This historic and infamous village is situated within the Kentish High Weald near the border with East Sussex.

Hawkhurst is really two villages in one – the tranquil settlement in the oldest part known as The Moor, and a pretty shopping area complete a covered New Orleans style colonnade at Highgate. Only 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Cranbook, Hawkhurst lies within a landscape of ridges and gentle valleys between the North and South Downs.

There are three conservation areas within Hawkhurst and, where previously surrounded by hop gardens, it is now enfolded by rolling farmland – a joy to tour either by bicycle, motorbike or car.

Things to do in Hawkhurst

Why not visit Kino Hawkhurst, the local cinema located inside the historic Victoria Hall, where you can relax with a drink and watch a film. Tea, coffee, cakes and other local delights are also served in the café-bar, with a veranda no less!

The quaint shopping area is housed in a colonnaded parade creating a pretty olde world feel, not surprising given it is almost 200 years old! Housing gift, furniture, and craft shops; plenty of classy English country pubs with gardens, food and rooms as well as one of the coolest barbers around, Hawkhurst is an eclectic wonder to wander around.

The Moor is a large triangular green surrounded by the 13th century St Laurence church, historic houses and cottages, and the road to Bodiam Castle and Hastings.

You may be tempted to stop, have a picnic and soak up the bygone village feel.

Do Not Miss…

Foodie Discoveries

From traditional pubs to quaint cafes and a farm to table restaurant, be sure to try the local foodie scene.

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Kino Cinema

Comfortable, boutique cinema showing art house and mainstream film as well as live or recorded opera and ballet with a cosy café.

What’s On

Hawkhurst Fish Farm

A fishing complex which also houses the Waterside Café, a 16th century inn complete with low beamed doorways and log fires, Slap ‘n’ Dash ceramics (DIY creativity). A great family day out!

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Check our calendar for events near Hawkhurst

Explore the Surrounding Area

If you are a garden enthusiast, a must visit is Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens a few miles north near Cranbrook as well as the Water Lane Walled Garden nestled in the countryside just outside Hawkhurst.

From boutique hotels in the town, to B&B’s and cottages nestled in the surrounding countryside, your visit to Hawkhurst in Wealden Kent can suit the freedom lover in you. Browse the range of accommodation.

Find Your Perfect Stay Near Hawkhurst

The Smugglers of Hawkhurst

The name of Hawkhurst was once notorious throughout southern England as it is the home of the ruthless Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers, active in the early 1700s.

Hawkhurst is part of the exciting Smugglers and Heritage Trial which runs between Goudhurst and the Sussex Coast.

As Kipling, who lived nearby at Bateman’s, put it:

If you wake at midnight, and hear a horse’s feet,

Don’t go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street,

Them that ask no questions isn’t told a lie.

Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by.

Hawkhurst has other claims to fame: Charles Gunther, inventor of the Oxo cube, and the astronomer Sir John Herschel, both lived in the village for many years.

View the Smugglers Trail