination for exquisite properties, vast gardens, and the grandest manor house in England that was once used as a hunting lodge by Henry VIII.
- Location: A valley on the Kentish Weald within the Sevenoaks district
- Founded/ Built: Around the 1st century AD (after the 43AD Roman invasion)
- Must-Visit: Penshurst Place & Gardens
- Instagram Photo Ops: Penshurst Place & Gardens