Local area
Hawkhurst is a charming Wealden village and civil parish based in the peaceful borough of Kent, Tunbridge Wells. With a rich history that dates as far back as the Saxon period, today, Hawkhurst is an idyllic location with a population of around 4,500. Even though it’s sheltered from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities, you can easily travel to Royal Tunbridge Wells in a 20-minute drive, London’s Charing Cross in just over an hour by train, while the coastal towns Hastings and Eastbourne can be reached in under an hour.
With four conservation areas in Hawkhurst and 200 listed buildings, there’s plenty of stunning architecture and green space to explore. Known for its large iron industry role in the Roman Times up until the 18th century, Hawkhurst is home to a number of beautiful churches, landmarks and is just 3 miles away from the infamous Bodiam Castle.
Locally, there are plenty of attractions, events and outdoor activities to keep yourself occupied with. Heritage walks including following the guidebook ‘A Walk in the Past’, that compares the old and new sights of the village, are ideal for those of all fitness levels. For the more adventurous, you can follow the ‘Smugglers Trail’ that stops by all the smuggling inns down to the coast.
You can also try fishing at the nearby Darwell Reservoir in Mountfield, or head to the largest stretch of inland water in the South East, Bewl Water Fishing, just 5 miles away in Lamberhurst. The area is also ideal for cycling and there are plenty of quiet roads and flat countryside to ride or walk through.
In a short drive from the retirement development, you can soak up the culture of the local art galleries, museums and libraries. The picturesque Artichoke Gallery in Ticehurst features quarterly exhibitions of ceramics, sculpture, painting and jewellery. You can also visit the serene National Trust property, Batemans. Once home to the late Rudyard Kipling and his wife, it is now known for its tranquil grounds with a working watermill and family-orientated events.