Chiddingstone is a single Tudor street 4 miles east of Edenbridge, bought whole by the National Trust in 1939 down to the inn and post office, and one of the best-preserved villages of its kind in England. Half-timbered, gabled and red-tiled, its buildings go back to the 15th century and more than 70 per cent are over 200 years old. The Castle Inn dates from the early 15th century, the village store first recorded in 1453 is among the oldest working shops in Britain, and the Chiding Stone, the sandstone outcrop said to have named the village, is a short walk behind the houses. It is free to wander, and reviewers enjoy the cafe's cakes, the quiet 17th-century church and the gate by the pub into the grounds of the privately run Chiddingstone Castle. One tip from regular visitors: on-street parking is free but limited, so use the castle car park on busy days and park with residents in mind.
