What makes a picture-perfect village? Is it charming timber cottages, or stone bridges over a tranquil river? Is it charming cobbled lanes, or magnificent manor houses as if plucked right from a Jane Austen novel? Featuring all of these and more, Kentish villages are what many conjure up when they think of the perfect postcard English village! But top on your list for reasons to visit a village has to be the tradition Kentish pubs that can be found, so we've dropped a few suggestions on where to visit whilst wandering the villages.
We get so many stunning shots of them via our Instagram, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive list of the most Instagrammable villages in Kent to share them all with you. Time to get adding to your Kent bucket list...
Appledore
The lovely village of Appledore in Ashford is the quintessential lovely Kentish village with an eclectic mix of old and new Kentish properties, with lots of green open space in between. You might not believe us when we say #doorsofinstagram is a thing, but it is, and this picture-perfect cottage is giving us all the front door envy right now! We simply a-door it... It wouldn't be a village visit without a trip to the local pub! Head to The Black Lion and enjoy a delicious traditional pub lunch whilst you're there.
Photograph: @andrea_avena
Aylesford
A stunning bridge like Aylesford's is always an Insta-winner, and it certainly suits a sunset with that gorgeous reflection on the river. Did you know this ancient bridge is one of the earliest bridges across the Medway, believed to have been built in the 14th century? Historic and lovely, Aylesford is truly a gem. Speaking of the village's history, local pub favourite, The Chequers Inn, is a Grade II listed timber framed, former wool merchant's house, which dates back to 1511... Just the place to fill up on a delicious meal, from classic burgers to wood-fire pizzas, you're spoilt for choice!
Photograph: @mattghphoto
Biddenden
The old meets the new in this lovely shot of a VW Camper van in the traditional village of Biddenden. This West Kent treasure may look quaint and quiet, but inside one of its 16th century weavers cottages is The West House, a Michelin-Starred restaurant whose menu is inspired by the very best local seasonal food. There's rolling hills and vineyards around the corner, so there's a lot to explore in Biddenden...
Photograph: @mrjlv
Chiddingstone
Familiar with Chiddingstone Castle? We're sure you are, with its picture-perfect views making it an ideal shot for the gram (as you can see!). Not only that, but where better to indulge in a pub lunch than The Castle Inn - a cosy 15th century Inn nestled next to the Castle estate. But the village itself is one of the oldest surviving Tudor villages, making it a real trip to another time and place. Chiddingstone village is a National Trust site, and it retains its historic half-timer framed facades and countryside charm. If you think you’ve seen this lovely village before, maybe you have! It was the filming location for the 1985 adaptation of A Room with a View, as well as the Monty Python team’s Wind In the Willows – Mr Toad’s Wild Ride.
Photograph: @chidd_castle
Chilham
The lovely Chilham has also played home to several TV and film locations thanks to its many Grade II listed buildings, making it an ideal setting for an Agatha Christie mystery or two. Whilst visiting, make sure to check out the views of the secluded Chilham Castle – a stunning work of Jacobean architecture, and of course, factor in time to visit a cosy pub like The White Horse.
Photograph: @prettylittlevillages
Eynsford
Eynsford is absolutely charming, in real life and through your screen! It's a bit of a hidden gem, located in Sevenoaks and surrounded by woodland and farmland. The lovely little village is a great one to explore and the Darent Valley Path, a walking route following the River Darent, is great to stroll through on your way.
Photograph: @an.item.explores
Ightham
White picket fences, blue skies and idyllic cottages? Ightham was made for Instagram! They also boast the beautiful National Trust property Ightham Mote, an outstanding moated manor house, if you’re after some more snaps of Kent’s medieval architecture. Perfect for a ramble in the open countryside and it wouldn't be complete without a delicious pub lunch, so for this, we suggest checking out George & Dragon.
Photograph: @onceuponatravellust
Penshurst
Famous for the magnificent Penshurst Place, with all its splendour and history as one of King Henry VIII's homes, Penshurst itself is a picturesque village full of original Tudor listed buildings. As a certified conservation zone, its surrounding woodlands and countryside are pretty spectacular too. Looking to grab a bite? The Bottle House Inn should be on your radar. Offering locally sourced and home grown dishes in a beautiful 15th century building, representing the very best of Kent.
Photograph: @penshurstplace
Sissinghurst
Isn't this just the epitome of quirky village charm? Sissinghurst is yet another picture-perfect village famous for its castle and world-renowned gardens. You'll find plenty of West Kent weatherboarding, lots of luscious greenery in the surrounding countryside and a view to admire over the Weald of Kent. Without forgetting to mention that village pub that makes for the perfect place to grab some lunch, rest and recharge after your day exploring, in this case, we're talking about The Milk House.
Photograph: @tillymilnes
Upnor
This wonderful shot of the magnificent Elizabethean Upnor Castle, located in the village of Upnor in Medway boast with spectacular views, certainly worthy of an Instagram post. Nearby you'll find the perfect spot which overlooks the picturesque views of the castle and offers delicious dishes from around the world with hints of inspiration filtering in from the distillery next door... we're talking about The Pumproom at Copper Rivet Distillery of course!
Photograph: @dannyfordphotography
Wye
Nestled in the Kent National Landscape, Wye is a delightful village, full of quaint cottages, country pubs like New Flying Horse Inn and historic buildings like Wye College, but drive up the road to the Devils Kneading Trough to take your Instagram game to the next level. On a clear day, you can see all the way to East Sussex...
Photograph: @ijclarkphoto
Warehorne
Warehorne is located partly in the Weald of Kent and The Romney Marsh, so as you can imagine, this wonderful village boasts with remarkable views of Kent’s stunning landscape, perfect for your Instagrammable shot. Reflecting the village’s charming character, The Woolpack Inn makes for the ideal pub where you can capture a few pics and of course enjoy some yummy Kentish produce. With picturesque walks nearby and the beautiful village itself, we can see why you might want to stay longer… Fancy checking in at The Woolpack Inn?
Kingsdown
Something for the coastal lovers, we recommend a visit to Kingsdown – a beautiful village in Dover. With a shingle beach and stunning views of the coast, this seaside village will give you plenty of opportunities to capture that Instagrammable shot. A pub on the beach? There sure is! The Zetland Arms is a must-visit pub, with beers and ales brewed by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame and a hearty selection of delicious dishes on their menu. Fancy staying longer? Check in the Victory Cottage located just next door. So yep, you guessed it, expect stunning sea views, and enjoy the comfort of this welcoming accommodation which can sleep up to eight people and is pet friendly!
St Margaret's, Dover
In the heart of White Cliffs Country, you’ll come to find the tranquil village of St Margaret’s, popular for its cliff top walks and breath-taking coastal views. The village isn’t short of traditional English pubs, from The Smugglers Inn nestled in the village to The Coastguard Pub which offers panoramic views across the English Channel.
