3 days ago
The historic village with rustic charm that's home to Kent's ‘original vineyard'
If you're looking for a village where you can taste wine, see beautiful countryside views and soak up the history – this village is just 90 minutes from south east London.
Rich in timber-framed houses and surrounded by the rolling hills of the 'Weald of Kent', Biddenden's history dates back as early as the 10th century according to records.
Biddenden's history dates back as early as the 10th century. (Image: Barry Marsh/Flickr)
Just 90 minutes from London by car or by train to Headcorn via London Bridge, this pretty Kent village near the busy town of Ashford is a worthy contender to visit for a day.
The town is rich in historic houses and charming cottages that you can see along its Main Street, which is considered one of the UK's 'prettiest' according to the Parish Council.
This pretty Kent village near the busy town of Ashford is a worthy contender to visit for a day. (Image: John K Thorne/Flickr)
The village itself has a rather interesting tradition which dates to around the year 1100, marked by the birth of two conjoined twin sisters – Elisa and Mary.
The sisters both died at aged 34, but even in death they had a resounding impact on the village for over 400 years after, as land left to the village helped to earn a steady income that went towards those in need.
As part of the town's longstanding tradition, one day every Easter the town hosts a huge celebration where bread and cheese is distributed to local widows and pensioners, and biscuits are distributed to spectators bearing an effigy to the pair.
The village itself has a rather interesting tradition , marked by the birth of two conjoined twin sisters – Elisa and Mary. (Image: John K Thorne/Flickr) But you can still see homages to the twins around the village, including the wrought iron sign taking pride of place on the green.
The village is also home to Kent's oldest commercial vineyard, which was first established n the late 1960s.
The village is home to Kent's oldest commercial vineyard, which was first established n the late 1960s. (Image: Biddenden Vineyards)
You can visit the vineyard spanning 22 acres and try from their range of award-winning wines and ciders, including varieties like Pinot Noir and Ortega Demi-Sec.
Guided tours run between May and September, where for £27.50 you can opt to join a tour finishing with a tasting of three of their wines.
You can visit the vineyard spanning 22 acres and try from their range of award-winning wines and ciders. (Image: Biddenden Vineyards)
Walking around the village itself you'll come across many historic gems including Vane Court – a 15th century house that was a royal residence for King Rama VII of Thailand.
But you can also eat in one of the village's historic treasures too, as The West House is situated within a 16th century weaver's house and opened its doors in 2002, offering a seasonally changing menu.
But if it's more a cosy pub you're after, The Red Lion is an example of a charming country pub with wooden timber frames and a colourful beer garden to sit in.
You can easily spend a day in the village wandering its streets and nearby walking spots, but if you fancy heading deeper into Kent you'll find a number of historic houses nearby like Sissinghurst Castle and Scotney Castle, both owned by The National Trust.
