What does Horsmonden have in common with the White Tower at the Tower of London? Read on to find out.

The name of this pretty village means ‘horsemen’s woodland pasture’. For such a tiny village in the middle of one of the most rural parts of the Weald of Kent, Horsmonden has a huge history.

Only 8 miles (12.8 km) east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and 8 miles (12.8 km) west of Cranbrook, it is within easy reach for a visit as part of your holiday in Kent.

Winning Stories of a Tiny Village

The neat village green known as The Heath is in the centre surrounded by the shops and pubs.

The Heath Stores village shop is the Winner of the UK Community Rural Retailer of the Year 2015 and won in 2016 The Daily Telegraph ‘s ‘British Village Shop of the Year’. It supplies ethical Traidcraft products and their own home cooked ham famous for miles around!

The presence of striking architecture in the hamlet is a legacy of the Austens and Huguenots who lived here when Horsmonden was a thriving cloth-making centre. The church of St Margaret was the family church of Jane Austen’s ancestors. The churchyard contains many of their tombstones.

The 13th century church stands in a stunning setting overlooking the River Teise, a good mile and half outside of the village. Hop pickers from the east end of London used to make the journey to this area to take their hop-picking holiday. The most famous of hop varieties, Fuggles, is claimed to have been found here first.

Come and see what attracted these great families of the past.

Horsmonden Green

Things To Do in Horsmonden

Like other Wealden settlements, Horsmonden grew from the increasing prosperity brought by the cloth, hopmaking and iron industries. Surrounded by hop gardens, orchards, farmland, ponds and woodland, Horsmonden is a tranquil haven for most of the year but also has a calendar of events.

The Summer Fair and Gypsy Horse Fair delight the visitor in their quaint vibrancy and local traditions in celebration of the local heritage.

Circular Walk

Starting from the village centre, this walk showcases the best of this important fruit growing area. It offers tremendous views over the High Weald, the Greensand Ridge as well as the valleys of the rivers Teise and Medway.

St Margaret’s Church stands 1.5 miles outside the village centre. It is an extremely well-preserved 14th century medieval church and has connections with the author Jane Austen, as well as the early Pilgrim Fathers. Set high on the slopes, this is another excellent place to enjoy spectacular views across the Weald.

Explore Wealden Villages

Put Horsmonden on your itinerary along with nearby Matfield and Brenchley and you’ll experience the epitome of the English Wealden villages.

Check out our scenic driving tour which takes you through all the highlights of our area. Drive through the picturesque countryside, passing orchards and hop fields and  stop for a delicious bite to eat at a local pub.

Explore the Surrounding Area

The neighbouring villages of Brenchley and Goudhurst are a must visit if you are in the area.

Explore our things to do and see section for more inspiration.

Experience the hospitality and soothing beauty of this little village, with so much on offer, it’s hard not to be tempted to stay!

Check the accommodation options in the area to make the most of your visit.

An illustration of the furnace industry

Britain’s Most Important Gun Founder!

Amazingly this village was the most important gun founding centre in Britain in the mid-1500s!

Horsmonden’s mass artillery industry and furnace were central to the village’s livelihood once placed at Furnace Lane making use of Furnace Pond. Today the pond is a haven for anglers and wildfowl. Day fishing is offered nearby at fisheries all around Horsmonden.

Spot the model of a cannon made in the village; the original of which is now in the Tower of London!

One of the village pubs dates from the late 1500s and used to be a stage coach stop!

The Gun & Spitroast Inn has an integral part to play in the story of Horsmonden and you can actually feel the history in this olde worlde public house. A log burner provides cosy comfort whilst supping ale or eating a spit-roast meal.

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