Brenchley is a lovely village located 6 miles (9.6km) east of Royal Tunbridge Wells , not too far from the A21 and adjoins neighbouring Matfield to make up one parish. However, Brenchley is the elder of the two!
The nearest London-bound station is Paddock Wood, only 3 miles away and there are regular local buses from Paddock Wood and Royal Tunbridge Wells. This village was popular among commuters, even 200 years ago. The Flower of Kent was the name of the London-bound stagecoach that galloped back and forth from Brenchley, three times a week in 1823.
Today Brenchley, being in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is encircled by gorgeous Kent orchards, farmland and lovely walks with views and woodland to soak up at your leisure.
Get away from it all in the Garden of England
Windy lanes overhung by the ancient Tudor houses are a quaint sight to behold.
Due to the age of these unique buildings, the walls are awry and the roofs are crooked, not dissimilar to a nursery rhyme fantasy! 1848 is the date that a new Gladiolus species was produced in Brenchley by a Mr Hooker. He created a scarlet gladiolus and it was named Gladiolus x Brenchleyensis in honour of Mr Hooker’s home. He was well known long before for his country flowers. This area is not called the Garden of England for nothing!
All Saints’ Church was built in approximately 1233 hence its squat features. It is Grade I listed and surveys the main road through the village – the High Street. An avenue of 400 year old yew trees guards the entrance to the church porch. The beautiful stained glass windows are designed by one of the foremost Arts & Crafts artists, Robert Anning Bell.
Local shops, cafes and pubs in Brenchley may be small but they all offer a sincere welcome to visitors. The Halfway House is a traditional real ale pub with nooks, crannies and a country garden on the road between Brenchley and Horsmonden. The pub scores highly on Trip Advisor, and with the Campaign for Real Ale. Their annual Beer Festival should not be missed!
Outdoor adventures from Brenchley
Just a short drive from the village, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers a vast expanse of forest walking trails, and an impressive collection of conifers. It’s an ideal spot for a family day out, with activities such as mountain biking and cycling trails, Go Ape adventure courses, and places to picnic.
Walking Trails
Cinderhill Woodland comprises 12 hectares of heathland, grassland, woodland and streams, ideal for walks. Brenchley Woods is an important local recreational area for horse riding, cyclists and walkers alike.
There are numerous walks in the local area, one whimsically known as the Iron Men of Brenchley on the AA website! All public footpaths in the area are shown on the large-scale Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 136 (obtainable from book shops).