Just under six miles away , the village of Downe sits high up on the Downs near Biggin Hill . This position has resulted in a commanding setting with outstanding views , especially looking north towards London . To learn a vital part of Kent ’ s history , visitors can discover the story of Britain ’ s most famous fighter station during WWII , through the personal experiences of those who served there , and the community that supported them at Biggin Hill Memorial Museum ( www . bhmm . org . uk ). In Downe , visitors can admire traditional Kentish flint cottages against the backdrop of the open uplands of the downs themselves as well as views of the more wooded areas of Kent , such as the Weald , which lies further south . More than any landscape , Downe is associated with one man , and thus by extension to ‘ Man ’ himself . It was here , in Down House ( www . englishheritage . org . uk / visit / places / home-of-charles-darwin-downhouse ) that Charles Darwin lived for 40 years until his death in 1882 . The house is reflective of both Darwin ’ s character and its unique place in the history of science and evolution , now a site of outstanding international significance . Visitors can step into the very rooms where Charles Darwin worked and lived , including the study in which he wrote On the Origin of the Species , and discover a fascinating exhibition about his work . Follow in the great scientist ’ s footsteps as you explore the award-winning gardens where he spent many hours making observations and conducting experiments that helped develop his groundbreaking theories .
Another famous Victorian frequented the idyllic village of Cobham , home to half-timbered Leather Bottle Inn ( www . theleatherbottle . pub ) which features in Kent native , Charles Dickens ’ The Pickwick Papers . Serving traditional English pub food , delight in a Sunday roast with all the trimmings and sip a Kentish ale , just as Charles Dickens would have done here himself . Despite its Victorian heritage , the village has a history that goes much further back than the Dickensian era . As well as having traces of Roman occupation , Cobham represents the Elizabethan period through the magnificent Cobham Hall ( www . cobhamhall . com ), one of the great houses of Kent , which is now one of the UK ’ s top independent schools for girls .
A tiny hamlet , tucked in the folds of narrow wooded hills , French Street has the appearance of one of the most out of the way spots in Kent . Although rustic and rural , French Street is in fact situated next to one of one of the county ' s most beloved attractions , Chartwell ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / chartwell ) the country home acquired by Winston Churchill in 1924 . With magnificent views across the Weald , Chartwell also boasts of beautifully landscaped gardens which famously enabled Churchill to find precious hours of diversion , occupying himself with the horticulture of the estate or painting by its lake . Visitors can delight in painstakingly preserved rooms in which a real sense of Churchill ’ s presence has been wonderfully maintained . Visitors have exclusive access to Churchill ’ s bedroom , studio , library and more , through which they will be taken on an intimate journey and gain much insight into the personal life of this great figure of history .
Another of Kent ’ s prettiest villages that also houses a magnificent country house is Penshurst . Making the most of its hilly wooded setting , Penshurst boasts Tudor architecture with a set of houses sitting at its core that date from two to four centuries ago , adding a true sense of charm and unique identity to the village . This includes an ancient ‘ lychgate ’ and a two-storey Tudor house which still stands today and has been built around bulging walls and crooked beams . This gate , together with its neighbouring houses , make up Leicester Square , the centre of the village which is a prime opportunity for photographs . However , Penshurst Place ( www . penshurstplace . com ) dominates the rural landscape of Penshurst and enchants visitors with its 16th century , ten acre gardens , beautiful architecture and glorious views across the Weald . Not only a source of satisfaction for the eyes , this medieval house is also renowned for its galleried Barons Hall and its fascinating collection of armour , tapestries , paintings and furniture which fill the state rooms . If you are feeling peckish after your exploration , visit Porcupine Pantry Café at the entrance or Grade II listed Leicester Arms Hotel ( www . theleicesterarms . com ) which serves seasonal British dishes and also offers ‘ stylish rooms for weary souls to rest their heads .’
DOWN HOUSE GARDENS
PENSHURST PLACE COBHAM HALL
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