If you’re looking for a quaint spot for a daytrip just a short journey from London, Kent is home to a wealth of unique villages. It’s no wonder that one particular village, Elham, has been described as an “enchanting” place – after all, it was once home to a Hollywood icon.
Legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn spent some of her early years living in this corner of Kent. You can find Elham just 90 minutes from London in the breathtaking North Downs, strategically positioned between Folkestone, Dover, Ashford, and Canterbury.
Elham is a place locals hold with pride, especially given its association with such an illustrious figure as Hepburn, known globally for classics like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘My Fair Lady’. Audrey Hepburn savoured her childhood here, spending about three years living in Elham; she even graced the stage as a young Brownie in a local performance during the mid-1930s, reports Kent Live.
The village is steeped in history with walks to take your breath away – it was once home to Audrey Hepburn
(Image: Google Street View)
It may be quiet today, but Elham was once bustling as a market town. However, the village does boast its own Church of England primary school and not one, but three pubs. Visit the village square to find The Abbot’s Fireside – a combined hotel, bar and restaurant – or the much-loved King’s Arms pub and restaurant.
This gastro pub inhabits an exquisite Grade II-listed building that has seen a fabulous refurbishment to honour the coronation of the King. Garnering a stellar 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor after 224 reviews, it’s clear that the establishment – from decor to dining – resonates well with both visitors and locals, who equally sing praises for the “terrific” staff.
One reviewer wrote: “Having been local for the last 45 years, we recently returned to try the pub after its refurbishment. We absolutely loved it. The building and menu has needed updating for decades and we were thrilled that Elham now has a pub to be proud of. Building is so beautiful, immaculately clean and so well decorated and designed.”
They also added that “Food was exceptional and whilst it is a little expensive, it was worth it in my view. Service was great and we were made to feel so welcome. Well done to the new owners as it isn’t easy breaking in to a close knit community like Elham. Locals don’t always like change but it is great to see a new business thriving! Well done.” The pub previously won the CAMRA’s best pub in Kent award three times and has recently been awarded CAMRA Refurbishment award.
The King’s Arms is just one of three cosy pubs in Elham
(Image: Fleur Challis Photography)
Meanwhile, The Rose and Crown pub offers seamless accommodation with its six en-suite rooms housed in a charming converted stable block, boasting splendid views across the valley.
If you’re looking to make Elham your home, essential amenities such as a convenience store, tennis court, doctor’s surgery, children’s park, pre-school, and a primary school make living there convenient. Amazingly, Elham also has its own vineyard – Elham Valley Vineyard – which not only produces wine, but also provides meaningful work experience to approximately 140 adults with learning disabilities.
If you plan to really get involved in the community, there’s Elham Village Hall, which showcases a dynamic range of events from quizzes and volunteer days to tool sharpening sessions, and even a summer food and craft festival.
Finally, for those keen on exploring the great outdoors, Elham offers a variety of walks, such as the lengthy 22.5-mile trek along the Elham Valley Way or a shorter, 3.7-mile stroll starting from the church that promises “deep in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside” with breathtaking views. As described by the KentDowns website: “The route gently climbs through open fields with stunning views across the valley. Church spires, villages and a patchwork of fields stretch as far as the eye can see.”
Getting there
To reach Elham via public transport, take the Southeastern service from Stratford International towards Ramsgate, alighting at Folkestone Central. From there, take the 17 bus towards Canterbury. To get to Elham by car from London, follow the A2 and M2 towards Dover.
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