Like a book with chapters that span across centuries, West Malling tells a story that continues to unfold today. This charming market town in Kent holds secrets from the past while embracing the present, making it a special place that wraps around you like a warm blanket of history and community.
Nestled in the heart of Kent, West Malling offers a journey through time with its historic buildings, alongside modern amenities that make daily life both convenient and pleasant. Whether you’re visiting for the day or looking to put down roots, this guide will help you discover what makes West Malling special and how Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials is here to support the community through life’s most challenging moments.
West Malling has deep roots, its story stretches back over a thousand years. Each generation has left its mark, shaping the town into what we see today.
One of the town’s oldest features is St. Leonard’s Tower, built around 1080 by Bishop Gundulf. Though you can’t go inside, this stone tower still stands tall and proud, offering a glimpse of Norman life [1].
Nearby, St. Mary’s Abbey, also founded by Gundulf, brings together buildings from across the centuries. It’s still home to Anglican Benedictine nuns. St. Mary’s Church, just around the corner, still holds parts of the original Norman church [2].
Along the High Street, history comes alive. The Swan Hotel is a former coaching inn from the 1700s, and The Went House dates back even further. Ford House is over 600 years old, and the old Prior House once gave shelter to people with leprosy.
The town also has a few claims to fame. Kent’s first recorded cricket match happened here, and in 1967, the Beatles filmed scenes from Magical Mystery Tour in West Malling. Dr Samuel Johnson, creator of the first English dictionary, was a regular visitor too.
Today, West Malling is a small but lively market town with around 2,590 residents [3]. Its rich past blends naturally with everyday modern life.
Like the spokes of a wheel connecting to its hub, West Malling has excellent transport links making it easy to reach from all directions.
West Malling railway station (West Malling ME19 6HJ) [4] offers regular services to London Victoria and London Charing Cross, with journey times of around 44-58 minutes [5]. The station also connects to Maidstone East and Ashford International.
The station is well-equipped with facilities including car parking, and has a mini-bus service connecting to East Malling. Taxis are available at the station entrance [6].
West Malling is served by several bus routes including:
The wide “market area” in the High Street serves as a turning point for buses, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore the area.
West Malling is easily accessible from major roads:
If you’re driving from Borough Green to West Malling, it’s a short 5.2-mile journey taking approximately 11 minutes via the London Road/A20 and A25 [8].
West Malling is like a treasure chest of experiences, offering everything from fine dining to peaceful country walks.
The town boasts an impressive selection of eateries and pubs:
West Malling offers activities for all ages and interests:
Like seeds planted in fertile soil, West Malling offers excellent educational options for children to grow and develop.
West Malling Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School and Language Unit (Norman Rd, West Malling ME19 6RL) [16] provides a nurturing environment for younger children. As a Church of England school, it incorporates Christian values while welcoming children of all faiths and backgrounds [17].
The area around West Malling is well-served with educational options including:
Like a strong oak tree providing shelter during a storm, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials offers support, comfort and guidance during life’s most difficult moments.
Located just a short 11-minute drive away in Borough Green, Welham Jones provides comprehensive funeral services to West Malling residents. Their experienced team understands that losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and they’re committed to providing compassionate care every step of the way.
Welham Jones offers a range of funeral packages designed to meet different needs and budgets. Their packages are transparently priced and available to view online, giving you clarity during an already difficult time.
Their services include:
Like planting a tree whose shade you might never sit in, arranging a pre-paid funeral plan is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave for your loved ones.
Welham Jones offers pre-paid funeral plans that allow you to:
These plans are available to UK residents aged 18 or over and can be paid as a lump sum or via flexible instalments.
Welham Jones treats the deceased with the utmost respect, caring for them as if they were their own family members. Their skilled staff wash, embalm (depending on the package chosen) and dress the deceased with dignity. They respect different faiths and customs and can help with placing jewellery or personal possessions in the coffin where appropriate.
Welham Jones also offers:
Just like a good neighbour is there when you need them, Welham Jones’ Borough Green funeral home is perfectly positioned to serve the West Malling community.
Located just 5.2 miles or an 11-minute drive from West Malling, the Borough Green branch of Welham Jones offers the perfect combination of proximity and professional service. The short distance means that West Malling residents can easily visit in person, while Welham Jones’ staff can quickly reach West Malling homes when needed.
With regular train connections between West Malling and Borough Green & Wrotham stations taking just 6-7 minutes [18], and bus services connecting the two towns, reaching Welham Jones is straightforward even for those without cars.
The Borough Green location provides all the comprehensive services that Welham Jones is known for, including funeral packages, pre-paid funeral plans, and their signature compassionate care. Their team understands the local area and can help with all aspects of funeral planning, from choosing an appropriate venue to arranging transportation.
In times of grief, having a trusted funeral director close by who understands local customs and facilities is invaluable. Welham Jones in Borough Green stands ready to support West Malling residents with dignity, respect and the highest standards of care.
West Malling is more than just a picturesque market town with historic buildings and modern amenities. It’s a community with heart, where history meets the present day, and where people look out for one another.
From its Norman tower to its bustling farmers market, from excellent transport links to quality schools, West Malling offers a wonderful place to live, work and visit. And when life brings its most difficult challenges, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials stands ready to support the West Malling community with compassion, dignity and care.
Whether you’re exploring West Malling’s rich history – go to website, enjoying its restaurants and shops, or seeking support during a time of loss, this special corner of Kent has much to offer. And with Welham Jones just a short journey away in Borough Green, West Malling residents can feel reassured that professional, caring funeral services are always within reach.
To reach Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials’ funerl home in Borough Green from West Malling, start by heading north along High Street towards Swan Street. After a short distance, the road becomes Town Hill, stay on this route.
Continue for a little while until you reach the roundabout. Take the first exit onto London Road, which is the A20. Stay on the A20 for approximately 3.1 miles.
Next, turn left onto Maidstone Road, which joins the A25. Remain on the A25 for about 1.9 miles, following the signs.
When you reach the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Western Road, part of the A227. Drive a short way down Western Road and you’ll see Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on your right-hand side.
The full address is:
Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8AL.
[1] “A History of West Malling” via the St Leonards website, https://stleonardskent.co.uk/a-history-of-west-malling/
[2] “5 Best Things To Do In West Malling” via the Elite Pubs website, https://elitepubs.com/5-best-things-to-do-in-west-malling/
[3] “West Malling”, via the Wikipedia website, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Malling
[4] West Malling railway station (West Malling ME19 6HJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/NxY98uYmRm5y1uHX9
[5] “Trains from
West Malling to London” via the Trainline website, https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/west-malling-to-london
[6] “West Malling Train Station” via the Train Tickets website, https://www.traintickets.com/train-stations/west-malling/?/
[7] “WEST MALLING: GETTING HERE” via the Malling Action Partnership website, https://www.mallingactionpartnership.co.uk/visit-malling-copy
[8] “How to get from West Malling to Borough Green by train, bus, taxi or car” via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/West-Malling/Borough-Green
[9] The Farm House (High St, West Malling ME19 6NA), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JttXj4sBrN8kDs2L8
[10] The Cow Shed (97-99 High St, West Malling ME19 6NA), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kn3G4yowW4a6Dg3f8
[11] The Swan website https://theswanwestmalling.co.uk/
[12] The Swan (35 Swan St, West Malling ME19 6JU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/m7vsrtY5watP3ctHA
[13] Manor Park Country Park (St. Leonards St, West Malling ME19 6PE), https://maps.app.goo.gl/pVWuHxDNXsjJ4ngu6Google Maps,
[14] West Malling Farmers Market (97-99 High St, West Malling ME19 6NA), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/fyXJxM5hFd6dcsCE8
[15] Historic landmarks in West Malling, via the TripAdvisor website, https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g678913-Activities-c47-West_Malling_Kent_England.html
[16] West Malling Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School (Norman Rd, West Malling ME19 6RL), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCtv6oFyQh7tHja56
[17] West Malling C of E Primary School website https://www.west-malling.kent.sch.uk/
[18] “Trains from West Malling to Borough Green & Wrotham” via the Trainline website, https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/west-malling-to-borough-green-and-wrotham
