Lenham the charming Kent village just an hour from London

Lenham is a small market village in the Maidstone district on the edge of the North Downs and is surrounded by scenic views.
Lenham is just an hour and 10-minute train journey from the capital with direct trains from London Bridge.
You can also easily drive to the village, which takes on average around an hour and a half.
The Lenham Cross is a chalk cross carved into the hillside. (Image: Getty Images)
Why you should visit the Kent village of Lenham
The Kent village is the perfect place to visit, whether you fancy a break from London and want an easy weekend or fancy a weekend of long walks.
If you're a keen walker, the North Downs Way 9 from Lenham to Wye is the perfect route to follow.
The 9.3-mile walk goes through the famous hillside with a chalk cross cut into it and the Grade II-listed World War I memorial.
The walk takes you through the scenic Weald before moving towards the Westwell Vineyard and the outskirts of the village of Westwell.
You can find out more about the walk via Explore Kent.
Away from walks, Lenham offers plenty to enjoy with highly-rated pubs and restaurants, including The Bow Window Cafe and The Wishful Thinker.
On the online review website TripAdvisor, The Bow Window Cafe has a 4.5/5 rating and is described as being "super cute and a lovely space".
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Lenham is also home to the popular Chilston Park Hotel, a four-star boutique accommodation set in a Grade I listed castle.
The hotel has 22 acres of parkland and a two AA rosette restaurant, and describes itself as being a "classic British country house hotel with plenty of style and charm."
One recent guest at the hotel said: "Beautiful hotel surrounded by English countryside."

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Wales Online

2 hours ago

• Wales Online

Where to go in Europe if you want to avoid the crowds and overtourism protests this summer

Where to go in Europe if you want to avoid the crowds and overtourism protests this summer Swap busy holiday hotspots for these less crowded alternatives The more I travel in Europe, the more I rate slightly lesser-known cities, resort towns, and tiny villages, where you can escape the crowds and high prices (Image: Portia Jones ) Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic and eventful season for travellers heading to Europe. If you're jetting off on your long-awaited summer holiday, there's so much to consider, from tourism protests, fines, and major international events to evolving travel regulations and environmental challenges. This year, thousands of people living in holiday hotspots beloved by Britons have taken to the streets to protest against overtourism. The Mirror reports that major protests broke out across southern Europe again over the weekend as frustrated locals took to the streets. ‌ These holiday hotspots, including Barcelona, Ibiza, Venice, Naples, and Tenerife, are grappling with the negative impacts of mass tourism, leading to significant protests in various cities. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here ‌ In Barcelona, demonstrators squired water pistols at tourists and chanted, "Your holidays, my misery," while holding up banners emblazoned with slogans such as "mass tourism kills the city." Protesters across these tourism hotspots have criticised the surge in housing prices, which have risen dramatically over the last decade, making it difficult for locals to afford rent. The movement against overtourism has also spread to other popular regions, including the Balearic Islands and Andalusia. Article continues below Anti-tourism protests have taken place across Spain over the weekend (Image: Getty Images ) The protests were part of a coordinated action laid on by groups across several countries, who are united in their dislike of the current tourism model and who are now demanding change. Wondering where to head for your summer hols this year? If you're keen to steer clear of packed-out hotspots and locals fed up with overtourism, you're not alone. With protests, restrictions, and even the occasional water pistol making headlines, it may be time to rethink your plans. ‌ As a travel journalist, author and host of the Travel Goals Podcast, I've been lucky enough to travel all over Europe for work and holidays. The more I travel in Europe, the more I rate slightly lesser-known cities, resort towns, and tiny villages, where you can escape the crowds and high prices. 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(Image: Getty ) Founded by fierce, sea-faring Norwegian Vikings between 856 and 914 A.D., Waterford is Ireland's oldest city. It's kept its proud Norse roots intact through narrow, winding streets, ancient relics, and even in its name - Vedrarfjord, which is believed to mean 'haven from the windswept sea' or 'fjord of the rams'. Located on south-east Ireland's rugged, windswept Copper Coast, this historically overlooked city is finally getting the attention it deserves with the combined counties of Wexford and Waterford landing a spot in Condé Nast's coveted 'Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland' list in 2024. ‌ Now firmly on the map for travellers who want to discover Ireland's rich past, Waterford is bursting with history, culture, and a charm that's hard to beat. The Viking Triangle is the city's vibrant heart, where history, culture, and art collide in a wonderfully eclectic mix. 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Daily Mirror

3 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Iconic seaside city 53-miles from London gets new £5 direct bus route

Londoners dreaming of escaping the bustling city during the UK's ongoing heatwave can now travel over 50 miles to one of the country's most popular seaside resorts for less than £5 Getting to the coast just got a whole lot easier (and cheaper) thanks to a handy new bus route. With temperatures slated to hit a sweltering 38C, there has truly never been a better time to escape the Big Smoke and cool yourself down in crystal-clear water - even if it's just for the day. Brighton has long been a popular coastal destination for Londoners due to its close proximity and eclectic offerings. Famed for its Blue Flag golden sandy beaches, an impressive pier that stretches 1,722 ft into the English Channel, and its inclusive atmosphere, Brighton is one of the UK's most recognisable resorts in the UK. It's the perfect place to shop for vintage clothing, play in the arcades, and end the evening watching the sunset while gorging on fish and chips. "Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air," hails Visit Brighton. "With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks." Earlier this week, FlixBus - which whizzes passengers to more than 6,800 destinations across more than 40 countries in its bright green coaches - revealed it was launching a new route, linking London to Brighton. The new connections, which will run twice a day, costing as little as £4.49 each way. "Londoners now have even more affordable, sustainable, and reliable travel options for weekend getaways, airport connections, and visiting friends and family this summer," hailed Andreas Schorling of FlixBus UK. "Brighton is an iconic British destination and we're excited to offer a direct route from the capital just in time for the warmer months." The 53-mile journey takes around two and a half hours, which is its only downside. Travelling to Brighton by train is much faster, and takes between 58 minutes and one hour and 10 minutes depending on the route. However, single adult fares as almost double the price - averaging out at £8. If you're itching for a mini-staycation, there is a whole range of accommodation types in Brighton to suit your budget. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, July 4-6) at a 'charming' townhouse will set you back just £176. This is based on two adults sharing a double room with a shared bathroom. However, it's worth pointing out that this property is located 1.6 miles from the centre. For those wanting a more luxurious weekend, check out Leonardo Hotel. Conveniently located next to Brighton Railway Station, the four-star hotel is a 15-minute walk to the beach, and is within close proximity to the Laines, Brighton Dome, Theatre Royal Brighton and the Gardner Centre. Staying here, in a standard double room, on the exact same nights cost £409.

Glasgow Times

4 hours ago

• Glasgow Times

Lenham the charming Kent village just an hour from London

Lenham is a small market village in the Maidstone district on the edge of the North Downs and is surrounded by scenic views. Lenham is just an hour and 10-minute train journey from the capital with direct trains from London Bridge. You can also easily drive to the village, which takes on average around an hour and a half. The Lenham Cross is a chalk cross carved into the hillside. (Image: Getty Images) Why you should visit the Kent village of Lenham The Kent village is the perfect place to visit, whether you fancy a break from London and want an easy weekend or fancy a weekend of long walks. If you're a keen walker, the North Downs Way 9 from Lenham to Wye is the perfect route to follow. The 9.3-mile walk goes through the famous hillside with a chalk cross cut into it and the Grade II-listed World War I memorial. The walk takes you through the scenic Weald before moving towards the Westwell Vineyard and the outskirts of the village of Westwell. You can find out more about the walk via Explore Kent. Away from walks, Lenham offers plenty to enjoy with highly-rated pubs and restaurants, including The Bow Window Cafe and The Wishful Thinker. On the online review website TripAdvisor, The Bow Window Cafe has a 4.5/5 rating and is described as being "super cute and a lovely space". Recommended Reading Lenham is also home to the popular Chilston Park Hotel, a four-star boutique accommodation set in a Grade I listed castle. The hotel has 22 acres of parkland and a two AA rosette restaurant, and describes itself as being a "classic British country house hotel with plenty of style and charm." One recent guest at the hotel said: "Beautiful hotel surrounded by English countryside."