Chiddingstone is one of the best preserved, step back in time Tudor villages in England. The National Trust has owned all but the castle, church and school since 1939. The village is in the Sevenoaks district on the River Eden between Tonbridge and Edenbridge.
Local Life
There is a strong community spirit in this village popular with families, commuters, and visitors. One of the main attractions is Chiddingstone Castle and museum with ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Buddhist and Jacobite collections. The historic house is set in 35 acres of traditional Kent countryside hosting events such as the Country & Food Fair, Christmas Fair and literary festivals to name a few.The surrounding countryside is perfect for leisurely Sunday walks, hikes or cycling. Visit the Castle Inn afterwards to sample local ales (Larkins Brewery is on the doorstep) and fresh food, muddy boots and dogs welcome. Or try The Rock at Chiddingstone Hoath a traditional Grade II country pub and the Little Brown Jug at Chiddingstone Causeway, which is part of the award-winning Whiting & Hammond pub company. For a traditional full English breakfast, lunch or a delicious cake visit the charming converted barn Tulip Tree tea rooms in the heart of the village, at Burghesh Court. It also hosts pop up restaurants. The Tulip Tree village shop and post office is possibly the oldest working shop in the UK dating back to 1453.
Local folklore and myth surround the village’s Chiding Stone rumoured to be used as a druid’s altar, an ancient Anglo-Saxon boundary marker and a judgement stone.
Travel
To the east of the village the A21 takes you from Tonbridge to the M25 and the A26 from Tunbridge Wells to Tonbridge. To the south the A264 travels from Tunbridge Wells to East Grinstead. The nearest railway station is Penshurst station (at Chiddingstone Causeway), approximately a mile and a half north east of Chiddingstone accessible via the B2027 road. The station is on the Tonbridge to Redhill railway line. Tonbridge station itself is just under 6 miles from the village for commuter access to London and the coastline.
