It’s the place to visit if you want to catch the Red Arrows this summer
A range of brilliant pubs, restaurants and cafes can be found along the High Street (Image: Brian Chadwick/Wikimedia Commons)
Sitting just a little outside of the hustle and bustle of Maidstone is a charming village that offers a truly unique day out. Headcorn is one of our county’s bigger villages, situated alongside the River Beult within the picturesque Low Weald of Kent and holds a population of over 3,200 residents according to the latest census.
Like so many other parts of our wonderful county, Headcorn is absolutely steeped in history, with landmarks and fascinating features to be found at every corner. At the heart of the village stands the parish church, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, a stunning Grade I-listed site that dates back over 900 years.
On a stroll through the winding roads and streets of the village you’ll be able to spy a number of other notable listed buildings, including the grand Headcorn Manor, the old vicarage and the ancient Shakespeare House, first built in the 16th century. Over the years, fascinating ancient relics have been uncovered throughout the village, from a Neolithic polished flint axe found in a stream, to Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts found during archaeological works at a housing development at Hazelpits in Ulcombe Road.
While history buffs are sure to get a kick out of exploring this wonderful settlement, present-day Headcorn has plenty on offer to attract visitors as well. Arguably its most defining feature is the Headcorn Aerodrome, which served an important role throughout both WWI and WWII, and continues to make history today.
The impressive Church of St Peter and St Paul dates back over 900 years and is one of the numerous listed buildings in the village (Image: Oast House Archive/Wikimedia Commons)
Opening officially as an airfield in 1943, having served as a training school during The Great War, it was used by the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Army Air Forces throughout WWII. These days, you will find a brilliant aviation museum at the aerodrome, known as the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum.
Notably, the airfield also hosts Headcorn Parachute Club, Kent’s only skydiving club. As well as catering to thrill seekers, the aerodrome also offers flying lessons for all skill levels and puts on a range of events each year, from model shows and car meets, to amazing aviation displays.
In fact, the iconic Red Arrows will be making a return to the aerodrome very soon for the ever-popular Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow this July. Beyond appealing to history and aviation enthusiasts, Headcorn also has a vibrant dining and drinking scene.
Headcorn Aerodrome hosts the only skydiving club in Kent (Image: graemecalvert/geograph)
The aerodrome houses its own Wings Bar and Restaurant if you want to enjoy a drink in true Top Gun style, while in the main village centre you can find an array of pubs and eateries. Along the High Street, you can find the Krishna restaurant, offering authentic Indian cuisine in a rustic, 15th century building.
The George and Dragon is a highly regarded pub in the village centre, known for its hearty home cooked meals and cosy atmosphere. It was taken over by new management in 2020 and has since undergone an impressive refurbishment which focused on creating ‘a warm and welcoming atmosphere’ for punters.
Also featuring a spacious garden and children’s play area, it’s well worth looking into if you fancy extending your Headcorn trip as the pub doubles as a delightful bed and breakfast. Attesting to the quality and reputation of this humble boozer, Winston Churchill himself once stayed here during the First World War.
The George and Dragon is a traditional English pub with an impressive reputation (Image: Christine Matthews/Geograph)
If it’s good enough for a former British Prime Minister, then it’s good enough for the rest of us, with the establishment currently holding a TripAdvisor rating of four stars out of five. Recalling their experience, one reviewer said: “Great pint of cider and a lovely ploughman’s platter to share – excellent value, great quality and friendly staff – give it a try as this place is definitely on the up!”
If you’re looking for a rather unique destination to enjoy a tipple, then the Tap 17 Micro Bar, found sitting along the High Street, is a real must visit. Craft beers, a carefully curated selection of wines and tasty gins are what you can expect to find in this intimate bar, alongside regular live music performances and scrumptious food.
Headcorn sits a stone's throw away from Maidstone along the A274 (Image: N Chadwick/Geograph)
Elsewhere in Headcorn, you can find charming cafes, such as the highly rated Village Tea Rooms and The Foodie’s Emporium. The latter specialises in locally sourced food products, from expertly crafted breads and pastries, to deli boards, grocery products, wines and much more.
After browsing through this fine collection of Kentish goods, the emporium also offers hot drinks and cakes, with a relaxing snug area found atop a handcrafted spiral staircase, providing the perfect spot to unwind with a cuppa. Getting to Headcorn is very straightforward, sitting around 20 minutes away from Maidstone town centre, with the A274 running through the village centre.
The village has its own train station which sees regular services between London and the coast (Image: N Chadwick/Geograph)
A train station also sits right in the heart of the village, served by regular services between London Charing Cross, Dover and Ramsgate. Being such a historic and bustling village, it should come as no surprise that properties prices in Headcorn are highly sought after.
According to Rightmove, homes had an overall average price of £570,396 over the last year. This is an increase of 30 per cent on the year prior, and a 24 per cent hike on the 2021 peak of £458,310.
Courtesy of Kent Live
