Kent, with its charming villages and stunning landscapes, is undeniably one of the most picturesque counties in the UK. It boasts a rich history, packed full of medieval architecture, cobbled streets and even the occasional grand castle or two.
Whether you’re a fan of leisurely strolls through the rolling hills of the Kent Downs, a history buff or Downtown Abbey fan or you just like exploring on two or four wheels, Kent ticks all the boxes. The county has a rich and varied history and is home to many stunning English Heritage sites and National Trust buildings.
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to discover new spots in this beautiful county. As temperatures begin to climb, here are a few villages that make for perfect day trip destinations.
Eynsford
This idyllic village, nestled amidst farmland, ancient woodlands, and low grasslands, is just a stone’s throw from Dartford. It’s so picture-perfect, that it could easily be featured on a postcard.
Visitors from across the country flock to Eynsford to see attractions like the Ford at Riverside, Eynsford Castle, Lullingstone Roman Villa, and Lullingstone Castle. The ruins of Eynsford Castle, managed by English Heritage and free to visit, are conveniently located just off the High Street.
Wye
Situated on the hillside of the Kent Downs National Landscape, Wye is a haven for nature lovers. With numerous trails and a wealth of flora and fauna, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
The village sits at the foot of the North Downs, with the Great Stour River passing through and is home to the Wye Crown chalk hill figure. Carved into the hillside above the village by students of the once-thriving agricultural Wye College, it celebrates the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
The impressive natural landmark, the Devil’s Kneading Trough, can also be found in the Wye National Nature Reserve.
Elham
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty, the historic village of Elham is undoubtedly one of east Kent’s most picturesque spots, boasting footpaths, bridle paths and cycle routes.
The quaint Kent village is a haven for walkers, with its rolling hills and open fields providing a fantastic selection of both circular and linear routes for all abilities.
Elham also offers a variety of amenities including tea rooms and two pubs – one housing a Post Office facility, two churches, a restaurant/coaching inn and a bustling village hall, not to mention floodlit tennis courts.
Chiddingstone
As one of Kent’s oldest villages, Chiddingstone is steeped in history. A National Trust site, it’s considered one of the best-preserved Tudor villages in the country, boasting historic buildings including unique Kent Oast Houses, cobbled pavements and a picture-perfect narrow main street.
Located in the Sevenoaks district near the River Eden, this picturesque village is a must-visit with its very own ancient castle. There are also tea rooms, a gift shop and vintage shop and a selection of award-winning pubs and restaurants to frequent close by.
Ightham
The charming village of Ightham, situated between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, is renowned for the nearby medieval manor of Ightham Mote. Looked after by the National Trust, the stunning 140th-century manor house has over 700 years of history, architecture and stories under one roof.
Constructed around 1320, Nicholas Pevsner described the building as ‘the most complete small medieval manor house in the country’.
The centre of the village is very picturesque with its half-timbered houses that have stayed the same for centuries, and there is also a choice of three pubs for some light refreshments and a fully stocked farm shop.
Penshurst
This small unspoilt village in the beautiful countryside area known as The Weald of Kent, lies between two rivers and is famous for an ancestral home once owned by Henry VIII. The authentic stately home is one of the county’s best-loved attractions with 11 acres of formal gardens and parkland.
Cricket is still being played on one of England’s oldest pitches, and the village fete is still very much part of the community today. Offering idyllic and perfectly preserved views at every corner, this corner of Kent paints a perfect picture of days gone by.
Godmersham
Godmersham is a village and civil parish in the Ashford District famed for its links to 18th-century novelist Jane Austen. The writer often visited to see her brother Edward Knight, the former owner of Godmersham Park.
The Godmersham Park Estate is now home to a small exhibition hall and a heritage centre.
Additionally, there is a 12th-century parish church and a walk leading to a beautiful 17th-century bridge, where you can capture stunning photos and observe fish and sheep frolicking.