This breathtaking hamlet in Kent, nestled amidst some of the finest countryside featuring fields, trees and rolling hills, is sure to captivate you. If you're seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life and yearn to explore a rural and untouched parish, then this is your destination.
Loved by walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike, it boasts a network of footpaths and bridleways that meander through secluded hills and valleys, woods and open fields. The parish council describes it as a "beautiful quiet oasis of green and home to 220 people".
But there's more to this gem in the tranquil Kent countryside than meets the eye. It has a rich history that places it firmly in England's history books.
It boasts what is reputed to be the oldest continuously lived in building in the country. Additionally, it has a church dating back to the 13th century and a Victorian former church school which now serves as the village hall.
Its name would be hard to pronounce correctly just by looking at its spelling - and even the spelling has changed during the centuries, with some of the former versions still in use today. But despite its small size, this charming place has its own picturesque cricket club, established in 1947 and surrounded by a vineyard.
Welcome to the beautiful Luddesdown, described as a "scattered group of houses and farms" around Luddesdown Court. The parish is located within the borough of Gravesham.
The hamlet's life includes quintessentially English events such as the Luddesdown Society May Fair, held in the village hall, featuring cream teas, a beer tent and a dog show. The annual New Year's Day Walk invites residents to "come and clear your fuzzy Christmas heads with a country walk, a glass of mulled wine and a warm bowl of soup".
There's also a Christmas party, ensuring that life here is far from dull. The parish council's Facebook page showcases the vast fields of vibrant red poppies that set the surrounding fields ablaze each year.
The Luddesdown Cricket Club, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022, is a small and friendly group of players who "try to uphold the best values of the game". Their home ground, The Rectory Cricket Ground, is described by the club as "without a doubt one of the most rural and picturesque grounds in England".
As previously reported by KentLive, the Grade I Luddesdown Court became available to let, giving everyone an opportunity to pour over photographs of its impressive rooms. It was once the old Manor House and dates from around 1100.
It is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in England, according to Discover Gravesham. It was once owned by William the Conqueror's brother and boasts an impressive array of features, including a rose garden, great hall, and pool house complex, showcasing architectural styles from Saxon, Norman, Tudor, Jacobean, and later periods.
Although the property itself is off-limits as a private residence, visitors can explore the adjacent Luddesdowne Church, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. Be sure to admire the stunning Victorian wall paintings within the church.
The original Saxon church, mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, was replaced by a 12th-century stone Norman building, which has undergone numerous additions and rebuilds over the centuries, resulting in the present-day Victorian rebuilding of a 13th-century structure with a 14th-century tower. Notable features include a medieval log ladder in the tower and beautiful stained-glass windows.
For those up for a challenge, the eight-mile Luddesdown Trek, recommended by Explore Kent, offers a scenic route with "woodland and beautiful views" as well as picturesque wildflower meadows surrounding the hamlet. This four-hour walk can be broken up with a visit to The Ship Inn, just 1.7 miles from Luddesdown, which boasts a cosy country pub atmosphere, complete with a warm open fire in the winter months and a 3.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.
One reviewer said: "Beautiful little pub, plenty of parking. Very good choice of food on the menu and very cheap."
Another added: "It was our 36th wedding anniversary yesterday we turned up as the other pub down the road wasn't serving food from 3pm. We were both pleasantly surprised; this is a little gem, the food was excellent, the bar staff were lovely. We will definitely return in the future."
Meanwhile, The Golden Lion on Luddesdown Road, Luddesdown's own pub, boasts a 4.5-star rating. One happy punter said: "Great boozer. Tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Proper pub. Proper beer. Dog and chit-chat. Lovely."
It dishes up classic British pub fare and offers vegetarian options. The hamlet also has a recreation ground.
You could also visit the vineyard, which is the largest single organic vineyard in the UK, covering an area of more than 500 acres. Called Silverhand Estate, it is proud of its sustainable and ethical practices.
You can book a spot on one of its many tours scheduled throughout the year. You can find out more about them here.
Luddesdown was first recorded in 975 under a different name, again in 1186 with the spelling of Ludesdon, changing to Luddesdowne in 1610. It is pronounced 'Luddzdun". Luddesdown is within the Green Belt on the North Downs and nearby villages include Vigo, Borough Green, Meopham and West Malling, meaning the hamlet is not far from their schools, churches, village greens, public houses and restaurants.
If you want to combine your visit to countryside with some more urban enjoyment, there are nearby links to the M20, M26 and M2 provide easy access to Bluewater, Maidstone and Sevenoaks also.
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