It sits in the middle of the stunning Kent countryside
Beyond the bustling towns and city centres of Kent, there are an array of stunning villages perfect for a day trip or, perhaps, a desirable place to plant your roots permanently. One prime example of such a destination is the cosy settlement of Benenden, which is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours of Tenterden, found six miles east, and Tunbridge Wells, to the north west.
Holding a population of around 1,400 people, according to the 2021 census, the countryside village has a distinct tight-knit charm. Last year, the lesser-known spot received some recognition after being included in the Muddy Stilettos ranking of the 10 best places to live in Kent, joining well-known destinations such as Folkestone, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Faversham.
The publication dubbed Benenden a “hidden gem with rustic charm, modern amenities and community spirit.” Sadly, the village did not return on the latest iteration of the Muddy Stilettos ranking, but that is not to say it has lost any of its leafy appeal.
Taking a stroll around Benenden, you will spy around 800 houses served by nearly 100 different businesses, which help give the rural settlement a real buzz of life. From beauty salons and hair studios, to the local family-run butchers and, even, a dedicated candle shop, residents have plenty of great amenities right on their doorstep.
The Community Shop and Cafe stocks all of those handy day-to-day essentials. Meanwhile, Hinxden Farm Dairy has sat in the village for nearly 100 years and completes a local milk round, as well as providing a selection of dairy products to local businesses.
Being in the heart of Kent’s rolling countryside, this is a fantastic spot for walking, no matter the season. The nearby Hemsted Forest is a very popular spot for hiking, spanning a whopping 984.59 acres in all, giving plenty of space to explore and take in the great outdoors.
Home to a rich variety of bird species, this is an ideal place to visit for bird watchers and nature photographers. From Benenden, you can also pick up part of the High Weald Landscape Trail, which spans 90 miles in all and meanders through many of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty found in West Kent.
Muddy Stilettos previously said: “The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, providing endless options for outdoor activities. Whether you’re into walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh air, the beautiful landscapes make it easy to maintain an active lifestyle.”
A village can only ever be as good as its pubs of course, and Benenden does not disappoint here either. The Bull at Benenden is the village’s chief watering hole, stocking a selection of local ales, ciders and wines while cooking up plates of delicious pub grub.
During the winter months, this cosy spot is a great place to unwind with the tipple of your choice by the warmth of the flickering fireplace. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.3 stars out of five from more than 400 reviews, it’s clear to see that punters hold this spot in high regard.
One recent reviewer said: “The friendliest and most helpful and accommodating staff. A gorgeous country pub with tons of atmosphere and really lovely pub grub at very reasonable prices. I’d totally recommend.”
Another called it the ‘beating heart of the village”, adding: “The cosy, welcoming interior, friendly staff, well-kept ale and superb food mean it attracts a good cross-generational mix of patrons, so always a lively atmosphere. Been here with groups of friends and as a solo drinker and the bar staff have always been great.”
Among the village’s claims to fame is the fact it was once the home of comedy legend Jo Brand. The comic spent many of her younger years here, having originally moved to St Mary’s Platt, near Sevenoaks, from London at age four, and then a year later to Benenden.
During her time in the sleepy village, Jo and her family lived on a long country lane in an old converted oast house. While in the village, she attended St Mary’s Platt Primary School and Benenden Village Primary School, before moving on to Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar until the age of 16.
She recalled some fond memories from her school days while talking to Tom Read Wilson on his podcast Tom Read Wilson has words with… With the podcast having a key focus around words, she looked back at a favourite moment during her time as a Kent student that came from a tricky spelling test.
She said: “I’m very attached to the word portmanteau itself because when I was at primary school, and I remember this really well, I must have been seven or eight, we had a spelling test and I got 19 out of 20. The teacher was fairly gobsmacked because we were a Kent village school and we were actually all a bit thick most of us.
“The only word I got wrong was portmanteau, I put an ‘o’ on the end instead of an ‘eau’, and so from that point onward I always knew what that word meant.” She went on to say: “This is going to sound like a humble brag but I went to the local comprehensive and after six months they got my parents in and said I’d have to go up two years as I was too intelligent for my year.”
Benenden has a number of distinct landmarks to keep an eye out for as well, perhaps most notably is Benenden School, a Tudor structure that had seen extensive renovations between 1860 and 1912. The private school has an impressive reputation as one of the best in the county, as well as boasting numerous famous alumni.
The likes of Princess Anne, aviator and sportswoman Lettice Curtis as well as Golden Globe Award winning actress Rachel Weisz have all previously boarded at the school. Another key landmark of the area is The Royal Sanatorium, built in 1907 as an institution designed to treat working class Royal Mail workers suffering from the bacterial epidemic Tuberculosis. Deferred plans could see this historic site torn down however.
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