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There’s absolutely no question that one of Kent’s most distinctive characteristics is its breathtaking and vast countryside that genuinely gives our county the credentials to be dubbed The Garden of England. Tucked away within this very landscape are countless delightful and picturesque villages that each deserve recognition in their own merit.
One specific rural community towards the western part of the county has recently been spotlighted by renowned travel publication Muddy Stilettos, declaring it amongst the finest locations to reside in across Kent. Speldhurst represents a tranquil hamlet situated three miles west of Tunbridge Wells.
Muddy Stilettos included it within their compilation of the ‘Best Place To Live in Kent’ towards the close of 2022. It featured alongside several other beloved destinations from across our county including Folkestone, Faversham, Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury.
Similarly securing positions were some more obscure, yet equally beautiful and remarkable, locations that accompanied Speldhurst including Goudhurst and Tenterden. The travel publication characterised Speldhurst as: “the very definition of the Best of Both Worlds” owing to its countryside location and convenient access to Tunbridge Wells.
Dining in Speldhurst
Despite the village’s modest scale, with residents numbering just over 1,200 in 2021, it continues to represent an excellent destination for any food enthusiast to appreciate. Most remarkably, the village houses one of England’s most historic inns which continues to function today as a public house, serving up an array of substantial dishes.
The George and The Dragon, a quintessential rural pub dating back to 1212 AD, boasts an open fire and exposed beams, offering that classic British inn ambiance. It serves ‘first class dining’, with a menu featuring pub classics as well as more sophisticated dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, catering to all taste buds.
Interestingly, this charming Kent village is the birthplace of the Speldhurst sausage, which was first created in Mr Lovett’s butcher shop in 1958. This high-quality, distinctively flavoured product has gained national recognition.
Although now produced in the nearby village of Erige, these sausages can still be purchased at the Speldhurst Village Shop.
Things to do
Speldhurst itself only houses the Village Shop and Post Office on Barden Road for those seeking a bit of retail therapy. The shop stocks a variety of local delicacies, wines, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and baked goods.
However, a quick 10-minute drive or a 15-minute bus ride will take you to the heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre.
Here, you’ll find a plethora of fantastic retail outlets to choose from, such as the Georgian arcade of shops known as the Pantiles, located just a stone’s throw away from Tunbridge Well Station. Additionally, the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre offers a range of more familiar brands and chains.
For those keen on immersing themselves in local culture, Trinity Theatre and Assembly Hall Theatre are nearby, as well as The Amelia Scott centre. Other attractions include Dunorlan Park, just three miles south of Speldhurst, boasting a boating lake, wildlife and a cafe.
Alternatively, you can travel two miles north to discover Penshurst Place and Gardens, a stunning 14th-century stately home open to the public, which was once the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn.
For the more active, there’s an outdoor climbing school at Harrison’s Rocks in Groombridge. There’s also Kingdom cycling club in Penshurst and Ashdown Forest, a short drive away, perfect for a scenic walk.
Schools
Several nurseries attached to independent schools are nearby. These include The Nursery at Holmewood House; Forest Explorers at Kent College Pembury; the Nursery at Sacred Heart Wadhurst; Little Fosse Nursery at Fosse Bank School; the Nursery at Hilden Grange School and the Pre-School at The Schools at Somerhill near Tonbridge.
The village itself is home to Speldhurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on Langton Road, which received an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its most recent Ofsted report. The neighbouring towns of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge offer a range of highly rated primary and secondary schools for both girls and boys.
Culture
Speldhurst is a village that stands out with its unique and charming quirks. One such quirk is the annual Pram Race in May, which sees people of all ages racing wonderfully decorated prams, drawing a large crowd of spectators.
During the summer holidays, every Tuesday morning, the village hosts ‘Tea on the Rec’. The local recreation grounds’ pavilion transforms into a delightful pop-up cafe adorned with bunting, tables and chairs.
The properties in and around Speldhurst are stunning, ranging from cosy cottages to grand country estates, many dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The original medieval church in the village was destroyed by lightning in 1791. Today, the Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to 1870, stands in Speldhurst and is part of the Wealden Church Trail.
