Farningham’s history can be traced through several landmarks: a 13th-century church, a structure at a ford and a meadow with historical links to markets. At the same time, Farningham Woods and the Darent Valley Path give the area a focus on nature and walking. This lets you combine two different interests when planning your trip, without having to follow a set itinerary.
Church, ford and local history
St Peter and St Paul’s Church was built between 1225 and 1245 on the site of a church believed to date from the early Anglo-Saxon period. Its history therefore extends beyond the surviving medieval phase of construction. Another notable feature is the Farningham Cattle Screen: it was built to prevent cattle from drifting downstream while crossing the ford. It is the only structure of its kind in the country to have been so elaborately designed. Repairs in 2008/09 included the restoration of the wooden gates.
The scale of the historic townscape can also be seen in the figures. Farningham Conservation Area covers 15 hectares and contains 46 listed buildings and structures. Market Meadow’s name itself recalls events from the past: a monthly market and an annual fair were held there until the last century. These details tell different stories about local life, from protected historic buildings to past gatherings in an open space.
Fort Farningham is another layer of the area’s history. It was part of the London Defence Positions, an extensive military plan drawn up in 1888 to protect the capital from enemy invasion. The 15 London mobilisation centres were built in the 1890s. The distinction in dates is important: the plan dates from 1888, while the mobilisation centres were not built until the following decade.
Farningham Woods and the Kent countryside
Farningham Woods is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area lies on a hill north of the village of Farningham and offers views across the Kent countryside towards Dartford and Sevenoaks. One of its notable natural features is the rare small-leaved lime, which occurs at only one other site in Kent. As well as its views, the woodland therefore has a specific botanical interest.
Farningham Woods has a signposted 1.6-mile circular trail for walks and hikes, as well as a network of other paths. The Darent Valley Path is a 19-mile signposted trail offering a variety of walking options and panoramic views across the valley. These two routes differ in both length and type: one is a named circuit in the woodland, while the other is a longer trail with several walking options. If you are weighing up the length or type of walk, you can take these differences into account when planning.
Getting around and planning your stay
Farningham Woods can be reached via the A225 south of Horton Kirby; there is a car park at the end of Calfstock Lane. Paths in the woodland can be uneven, unpaved or narrow. As a result, some areas are difficult to access with pushchairs and wheelchairs. Before visiting, check the latest information about the route, access and car park, and take the described path conditions into account when planning.
When considering whether Farningham is right for your stay, you could start by deciding what you want to focus on: the church, Cattle Screen, Conservation Area and Market Meadow reflect the area’s history, while Farningham Woods and the Darent Valley Path offer countryside and walking. This distinction can also help structure your search for a holiday rental, without assuming any particular accommodation or amenities. That way, you can choose a destination based on the interests you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Stone in Oxney, Bilsington, Tonbridge, Warehorne, Dartford, West Peckham, Harrietsham, West Kingsdown
For the main travel overview: Kent.
