Smarden

Smarden, with its name derived from the Saxon 'Smeredaenne' meaning butter valley and pasture, is a picturesque Kent village. Having maintained much the same population size for 500 years, it has many old buildings of architectural and historic interest. A number of the buildings date back to 14^th and 15th centuries, including two the three pubs of the village. The centre is a cluster of half-timbered houses with Kent peg-tiled roofs.

On the other side of the Gallery is the churchyard - entered through a gateway below the first storey of an overhanging building called the 'Pent House'. The church dates from the 14th Century with a perpendicular tower built about 1475. It is known as the 'Barn of Kent' because of its thirty-six foot wide single aisleless nave spanned by a scissors-beam roof.

Smarden is an active village with events occurring most weeks throughout the year, including a spring duck race, a summer garden safari, a flower show, a music festival, theatre productions, and a famous bonfire procession and fireworks display in the autumn. Each weekend cricket and football teams play on the 'Minnins - the village green. The three pubs in the village: the Chequers; the Flying Horse and the Bell Inn, all serve good food.

Within a short drive of Smarden, are Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a flourishing vineyard at Biddenden, Headcorn airfield, with Lashenden air Museum and numerous other attractions.

B&Bs in charming cottages and oast houses scatter the area and offer accommodation with friendly service at affordable process. Perhaps make a visit to West End Hose Gallery part of a relaxing day trip or a short break to Smarden and its other close-by attractions.