What makes a picture-perfect village? Is it charming timber cottages, or stone bridges over a tranquil river? Is it charming cobbled lanes, or magnificent manor houses as if plucked right from a Jane Austen novel? Featuring all of these and more, Kentish villages are what many conjure up when they think of the perfect postcard English village! We get so many stunning shots of them via our instagram, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive list of the most Instagrammable villages in Kent to share them all with you. Time to get adding to your Kent bucket list...
The lovely village of Appledore in Ashford is the quintessential lovely Kentish village with an eclectic mix of old and new Kentish properties, with lots of green open space in between. You might not believe us when we say #doorsofinstagram is a thing, but it is, and this picture-perfect cottage is giving us all the front door envy right now! We simply a-door it...
Photograph: @andrea_avena
A stunning bridge like Aylesford's is always an insta-winner, and it certainly suits a sunset with that gorgeous reflection on the river. Did you know this ancient bridge is one of the earliest bridges across the Medway, believed to have been built in the 14th century? Historic and lovely, Aylesford is truly a gem.
Photograph: @razvancasian
The old meets the new in this lovely shot of a VW Camper van in the traditional village of Biddenden. This West Kent treasure may look quaint and quiet, but inside one of its 16th century weavers cottages is The West House, a Michelin-Starred restaurant whose menu is inspired by the very best local seasonal food. There's rolling hills and vineyards around the corner, so there's a lot to explore in Biddenden...
Photograph: @mrjlv
You might be familiar with Chiddingstone Castle, but Chiddingstone village is one of the oldest surviving Tudor villages, making it a real trip to another time and place. Chiddingstone village is a National Trust site itself, and it retains its historic half-timer framed facades and countryside charm. If you think you’ve seen this lovely village before, maybe you have! It was the filming location for the 1985 adaptation of A Room with a View, as well as the Monty Python team’s Wind In the Willows – Mr Toad’s Wild Ride.
Photograph: @sonabanjo
The lovely Chilham has also played home to several TV and film locations thanks to its many Grade II listed buildings like these, making it an ideal setting for an Agatha Christie mystery or two. Whilst visiting, make sure to check out the views of the secluded Chilham Castle – a stunning work of Jacobean architecture.
Photograph: @mireiatorras
Eynsford is absolutely charming, in real life and through your screen! It's a bit of a hidden gem, located in Sevenoaks and surrounded by woodland and farmland. The lovely little village is a great one to explore and the Darent Valley Path, a walking route following the River Darent, is great to stroll through on your way.
Photograph: @onceuponatravellust
White picket fences, blue skies and idyllic cottages? Ightham was made for Instagram! They also boast the beautiful National Trust property Ightham Mote, an outstanding moated manor house, if you’re after some more snaps of Kent’s medieval architecture. Perfect for a ramble in the open countryside!
Photograph: @onceuponatravellust
Famous for the magnificent Penshurst Place, with all it’s splendour and history as one King Henry VIII's homes, Penshurst itself is a picturesque village full of original Tudor listed buildings. As a certified conservation zone, its surrounding woodlands and countryside are pretty spectacular too!
Photograph: @an.item.explores.
Isn't this just the epitome of quirky village charm? Sissinghurst is yet another picture-perfect village famous for its castle and world-renowned gardens. You'll find plenty of West Kent weatherboarding, lots of luscious greenery in the surrounding countryside and a view to admire over the Weald of Kent.
Photograph: @xacbert
Upper Upnor and Lower Upnor are two small villages in Medway, and this wonderful shot of Upper Upnor's high street leads down to the magnificent Elizabethean Upnor Castle. Can you spot the famous Kentish weatherboarding again? It's something you'll see a lot in our towns and villages - make sure you snap a photo of it!
Photograph: @bloomsandtea
Nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wye is one of our favourites! The delightful village is full of quaint cottages and historic buildings like Wye College, but drive up the road to the Devils Kneading Trough to take your Instagram game to the next level. On a clear day, you can see all the way to East Sussex...
Photograph: @ijclarkphoto
Whilst out in Kent this summer, please make sure to #RespectProtectEnjoy, and read more about our guidelines here. If you snap a photo of one of Kent's stunning villages that we should share, make sure you tag us on Instagram, @VisitKent, and you might see your photo on our site very soon!
