Benenden
Benenden, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Kent’s countryside, is a hidden gem with rustic charm, modern amenities, and community spirit. Part of our Top 300 Places to Live series.
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WHY?
Benenden is small, pretty Kentish village, six miles to the west of Tenterden and three miles from Cranbrook. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, it offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being conveniently close to essential amenities and transport links. The sense of community here is strong with smaller community clusters, just outside the main village, include Iden Green, Dingleden, Standen Street and it’s very own East End.
EAT
Food lovers are spoilt for choice with an array of exceptional dining options located very close by. Situated in the heart of the village, nestled on the edge of the village green is The Bull at Benenden (pictured above). Offering real ales, local cider, fine wines and traditional pub grub. The pub is full of rustic charm with inglenook fireplaces, carved beams and lots of nooks and crannies for a cosy meal.
In the nearby village of Sissinghurst, The Milk House is a stylish eatery offering mouth-watering roasts, fab boutique bedrooms and even a summer festival. There’s also award-winning The Small Holding in Kilndown with a focus on farm-to-table dining with much of the produce coming from its own garden. This commitment to sustainability and quality makes it a must-visit for foodies.
Birchwood is another gem in the area in Flimwell, offering a laid-back yet refined dining experience. Known for its seasonal menu and cozy ambiance, it’s perfect for a casual meal. Nestled in the most scenic surrounds in Biddenden, you’ll find exceptional 15th century pub, The Three Chimneys packed with bags of character where the food is fabulous. Plus there’s loads of pockets of outside space.
You won’t want to miss Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, The West House which attracts foodies far and wide. Housed in a 16th century weaver’s collage in the village of Biddenden with an intimate setting and exquisite dishes. It’s the place for celebrations and fine dining.
SHOP
Benenden might be small, but it’s got what you need when it comes to shopping. The local Community Shop, pictured above, offers all you could need on a daily basis, fresh food, groceries, a bakery, a post office and a lovely coffee shop – all run by local volunteers.
Whether you’re after unique gifts and home décor there’s Candle Wise with sustainable candles and diffusers. P F Wards & Son, the traditional village butchers so rarely found these days. Or there’s Hinxden Farm Dairy, established in 1930 and today offering local milk round deliveries as well as supplying milk, butter, cheeses and their award-winning cream to many local outlets.
If you’re after something more, the nearby town of Cranbrook has you covered with its mix of independent shops and a charming weekly farmers’ market.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, providing endless options for outdoor activities. Whether you’re into walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh air, the beautiful landscapes make it easy to maintain an active lifestyle. Stede Court Fitness in nearby Biddenden is the ultimate bespoke wellbeing and fitness retreat and is go-to place for anyone looking to keep fit. Escape your day-to-day with outdoor exercise, yoga, meditation, sauna, cold water dipping and delicious food with award-winning celebrity trainer Kathryn Freeland.
For the sporty types amongst you, you’ll be pleased to hear about the Benenden Cricket Club and Bowls Club, the Iden Green Tennis Club and there’s football and rugby clubs in nearby Cranbrook. For the more cerebral amongst you – a mobile library trundles in once a week or in the interests of balance, the Benenden Wine Society holds its meetings and tastings in the community shop.
COMMUNITY
Benenden is more than just a picturesque village; it’s a thriving community and the village buzzes with local activities and events that bring everyone together. From the annual Benenden Fete, where you can indulge in classic games and local treats, to the much-anticipated Bonfire Night that lights up the sky and their hugely supported annual Christmas Panto.
But it’s not just about the big events, there are plenty of clubs and societies to get involved in. The village hall is the hub of social life, regularly hosting events, workshops, exercise classes, and gatherings that make it easy to meet new people and entertain the little ones. We love the sound of their £5 village lunches that happen once a month.
There’s also tons to entertain the little ones with not one but two children’s playgrounds, parent and toddler group aptly named Cakes ‘n Chaos or find Mr Noah’s Nursery in not too far away Hawkhurst.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Living in Benenden means never being far from something fun to do. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens or Hole Park. The amazing forests, bike trails and children’s rustic play areas at Bedgebury National Pinetum – not to mention the Go Ape zipline and aerial adventure. Take a spin around the reservoir at Bewl Water – on foot or rent a bike and use pedal power Moated 14th Century Bodiam Castle or the equally lovely moated ruins and parkland of Scotney Castle are also heritage gold.
Benenden is a great place to base yourself to visit the various vineyards and wineries with some of England’s leading wine producers right on its doorstep. Making over 400,000 bottles of still and sparkling wines each year there’s Balfour Winery, perfect for a special occasion that includes fine dining, tasting, tours and a shop so you can stock up at home. For a more rustic experience there’s Kent’s original vineyard, Biddenden Vineyard. Family-run since 1969 and producing award-winning – and much loved – wines, ciders and juices.
Why not arrange a tour with Wine Tours of Kent? This brilliant local business offers guided and bespoke wine tours of English wineries in the Kent Countryside, plus tutored wine tastings and lunch. They can even pick you up from your accommodation so no need for a designated driver – we’re in!
CULTURE
No shortage of culture here! Go see the brand new Benenden Theatre comprising a 300-seat main auditorium with flexible staging and an Orchestra Pit for musical productions or in nearby Cranbrook there’s The Queen’s Hall Theatre with a whole roster of regular events from plays, musicals, live music, cinema and The Cranbrook Comedy Club.
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE
The average sold price for a property in Benenden in the last 12 months is £693,750.
HOT PROPERTY
NURSERIES
For the little ones, Benenden offers excellent nursery options where your kids can thrive. After the nursery and toddler groups, Benenden has its own local village primary school and is surrounded by near by independent prep schools including Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, Marlborough House School and Saint Ronans.
SCHOOLS
Home to one of the UK’s top girls’ schools, Benenden School, which boasts outstanding academics and facilities, (once attended by Princess Anne). It also sits well within the hugely sought after CSCA (Cranbrook School Catchment Area) the local, co-educational Grammar School with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
BEST KEPT SECRET
Beneden’s Balmoral Cottage made CountryLife‘s “10 of the best secret gardens in Britain” list. Here’s what they had to say about this hidden gem “Almost entirely hidden from view, this magical private garden is tucked behind St George’s Church in the pretty village of Benenden and sits on the edge of the estate once owned by Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram, the great Victorian plant collector, gardener and ornithologist”. It’s a must-visit!
COMMUTE
Don’t let the rural charm fool you – Benenden is well-connected to the outside world. Most commuters will use Staplehurst train station which is a 15 min drive away and offers a 1 hr journey time into London, alongside a very large car park and a useful taxi rank. It’s truly best of both worlds here.
View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.