10 Most Picturesque Villages in Kent

Aylesford sits along the River Medway roughly 4 miles northwest of Maidstone. The symbolic arch bridge is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century and still used today by pedestrians. Many of the village’s oldest buildings are by the Medway, including the Aylesford St Peter & St Pauls Church. Parts of the church date to the 11^th century, but there was likely a religious site on the grounds centuries earlier.

Originally founded in 1242, the restored Carmelite Friary provides travellers with a peaceful retreat with its picnic areas, pottery workshops, and tea rooms. Just a 20-minute walk from the village, Cobtree Manor Park features wooded trails, green spaces, and playgrounds for nature lovers of all ages.

Chilham overlooks the valley of the River Stour and features a medieval market square. Timber-framed Tudor houses surround the square, and the majestic Chilham Castle provides incredible views of the Kent countryside. The private estate opens its beautiful gardens for public viewing every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer. St. Mary’s Church sits on the opposite side of the square and has memorials to prominent Chilham families.

The village also serves as a fantastic base to explore the gorgeous Kent Downs. Hikers and cyclists have numerous trails to choose from, each boasting remarkable views of ancient woodlands, native wildlife, and wide-open grasslands. Those looking for a long-distance journey have easy access to both the Pilgrims’ Way and North Downs Way.

Famed for its white cliffs and noted affection from author Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is one of Kent's famous seaside resorts. Situated on the Isle of Thanet, the coastal town is only a 2-hour journey for Londoners. Blue Flag beaches line the shores, and art galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars adorn the vibrant streets.

With its winding promenade and cosy beach huts, Viking Bay is a delightful place to start your holiday. Stroll to Botany Bay for a closer glimpse of the chalk cliffs or a refreshing swim. David Copperfield readers can visit the Dickens House Museum to view the novelist’s inspiration for Betsey Trotwood’s home or attend the Broadstairs Dickens Festival for a Victorian-era beach party.

A 15-minute train ride from Canterbury transports you to the hiking paradise of Wye. The historic village rests along the hillside of the Kent Downs and offers nature trails that showcase the area’s remarkable beauty. Wildlife echoes at Devils Kneading Trough, and you’ll find rare flora species on the Wye Downs. The Great Stour Way runs along the river and is part of the National Cycle Network.

Wye piques taste buds with a variety of eateries and places to shop for local produce. The Wye Farmers’ Market runs biweekly, and vendors sell items such as organic meat, cheeses, cakes, and jams. Stop by the Perry Court Farm for juicy apples or taste delicious jams and preserves at the Wooden Spoon Preserving Company.

Maidstone is the historic county town of Kent and is around 40 miles southeast of London. The town acts as a recreational hub in Kent and hosts vibrant events throughout the year. Cycling and walking routes are popular outlets for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the verdant landscape. Boat rides along the River Medway and fishing excursions in Mote Park offer relaxing afternoons on the water.

Kent Life hosts the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival and presents Britain’s last remaining coal-fired Oast House. The nostalgic farm breeds farm animals and entertains guests with tractor rides, live shows, and a pottery studio. Leeds Castle sits a few miles from Maidstone, and its romantic lakeside setting features enchanting gardens, falconry shows, and mini-golf.

Chiddingstone sits within the Sevenoaks District and is among the finest examples of a Tudor village. Its lone street charms with historic architecture, old-fashioned pubs, and a tea room. Continue down the street to find the mysterious chiding stone and the folklore surrounding it. The nearby Chiddingstone Castle hosts elaborate weddings and houses artefacts from a myriad of cultures.

Wildlife is abundant just outside the village, and Bough Beech Reservoir is a paradise for birdwatchers. Around a 35-minute drive from Chiddingstone, Knole Park is an excellent spot to watch deer roaming the woodlands. Head to One Tree Hill for a breathtaking panorama of the Kent countryside and search for a variety of plant and animal species.

Roughly 12 miles west of Dover, Elham offers an enchanting location inside the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within the village, timber-framed Tudor houses and St Mary the Virgin Church highlight its history and heritage. A local farm shop, biweekly farmers’ markets, authentic pubs, and the Elham Valley Vineyard give you a taste of the region’s produce.

The village rests along the slopes of its namesake valley and provides a convenient base for hikers. Walking paths from Elham venture to beautiful hills, chalk grasslands, and verdant woodlands across the valley. The 22.5-mile Elham Valley Way rewards vigorous trekkers with many of the most stunning vistas anywhere in the Kent countryside.

Penshurst in the Sevenoaks District features extravagant properties and beautiful stretches of nature. Promoted as the grandest manor house in England, Penshurst Palace & Gardens earns the spotlight among visitors. Once used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge, the house still possesses marvellous furnishings dating from the 14th century. The interior also includes magnificent paintings and staterooms, but the Elizabethan garden steals the show.

Haysden Water is a popular outdoor recreation space used for hiking, kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Barden Lake draws anglers, dog walkers, and has a playground for children. For bikers, the Tudor Cycle Trail connects Penshurst Place to Tonbridge Castle and follows the River Medway for a peaceful ride.