Just as East Malling’s famous research station has nurtured the growth of fruit trees that spread across the world, our community in this special Kent village has deep roots too. Like a tree that stands strong through changing seasons, East Malling offers both history and heart to those who live here and visit.
East Malling may seem like a quiet place, but its story is far from ordinary. The name itself goes way back, taken from the Old English ‘ingas’, meaning ‘the people of Mealla,’ likely someone who lived here long ago [1].
But East Malling didn’t just grow in name. In 1913, it became the unlikely home of a research station that would change fruit farming forever.
That station, the East Malling Research Station (EMRS), now known as NIAB East Malling , began as a modest plot of land. Here, scientists started experimenting with fruit trees, especially apples. They weren’t planting for fun. They were solving a problem. How do you grow better fruit? Stronger trees? Smarter orchards? [2]
Their answer came in the form of apple rootstocks. These are the bottom parts of the tree, the hidden foundation. The East Malling team developed the now-famous “Malling series,” which helped growers across the world control how their trees grew. Tall or small, fast or slow, these rootstocks gave them choice.
Today, NIAB East Malling remains a world leader in fruit research. But for us, it’s more than that. It’s part of the village’s soul, a symbol of careful work, quiet progress, and steady growth.
It shows what small places can do when they care deeply and think big.
East Malling sits in a perfect spot with easy access to major roads:
From the M20: Exit at Junction 4 and head south. East Malling is about 3 miles from this junction. Think of it as just enough time to enjoy the Kent countryside without a long drive.
From the M25/M26: If you’re coming from London or further afield, the M26 connects to the M20 near West Malling, making it a simple journey to reach us.
From Borough Green: Our Welham Jones Funeral Directors location in Borough Green is just 7.9 miles by road from East Malling. The drive takes around 15-20 minutes through the beautiful Kent countryside, much like a gentle stroll through a garden path – peaceful and never rushed.
East Malling has its own train station [3] with regular services to London Victoria (about an hour’s journey) and connections to other parts of Kent. The station sits on the Maidstone East Line, making travel simple [4].
For those travelling between East Malling and Borough Green, trains run regularly between East Malling and Borough Green & Wrotham stations. The journey takes about 9 minutes, covering approximately 6 miles [5].
Bus services in East Malling are limited, but there are connections to nearby towns like Maidstone. Arriva Kent & Surrey operates services including route 71 and 72 that pass near East Malling [6].
Like a tree with many branches, East Malling offers various activities for locals and visitors alike:
For those interested in history and science, guided tours of the East Malling Research Station [2] [7] give fascinating insights into the world-famous fruit research conducted here. It’s like stepping into the pages of an agricultural history book where you can see how modern fruit growing was shaped.
This beautiful historic church in East Malling (Church Walk, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6AG) [8] has stood at the heart of the community for centuries. Its Norman architecture makes it a peaceful place for reflection.
The East Malling Centre serves as a community hub with a café, community supermarket, woodland area, and spaces for events [9]. Like the branches of a tree providing shelter, this centre brings people together for support and connection [10].
This quintessential English country pub offers fantastic food and drinks in cosy surroundings. With its well-manicured gardens, it’s perfect for both summer days and winter evenings [11] [12].
East Malling and its surroundings offer tasty options for every appetite:
Just as the research station nurtures plant life, East Malling nurtures young minds through its educational facilities:
This mixed secondary school serves approximately 1,000 pupils aged 11-19. Set in pleasant rural surroundings with its own lake and extensive grounds, it aims to help students grow into caring, determined, and reflective adults [14] [15].
This primary school serves the younger children of East Malling, providing education in a nurturing environment [16].
Like a strong oak that offers shelter in difficult weather, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials provides support and care when East Malling families need it most.
Our Borough Green funeral home is conveniently located just 7.9 miles from East Malling, a journey of about 15-20 minutes by car or approximately 9 minutes by train [17]. This makes us perfectly positioned to serve the East Malling community with our compassionate funeral services.
At Welham Jones, we understand that East Malling has its own unique character, much like how different varieties of fruit have their own distinct qualities. Our services are tailored to respect local traditions while providing personalised care for each family.
We offer:
For East Malling residents who wish to hold funeral services at the historic St James the Great Church, we work closely with local clergy to arrange meaningful ceremonies in this beautiful setting. Like the careful grafting of a fruit tree, we bring together all elements to create a fitting tribute.
Our Borough Green location at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, TN15 8AL, is open to serve East Malling residents with care and compassion. You can reach us 24/7 at 01732 780600
The journey from East Malling to our Borough Green location takes you through the beautiful Kent countryside, a peaceful route that many find provides time for reflection. For those using public transport, the direct train service between East Malling and Borough Green & Wrotham stations offers a convenient alternative.
Just as East Malling Research Station has helped fruit growers around the world with careful study and expertise, Welham Jones brings generations of experience to helping East Malling families through difficult times.
Our independent, family-run business, headed by a father and daughter team, offers the personal touch that chain funeral providers often cannot match. We understand local customs and traditions, and our extensive knowledge of Kent means we can provide services that feel right for East Malling residents.
East Malling’s famous research station showed the world how important roots are for healthy growth. In much the same way, Welham Jones has put down strong roots in Kent communities like East Malling, providing support that helps families through their most challenging times.
Just as trees in an orchard stand together through all seasons, we stand with East Malling residents, offering compassionate care when it’s needed most. Whether you’re planning ahead with a pre-paid funeral plan or need immediate assistance, our Borough Green location is your nearby port in a storm, ready to provide the caring, professional service that East Malling residents deserve.
For more information about how we can support you and your family, please call us on 01732 780600 or visit our Borough Green location. Like the steadfast trees that have made East Malling famous, we are here to provide strength when you need it most.
To begin your journey from East Malling, head north on The Grange towards Church Walk. After just a few steps, turn left onto Church Walk, then take a right onto New Road and continue for about 0.8 miles.
Next, turn left onto London Road (A20). Stay on this road for approximately 1.2 miles until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, take the second exit to remain on London Road (A20) and continue for another 3.2 miles.
When you reach the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Maidstone Road (A25) and continue to follow the A25 for around 1.9 miles. At the following roundabout, take the second exit onto Western Road (A227).
After a short distance, about 0.1 miles, you’ll see Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on your right-hand side, located at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8AL.
[1] “History of East Malling” via the Kent Past website, http://www.kentpast.co.uk/east%20malling.html
[2] “East Malling’s history” via the NIAB website, https://www.niab.com/about/history/east-mallings-history
[3] East Malling staion (East Malling, West Malling ME19 6AJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JG5FxeQtHiLwqrYD8
[4] East Malling Station, via the SouthEastern website, https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/stations/east-malling
[5] “Trains from East Malling to Borough Green & Wrotham”, via the Trainline website, https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/east-malling-to-borough-green-and-wrotham
[6] “How to Get to East Malling in Tonbridge And Malling by Bus or Train?” via the Moovit website https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-East_Malling-London_and_South_East-site_163463561-2122
[7] Niab East Malling (New Rd, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6BJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTJ2EkaPXxeH9bQ18
[8] St James the Great Church (Church Walk, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6AG), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/7nUHyLqoohdEguPF7
[9] The East Malling Centre, via their website https://officeeastmallingc.wixsite.com/eastmallingcentre
[10] The East Malling Centre (Chapman Way, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6SD), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cd3zfWez72CHVnzj6
[11] The King & Queen Pub wesite https://kingandqueeneastmalling.co.uk/
[12] The King & Queen Pub (1 New Rd, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6DD), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/fD8E9hca8rV5Xqiz6
[13] The Orchards Cafe (2 Little E, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6BH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/HY6njenjbKpKF9PK6
[14] The Malling School website https://www.themallingschool.kent.sch.uk/
[15] The Malling School (Beech Rd, Mill Street, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6DH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/2QgnCh4fgf2QA7Vf7
[16] St James the Great Academy (Chapman Way, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6SD), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/QbiMwSuVHa9qqKXw9
[17] “How to get from Borough Green to East Malling and Larkfield by train, bus, taxi or car” via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Borough-Green/East-Malling-and-Larkfield
