Living in Sevenoaks
Thinking of living in Sevenoaks? This blog will uncover more about this desirable town in Kent.
The historic and ancient town of Sevenoaks, Kent is close enough to London to benefit from the opportunities the capital offers, yet far enough away to avoid the daily hustle and bustle – making it a popular place to live for commuters as well as those seeking semi-rural living.
Sevenoaks offers a high quality of life. Surrounded by extraordinary landscapes and a vibrant, scenic town, Sevenoaks has great schools and excellent transport links.
What types of property are there in Sevenoaks?
Sevenoaks offers a mix of different property types, from 1930s to period homes, and from character properties to executive homes. The town also has plenty of apartments and you can find attractive new build estates, which are popular with people moving from London.
Many of the residential roads have a rural feel to them, where houses are often hidden from view by hedges and trees. On the outskirts of Sevenoaks town in the south, you will find magnificent, larger homes with land, where you can escape to your very own oasis of calm.
Local Schools for Families Living in Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas have some excellent schools, both state-funded and private.
Primary Schools in and around Sevenoaks
- Lady Boswell’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School;
- St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School;
- Sevenoaks Primary School;
Secondary Schools in and around Sevenoaks
- Trinity School – a co-educational state-funded Christian school (for students ages 11-19);
- Knole Academy – a co-educational state-funded academy for students aged 11-19;
- Weald of Kent Grammar School – a selective school with academy status in nearby Tonbridge, for girls aged 11–18 and boys aged 16 –18;
Independent Schools near Sevenoaks
- The New Beacon School – an independent all-boys preparatory school for boys aged 4 – 13 for both boarders and day students. It also offers a co-educational nursery for children 3 years of age and over;
- Solefield School (founded in 1948) is a day preparatory school, for boys and girls aged 3 – 4 and boys aged 3 -13 in central Sevenoaks;
- West Heath School – a co-educational specialist independent school for students aged 10 – 20;
- Sevenoaks School is a co-educational private school and is the second oldest non-denominational school in the UK, established in 1432. Students aged 11-18 attend, either as a boarder or day pupil.
Green spaces in Sevenoaks
This remarkable region of West Kent is fortunate to possess two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – High Weald and the Kent Downs. It boasts nature reserves, expansive parks, nationally significant gardens, extensive lakes, chalk rivers (including the Eden, Darent and Medway), and extensive ancient woodlands.
For keen cyclists, Sevenoaks and its surrounds offer four of the famous ‘Kent Alps’, including Ide Hill and Toy’s Hill.
Knole Park
Sat in the grounds of Knole (a large country house and former archbishop’s palace now owned by the National Trust), Knole Park encompasses 1,000 acres of trees, woodlands, valleys, and parklands. There is lots to explore, from tree-lined avenues to secluded woodland. There are several coloured-coded walks that start from the country house, as well as cycling paths.
You can discover ancient trees and seek out wildlife – including the famous fallow deer – in this designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Bradbourne Lake Park
Bradbourne Lake Park is a quiet, picturesque area featuring a series of waterfalls and ornamental lakes. It’s a great area for walks or having a picnic under the shade of one of the waterside trees while watching the aquatic birdlife.
Shoreham Woods
Covering 467 acres and nestled on the western edge of the picturesque Darent Valley, Shoreham Woods comprises five distinct woodland areas interconnected by grassy downs with grazing sheep. During spring, the woodland floors come alive with a breath-taking exhibition of bluebells.
Within these woods, you’ll encounter numerous aged trees, including a cluster of ancient yews.
Transport Links for People Living in Sevenoaks
There are many excellent transport living for people living in Sevenoaks; its commuter-friendliness is one of the key reasons many make the move.
Sevenoaks is incredibly popular with commuters, with London being around a 30-minute journey by train. The south coast is within easy reach too, with Hastings taking around an hour by rail.
The nearest motorway is the M26 which links with the M25 and the A2. During light traffic time, the journey by road to London takes just over an hour.
Three major airports are easily accessible from Sevenoaks. London Gatwick (30 minutes by car) and Heathrow (approximately an hour by road) are also accessed by train. And London City Airport is typically less than an hour’s drive.
Places to Eat, Drink and Shop
Sevenoaks town centre is a bustling, vibrant place where you can find a mix of independent shops, high street brands and luxury boutiques mixed in with bookshops, cafes and restaurants. But if you venture off down one of the quaint alleyways near the High Street, you’ll find art shops, jewellers, and hidden restaurants.
Not far from the heart of Sevenoaks town is Holly Bush Lane with its charming independent gift shops, specialised boutiques, and eclectic cafes, adding to its unique character.
There are three local markets. On Saturdays, Bligh’s Meadow market sells flowers, pastries and locally made wine, plus arts and crafts. On Wednesdays, Buckhurst Lane is home to a busy general market. On the fourth Saturday of every month, there is a local farmers market outside Coolings Garden Centre.
Being in the Garden of Kent, Sevenoaks has lots of home-produced delicacies, such as lavender and hop products, craft beers, Squerryes’ gold medal-winning wine and other local produce.
If you enjoy eating out, then Sevenoaks will not disappoint. Whether you are looking for café culture or traditional cuisine, there is something for everyone, from family-friendly chain restaurants to top-class independent eateries.
Thinking of Living in Sevenoaks?
Are you thinking of living in Sevenoaks?
Sevenoaks offers the perfect blend of a historic, thriving town centre coupled with semi-rural living in the outer areas and surrounding villages. It has excellent transport links, some top schools and plentiful green spaces for you to explore.
You can shop until you drop with a choice of luxury and high-street brands as well as independent shops in the town centre.
The town also has an independent cinema and theatre, plus many sports clubs (including three non-league football clubs), cricket, women’s basketball and hockey teams. There are two leisure centres to choose from.
If you are thinking of moving to the area and living in Sevenoaks, then at Garrington Property Finders, we’d be delighted to help you find your perfect home, get in touch.
