Aylesford Kent: Village packed with history near to London

Just a 40-minute drive from south east London is the quaint town of Aylesford in Kent on the River Medway.

With just over 60 houses, this picturesque village is worth a visit whether you are planning a trip to some of Kent’s villages, or are just seeking a quiet day away from London.

With just over 60 houses, this picturesque village is worth a visit. (Image: John K Thorne / Flickr)

One of its most recognised and photographed locations is the 14th-century bridge that runs over the River Medway.

First built in the 1300s, this Grade I listed bridge with views of the village and St Peter’s Church behind is frequently photographed by those who visit on Instagram.

The Grade I listed bridge offers views of the village and St Peter’s Church. (Image: Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council)

Aylesford is home to many historic buildings, with some dating back as early as Norman times, and one such example that you can still visit today is The Friars.

Just a short way from the village, this 13th-century building was once home to the Carmelite religious order that first arrived in the country in 1242.

This 13th-century building was once home to the Carmelite religious order that first arrived in the country in 1242. (Image: The Friars)

The building has had many uses throughout the centuries, including a home for servicemen during World War II.

The Carmelite family returned to the property in the 20th century and over the years have restored parts of the property, which is now open to the public.

Over the years the Carmelite family have restored parts of the property, which is now open to the public. (Image: The Friars)

Today you can visit this historic property with its medieval buildings, library, chapel and peaceful gardens to learn about its history over the centuries. 

But if you feel like a walk to explore some of the surrounding countryside, you can head up to Blue Bell Hill – a chalk hill with views of the River Medway and North Downs.

Blue Bell Hill is a chalk hill with views of the River Medway and North Downs. (Image: Beth Huskin)

This hill was once mined for chalk during the 18th and 19th century, but today this hill has become a nature reserve managed by Kent Wildlife Trust.

Here you’ll be able to find a diverse mix of threatened or unusual plants along with insects including butterflies like the Chalk Hill Blue.

Here you’ll be able to find a diverse mix of threatened or unusual plants. (Image: Steve Weeks)

A walk on the hill will also take you past the Medway megaliths – prehistoric tombs constructed during the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE.

A walk on the hill will also take you past the Medway megaliths – prehistoric tombs constructed during the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE. (Image: English Heritage)

The village is home to three historic pubs with several more within a short distance of the village, and one of its most well-known pubs is The Little Gem.

Amply named, The Little Gem is known as Kent’s “smallest pub”, and from the outside with its rustic wooden door and quaint exteriors it’s easy to imagine this pub appearing in Lord of the Rings.

The Little Gem is known as Kent’s “smallest pub”. (Image: John K Thorne / Flickr)

This traditional alehouse, with balcony seating and rustic wooden beams, dates back to the 1100s and was recently redecorated, offering a cosy and dog-friendly space to stop off with a selection of local craft beers.

But if that wasn’t enough pub visiting for you, you’ll also find another of the village’s historic pubs – The Chequers Inn.

This Grade II listed pub was originally a wool merchant’s house first built in 1511 and is made up of several levels with a rustic beamed structure.

This Grade II listed pub was originally a wool merchant’s house first built in 1511. (Image: John K Thorne / Flickr)

Here you can stop off for a drink with great views of the River Medway and its historic bridge.