Kent, often dubbed as the Garden of England, boasts a plethora of iconic locations. Even if you’re not a local, you’ve probably heard of Dover, Canterbury and Rochester – some of our most famous spots.

However, these well-known destinations can sometimes eclipse other hidden gems. A perfect case in point is the charming village of Pembury, nestled just outside Tunbridge Wells.

While the spa town lures visitors from all over with its vibrant centre brimming with quaint shops and activities, its neighbouring village tends to be somewhat overlooked. Despite this, Pembury has recently been acknowledged as one of the top places to live in the country.

According to a detailed league table by Garrington Property Finders, this delightful hamlet ranks as the third-best place to live in Kent, only outdone by Southborough and Tunbridge Wells. Clearly, this corner of the county is highly sought-after. On a national level, Pembury also fared well, clinching the 113th spot out of over 1,400 contenders, reports Kent Live.

The area radiates a strong sense of community, despite having a substantial population of around 5,700 people, according to the latest 2021 census.

While it may not have grand attractions like its neighbour’s The Pantiles, this place has a lot to offer for a day trip or even a longer stay. Nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s no surprise that the village is full of lush green spaces and surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

The village green and high street are recognised as a conservation area, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls amidst picturesque scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, Pembury is home to a selection of delightful independent businesses, including the long-standing Downingbury Farm Shop and Café on Maidstone Road.

Here, you can discover a fantastic range of fresh produce, predominantly sourced from local Kent and Sussex suppliers. Whether you’re after prime cuts of meat, bottles of wine, or fancy creating a custom hamper of local specialities, you’ll find it all here.

For locals and visitors alike, the village also boasts a large Tesco superstore, a Notcutts Garden Centre, and an Esso Garage. And of course, no British locale would be complete without a top-notch pub – and Pembury has several to choose from.

One of the most beloved spots in town is the Black Horse on High Street, a quintessentially English pub that’s become a local favourite for its hearty home-cooked meals. With an impressive 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor from over 400 reviews, it’s clear this cosy establishment knows how to please its patrons.

The Sunday roast at one beloved establishment has earned rave reviews, with a particularly ecstatic patron proclaiming: “The servings of the numerous meats were extremely generous and all of the vegetables were delicious. Every individual element of our experience was simply outstanding.”

Equally thrilled, another diner said: “So smug that this is our local. The food is always amazing, especially the Sunday carvery. Lovely traditional pub with a big log fire.”

Just down the road, the King William IV pub also beckons. Established as an independent free house in 2018 after narrowly escaping conversion into housing, it’s fast become a revered community hotspot.

Here, guests can quench their thirst with authentic local brews, choose from a carefully-picked array of exquisite wines and spirits, and bask in the ample beer garden when weather permits. Not to be missed are the lively music gigs here, setting the scene for memorable evenings.

Pembury doesn’t just boast stunning countryside views and top-notch taverns; it also lays claim to being the hometown of the illustrious Shane MacGowan. The celebrated former frontman of The Pogues first saw light on Christmas Day 1957 in this very locale.

The area has also been the birthplace of several professional cricketers, including Charles Ellison, Tom Probert, Ed Smith and Michael Yardy. If you’re considering extending your stay, Pembury offers a selection of highly-rated hotels.

One such place is the Mercure Tunbridge Wells, a four-star hotel uniquely situated around a stunning 18th-century oast house. Its picturesque location has made it a favourite for weddings, and it can also be hired for private functions and parties.

Another option is the award-winning Camden Arms, a hotel, restaurant and bar that’s equally suited to a Sunday lunch or a romantic getaway. With four-poster bedrooms, double rooms, family rooms and accessible facilities, this well-regarded family-run business caters to all needs.

If you’re thinking about relocating here permanently, you’ll be pleased to know that property prices are quite reasonable, closely aligning with the Kent average. According to Rightmove, properties in the village were sold for an average of £492,108 over the past year, compared to £456,991 for the wider county.

This is significantly lower than the average property prices in neighbouring Tunbridge Wells, which stood at £558,188 during the same period. If you’re just planning a brief visit, the village offers free car parking at Tesco, although this is exclusively for customers.

The village is also conveniently located just off the A21 and A228.

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