Fullers Hill in Westerham (Image: Getty)
Though small in size with a population of just 4,500, the charming town of Westerham in Kent, is bursting with charm and offers a high street full of restaurants and independent shops. With friendly locals and an array of stunning beauty spots to explore nearby, Westerham, known for its warm community spirit, is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Westerham, set amidst the idyllic Darent Valley with the gentle River Darent running through it, is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of city life. Venture out to this delightful town in west Kent and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush countryside, making it a destination well worth the journey. The high street alone is a treasure trove of culinary delights, including The Courtyard, described as “so much more than a coffee shop”, and Deli di Luca in Market Square, a Venetian coffee house and deli hailed for its “delicious food”.
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A row of old houses in the small town of Westerham (Image: Getty Images)
But that’s just the beginning there’s Grasshopper on the Green, The Old Bank Restaurant, Rendezvous Brasserie, Farm Shop, Napoli e’, The King’s Arms, and No 21 to name but a few. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy the locally-brewed offerings from Westerham Brewery Company, which prides itself on using local water filtered through the Lower Greensand Ridge and Kent hops.
And for those who enjoy a good stroll, the surrounding area offers some of Kent’s lush green landscapes.
If you wanted to add in a visit during your day in Westerham, there’s a vineyard Squerryes nearby with its spectacular view over the North Downs which is soon to launch its taste and tours. Or you can just visit for a walk among the vines and enjoy a coffee, a bite to eat or a glass of the estate’s English sparkling wine at the restaurant.
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Spectacular view across the Westerham countryside (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Kevinr4)
Tours are set to begin on April 1. And for those planning an Easter Sunday visit, why not book a table and enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at their welcoming establishment?
But, a word of warning to prospective visitors Westerham’s laid-back rural culture may not extend to the roads. Despite promising a serene “real taste of the country”, KentLive revealed a less appealling part of the town last year.
They reported that Westerham was ranked Kent’s speeding offence hotspot. Between January 1 and December 31 2023, 9,876 speeding offences were recorded in Westerham. The nearby M25 may have skewed the figures, as it was not clear from the data by safety tech company Ooono, how many offences were were recorded on the M25 north of the town.
Despite Westerham’s countryside town ambiance, it is merely a mile further from the A21/M25 junction than Sevenoaks.
Westerham doesn’t have a railway station, but Oxted station is situated 3.5 miles west of the town.
Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill in Westerham (Image: Getty)
However, Westerham still retains its charm as a rural retreat. After all, it’s not every day you find a site like Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s former residence, merely two miles away.
This provides a captivating and intimate glimpse into the life of the former Prime Minister, not only as a politician and statesman but also as a husband to Clementine, a father, writer, painter and garden planner. He lived in this magnificent home for over four decades, making the house and its hillside gardens a must-see.
And you certainly can’t overlook the imposing statue of Winston Churchill on the green.
A leisurely walk down the High Street unveils timber-framed shops and Georgian picture-postcard houses that overlook the green. The Westerham walk offers a rural route past the River Darent, through farmland and along woodland paths lined with maple, yew and birch trees, which transform into stunning shades of gold and flame in the autumn.
Statue of Sir Winston Churchill on The Green in Westerham (Image: Getty)
The history of Westerham
Nestled by the River Darenth in the Holmesdale Valley, Westerham has a rich history. As per Visit Westerham, “early man would have passed along the ancient North Downs Track way overlooking the site”.
The first known settlers in the area were reportedly Celts from the “Cantii tribe” around 200BC.
The fortification, which spans 11 acres and is surrounded by two large earth walls, is located within the current Squerryes estate.
Westerham’s history stretches back to Medieval times, having been granted a market charter by Henry III in the 1200s.
St Mary the Virgin church is over 800 years old (Image: Getty Images)
Where to park
Parking can be ‘tricky’, according to locals. However, Sevenoaks District Council suggests using the Darent car park for those visiting Westerham town centre.
The car park has 97 spaces, including four designated for blue badge holders.
Parking costs apply Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 6.30pm:
- Up to 1 hour – 50p
- Up to 2 hours – £1
- Up to 3 hours – £1.50
- Up to 4 hours – £2
- All day – £4
Parking is free on public and bank holidays.