14 Best Kent Villages to Live in 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking of moving to the Garden of England and looking for the best Kent villages to live in in 2026?

You are not alone!

Kent remains one of the most desirable counties in the UK for those seeking a balance between rural tranquillity and modern convenience.

With hybrid working now the norm for many, the demand for picturesque villages with decent connectivity has soared.

But with so many beautiful spots to choose from, where do you start?

Whether you are looking for a historic hideaway, a commuter-friendly gem, or a family-focused community, our updated guide covers the best Kent villages to call home this year.

1. Chilham

Best for: Tudor architecture and film-set aesthetics.

Chilham is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the South East. Nestled in the valley of the Great Stour River between Ashford and Canterbury, it feels like stepping back in time.

The heart of the village is the historic market square, flanked by impeccably preserved Tudor and Jacobean timber-framed houses. It is so picturesque that it frequently serves as a filming location for period dramas like Jane Austen’s Emma.

• Key Highlight: The village square is bordered by the imposing gates of Chilham Castle (dating back to 1616) on one side and the 13th-century St Mary’s Church on the other.
• Lifestyle: A designated heritage conservation area ensures Chilham retains its charm. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, community-focused life with easy access to Canterbury.

2. Appledore

Best for: Tranquillity and marshland views.

Located on the northern edge of Romney Marsh, Appledore offers a unique landscape that sets it apart from the wooded hills of the Weald.

• The Vibe: The village is composed mainly of a single, wide street lined with medieval cottages and flower-filled gardens. It overlooks the Royal Military Canal, offering expansive views and fantastic walking routes.
• Amenities: Despite its small size, it punches above its weight with a lovely village store, post office, and three pubs—The Black Lion being a local favourite.
• History: Look out for the 14th-century church of St Peter and St Paul, which stood on the front line of French raids in the Middle Ages.

3. Otford

Best for: Commuters wanting an authentic village lifestyle.

Otford is a powerhouse village for 2025. It offers that rare combination of an idyllic duck pond and a direct train line to London Victoria (approx. 40 mins).

• Why Move Here: It sits at the foot of the North Downs, meaning hikers have immediate access to the North Downs Way.
• Unique Feature: It is home to the Otford Solar System, the world’s largest scale model of the solar system, spread across the village!
• History: You will also find the ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace, once a grand residence that rivalled Hampton Court.

4. Chartham

Best for: Riverside living and vineyard access.

Situated just four miles from Canterbury, Chartham is located on the Great Stour River within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

• Lifestyle: The village green is surrounded by a mix of traditional timber-framed properties and sympathetic new builds. The local primary school is well-regarded, making it a solid choice for young families.
• Industry & Nature: Chartham has a 600-year history of paper-making, but today it is increasingly known for the nearby Chartham Vineyard. The riverside walk into Canterbury is a highlight for residents.

5. Eynsford

Best for: Postcard-perfect scenery.

Eynsford is the quintessential Kentish village. Famous for its ancient hump-backed bridge and the ford where cars splash through the River Darent, it attracts visitors from all over London on summer weekends.

• Amenities: It has everything you need: a local butcher, village store, and excellent pubs like The Plough Inn.
• Attractions: Residents have Lullingstone Castle, the Roman Villa, and the vast lavender fields of Castle Farm right on their doorstep.
• Connectivity: Unlike many deep rural villages, Eynsford has its own train station with links to London Blackfriars, making it viable for hybrid workers.

6. Penshurst

Best for: Grandeur and heritage.

If you want a village with royal connections, Penshurst is unmatched. It is dominated by Penshurst Place, a 14th-century manor house that was once the property of Henry VIII.

• The Look: The village itself is small but perfectly formed, with the Leicester Arms hotel and cute tea rooms serving the many walkers who explore the surrounding High Weald countryside.
• Community: It hosts one of the best monthly farmers’ markets in the county, drawing foodies from miles around.

7. Aylesford

Best for: Riverside charm and history.

Aylesford sits on the banks of the River Medway near Maidstone. A medieval stone bridge with huge arches connects the two halves of the village, creating a dramatic focal point.

• Heritage: The village is steeped in history. It is home to The Friars, a stunning 13th-century priory that is open to the public, and nearby lies Kit’s Coty House, a Neolithic monument older than the Pyramids.
• Living Here: The Chequers Inn by the river is a legendary spot for a Sunday roast. For commuters, the M20 is easily accessible without ruining the village’s peace.

8. East Langdon

Best for: A quiet coastal retreat.

Tucked away between Dover and Deal, East Langdon is often overlooked, which is precisely why locals love it.

• The Vibe: It is small, safe, and centred around a classic village green and duck pond.
• Amenities: Highlights include a well-maintained village hall and a popular cricket club that forms the social hub of the summer months.
• Location: You are minutes away from the white cliffs of St Margaret’s Bay and the trendy seaside town of Deal, giving you the best of the coast without the tourists on your doorstep.

9. Westerham

Best for: A market-town feel in a village package.

Technically a small town but with a distinct village heart, Westerham lies near the Surrey border. It is famous as the home of Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s beloved residence.

• Why it’s popular: It has a thriving “café culture”, green, high-end boutiques, and statues of both Churchill and General Wolfe.
• Commuting: It doesn’t have its own station (residents drive to Oxted or Sevenoaks), which keeps the village feeling exclusive and slightly removed from the rat race.

10. Wingham

Best for: Families and animal lovers.

Located on the A257 between Canterbury and Sandwich, Wingham was once a market town but is now a thriving large village.

• Food & Drink: The village punches well above its weight for gastronomy. ‘The Dog’ at Wingham is an award-winning gastropub that draws diners from across the county.
• Attractions: It is famous for Wingham Wildlife Park, where you can see tigers and primates just down the road from your house!
• Essentials: With a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, a bakery, and a primary school within the village, it is highly self-sufficient.

11. Goudhurst

Best for: Spectacular views.

Perched high on a ridge, Goudhurst is all about the views. The High Street cascades dramatically down a steep hill, offering sweeping panoramas of the Weald.

• History: In the 1700s, this peaceful village was the battleground for a fight between the local militia and the notorious Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers.
• Lifestyle: Today, it is far more genteel, known for its duck pond and the star-studded Goudhurst Inn. It is a favourite for those who enjoy the “high life” of the Kent countryside.

12. Biddenden

Best for: Vineyards and gourmet living.

Biddenden is synonymous with Kentish wine and cider. Home to Biddenden Vineyards, the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent, it is a hotspot for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

• Architecture: The pavements are made of local Bethersden marble, and the High Street is flanked by weavers’ cottages that date back to the Flemish cloth industry.
• Dining: Home to the Michelin-starred restaurant The West House, making it a destination for foodies.

13. Matfield

Best for: The quintessential village green.

If you were to draw a classic English village, it would look like Matfield. It boasts the largest village green in Kent, complete with a cricket pitch and a pond.

• Architecture: The green is lined with stunning Georgian houses and white weatherboarded cottages.
• Community: It is a highly social village that hosts classic car shows, fêtes, and cricket matches throughout the summer. It was even named Kent Village of the Year in 2010 and retains that title-winning charm today.

14. Shoreham

Best for: Artists and valley views.

Just down the road from Otford, Shoreham is often called the most photographed village in Kent. It sits in the Darent Valley and is famous for its “white hill” (a chalk cross carved into the hillside).

• Vibe: It has a bohemian history, having been a home to the artist Samuel Palmer.
• Lifestyle: With a vineyard, a train station, and the Aircraft Museum, it is vibrant yet deeply rural. The river Darent runs right through the village gardens.

Are You Moving to One of These Kent Villages?

Hopefully, our updated 2025 list has helped you narrow down your search for the perfect Kent home. Whether you are drawn to the commuter convenience of Otford, the vineyards of Biddenden, or the history of Chilham, life in the Garden of England is sure to appeal.

GoodMove is here to make your relocation easy and stress-free.

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