There’s something special about Aylesford. Tucked beside the River Medway, this peaceful village feels like a step back in time.
Old stone walls and timber-framed cottages tell stories of centuries past. The pace is slower here. The welcome, warmer. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels familiar, even on your first visit.
Aylesford isn’t just easy on the eye, it’s a countryside gem that blends beauty with practicality. Recognised for its postcard-worthy setting and easy travel links to Maidstone and London, it offers the best of both worlds.
At the heart of the village, around 60 historic houses, once home to busy local shops, paint a vivid picture of Kentish life. Their charm hasn’t faded with time.
Set along the River Medway, Aylesford enjoys a peaceful rhythm, where the gentle flow of water adds calm to everyday life.[1]
There’s a quiet feeling in Aylesford that’s hard to describe, but easy to feel.
Some come for the village’s deep roots. Others for the riverside walks or ancient priory grounds. Many visit simply to pause, breathe, and take a break from busy life.
It’s a place where a peaceful morning by the water or a walk through the cloisters at The Friars brings comfort. Friendly faces, slow moments, and calm surroundings make Aylesford more than just a beautiful spot. It becomes a place to reconnect, with nature, with others, and often, with yourself.
Visitors often mention how calm it feels here. That sense of peace is part of what makes Aylesford special, especially for those seeking quiet, healing moments.
Aylesford’s past runs deep, like the River Medway that winds through it.
This village has seen centuries unfold. From ancient stones to Norman bridges, each layer adds to its quiet strength and timeless charm.
Long before history books, people settled here. North of the village lies Kit’s Coty House, a striking stone tomb dating back nearly 6,000 years.[2]
Nearby stands Little Kit’s Coty House [3], often called the Countless Stones. These prehistoric remains aren’t just curious, hey remind us that Aylesford has always been a place of meaning.
The area continued to thrive into the Bronze Age. Artefacts like ancient swords have been found.
By the Iron Age, Aylesford had become home to a busy community. A settlement and burial site uncovered here by Sir Arthur Evans, best known for his work in Crete, revealed bronze jugs and buckets, now displayed in the British Museum.[4]
These discoveries shaped what we now call the Aylesford-Swarling culture, linked to the Belgae tribes who arrived around 75 BC. Roman remains, including a villa, show that Aylesford stayed important through the ages.
Aylesford’s spot on the Medway made it a key location in early British history.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records the Battle of Aylesford in 455 AD, a fierce fight between Hengest and Vortigern, with Hengest’s brother Horsa said to have died here.
More battles followed. In 893 AD, King Alfred fought the Danes nearby. In 1016 AD, Edmund Ironside chased Viking raiders from Otford to Aylesford.
After the Norman Conquest, the manor of Aylesford was held by William the Conqueror himself.
One of the village’s most loved landmarks is the 14th-century bridge built from Kentish ragstone. Though some sources say it has seven arches, it’s most often recognised for its five elegant spans. This Grade I listed bridge is still in use and remains one of Kent’s most photographed spots.
Close by stands St Peter and St Paul’s Church, rooted in the Norman period. It likely stood even earlier, as a place for travellers to pray before crossing the ford, long before the bridge was built. Inside, you’ll find traces of history, including the Culpeper family tomb and memorial brasses.[12]
Just outside the village centre lies The Friars [6], a place of calm, faith, and deep history.
Founded in 1242 by Richard de Grey, the site became one of the first Carmelite houses in Europe. Pilgrims came in search of peace, and the friars built a library, guesthouses, and a place of worship.
The story of St Simon Stock, who is said to have received a vision of the Virgin Mary here, still draws interest and devotion today.
The Friars was dissolved in 1536, passing through several families who transformed it into a grand home. Over the years, it hosted figures like Samuel Pepys and remained a private estate until 1949, when the Carmelites returned.
They restored much of the site, including the 13th-century Pilgrims’ Hall, and reopened it as a spiritual centre. Today, it welcomes all, offering quiet gardens, chapels, pottery workshops, and a tearoom.
More than just a historic site, The Friars is a living space of reflection, offering comfort to those who visit.[17]
Whether you’re visiting for a quiet walk, local history, or a moment of reflection, Aylesford is easy to reach and rewarding to explore.
By Car
Aylesford is close to both the M20 (Junctions 5 and 6) and the A20 London Road. Follow signs for Eccles or The Friars. Use postcode ME20 7BY for sat nav directions to The Friars.
Parking is available across the village, including:
By Train
Aylesford Station (AYL) sits on the Medway Valley Line, run by Southeastern.[8]
By Bus
Buses connect Aylesford to Maidstone, Snodland, Gillingham, and more.[9]
There’s more to Aylesford than pretty views. The village blends deep history with green spaces, creative energy, and a gentle pace of life. Whether you’re popping by for a few hours or spending the day, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Aylesford is rich in historical treasures:
Fresh air and gentle walks are never far away:
There’s something for every age:
After a walk by the river or a visit to The Friars, Aylesford offers some lovely places to stop, eat, and recharge. From cosy pubs to riverside cafés, there’s something to suit every taste.
Aylesford isn’t just rich in history, it’s a place where families grow and learn together. The village and nearby areas offer a selection of well-regarded schools, giving local children a strong start in life.
There are also several primary schools in neighbouring villages, offering parents flexibility depending on location and needs.
Aylesford’s schools are a key part of the community, helping to shape the next generation while keeping that strong village spirit alive.
At Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, we’ve supported families across West Kent and South East London for over 30 years.
We’re a family-run business, now in its third generation. That means we understand the value of personal service, local knowledge, and being there when it matters most.
Though we don’t have a funeral home in Aylesford itself, our Borough Green branch is just a short drive away.
We’re here to help families in Aylesford and nearby villages with:
Whether you’re arranging a service at The Friars, visiting a loved one’s resting place, or simply in need of advice, we’re ready to help with care and understanding. Click to investigate.
Our Borough Green branch is located at:
43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 8AL
Phone: 01732 780600
Email: boroughgreen@welhamjones.co.uk
Simon Welham, Rebecca Welham, Pam Pines, and our whole team are here to guide you with patience, empathy, and respect.
Aylesford is more than a dot on the map. It’s a place where the past lingers gently in the air, where riverside walks and centuries-old buildings offer a quiet kind of beauty.
From ancient stones and sacred spaces to village pubs and pottery studios, Aylesford offers moments of calm, connection, and reflection.
And when life brings difficult moments, our team at Welham Jones in Borough Green is nearby, ready to support families in Aylesford and the surrounding villages with care, dignity, and compassion.
We are proud to serve this community. And when you need us, we’re just a phone call away.
Starting from Aylesford village centre, head east along High Street towards Station Road for about 0.2 miles.
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Forstal Road. After a short distance, turn right onto Station Road and continue for approximately 1.4 miles.
Next, turn right onto London Road (A20) and follow this road for about 1.9 miles.
When you reach the next roundabout, take the second exit to stay on London Road (A20). Continue along this route for around 3.2 miles.
Then, turn left onto Maidstone Road (A25) and stay on the A25 for roughly 1.9 miles.
At the following roundabout, take the second exit onto Western Road (A227). After just 0.1 miles, you’ll see Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on your right-hand side.
Our address is:
43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 8AL
For assistance, call us on 01732 780600—we’re always here to help and advice.
[1] 2025 Aylesford Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March) – Trip.com, https://us.trip.com/moments/poi-adventure-kidz-61807967/
[2] Aylesford, Kent – History, Travel, and accommodation information, https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2882
[3] Little Kit’s Coty House (Aylesford ME20 7DE), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/7eoiUkdrmsJYRURM7
[4] Aylesford – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aylesford
[5] Aylesford, Kent – History, Travel, and accommodation information, https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2882
[6] The Friars Aylesford Priory (The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zq3w4ETUHWAvbBva9
[7] Aylesford Priory (The Friars) | Historic Kent Guide – Britain Express, https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/kent/abbeys/ayelsford-priory.htm
[8] Aylesford Station – National Rail, https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/aylesford/
[9] Bus timetables | Medway Council, https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200161/travel/516/bus_timetables
[10] Aylesford Pottery (The Friars Aylesford Priory, Aylesford ME20 7BX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cezhydy7YWr9dePY9
[11] Aylesford Bridge (Aylesford ME20 7AY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kut43uary7pQWmSH6
[12] Aylesford, Kent – History, Travel, and accommodation information, https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2882
[13] Cobtree Manor Park (Forstal Rd, Aylesford ME20 7AG), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVWPU8o6GqpVK5ZR8
[14] Kent Life Heritage Farm Park (7GW4+V2, Lock Ln, Maidstone ME14 3AU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/FmvX39xtW4n5JeC77
[15] Adventure Kidz (Wood Close, Quarry Wood, Aylesford ME20 7UB), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BYcmmso3LywwwEVR8
[16] The Chequers Inn (The Chequers Inn, 63 High St, Aylesford ME20 7AY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/NsfBAjU2VbviQrh26
[17] The Little Gem (19 High St, Aylesford ME20 7AX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7MiRhDcEa9xyFm47
[18] The Bush (17 Rochester Rd, Aylesford ME20 7BS), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vix4mpZhJQiJnxUK9
[19] The Hengist Restaurant & Cocktail Bar (7-9 High St, Aylesford ME20 7AX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSnwF6rh4D3pRR4MA
[20] The Village Pantry (2 Forstal Rd, Aylesford ME20 7AU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/bXZsLRqiYXKKK23Q6
[21] The Friars Tearoom (The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uggJDHBjnbwiUZLQ9
[22] St Peter’s Church of England Primary School (Mount Pleasant, Aylesford ME20 7BE), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/7SU2cvSvFKht2zN38
[23] Valley Invicta Primary School (Teapot Ln, Aylesford ME20 7JU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2AJ1zbi26ALuVwf7
[24] Aylesford School (Teapot Ln, Aylesford ME20 7JU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/P8brZSjWAW5HNTYk6
When you lose a loved one, you suddenly have only weeks to prepare their funeral – at a time when you are dealing with your own grief, and probably that of people close to you and the deceased. These key questions will help you choose a funeral director who will work with you to shape the farewell you would wish your loved one to have.
