26-07-2025
The charming Kent village with Tudor houses and a nearby vineyard
With timber framed Tudor buildings, a local pub and outdoor walks – Elham is well worth a visit this summer.
Tucked away in the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just one hour and 20 minutes from south east London, Elham - not to be mistaken with Eltham in south London - offers a mix of country views, outdoor walks and local history.
Elham offers a mix of country views, outdoor walks and local history. (Image: Bryan Badham)
For much of its past Elham was a small but thriving market town, and this legacy is still prevalent in the town today, with its mix of medieval buildings, cobbled market squares and timber framed Tudor houses.
The village itself can be traced back as far as the Neolithic era, with finds from the Bronze age found around the nearby woods.
The town's legacy is still prevalent in its medieval buildings, cobbled market squares and timber framed Tudor houses. (Image: Bryan Badham)
The village hosts some 43 listed buildings, with one of its oldest being The Church of St Mary dating back to the 13th century, along with its many Tudor and Medieval structures.
It's also home to the Kings Arms pub – a restored Grade II listed pub that also houses the village's local Post Office.
One of its oldest listed buildings is The Church of St Mary, dating back to the 13th century. (Image: Bryan Badham)
Alongside the village itself, nearby Elham you'll find Elham Valley Vineyard nestled within the Kent Downs.
Elham Valley Vineyard is known as the oldest vineyard in the region, first established in 1985 growing a variety of grapes including Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Seyval.
For those eager to learn more about viticulture, Elham Valley Vineyard offers guided tours and tastings, with the final tour of the season taking place on September 12.
The village is also home the Kings Arms – a restored Grade II listed pub that also houses the village's local Post Office. (Image: Bryan Badham) For walkers, the village is also within easy reach of a number of walks for those looking to get outdoors.
One of the most accessible and rewarding routes is the Elham Walk, beginning from the village church.
From there, the footpath guides you into the quiet embrace of the valley, following a stretch of the celebrated Elham Valley Way with views of the valley and popping back through chalk grassland to the village.
For anyone looking for something longer, the Elham Valley Way is a longer trail linking the historic cathedral city of Canterbury with the coastal town of Hythe.
