SPOTLIGHT ON WESTERHAM


043


Westerham: Gateway to the Garden of England


Nestling in the ancient valley of the River Darent in some of Kent’s fi nest


countryside, Westerham – the Gateway to the Garden of England – is a charming market town, which beckons to residents, businesses and visitors


W


ith easy access from the


M25, Gatwick and London, Westerham abounds with


cafes, pubs, restaurants and quirky independent shops. The town welcomes visitors who fl ock for its heritage, today’s charm and to enjoy produce long crafted from the land, which cradles the community. It has its own brewery, drawing water from our Greensand aquifer, and its own winery using grapes grown on our North Downs, both productions building on ancient traditions. As well as hosting part of The Pilgrims


Way, Westerham is sandwiched between the North Downs Way and the Green Sands Way, both stunning walking routes – it’s a short step from either into the centre. Westerham has produced a diverse


set of characters over the years, ranging from Andy Pandy to Ruth Ellis (the last woman to be hanged in England). There’s something in our water which produces independent thinking – John Fryth, academic, argued for religious toleration but was ultimately burnt at the stake for heresy. Our wonderful countryside inspired social reformer Octavia Hill to co-found the National Trust, but the town is probably best known for its military leaders. The Green displays two statues. Sir


Winston Churchill’s home Chartwell is a magnet for visitors, with locals using the way-marked walk from The Green. General James Wolfe, renowned for his training reforms, was the victor at the Battle of Quebec. This victory is widely regarded as the founding cornerstone of the British Commonwealth and perhaps explains why the USA now speaks English instead of French! Quebec House and Chartwell, now


owned by the National Trust, are open to the public. Westerham’s Town Partnership joins others in working collaboratively in support of the social and economic wellbeing of its residents, businesses and visitors. The strength of the community is notorious, which is due in no small part to the combined efforts of all the groups, sports, clubs and societies which flourish in the town. • Visit www.visitwesterham.org.uk


If you are planning to visit Westerham, please note that there is ample parking in the Darent Car Park to the east of town (fi rst three hours are free) or buses serve the town from all directions.


NO17 OPENS MEMBERS-ONLY JUNGLE LOUNGE


Westerham’s premium watering hole No17 revealed “what’s behind the bookcase” when guests were invited to take a look at the brand new Jungle Lounge in the venue’s downstairs. It’s not just Westerham residents that the bar and brasserie has attracted since


opening in November 2016 – the venue has become a real destination with customers travelling to come and sample the cocktails, 65 types of gin or a glass of something organic/biodynamic from the wine list. • No17, 17 Market Square, Westerham TN16 1AN, call 01959 563679.


Jane Hunter, Director, Westerham Town Partnership


© Pippa Hunter


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