Named after the area of ancient woodland that spans across Surrey, Kent and Sussex, the Weald of Kent is an unmissable part of any visit to the borough of Tunbridge Wells.
Featuring picturesque countryside, historic pubs, smuggler haunts and fairytale castles, this area is the perfect place for a self-guided driving tour, whether you’re travelling as a family, in a couple or solo.
With an abundance of scenic views along this way, this two-day itinerary provides a snapshot of some of the wonderful gems to explore in the Weald of Kent.
Day 1 – Morning
Scotney Castle & Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Leaving the Georgian colonnades of the Pantiles behind you, start your driving tour by heading South East along Bayham Road / B2169. Passing through the pretty villages of Bells Yew Green and Lamberhurst, you’ll immediately be transported into more rural surroundings, with rolling hills and lush hedges lining the roads. Enjoy the scenic views and even historic ruins of English Heritage’s Bayham Old Abbey, before arriving at your first stop – the picture-perfect, Scotney Castle.
Dating back to the 14th century, this enchanting moated castle really is a sight to behold in all seasons. Boasting ivy-clad turrets, winding stone staircases and romantic formal gardens, it’s like something out of a fairytale. Spend some time exploring via the accessible paths around the moat itself (you can capture some stunning reflections on a clear day) and visit the decadent interiors showcased in the ‘newer’ Victorian manor house. There’s also a natural play area tucked away for little ones and a tea room on site. Remember to book your parking space on the National Trust website in advance to secure a spot.
Once refreshed with a cuppa from the tea room, drive just 10 minutes further down the A21 to reach the breathtakingly beautiful Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Showcasing over 12,000 specimen trees, spectacular landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, Bedgebury is a mesmerising spot for a walk or cycle. If travelling with young children, they will love the play trail and hidden Gruffalo sculptures around the forest, whilst older ones will enjoy the adventurous thrills of the Go Ape Tree Top Challenge.
Entry into the forest itself is free, but parking charges apply. If possible, my top tip would be to make the most of their early bird parking prices which are applicable if you arrive and leave before 11am.
Day 1 – Lunch
Hawkhurst
After soaking up the scenery and working up an appetite, drive through Flimwell and onto the A268 into the characterful village of Hawkhurst. Famed for its innocuous smuggling past, Hawkhurst’s colourful history dates back over 1,000 years with links to Saxon Britain, all the way through to the Weald’s industrial iron works.
For lunch, head to 18th century country pub, The Eight Bells, for a comforting, home-cooked meal. This family-run pub boasts stylish decor, cosy fires and a beautiful beer garden, as well a wide menu with a range of high-end dishes and pub classics. The Great House is another good option for a varied menu and good food, whilst Water Lane Kitchen & Garden is the place to go for something a little special.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Cranbrook & Sissinghurst
Once back on the road, head a further 10 minutes up the A229 to reach the charming market town of Cranbrook. Known as the ‘capital of the Weald’, the cobbled streets of Cranbrook are a great place to shop, eat and explore. Its biggest attraction, however, is arguably its striking historic windmill, The Union Mill. Built in 1814, this former smock mill offers incredible views and is open to the public between 2.30pm – 5pm between April and September. There is no parking on site, but there is a free car park behind the Co-op (High Street Parking) which you can walk easily from.
After visiting the windmill, spend some time browsing the range of independent shops and boutiques on the high street. If you’re keen to learn more about the area’s history, I recommend a visit to Cranbrook Museum, as well as marvelling at the gothic architecture of the magnificent St Dunstan’s Church. If you’re more interested in relaxing with a coffee and cake, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Arthurs, which also has a lovely array of children’s toys to keep the little ones entertained.
From Cranbrook, it’s just another short drive to the romantic and world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden. The former home and passion project of writer and poet Vita Sackville-West and husband Harold Nicolson, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens is a picturesque haven to wander around. Climb up the tower (past Vita’s fabulous writing room) to take in some sensational views across the Kent countryside.
Day 1 – Evening
Goudhurst
Return onto the A262 to reach the final stop of the day – the pretty village of Goudhurst. If time allows, I recommend making a brief pit-stop into Taywells Farm Shop en route to pick up some local goodies.
Park in the Balcombes Hill free car park, and wander into the village passing the duck pond on your left. Standing tall at the heart of the village is the striking St Mary’s Church. Dating back to 1119, this historic church not only offers architectural beauty, but also some of the most spectacular views across the Weald of Kent. Visitors can climb the 17th century tower to take in the magnificent panoramas on weekends between Easter and mid-July. The Bedgebury Chapel is also worth visiting for a moment of calm reflection. The church itself is open daily between 9am and 6pm.
Finish off your day with a visit to Goudhurst’s timbered pub, The Star & Eagle. Steeped in even more history, this 14th century inn is believed to have been the headquarters for the infamous ‘Hawhurst Gang’ smugglers. Nowadays, it is a welcoming and inviting destination for a delicious meal or quiet drink.
Drive back to Royal Tunbridge Wells through the characterful villages of Horsmonden, Brenchley and Matfield.
Day 2 – Morning
Bidborough & Penshurst Place
Ease into your second morning with a drive north up the A26 and onto Bidborough Ridge to take in more breathtaking panoramas across the Kent countryside. Carry on along the A2176 towards Rogues Hill until you reach the historic village of Penshurst. With Tudor buildings, an ivy-clad pub and Grade I listed church, Penshurst is full of pretty features to admire. It is most well-known, however, for Penshurst Place & Gardens which is at the heart of the village.
Open to the public between February and October, this 14th century manor house is a remarkable building surrounded by immaculately manicured formal gardens. Once the property of King Henry VIII, it now belongs to the Sidney family who have privately owned the estate for over 450 years. More recently, Penshurst Place has been the location for films and TV series including The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall and The Princess Bride. If visiting with children, there’s an extensive adventure play area which they’ll love, and a cafe on site for refreshments.
Day 2 – Lunch
Chiddingstone
After exploring all that Penshurst Place has to offer, get back on the road and head to the cobbled streets of another strikingly beautiful and historic Kent village – Chiddingstone.
Owned and preserved by the National Trust, this small but perfectly formed one-road village is like stepping back in time, with half-timber buildings, a sandstone church and magnificent castle. Park up either on the side of the road or in the donation-led Chiddingstone Castle car park and make your way to the Chiddingstone Stores & Post Office and Tulip Tree Tea Room.
As the oldest working shop in the country, Chiddingstone Stores dates back to 1453. Now, it sells a lovely range of gifts, old fashioned sweets and home furnishings. I defy you not to leave without a trinket or two!
Next door in the converted coach house is the Tulip Tree Tea Room which serves delicious cakes, lunches and drinks. It has a cosy wood burner to snuggle beside on cold days and a pretty courtyard area for warmer months. Indulge in a light lunch here, or visit The Castle Inn (open Wednesday – Sunday) for some pub classics.
Day 2 – Afternoon
Hever Castle & Gardens
Having enjoyed some good food, head up Mill Lane through Bough Beech to take the scenic drive towards Hever Castle & Gardens.
Dating back over 600 years, the former home of Anne Boleyn features a breath-taking 13th century moated castle, drawbridge, gatehouse and walled bailey. Surrounded by 125 acres of romantic gardens, lakes and mazes, you can easily spend a full afternoon exploring this historic site. There’s also lots to do for youngsters if travelling with children.
Tour the house to see the majestic Dining Hall and grand four-poster bed in King Henry VIII’s bedchamber, before taking a stroll through the award-winning ornamental gardens which boast roses, giant topiary, mazes and woodland walks. End your visit by taking a peaceful moment at Hever Castle’s gorgeous Italian Loggia. Used predominantly to host weddings, this area is breathtakingly romantic, with views across the 38 acre lake and back across the formal gardens.
Day 2 – Evening
Birchden Wood & Harrisons Rocks
Return towards Tunbridge Wells via Hartfield Road, travelling through the villages of Blackham and Ashurst to reach Groombridge and the final stop of the driving tour – the stunning Birchden Wood and Harrison’s Rocks.
Tucked away on the Kent / Sussex border, this peaceful woodland punctuated by a plateau of dramatic, towering sandstone crags, is perfect for an early evening or sunset walk. Park the car at the Birchden Wood car park and take the easy access trail (marked) to take in the country views and magnificent sights.
Finally, wrap up your driving tour with a sumptuous dinner at either The Hare in Langton Green or for something extra special, The Beacon in Rusthall.
Your local guide
Katy Mason
Freelance Travel & Lifestyle Writer
Katy Mason is a freelance writer, blogger and content creator based in Tunbridge Wells. With a background in entertainment PR, she said goodbye to the daily commute in 2020 to focus on exploring and writing about her local area of Kent and Sussex. As an avid traveler and self-proclaimed foodie, she has written features, itineraries and reviews for publications including Sussex Life Magazine, Girl About Travel, Visit Tunbridge Wells and Charitable Traveller Magazine. When not working or spending time with her daughter, she enjoys days out in the countryside, cosy pub lunches and practicing yoga.
