
Picnic stop on Sandhurst village green
by David Hodgkinson
Sandhurst
With very early military credentials going back to 1066, Sandhurst in Kent is only a 30 minute scenic drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells, and a marvellous stop off between coast and town.
A charming white clapboard rural Wealden village and home to the 2014 Kent Tea Shop of the Year.
Come and pay it a visit and find out why for yourself!
At the far eastern edge of the Weald of Kent and south east from Royal Tunbridge Wells, its name means ‘Sandy Wood’ in anglo-saxon.
An Instagrammable place in Kent
The smock windmill in the village dates from 1844.
This now provides wind generated power for the private house to which it has been converted.
It provides a lovely photo opportunity especially at sunset – see what you can create for your own memories.
History in Sandhurst
Some of the houses lining the main thoroughfare are from the 15th Century and still retain their timber frames.
A former weaving hamlet, it is ideal for stretching ones legs and grabbing a breath of fresh air whilst admiring the area.
For those in need of a heritage fix, the Church of St Nicholas is purported to have a plague pit where victims of the Black Death (1348-49) are buried.
In the 14th century the village moved away from the church to its present position nearer to the road to Rye in coastal East Sussex.
Where is Sandhurst in Kent?
Rye and Winchelsea are only a 20 minute drive away, Bodiam Castle and Great Dixter are on the doorstep as is Rolvenden (for Hole Park Gardens) and Northiam for the Kent and East Sussex Rural Light Railway.
Hawkhurst, also nearby has an intriguing smuggling heritage and more local facilities for the traveller too.
This area is not only rich in heritage and beauty but delicious local produce too. Roadside smallholders’ stalls and the Sandhurst Farm Shop are great little finds.
Sandhurst vineyard is in the neighbourhood which is a private enterprise that has been growing grapes and hops since 1939. It is not open to the public but indicates the quality of the land in our region.
Within a mile of the village, the ridge on which it stands drops away to the Romney Marsh, an area famous for its delicious lamb meat.
With bed and breakfast, self-catering and farmstay accommodation in the area what better place could there be to relax and unwind?
There are so many lovely country pubs too, take your pick for a rural feast.
Tags: Sandhurst, Sandhurst Village, Sandhurst Village Kent
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Pashley Manor Gardens
Type
Garden
Ticehurst, Wadhurst
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas - the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening and an admiration of the tradition of the English country garden.
The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
Hole Park Gardens
Type
Garden
Rolvenden
15 acres of spectacular gardens and woodlands. Spectacular bluebell wood.
The Poet at Matfield
Matfield
Offering great British classics with a modern twist, and a comfortable pub with cask ales and a global wine cellar - our emphasis in on quality, taste and a fair price.
Type
Restaurant
UK Electric Bike Hire & Tours
Type
Cycling
Biddenden
Why not try an electric bike, zipping between vineyards or maybe stop at an iconic castle or a world-famous garden? Our routes take you along the quiet lanes of the Weald of Kent, passing oast houses and Wealden hall houses, farmsteads and ancient woodland. You can stop at a village pub for…
Bewl Water
Type
Lake / Reservoir
Lamberhurst
Set in the heart of the High Weald and surrounded by 800 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Bewl Water is the perfect place to watch the seasons change and to enjoy some healthy family fun for all ages.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Type
Forest
Goudhurst
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is a magnificent place for healthy outdoor activities.
St. Mary's Church Goudhurst
Type
Church / Chapel
Cranbrook
The church on the hill above the village.
Weald Sports Centre
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Cranbrook
High quality sporting facilities to include swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studio, exercise studio and creche.
Biddenden Vineyards
Type
Vineyard
Biddenden
Biddenden Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent, established in 1969. It has grown to 23 acres, producing White, Red, Rosé and Sparkling English Wines. The vinyard is also known for producing cider and pressed juices. <br /><br />The vinyard and shop are open to visitors all year…
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Type
Fish Farm
Hawkhurst
Carp fishing for the family with a choice of 7 lakes, cafe and pottery.
Hush Heath Estate & Winery
Type
Vineyard
Staplehurst
Whilst following all necessary Government guidelines and safety measures, visitors will continue to be welcomed at Hush Heath Estate, to explore the Estate and visit their retail shop which remains open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm. Sadly tours, tastings and events have been postponed until…
Cranbrook Union Windmill
Type
Windmill
Cranbrook
The tallest surviving smock mill in the British Isles, measuring 72 feet to the top of the cap.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
Scotney Castle
Type
Garden
Lamberhurst
Not one but two houses! Victorian country house and ruined 14th century moated castle set in one of England's most romantic 'picturesque' style gardens.