What does Horsmonden have in common with the White Tower at the Tower of London? Read on to find out.
The name of this pretty village means ‘horsemen’s woodland pasture’. For such a tiny village in the middle of one of the most rural parts of the Weald of Kent, Horsmonden has a huge history.
Only 8 miles (12.8 km) east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and 8 miles (12.8 km) west of Cranbrook, it is within easy reach for a visit as part of your holiday in Kent.
Winning Stories of a Tiny Village
The neat village green known as The Heath is in the centre surrounded by the shops and pubs.
The Heath Stores village shop is the Winner of the UK Community Rural Retailer of the Year 2015 and won in 2016 The Daily Telegraph ‘s ‘British Village Shop of the Year’. It supplies ethical Traidcraft products and their own home cooked ham famous for miles around!
The presence of striking architecture in the hamlet is a legacy of the Austens and Huguenots who lived here when Horsmonden was a thriving cloth-making centre. The church of St Margaret was the family church of Jane Austen’s ancestors. The churchyard contains many of their tombstones.
The 13th century church stands in a stunning setting overlooking the River Teise, a good mile and half outside of the village. Hop pickers from the east end of London used to make the journey to this area to take their hop-picking holiday. The most famous of hop varieties, Fuggles, is claimed to have been found here first.
Come and see what attracted these great families of the past.
Things To Do in Horsmonden
Like other Wealden settlements, Horsmonden grew from the increasing prosperity brought by the cloth, hopmaking and iron industries. Surrounded by hop gardens, orchards, farmland, ponds and woodland, Horsmonden is a tranquil haven for most of the year but also has a calendar of events.
The Summer Fair and Gypsy Horse Fair delight the visitor in their quaint vibrancy and local traditions in celebration of the local heritage.
Circular Walk
Starting from the village centre, this walk showcases the best of this important fruit growing area. It offers tremendous views over the High Weald, the Greensand Ridge as well as the valleys of the rivers Teise and Medway.
St Margaret’s Church stands 1.5 miles outside the village centre. It is an extremely well-preserved 14th century medieval church and has connections with the author Jane Austen, as well as the early Pilgrim Fathers. Set high on the slopes, this is another excellent place to enjoy spectacular views across the Weald.
Explore Wealden Villages
Put Horsmonden on your itinerary along with nearby Matfield and Brenchley and you’ll experience the epitome of the English Wealden villages.
Check out our scenic driving tour which takes you through all the highlights of our area. Drive through the picturesque countryside, passing orchards and hop fields and stop for a delicious bite to eat at a local pub.
Explore the Surrounding Area
The neighbouring villages of Brenchley and Goudhurst are a must visit if you are in the area.
Explore our things to do and see section for more inspiration.
