THE GORGEOUS KENT VILLAGE THAT'S OFTEN NAMED ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, is home to numerous iconic locations. Even those not from Kent are likely familiar with Dover, Canterbury and Rochester - some of our most renowned spots. However, these popular destinations can sometimes overshadow other hidden treasures. A prime example is the delightful village of Pembury, located just outside Tunbridge Wells.

While the spa town draws in visitors from all corners due to its bustling centre filled with quaint shops and activities, its neighbouring village tends to be somewhat overlooked. Despite this, Pembury has recently been recognised as one of the best places to live in the country. According to a comprehensive league table by Garrington Property Finders, this charming settlement ranks as the third-best place to live in Kent, only surpassed by Southborough and Tunbridge Wells. Clearly, this corner of the county is highly desirable.

On a national scale, Pembury also performed well, securing the 113th spot out of over 1,400 contenders. So, what sets Pembury apart? For starters, it's an area that exudes a strong sense of community, despite having a considerable population of around 5,700 people, as per the latest 2021 census.

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While it may not boast grand attractions like its neighbour's The Pantiles, this place has plenty to offer for a day trip or even an extended stay. Nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no surprise that the village is brimming with lush green spaces and surrounded by stunning rolling countryside.

Indeed, the village green and high street are recognised as a conservation area, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls amidst picturesque scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, Pembury is home to a selection of delightful independent businesses, including the long-standing Downingbury Farm Shop and Café on Maidstone Road. Here, you can discover a fantastic range of fresh produce, predominantly sourced from local Kent and Sussex suppliers.

Whether you're after prime cuts of meat, bottles of wine, or fancy creating a custom hamper of local specialities, you'll find it all here. For locals and visitors alike, the village also boasts a large Tesco superstore, a Notcutts Garden Centre, and an Esso Garage. And of course, no British locale would be complete without a top-notch pub - and Pembury has several to choose from.

One of the most beloved spots in town is the Black Horse on High Street, a quintessentially English pub that's become a local favourite for its hearty home-cooked meals. With an impressive 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor from over 400 reviews, it's clear this cosy establishment knows how to please its patrons.

The Sunday carvery, in particular, has been dubbed "fabulous" by satisfied diners. One pleased customer gushed: "The servings of the numerous meats were extremely generous and all of the vegetables were delicious." They added: "Every individual element of our experience was simply outstanding."

Another contented guest boasted: "So smug that this is our local. The food is always amazing, especially the Sunday carvery. Lovely traditional pub with a big log fire."

For those who relish a bit of variety, the King William IV pub is just a stone's throw away and well worth a visit. Since becoming an independent free house in 2018, after being rescued from conversion into housing by a family-owned company, it has blossomed into a true pillar of the community.

Here you can sip on real local ales, enjoy a curated selection of fine wines and spirits, and relax in the spacious beer garden when the sun decides to grace us with its presence. The pub is also known for its live music events, offering the perfect backdrop for a night out in the village.

Pembury isn't just known for its idyllic countryside and excellent pubs, it's also the birthplace of a true music icon. Shane MacGowan, the late lead singer of London Irish punk/folk band The Pogues, was born in the village on Christmas Day 1957.

The area has also produced several professional cricketers, including Charles Ellison, Tom Probert, Ed Smith and Michael Yardy. If you're tempted to extend your visit, Pembury boasts several top-rated hotels.

One such establishment is the Mercure Tunbridge Wells, a four-star hotel uniquely set around a stunning 18th-century oast house. Its beautiful location has made it a popular choice for weddings, and it can also be hired for private functions and parties.

More information can be found here. Another option is the award-winning Camden Arms, a hotel, restaurant and bar that's equally suited to a Sunday lunch or a romantic break.

With four-poster bedrooms, double rooms, family rooms and accessible facilities, this highly-regarded family-run business caters to all needs. Full details can be found here.

If you're considering making a permanent move here, you'll be glad to know that property prices are quite reasonable, closely aligning with the Kent average. According to Rightmove, properties in the village were sold for an average of £492,108 over the past year, compared to £456,991 for the wider county.

This is significantly lower than the average property prices in neighbouring Tunbridge Wells, which stood at £558,188 during the same period. If you're just planning a brief visit, the village offers free car parking at Tesco, although this is exclusively for customers.

The village is conveniently located just off the A21 and A228.

2025-02-17T18:04:43Z