If you’ve been looking for a property to buy or rent in one of Ashford’s surrounding villages, you’ve no doubt thought about Bethersden – often considered the jewel in Kent’s crown.
And that’s not just our opinion.
In 2021 this tiny and picturesque Kent village was given the coveted title of ‘Best Village in South East England’ by The Times, adding to its growing reputation as one of Kent’s best-kept secrets.
Ideally located just five miles from the vibrant and flourishing town of Ashford in one direction, and five miles from the charming town of Tenterden in the other, Bethersden is also surrounded by an array of other pretty villages such as Pluckley, Biddenden, Woodchurch and Great Chart. Delightfully rural and sat on a hill among rolling countryside and copses, Bethersden is part of ‘The Darling Buds of May’ territory, a popular 1950’s set TV show from the 1990s starring David Jason and Catherine Zeta Jones, which was filmed on location in the village and in nearby Pluckley.
Despite Bethersden’s off-the-beaten-track location, this picture-perfect village is set back off the A28, making it incredibly accessible, and there is a regular bus service from Ashford to Tenterden that passes through the village – good to know if you are thinking of moving here. Bethersden, which has the beautiful 15th century St. Margaret’s Church at its heart, also features convenient local amenities, including a Post Office, local independent shops, and the famous Marchants of Bethersden; a traditional butcher shop that also stocks an array of artisan delicacies.
If one of the reasons you’re most looking forward to buying a property in a pretty Kent village is the presence of a good old traditional English pub – you’re in luck. The Bull Inn, located opposite the cricket pitch, has been providing refreshment to villagers since 1645 and is still much-loved by locals and visitors alike to this day. Serving good-quality, classic pub fare and featuring old beams, an inviting inglenook fireplace and huge comfy sofas, The Bull Inn at Bethersden is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. The pub also has a large, immaculately kept garden and large patio area, with plenty of space for the kids to play, and ample parking, so you’ll be just itching to make this your local.
If you’re going to buy a property in such a picturesque and rural location as Bethersden, you’re sure to spend a lot of your time taking in the views and immersing yourself in village life – and we highly recommend that you do! There is an active and welcoming parish council, and the residents are known to be some of the friendliest around. Any ‘Guide to Bethersden’ will tell you that you must take an ‘Oasting Around’ walk, which follows the quiet country lanes and takes you past beautiful oast houses, and the village is also home to The Reindeer Centre – a big hit with kids (and adults!) of all ages. If you become a resident of Bethersden you’ll be able to enjoy all of the events and festivities that the village has to offer all year round, including Jubilee celebrations, the annual Bethersden pantomime, and the annual fete which is bursting with traditional family fun that includes games and live music, stalls selling local produce, a tea tent and bar, BBQ, bric-a-brac and crafts – all in a stunning garden setting. If a sense of community is your bag, you really can’t go wrong in relocating to Bethersden. The Village Hall offers classes such as yoga and pilates, and there are clubs and societies covering all manner of hobbies and activities from tennis and gardening, to art and model aircraft.
Sport lovers will be thrilled to learn that Bethersden has its own football and cricket teams, along with well-established routes for walking, running, cycling and horse-riding. History and culture buffs might be interested to know that the village was where poet Richard Lovelace once resided, and that it is still the home of The Stevenson Brothers, makers of very fine rocking horses, and for whom the Royal family are loyal customers.
Visit our property search for properties for sale or rent in Bethersden and if you think you’ve spotted your dream home, get in touch and we can arrange a viewing Contact Us
Do you want to find out just how much your current property is worth before you start searching for your ideal property in Bethersden? Book a Valuation with one of our local property experts and find out!