Villages in Kent by Train
Referred to as ‘The Garden of England’, Kent is home to some of England’s prettiest villages. With two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a coastline, the county is a beauty. Despite its rural appearance, Kent is very well accessed by train. Though many of England’s railway stations disappeared in the 1960s, Kent’s managed to hang on. Today train tracks criss-cross their way across the county, with many villages boasting their own station. If you’re looking to visit a village from London by train, or just fancy a car-free day in Kent, then continue reading.
Here are the 10 best villages in Kent by train.
Villages in Kent by train
10 Best Villages in Kent by Train
1. Eynsford
Located in the rolling Kent Downs, Eynsford is a village with a colourful past. Its earliest recording dates to the 9th century, when it was known as “Egenes homme” meaning river-meadow. Eynsford’s origins can be seen in its many historic properties with timbered inns and a Norman church.
Despite its rural charm, there’s lots to do around Eynsford. The village boasts many pubs, with a Norman castle and tea room. For an extended trip, the hamlet of Lullingstone lies just south of the village and has its own castle and Roman villa. The best thing? Eysnford has its own railway station with direct links to both London Victoria and Blackfriars. The journey time is just 45 minutes.
Village Station: Eynsford
London Terminus: Victoria or Blackfriars
Journey Time: From 45 minutes
2. Penshurst
Nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Penshurst is one of the prettiest villages in Kent by train. The village grew up in the shadow of Penshurst Place – the ancestral home of the Sidney family. Today, the centre is clustered with Tudor buildings with the Leicester Arms inn being the finest. Most people who come to Penshurst just visit the manor house and don’t stop to see the village itself, which is a real shame because it’s lovely.
Besides Penshurst Place, the village has a Saxon Church with a medieval dole table outside. There’s also a tea room, village shop, pub and regular farmers market. What more could you want? Penshurst is located just 40 minutes walk from its train station – Penshurst. The journey time to London is 1 hour.
Village Station: Penshurst
London Terminus: Charing Cross, Cannon Street or Victoria
Journey Time: From 1 hour 3 minutes
3. Fordwich
Fordwich is famous for being England’s smallest town. However, with a population of just 380, it’s really a village. Regarded as Kent’s hidden gem, Fordwich is a honeypot of winding lanes and quaint cottages. In the Middle Ages, the village prospered as a port for boats on their way to Canterbury. Today, it’s a peaceful place and effortlessly pretty.
In addition to lovely countryside, Fordwich also has two historic inns and an 11th century church (where Shakespeare is believed to have performed). Located 10 minutes walk from Sturry station, it’s a perfect village to visit by train. You could combine your visit with a trip to nearby Canterbury – just 1hr 11 from London St Pancras.
Village Station: Fordwich
London Terminus: Cannon Street, Charing Cross or St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 1 hour 11 minutes
4. Chiddingstone
Though Chiddingstone is that bit further out than other villages (2 miles from Penshurst station), it’s definitely worth the journey. As you approach the village from the station, you journey through the lovely Kent Downs with the River Eden winding its way through. Chiddingstone is one of Kent’s oldest and most beautiful villages. Historically it prospered on pig farming, the money from which went into building the lovely Tudor houses here.
Chiddingstone is best known for its castle, built in the 17th century by the Streatfields. You can still visit the property today. Outside, the village has a pretty church, 15th century inn, village shop and tea room. You can even make a day of it and visit nearby Penshurst village.
Village Station: Penshurst
London Terminus: Charing Cross, Cannon Street or Victoria
Journey Time: From 1 hour 3 minutes
5. Upnor
Upnor is a little gem tucked away on the banks of the River Medway. The village is comprised of two settlements (Lower and Upper Upnor) and is one of Kent’s most historic settlements. Historically, Upnor grew up in the shadow of Upnor Castle – an Elizabethan artillery fort. You can still visit the castle today and explore its chequered past. Beyond the castle walls, the village itself is a dreamland of cobbled streets and pretty weatherboarded cottages.
Despite its size, Upnor has four charming pubs, all of which are located in historic buildings. There’s also a beach at Lower Upnor, which while not great for sunbathing, does offer views of the River Medway. Upnor is located 1 mile from Strood station. Though the walk to the village isn’t the prettiest, it’s definitely worth the journey.
Village Station: Strood
London Terminus: Charing Cross, Cannon Street or St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 37 minutes
6. Ightham
Ightham is one of Kent’s most famous villages due to its manor house – Ightham Mote (owned by the National Trust). The village dates from the early Anglo-Saxon period and seems to have changed little in its history. Today, the centre of Ightham is a picturesque combination of timbered houses and cottage gardens.
If you’re spending a day in Ightham, a trip to Ightham Mote should be top of your list. The manor house dates to the medieval period and has a moat with lovely woodland grounds. In the village itself, you have three public houses, a medieval church and a gorgeous farm shop. It’s a beautiful place to visit and just 1 mile from Borough Green & Wrotham station. With a journey time of just 45 minutes to London Victoria, this is one of the best villages in Kent by train.
Village Station: Borough Green & Wrotham
London Terminus: Victoria or Blackfriars
Journey Time: From 49 minutes
7. Appledore
With pretty old cottages and countryside views, Appledore is one of Kent’s prettiest locations. The village was once a port on the River Rother and its name is believed to come from ‘apple tree’. Historically, Appledore was an agricultural village with a market and annual fair.
Today, it’s a peaceful place, though its medieval homes and 14th century church draw in daytrippers. Despite its size, Appledore has a village shop, pub, tea room and antique shop. It’s easy to spend a day here with lovely countryside, Park wood (pictured) a local favourite. Appledore is located 30 minutes walk from Appledore station, just 55 minutes from London.
Village Station: Appledore
London Terminus: St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 57 minutes
8. Aylesford
Aylesford is another pretty village in Kent. Approaching the village from the station, you’re greeted by a view of pretty brick cottages clustered round a Norman church. The name Aylesford comes from Old English ‘ford’ and is recorded in the Domesday Book as Elesford. The most iconic structure in the village is the 14th-century bridge, along with Aylesford Priory which dates to 1242.
Aylesford is a lovely location for country walks, with the River Medway running through. If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, the village has three pubs, two tea rooms and a couple of shops – of which one is a pottery. Aylesford is 15 minutes walk from its station – Aylesford, just 55 minutes from London St Pancras.
Village Station: Aylesford
London Terminus: St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 55 minutes
9. Chilham
Chilham is a village renowned for its beauty and charm. With half-timbered buildings nestled round a medieval square, things couldn’t get more picturesque. Chilham lies high above the valley of the River Stour and is home to a Norman keep and Jacobean mansion. It’s an incredibly ancient village, with a 13th century church and many historic properties.
Chilham lies on the North Downs Way so is a perfect spot for walkers. If you’re looking for something more leisurely, there are some cosy village inns and a tea room to enjoy. Chilham has direct links to both Charing Cross and Cannon Street. However, the quickest journey is to St Pancras International (1 change).
Village Station: Chilham
London Terminus: Charing Cross, Cannon Street or St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 1 hour 4 minutes
10. Wye
Nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wye is one of the prettiest villages in Kent by train. As you approach the village from the station, you cross the river to picture postcard views. Wye’s history is evident in its timbered houses and medieval church.
One thing you can’t escape in Wye is the beautiful scenery. There’s lots of walks to be had with Devil’s Kneading Trough (above) being the most spectacular. Gentler walks can be found along the River Stour, while the village itself has a couple pubs and shops. The best thing? Wye has its own railway station with direct links to Charing Cross, Cannon Street and St Pancras International. The journey time is just 57 minutes.
Village Station: Wye
London Terminus: Charing Cross, Cannon Street or St Pancras International
Journey Time: From 57 minutes
15 Best Villages near London by Train
If you want to take your rail journeys beyond the best villages in Kent by train, check out my 15 Best villages near London by Train. You’ll discover lots of secret villages within easy reach of London. Enjoy!