Just 30 minutes drive from south east London you’ll find Cobham – the village with its own heritage trail and where Charles Dickens once stayed.
Not to be confused with Cobham in Surrey, Kent’s namesake is a small village located off the A2 just 30 minutes from London in Gravesend.
Located near The North Downs, Cobham is one of Kent’s more accessible villages within a short drive of London and offers a mix of countryside scenery and heritage.
The village was also famously visited by author Charles Dickens during a visit to nearby Gad’s Hall Place in Higham.
On his visit he drank at The Leather Bottle, which was even featured in The Pickwick Papers, and you can still visit this 17th century pub today.
The village is also home to St. Mary Magdalene Church – a 13th century structure known for its collection of medieval brasses.
The village even offers a self-guided heritage trail taking you on a 4-mile walk around the village where you can see some of its most historic sites.
Another of the village’s historic features is Cobham Hall – a striking 16th century building boasting a mix of Elizabethan, Jacobean and 18th century architecture.
The mansion was first built during the reign of Elizabeth I in 1584, housing the Earls of Darnley up until the late 20th century when it then became a boarding school.
Whilst the mansion operates as a school now, it is open for the public to visit on selected dates, with the next open day on April 13.
If you’re a National Trust member or are just looking to tick off another location, Owletts is a short drive from the village.
The 17th century property was the former home of Sir Herbert Baker and features scenic gardens to walk through.
But aside from its history, Cobham also offers nearby walks if you're looking for a chance to see the views and get outdoors.
Nearby you’ll find walking spots like Cobham Wood and Mausoleum, where you’ll find the 18th century mauseleom, as well as Jeskyns Community Woodland, home to wildflower meadows and family-friendly trails.
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