Goudhurst is a picturesque village nestled in the Kentish Weald, retaining a gentleness reminiscent of a bygone era.
With its historic buildings, white weatherboard, half-timbered houses, and duck pond, you could easily believe you had stepped into an episode of the Darling Buds of May!
This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my disclaimer and privacy policy.
Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my resources page to help you plan your trip.
Goudhurst’s duck pond is a lovely setting to sit for a while and enjoy the village vibes, though be warned – the village gets a lot of traffic, so it can sometimes feel quite busy!
If you have a head for heights climbing to the top of the ancient St Mary’s church will give you stunning views of the beautiful Kent Weald. The church tower is open between Easter and mid-July on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Afterwards, head to Weeks Tea Rooms and Bakery for a sweet treat. If you are a fan of cherry Bakewell tarts, they serve the biggest and tastiest ones around!
Exploring Goudhurst and Surrounding Areas
I have been to Goudhurst several times, usually because we were camping with the kids on the nearby Bedgebury Camping Site. We would come into the village for provisions at Burgess General Stores.
I love being outdoors, and now the kids have flown the nest, I think I might try the more comfortable option of a stay at Forest Edge Glamping Site in one of their bell tents or the shepherd’s hut.
On this visit to Goudhurst, no camping was involved as hubby, and I had slipped out for lunch at the Star and Eagle Hotel before heading to Bewl Water for an afternoon walk.
In the 18th century, The Star and Eagle became the headquarters for the infamous smugglers known as the Hawkhurst Gang.
They terrorised the Kent countryside down to the Kent coast. In the medieval town of Rye, they also favoured The Mermaid Pub, where they carried out illicit dealings.
Inside the Star and Eagle Hotel, expect to be met with low, dark-timbered ceilings and snug eating areas.
A heavily carved staircase leads to comfortable guest rooms indicating why the pub is listed as one of the 200 historic properties in this small Kent village.
If you are looking for somewhere historic and authentic to stay, then this is the place for you. They also serve a good selection of daily specials, and my beetroot and butternut squash wellington was delicious.
Room reservations for the Star and Eagle Hotel in Goudhurst can be made on Booking.com
How to Get to Goudhurst
Goudhurst is 10 miles east of Tunbridge Wells and 14 miles south of Maidstone. It is at the junction of the A262 and the B2079 between Lamberhurst and Cranbrook.
Parking can be found on Balcombes Hill, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1AT
Accommodation in Goudhurst
If you want to stay in Goudhurst, you may like to book one of the following:
Goudhurst Oast – stay in one of Kent’s finest oast houses featuring an outdoor swimming pool and 9 bedrooms and bathrooms!
Starvegoose Cottage – for couples looking for a cosy country bolthole for two this Kent cottage is perfect for you.
Baley Holiday Home is another property perfect for two and close to the village.
The Goudhurst Inn – comfortable accommodation in the local gastropub/hotel.
Winchet Hall B & B – a manor house set in beautiful gardens.
Attractions in the surrounding Kent countryside
While Goudhurst is a great place to stop for a quick wander and a maybe spot for lunch or afternoon tea, it is also a good place to base yourself to visit other nearby Kent landmarks.
Bedgebury Forest
Bedgebury Forest has miles of cycling, mountain-biking routes, walking and running trails, Go Ape, and an adventure play trail. There is a daily parking fee of £10 per car.
Christmas at Bedgebury is a magical time to visit as the forest is lit up with an illuminated after-dark trail from the end of November to January.
Bewl Water
The largest reservoir in the South East of England, Bewl Water, has a 12-mile circular walking trail, cycling routes and the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy the Kent countryside.
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens was created by the poet and writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, diplomat and author. It is one of the most famous historic gardens in England.
Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is a National Trust property and one of Kent’s many fairytale castles. It is a beautiful place to visit in Kent.
Bayham Old Abbey
Bayham Old Abbey in Tunbridge Wells consists of the remains of the 13th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse.
Pin for Future Visits to Kent
Are you looking for other things to do in Kent? Please check out the following places:
Wander around Godinton House and Gardens
Spend a Day in Dungeness – England’s only desert!
Renee
Sunday 17th of April 2022
What a lovely day trip to this village in the country. I'm intrigued by what a Bakewell Tart is, I've not heard of that before, but I do have a sweet tooth so I'm quite sure I will enjoy it. Scotney Castle and the Bayham Old Abbey sure are picturesque.
WhereAngieWanders
Monday 18th of April 2022
I'm sure you would enjoy a cherry Bakewell tart. It is a shortcrust pastry filled with dense almond filling topped (frangipane) with soft fondant icing with one cherry in the centre. Very sweet and very delicious.