A picturesque village in Kent that can help alleviate the gloom of the ‘in-between’ season is definitely worth a visit. Although morning temperatures are plummeting and the arrival of spring still seems far away, there’s forecasted sunshine on the horizon, making this an ideal time to explore Farningham.
This enchanting village is sure to lift your spirits. You can leisurely stroll along and discover its three welcoming pubs, a curry restaurant to tantalize your taste buds, and a stunning Grade II-listed bridge.
There are also beautifully preserved red brick pavements and a treasured flint wall that add to the village’s unique charm, as well as a quaint church to visit.
For literature lovers, there’s the delightful bonus of a bookshop nestled in the heart of the village. Wadard Books, located on the High Street, is a treasure trove for those who cherish rare and collector’s books, with an impressive collection of military history volumes and works focused on Kent and London.
Open six days a week from 10am to 6pm, the shop is regularly updated with new stock additions. The owner, praised for being highly knowledgeable and friendly, is always willing to assist patrons in finding that perfect read, reports Kent Live.
Wadard Books has earned a glowing Google review: “Excellent selection of second-hand books, particularly history. A very friendly and knowledgeable owner as well.”
Step inside and you’ll find exactly what every book aficionado dreams of in a quintessential second-hand bookshop: no labels on the shelves, an owner who knows the location of each tome, walls adorned with everything from leather-bound classics to hardbacks and paperbacks sorted into sections. It’s a paradise for those who prefer to meander through aisles, discovering hidden gems rather than seeking out specific titles straight away.
The thrill, after all, is in the hunt. Nestled within a listed 17th-century edifice, the shop was launched back in 2001 by bibliophiles Martin and Pamela Finch. Should you swing by, and fancy delving into local lore, snag a copy of ‘Farningham and Its Mill: a history of a village in Kent’ penned by Hilary Harding.
The village’s 18th-century mill, once driven by the waters of the River Darent, served as both a corn and saw mill until its retirement from corn grinding in 1900.
Local guitar enthusiasts can strum along with the Farningham Guitar Club, whose 2025 lineup is set to be fingerpicking good, featuring everything from country tunes and “songs that were banned” to Tom Petty hits, Beatles classics, “60s protest songs”, and even the unique “Welsh rock”.
With a parish council that ensures a bustling social calendar, and further proof of the village’s zest for life found in its Women’s Institute, cricket club, the Axstane Players drama society, and much more, it’s clear this village is brimming with community spirit.
Farningham’s community spirit is embodied by the active Friends of Farningham, a dedicated volunteer group that meets bi-monthly, especially in the summertime, to beautify the village and they’re always on the lookout for an “extra pair of hands”. Their mission includes maintaining “our historic bridge and cattle screen free of weeds” and ensuring the iconic flint wall along the High Street is well-kept.
The quaint village of Farningham, nestled in the Sevenoaks district, is home to roughly 1,457 residents. Its High Street is adorned with elegant Victorian-style lampposts and flanked by stunning properties, many of which are painted in shades of white or cream, such as the ‘Scouts Hall’ which boasts a lavender-filled front lawn during the summer months.
Strolling through the village, one can admire the old red brick pavements, expansive grassy verges, a towering brick wall draped with wisteria, and an array of stately, mature trees. The Pied Bull pub adds to the local charm, as does the beautiful St Peter and St Paul Church, complete with its lychgate and cemetery, which bursts into blossom come springtime.
According to the parish website, the Grade I-listed church “has stood proclaiming God’s presence in Farningham village for nearly 800 years”. Additionally, Farningham takes pride in its smartly refurbished village hall with a tiled roof and an adjacent picturesque meadow, both available for hire.
A true gem of the village is the ornate Grade II-listed Farningham Bridge, inscribed with the words: “This bridge was built by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions. 1773. Edward Grey Arch.”
Notably, it underwent repairs and expansion in 1833.
Preserving this bridge’s condition was deemed vital by British Listed Buildings, as it lies along the principal route connecting London to Dover. In the vicinity of The Lion Hotel, within the village’s core, stands a Georgian structure resembling a bridge, yet serving as a “cattle screen”.
Its purpose was to deter cattle from meandering upstream and onto private property.
Upon closer examination, it’s clear that this isn’t a traversable bridge. Described by the local parish council as merely “one half of a bridge”, it’s an ornamental feature.
However, this picturesque rural setting is at risk of transformation, with plans to convert arable land into a solar panel site.
KentLive recently reported on concerns voiced by local residents, who fear the area’s stunning natural landscape might be desecrated by the proposal for 30,000 solar panels on the Green Belt. The submitted plans, referred to as the Gabrielspring Wood Solar Park, are located under 1km from Farningham and were lodged with Sevenoaks District Council in November.
Positioned near the intersection between routes to London and Maidstone, and to Dartford and Sevenoaks, Farningham enjoys a strategic location. The town is a mere 19 miles from London and boasts ready access to the M25.
Moreover, the M25 connects with the Bluewater Shopping Centre, located fewer than 8 miles away. Meanwhile, the charming town of Sevenoaks lies just 8.8 miles away.
Trains from Farningham Road Railway Station, located on the Chatham main line, cover the distance to London in 38 minutes. Plus, Ebbsfleet International station and its high-speed Southeastern trains are within a mere 8 miles.
For the petrolheads, Brands Hatch motor racing circuit lies just a whisker under three miles outside the charming village of West Kingsdown. Local pride is evident as the parish council beams that to a “time traveller” from 100 years back, the heart of the village would seem remarkably similar.
Thanks to the vast Conservation Area spanning 37 acres and incorporating 46 listed buildings, the village’s historical charm remains intact. This protective bubble includes not only the entire stretch of High Street and the bucolic cricket pitch but also the quaint Market Meadow adjacent to the village hall and the grounds surrounding a local hotel.
Adding to the village’s allure is the breathtaking Farningham Woods Nature Reserve, which boasts an inauguration by none other than Sir David Attenborough in 1986. This enchanting stretch of ancient woodland crowns a hill to the north of the village and stands out as one of Kent’s most treasured woodland gems.
Those eager to wade into nature can embark on a 1.6-mile marked trail weaving through the reserve. Alternatively, Magdalena Marsden of Handmade Kent recommends the idyllic round trip from Farningham to Eynsford as a “perfect afternoon stroll through Kentish countryside”.
Spanning two miles each way, this clear and easily navigable route invites you on a scenic traverse across fields, meadows, and villages, with the historic backdrop of Eynsford Castle emerging in the valley ahead.
Farningham’s trio of pubs, The Chequers Inn, The Lion Hotel, and The Pied Bull, are complemented by the local curry favourite, Palace of India, which boasts an impressive four out of five stars on Tripadvisor across 145 reviews. This High Street eatery serves up Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, catering to vegetarians as well.
The most recent review from September awards a glowing five stars: “Fantastic food, good service and amazing atmosphere with brilliant views. Mixed grill was amazing but order if you have an appetite! “.
Meanwhile, the preceding testimonial, which also gives a nod to the nearby Chequers, reads: “Consistently excellent, flavoursome fare, large menu with all the regular mains and sides you’d expect plus an inviting list of ‘chef’s recommendations’ (my go-to search for something different in any restaurant).”
“Decent size portions, cooked to your preferred heat, excellent quality, and they’re not robbing you with their prices. For religious reasons they no longer hold an alcohol license but the Chequers two doors down are happy for you to take your drinks to the restaurant (and serve you aperitifs and nightcap) and there’s no corkage on the restaurant bill. Chequers has a range of draft beers, always an ale and the usual spirits, wines, ciders – great village pub, very friendly.”
This charming village has been graced by historical luminaries throughout the ages. The Romans set foot here first, leaving behind remnants of their villas in Eynsford nearby, but it was Charles Dickens who later frequented Farningham, drawn by the “excellent trout fishing” in the River Darent.
Mary Anne Hearn, a rare female Victorian writer hailing from the working class, was born here in 1834. She adopted her pen name from her birthplace, becoming known as Marianne Farningham, and made her mark as a poet, editor, biographer, and hymn writer.
Captain Bligh, famed for his role as the commander of HMS Bounty during the infamous 1789 mutiny on the voyage back from Tahiti, also called this place home. His tale became legendary, immortalised in the Hollywood epic ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ with the iconic Marlon Brando.
For those with a penchant for military history, another notable resident was Major Walter Gordon Wilson, who passed away in 1957. Recognised in 1919 as the co-inventor of the tank, he was an Irish mechanical engineer, inventor, and part of the British Royal Naval Air Service.
Exploring Farningham Woods
To visit Farningham Woods, take the A225 south from Horton Kirby. You’ll find a modest car park at the terminus of Calfstock Lane, complete with a height restriction barrier.
For those travelling by train, Farningham Road station is the closest, situated two miles north of Calfstock Lane.
While there aren’t any dedicated amenities for cyclists or horse riders, a byway that runs between Calfstock Lane and Button Street is accessible to both. The closest public conveniences are located in Farningham village.
Where can I find parking in Farningham?
There’s a High Street car park offering two hours of free parking with 21 spaces available.
