If you’re looking for a picturesque town with lots of local history, Cranbrook in Kent makes for the perfect daytrip location and it’s around a 70-minute drive from south east London.
Located in Weald, Cranbrook is a historic town with a Medieval layout dating back as early as Roman times.
With its local and nearby attractions and being within 45 miles of London, it’s great spot for a day or even a weekend away from London.
The town, with its wooden houses and winding streets, is most famous for its 19th century windmill, which is the only surviving windmill of three that used to exist within the village.
The Union Mill dates back to 1814 when it was first built and is still in working order, and you can still visit for free on Open Days to learn about the history of the windmill and look at the village from atop the windmill balcony.
If you’re interested in learning more about the town and its history, Cranbrook has its own museum which you’ll find situated on Carriers Road in a 15th century house.
If you fancy some shopping, the town also has over 60 shops to explore, along with an array of restaurants and eateries if you fancy a stop off for lunch, serving a mix of British and international cuisine.
If you’ve always fancied the idea of going to an auction, regular auctions are held at Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers on a monthly basis, with both jewellery and furniture up for grabs.
This town is also a must-visit for literary lovers on account of its biennial Literature Festival, where the town hosts a two-day festival line-up featuring authors like Sarah Raven, Julian Clary and Brian Moses.
If you visit the town during the autumn months, be sure to visit the Apple Fair in October, where the streets are closed to give way to local performances and festivities to mark the harvest season.
If you fancy some shopping, the town has over 60 shops to explore. (Image: Sarah Mott)
A short drive from Cranbrook, you’ll find Sissinghurst Castle Garden owned by the National Trust, an 18th century formal garden with a tower offering panoramic views of the garden and 450-acre estate.
You can also find a library, two shops, a café and a second-hand bookshop to explore.
Another National Trust location a short way from Cranbrook is Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells.
The idyllic castle dates back to the 14th century and is a popular photo location on account of its castle ruins, moat and mansion house.
Wine enthusiasts can also explore local vineyards a short drive from Cranbrook, including Chapel Down and Balfour, where you can tour the vineyards and learn more about England’s growing wine industry and how it's produced.
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