Westerham Sevenoaks named as one of UK’s best places to live

Westerham in the district of Sevenoaks was named as one of the best places to live in Kent by Muddy Stilettos, in the top 250 places to live in the UK for 2024.

Kent was featured 10 times, with locations ranging from popular seaside towns like Folkestone and Tankerton, to quaint villages like Cranbrook with its historic windmill, and Sevenoaks with its 1,000-acre deer park now owned by the National Trust.

Westerham was ranked in tenth place on the Kent list, described as a small town “brilliantly located” and with “vibrant community spirit.”

Just off the M25, 12 miles from south east London and 40 miles from Central London, Westerham offers would-be homeowners a quiet space to live that’s not too far to travel for the hustle and bustle of the city.

The town is situated 5 miles from Sevenoaks, which offers easy travel links to central London by train to London Blackfriars, Charing Cross and London Waterloo.

The average price for a house in Westerham over the past year was £698,950, with many sales being for detached properties.

With views of the Surrey and Kent countryside, and nearby local attractions such as Emmetts Garden and Sevenoaks High Street, Westerham is well situated within a county often referred to as the ‘Garden of England.’

For days out, Westerham is situated within close proximity to a number of National Trust locations such as Chartwell – home of Winston Churchill – and Quebec House.

Quebec House, now owned by the National Trust, is a 16th-century house that was formerly the home of James Wolfe – victor of the battle of Quebec – and features an 18th century garden where you can see the kitchen garden that was used by Mrs Wolfe for her recipes.

Quebec House is a 16th-century house that was formerly the home of James Wolfe, victor of the battle of Quebec. (Image: National Trust Images/Laurence Perry)

The town was also recently scoped as a filming location for Bridgerton, when Squerryes Court was featured in season three of the hit Netflix drama.

The 17th century manor house was used to film the garden party scene, along with the exteriors of the Livingston Estate, in episode one of season three.

Squerryes Court was featured in season three of the hit Netflix drama Bridgerton. (Image: Netflix/Liam Daniels)

Although the house is not open to the public, except for open days as well as hosting weddings and other events, just two minutes away on Beggars Lane you’ll find The Winery Restaurant, with a vineyard and on-site café where visitors can explore the vineyard and try a selection of wines.

On Beggars Lane you’ll find The Winery Restaurant, with a vineyard and on-site café. (Image: Squerryes)

Westerham was also named a top location to live on account of its local shops, cafes and restaurants to explore.

Shops you can find range from Gaia Homeware, selling eco-conscious crafts, to Flower and Glory, a luxury florist that also offers workshops and events for aspiring florists.

One of Westerham's most popular restaurants is The Old Bank, which serves contemporary British fare with a five-course tasting menu priced at £75, where you can get seasonal dishes like arancini and herb-fired chicken.

But if you’re just after a pint, you’ll find plenty of pubs like the George & Dragon in Chipstead, a cosy country pub dating back to the 16th century, as well as The Grasshopper on the Green, serving home-cooked dishes along with local brews from Westerham Brewery.