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KENTSTAYCATION
WESTERHAM & EDENBRIDGE
ONE OF THE WESTERNMOST COMMUNITIES IN KENT , TUCKED NEATLY AGAINST THE SURREY BORDER , WESTERHAM IS A REAL TASTE OF THE COUNTRY , ON THE DOORSTEP OF SOME OF KENT ' S FINEST LANDSCAPES YET JUST A FEW MILES FROM LONDON .
HEVER CASTLE
Although so close to our capital city and the thriving town of neighbouring Sevenoaks , Westerham has a peaceful and humdrum identity which is greatly due to the construction of the M25 , a benefit that has not only calmed traffic in the town but has made it much more accessible to those travelling to it . This idyllic atmosphere is wonderfully in keeping with its former days as a coaching station , as well as its rural surroundings . Nestled amongst countryside , Westerham lies between two upland areas , with the North Downs to the north and Greensand Ridge - the source of the River Darent - just to the south .
In the main street and around the picturesque tiny green of this small town are a number of old buildings , including two venerable coaching inns . One of these is the charmingly named Grasshopper on the Green ( www . grasshopperongreen . com ). Originally the inn was built to accommodate the small army of Masons who lived in Westerham during the construction of the Parish Church which still bears the cross that was cut into its exterior masonry over 700 years ago . For the many years that followed , the Grasshopper was a coaching station - a boarding point for a coach service plied daily between
Westerham and Fleet Street in London . Today , the Grasshopper on the Green is owned by Anne and Neale Sadlier who have been the inn ’ s landlords for over 25 years . Close to their community and customers , Anne and Neil are always happy to greet familiar faces as well as tourists and visitors alike . Relax at the bar that offers real Kentish ales , or choose to dine at the restaurant with its range of specials , always including catch of the day , succulent steaks and other tempting delights . Offering breakfast daily , The Grasshopper on the Green is the perfect place to start your day by watching village life go by from the sunny outdoor seating or huddled up next to the log fire on colder days . Like many of Kent ’ s inns , The Grasshopper has many an intriguing tale attached to its history ; one of Westerham ’ s famous son ' s include John Frith the protestant martyr who was burnt at the stake in 1533 . It is believed that Frith was the son of the former landlord of the Grasshopper Inn , which even in that era , was already several centuries old .
The town appears in the Domesday survey of 1086 as Oistreham , and as a coaching town so close to London , would have had many famous historical visitors pass through it . One infamous frequenter of Westerham was Henry VIII , who would have known the town well when courting his second and ill-fated wife Ann Boleyn , who lived at nearby Hever Castle . Just a 15 minute drive away , a jaunt out to Hever Castle ( www . hevercastle . co . uk ) is a real must when visiting Westerham or staying nearby . A beautiful castle that oozes legend-like tradition with its portcullis , moat and drawbridge , Hever will delight all the family - from children that dream of knights and princesses , to eager history buffs and keen gardeners looking for tranquillity and inspiration . Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds , learn about the life of previous occupant Anne Boleyn at the exclusive exhibition : ‘ Becoming Anne : Connections , Culture , Court ’, delight at The Festival Theatre until 22 September with its vibrant and varied programme , which includes everything from opera and plays to films , jazz and comedy . While adults enjoy horticulture and oriental gardens , children can explore the Tudor Towers Adventure Playground – a nine metre tall wooden play castle , complete with its own moat , drawbridge and three turrets , or delight at the natural play area , Acorn Dell .
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