One of the highlights of the glorious High Weald in Kent, Matfield is an idyllic rural countryside village. As you would expect from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, with ancient woodlands, fields and farmland providing a bucolic backdrop to every day life. Matfield itself ticks every box when it comes to archetypal village living – cricket games played on the pretty green, a choice of well-reviewed pubs, a picture-postcard duck pond and a tight-knit community.

Focus falls on Matfield Village Hall, which is used by a number of local clubs, sports groups and societies. From barn dances and big band nights to badminton and Brownies, the events programme is always packed. Weekly activities also include yoga, pilates, karate, keep fit and street dance – diverse enough to keep the whole family entertained.

The food and drink scene in Matfield is especially strong, given its small size. The Poet is renowned for its a la carte menu and selection of over 70 craft gins, while The Star Inn offers live music, guest ales and traditional pub food. There’s also well-attended speciality nights at The Hopbine and a weekly pop-up fish and chip van.

Residents are keen supporters of the Matfield Village Fete – an annual event where live music, classic cars, home baked cakes, locally-brewed beers and traditional fairground rides bring the community out in force. Cinderhill Woods is another much-loved Matfield asset, with 12 hectares of heathlands, grasslands, woodlands and streams ready to explore – on foot but also via managed bridleways.
More extensive retail and leisure facilities are a short drive away in Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

The local environs are home to a number of well-regarded schools. Early years education is provided within the parish of Matfield, with many families, later opting for the excellent local academy or a number of selective grammar schools in the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone boroughs.

Primary schools

• Brenchley & Matfield CofE Primary School – 0.9 miles
• Paddock Wood Primary School – 2.9 miles

Secondary Schools

• Mascalls Academy – 2 miles
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar Schools for Boys – 7.1 miles
• Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School – 6.6 miles
• The Judd Grammar School for Boys – 8.4 miles
• Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls  – 8.1 miles
• The Skinners Boys Grammar School – 6.4 miles

Private schools

• Kent College Prep, Senior and Sixth form for girls – 3.9 miles
• The schools at Somerhill Prep schools – 5 miles
• Hilden Grange Prep School – 7.3 miles
• Fosse Bank Prep school – 15.2 miles

Despite its rural setting, Matfield is a short drive from the A21 (1.7 miles), the M25 and the M20, while Hastings and the south coast are around 45 minutes’ by car. Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Guildford are easily accessible, while Gatwick Airport is 40 miles via a direct route. The Centaur commuter coach also collects from Matfield for Sevenoaks, Tonbridge Wells and London Canary Wharf.

Nearest Stations:

• Paddock Wood Station 2.7 miles
• Beltring Station 4.8 miles
• Tonbridge Station 8.6 miles

By Train:

• Paddock Wood to Sevenoaks 18 minutes
• Paddock Wood to London Bridge 41 minutes
• Paddock Wood to Cannon Street 53 minutes
• Paddock Wood to Charing Cross 54 minutes

By Car:

• A21 5 minutes
• Tonbridge 13 minutes
• Sevenoaks 21 minutes
• Gatwick 40 minutes