Staplehurst is often referred to as a village - indeed, it was voted Kent Village of the Year in 2003, and its village sign still proudly welcomes visitors - but really it's grown into a small town, situated nine miles south of Maidstone. Staplehurst has a colourful history, developing along the straight Roman road running from Rochester down through Maidstone to the High Weald's one-time iron-mining villages. In the 1500s, Queen "Bloody" Mary's regime saw three local women burnt at the stake for being Protestants, and a granite memorial to these Marian Martyrs survives at Cuckold's Corner. But Staplehurst's biggest claim to fame is as the scene of a dreadful train crash involving Charles Dickens in 1865. Heroically, the classic author helped injured passengers to safety despite his shock when the train's first six carriages careered off a bridge: he was in the seventh carriage. The prettiest area of Staplehurst ranges round All Saints, a hilltop church that pre-dates the original village and incorporates some of the oldest ironwork in England. Built in 1100 to serve farm workers from the neighbouring countryside, it's surrounded by ancient, timber-framed houses - living proof of riches earned from the area's old weaving industry.
Dentist
Doctor
Golf Club
Health and Fitness Club
Pub and Bar
Kings Head
Lord Raglan Inn
Railway Tavern
The Bell Inn
School
Staplehurst County Primary School
Taxi
Shops
Places to Stay near Staplehurst
Headcorn Lodge Hotel (2.78 miles)
Set in rolling countryside the Headcorn Lodge Hotel is a travel lodge style hotel. Situated in the grounds of the Weald of Kent business and recreation centre. The hotel has access to the clubhouse restaurant, ... More | visit website
Merzie Meadows (4.10 miles)
Godwin House B&B (4.32 miles)
Situated in the heart of the Weald of Kent in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Godwin House is just one mile east of the ancient village of Cranbrook, the smallest town in Kent and ... More | visit website
Freedom Holiday Homes (4.57 miles)
George Hotel & Brasserie (4.60 miles)
The George Hotel and Brasserie is one of Cranbrook's landmark buildings, dating back to the 14th century. Guests can easily access local attractions, as well as enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the hotel itself. The ... More | visit website
Star & Eagle Hotel (5.24 miles)
Nestling in the heart of the Kentish Weald, The Star and Eagle is found in the village of Goudhurst. Standing 400ft above sea level the building commands outstanding views across the surrounding countryside, for which ... More | visit website
Chequers Inn (5.92 miles)
Oak Tree Cottage Bed and Breakfast (6.32 miles)
Bishopsdale Oast (6.42 miles)
Bishopsdale Oast was built in the 1700s, and is a double kiln oast house, and is now highly recommended bed and breakfast accommodation. It is peacefully situated in Kent, the Garden of England, with outstanding ... More | visit website
Three Chimneys Farm (6.43 miles)
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