The cluster of villages centred on Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone sits in the rural part of the Sevenoaks district of Kent, much of it within the High Weald AONB. The landscape of ancient woodlands, orchards and sandstone ridges is pierced by the River Eden and offers plenty of sweeping walks and quiet lanes, making it popular with ramblers and people seeking a countryside lifestyle while remaining within reach of London.
Culturally and historically the area punches above its weight: Penshurst Place is a medieval manor with famed gardens and a deer park and has long literary associations, while Chiddingstone is often admired as a quintessential Tudor village and is home to Chiddingstone Castle, a house with a notable collection and events. Economically the ward remains largely rural – small-scale farming, local businesses and tourism tied to its heritage sites – and socially it retains a close-knit village feel with active community halls, pubs and traditional village fêtes.
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