The orchard country around Maidstone ’ s county seat is scattered with picturesque Kentish villages each boasting their own individual charm , history and reasons to visit . From pretty riverside scenes and sweet village greens , to ancient churches full of history and quirky country pubs with low hanging beams and warm fireplaces , there is plenty to explore and discover in the villages that surround the heart of Kent . With train stations sitting along the railway lines to central London , they are easy to access yet still provide visitors with a peaceful countryside escape in which they can embrace delightful places to eat as well as fascinating historical and cultural attributes .
Headcorn was once a major clothmaking centre and today visitors can still see the ancient Cloth Hall which reflects this former source of prosperity . At the end of the main street , spot the lovely parish church , which sits in front of the beautiful Headcorn Manor , a 16th-century hall house . Just a few miles south of the village , at Lashenden , is the Air Warfare Museum , which commemorates the role played by this corner of the South East during the Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War .
Yalding sits prettily astride the River Medway and boasts three picturesque bridges and a historical wharf that was once used for transporting fruit from the orchards . Scenes of the river can be best enjoyed from the stylish Boathouse Pub and Restaurant , the perfect alfresco dining destination to sample real Kentish ale and Kentish wines as well as delicious food . For a taste of global cuisine visit Zarda Cottage which offers a delectable range of dishes that capture India ’ s most authentic , tantalising flavours and aromas .
Staplehurst lies on the route of an ancient Roman road and its church , All Saints , dates back to the 12th century . The Kings Head pub and restaurant has been at the heart of Staplehurst since the 17th century , step inside and revel in the pub ’ s quaint comfort , adorned with hanging hops and home to an original inglenook fireplace , from here you can enjoy traditional cask ales from Shepherd Neame , Britain ’ s oldest brewer , and freshly cooked food made from Kentish produce .
Marden is a typically pretty Wealden village located on the Low Weald . A centre for fruit growing , it represents the Garden of England and its orchards at their very best . Marden was the birthplace of what is now known as the National Fruit Show but is now home to a thriving community and family-run places to eat such as The Unicorn pub . Steeped in over 250 years of history and heritage , the building itself has held on to all of its character and boasts a spacious bar and restaurant and a cute beer garden for hot summer days , ideal for sampling fine English wine from Kent , The Wine Garden of England .
Boughton Monchelsea is full of interesting history , this includes its church which is built entirely from Kentish ragstone of which this village was once the quarrying centre for almost seven centuries . The lychgate at the church , which was erected in 1470 and built entirely without nails , is thought to be the oldest in England . The rest of the ancient houses in this village are built of the same stone and create a picturesque scene , particularly Boughton Monchelsea Place , an exquisite 16th-century country house that offers garden visits from April to September . The Cock Inn is of the same century and oozes character with oak beams and inglenook fireplaces , as well as hearty pub favourites .
LOVING VILLAGE LIFE
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