Villages in Kent: Hidden gems for London commuters
From historic hamlets to riverside retreats, the villages in Kent offer a rare blend of beauty, character, and practicality for those working in the capital.
Kent has long held its reputation as the Garden of England, and for London commuters, it offers that rare mix of countryside calm and an easy journey into the city.
Here we briefly explore eight picturesque villages in Kent that offer an idyllic rural lifestyle surrounded by lush countryside, which have the added convenience of a railway station.
Pluckley: The picturesque village with a spooky side
Tucked between Ashford and Headcorn, Pluckley is often reputed to be England’s ‘most haunted village’, but don’t let that put you off.
With its old-world charm, thriving pub scene, and neatly kept green, it’s as pretty and peaceful as they come.
Property here ranges from cute cottages and Victorian terraces to larger period farmhouses and barn conversions tucked into the countryside. For those wanting riverside living, there are stunning architect-designed homes that overlook the River Beult.
Despite its rural feel, Pluckley’s village shops offer everything you may need for day-to-day living, including a Post Office.
Pluckley’s railway station has direct trains to London Charing Cross (about 75 minutes), and to St Pancras International via Ashford (typically around 1 hour 15 minutes with one change; the fastest services can make it in about 53 minutes).
Pluckley Church of England Primary School serves local children, with secondary options available in nearby Ashford, including the Highworth Grammar School.
Wye: A vibrant village with a creative heart
Set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the gorgeous village of Wye manages to balance appeal and practicality, offering a lovely range of shops and a farmers’ market on the first and third Saturday each month on the village green.
Expect grand Victorian homes, delightful period cottages, and smart terraced properties alongside a few newer developments.
Wye’s station offers direct trains to Charing Cross (approximately 90 minutes) and also connects to Ashford International, offering high-speed services to London St Pancras in under an hour.
The popular Lady Joanna Thornhill Endowed Primary School is in the village, and students are within the catchment of both Norton Knatchbull Grammar School and Highworth Grammar in Ashford.
Chilham: Steeped in history and film-worthy beauty
With Chilham’s ancient square, half-timbered houses, narrow lanes, quaint pubs, and the magnificent Chilham Castle, you feel like you have stepped back in time. The village has been used in many films and TV series because of its architectural heritage and period character.
Chilham station links to Canterbury and Ashford, with St Pancras reachable in about an hour on the fastest high-speed services, or around 75 minutes depending on connection. Direct trains to Charing Cross take just under two hours.
The property market in Chilham is limited, offering mews-style estate properties, beautiful cottages, and substantial country homes.
There are a few shops, ideal for everyday essentials, including a tea room, a farm shop, and a post office.
Chilham St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is the village’s primary provider, while older pupils typically attend schools in Canterbury, including the independent, all-through St. Edmund’s School and The Canterbury Academy.
Penshurst: Countryside elegance in the High Weald
Nestled in the High Weald AONB, the picturesque village of Penshurst is known for its refined feel set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Penshurst Place. The village has an excellent pub, a village store, and beautiful walking routes.
Properties here range from Tudor revival cottages and Kent peg-tile roofed homes to converted barns and oast houses, and small rural estates.
Penshurst station (just outside the village) offers services via Redhill to London Bridge (often 45–60 minutes with changes) and onward to London Victoria typically in 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes; journeys via Tonbridge connect into Southeastern for Charing Cross.
Penshurst Church of England Primary School serves the village. For secondary education, the nearby Judd School or Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School are popular choices.
Otford: Historic allure with capital convenience
Close to Sevenoaks, Otford is another one of the most beautiful villages in Kent, blending heritage with commuter convenience.
Around its historic, listed duck pond and the surrounding conservation area are a delightful mix of quaint period properties and a good range of shops and eateries.
Larger detached homes and tasteful new builds sit alongside these period gems, making Otford ideal for families.
Otford station offers direct trains to London Victoria and Blackfriars, and services to Charing Cross; typically in under an hour.
Otford Primary School is centrally located, and families also benefit from proximity to top-performing grammar schools in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, such as Weald of Kent Grammar and The Judd School.
Eynsford: A riverside haven in the Darent Valley
The picture-postcard village of Eynsford is set along the River Darent and features stone bridges, a ruined Norman castle, village shops, and rolling countryside all around. It is absolutely beautiful.
Expect period homes, quaint terraced cottages, and modernised riverside properties, with a scattering of barn conversions.
Eynsford station provides direct Thameslink services to London Blackfriars (52–55 minutes); services to Charing Cross or Victoria involve a change but can take as little as 42 minutes on the fastest routes.
Anthony Roper Primary School is the local primary option, while nearby grammar and secondary schools in Dartford and Wilmington include the popular Dartford Grammar Schools and Wilmington Grammar Schools.
Bearsted: A Kentish village with all the essentials
Close to Maidstone but with its own character, Bearsted is another of the popular villages in Kent for families. With good schools, a few shops, and the monthly Bearsted Market on the Green, it enjoys a community feel.
The village offers a blend of historic cottages, Edwardian villas, interwar semis, newer detached family properties and sprawling country homes.
Bearsted station connects directly to London Victoria in just over an hour, and to St Pancras International via Ashford International (typically around 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes with a change onto the high-speed service).
Roseacre Junior School and Thurnham Church of England Infant School both have strong local reputations.
Bearsted also offers access to the highly-regarded Maidstone Grammar School and Invicta Grammar Schools.
Shoreham: An artist’s village steeped in natural beauty
Not to be confused with the Sussex coastal town, Shoreham in Kent is a compact, pretty village in the Darent Valley. With a vineyard, tearooms, and a local gallery, it has an unmistakably artistic spirit.
You’ll find weatherboarded cottages, flint-fronted homes, grand country estates, and smart barn conversions tucked into the surrounding hillsides.
Shoreham station offers direct Thameslink services to Blackfriars in around an hour; Charing Cross usually with a change (fastest can be under an hour depending on service).
Shoreham Village School caters to younger pupils, and older students often commute to nearby Sevenoaks schools, including Trinity School and Knole Academy, with access to selective grammar schools in Tonbridge.
The best villages in Kent
These delightful villages in Kent offer more than just a peaceful green and a community pub; they offer characterful properties, rural landscapes, a work/life balance, and swift access to London.
Garrington Property Finders’ service can streamline the search for your ideal home in one of what we consider are the best villages in Kent for commuters.
With our network of industry contacts, we are able to uncover hidden opportunities and guide you through each step of the journey to your dream home.
If you are planning a move a want to find out more about the best places to live in Kent, please contact us today for a no-obligation discussion about our services.
