Like a phoenix rising from historic ground, Kings Hill represents the perfect blend of old and new in the heart of Kent. Once the soaring grounds of RAF West Malling, this thriving community now offers modern living while honouring its proud aviation past. Just as a sturdy oak grows from a tiny acorn, Kings Hill has blossomed from its beginnings in 1989 into a flourishing garden village that many residents now proudly call home.
Discover more here.
Kings Hill’s journey began long before houses dotted its landscape. Originally known as Kings Wood, this area served as a medieval hunting ground, its elevated position offering sweeping views across Kent’s countryside. Like pages turning in history’s book, the land transformed dramatically during the First World War when it became an emergency landing area for aircraft.
However, it was during the Second World War that this piece of Kent truly made its mark on history. As RAF West Malling, the airfield became a crucial fighter base, with brave pilots defending the skies during Britain’s darkest hours. The airfield suffered significant damage during the war but continued to serve as a vital military installation. Just as families support each other through difficult times, this land served the nation when it needed it most [1].
The seeds of today’s Kings Hill were planted in 1989, when Kent County Council (helpful resources) partnered with developers Liberty Property Trust to transform the disused airfield into a mixed-use development. Much like planning a garden for future generations, they envisioned a community where people could live, work, and play, all within a beautifully designed landscape.
Today, Kings Hill stands as one of several new villages built in Kent since the 1950s, but with a character all its own. Its development can best be described as organic—growing and evolving naturally as the community’s needs change. As any gardener knows, the most beautiful gardens develop over time with careful tending, and Kings Hill continues to be nurtured and developed today [1].
Kings Hill enjoys excellent transportation connections, making it easily accessible from across Kent and beyond (navigate to this site). Like the spokes of a wheel, major roads radiate from this central hub:
From the M25/London:
From the M20 (Folkestone/Dover):
From West Kingsdown: The journey from West Kingsdown to Kings Hill takes approximately 18 minutes (9.1 miles) via Teston Road and London Road/A20. This convenient route makes it easy for West Kingsdown residents to access all that Kings Hill has to offer.
From Borough Green: Kings Hill is just 6.2 miles from Borough Green, with a driving time of approximately 15 minutes via Teston Road and the A25. This proximity makes the Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials Borough Green location easily accessible to Kings Hill residents.
Like a carefully choreographed dance, public transport options move people efficiently to and from Kings Hill:
By Train: West Malling (for Kings Hill) station sits just a few minutes away by car or shuttle bus. From here, regular services run to [2]:
By Bus: Kings Hill is well-served by several bus routes, including:
Coach Services: For those traveling further afield, Brookline Commuter Coaches [3] and Chalkwell Coach Company provide commuter services into London.
For journeys further afield, Kings Hill offers convenient access to major airports:
Like a well-stocked pantry that provides everything needed for a family meal, Kings Hill offers residents all the essential shopping options:
Supermarkets:
A variety of smaller shops and services complete the retail offering at locations like Fortune Way and Liberty Square, ensuring residents can find everything they need without travelling far from home.
For dining options, Kings Hill features several eateries including:
Like gathering around a family table, these establishments provide spaces for the community to come together and enjoy good food and company.
Just as a balanced life needs both work and play, Kings Hill offers numerous recreational facilities for residents:
Kings Hill Sports Park [11] [12] is at the heart of the community, providing:
The park hosts organized activities such as Walking Netball, Walking Football, and Story Time sessions, catering to all ages and abilities.
Kings Hill Golf Club [13] [14] offers:
The community also benefits from natural spaces including:
These green spaces, like the lungs of the community, provide fresh air and room to breathe amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Like building strong foundations for a house, Kings Hill provides excellent educational options for children of all ages:
Early Years:
Primary Schools:
Secondary Schools:
These schools create a nurturing environment where, children can grow and develop their potential. The schools emphasize outdoor learning, connecting children with nature and history, and building core values tied to the land and its heritage.
Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to harbour, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials provides compassionate guidance during life’s most challenging moments. Our nearby Borough Green branch, just 6.2 miles (15 minutes) from Kings Hill, offers comprehensive funeral services to support residents during their time of need.
Located at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8AL, our funeral home provides a convenient and accessible option for Kings Hill families. Our location serves as a comforting haven, where professional staff can help you navigate difficult decisions with care and understanding.
Like a tailor crafting a bespoke suit, we create personalized funeral services that honour your loved one’s unique life:
Funeral Packages: From Direct or Essential to Classic or Premium, our funeral packages have been crafted from decades of experience to meet diverse needs and budgets. Our transparent pricing means you’ll always know exactly what services are included.
Pre-paid Funeral Plans: Planning ahead, like planting seeds for future seasons, ensures your wishes are honoured and spares your loved ones additional emotional and financial stress. Our pre-paid plans, provided through Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, offer peace of mind for UK residents aged 18 or over.
Bespoke Funerals: Whether you prefer a traditional service or something more contemporary, we can arrange funerals that truly reflect your loved one’s personality and preferences.
Coffins and Caskets: We offer an extensive range of options from £505 to £2,585, including eco-friendly choices made from recycled or renewable materials. Our selection includes cardboard, bamboo, seagrass, wicker, and traditional solid wood options.
Memorials and Tributes: After the burial service, we can help you select from our range of headstones, plaques, and surrounds in various stone and marble options, designed to create a lasting memorial.
Repatriation Services: For families needing to transport a loved one to or from another country, our experienced team can handle all arrangements with sensitivity and efficiency.
Like a friend who’s always there when needed, our 24/7 community death assistance means expert help is available round-the-clock, 365 days of the year. We understand that bereavement can’t be scheduled, and we’re here whenever you need us.
The connection between Kings Hill and West Kingsdown represents more than just a 9.1-mile journey—it represents our commitment to serving communities across Kent. For West Kingsdown residents, our Borough Green location offers a convenient option for compassionate funeral care, being approximately 5.7 miles away (about 10-15 minutes by car).
Like building bridges between communities, Welham Jones creates connections that support families throughout the region. Our understanding of both areas allows us to provide personalized service that respects local traditions while offering modern funeral options.
Like a tree with deep roots and spreading branches, Kings Hill continues to grow while honouring its past. From its beginnings as a medieval hunting ground to its pivotal role in World War II, and now as a thriving modern village, Kings Hill embodies Kent’s ability to blend heritage with progress.
For residents of both Kings Hill and West Kingsdown, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials stands ready to provide compassionate support during life’s most challenging moments. Our convenient Borough Green location, comprehensive services, and understanding approach ensure that families receive the care they deserve.
Whether you’re seeking information about funeral planning, looking to arrange a service, or simply want to discuss your options, our team is here to help. Like a comforting hand guiding you through difficult terrain, we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
If you’re travelling from Kings Hill to visit our Borough Green funeral home, the journey is straightforward and takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Start by leaving Kings Hill via Tower View. Head southeast and, at the first roundabout, take the first exit. Continue on Alexander Grove and shortly after, take the first exit at the next roundabout to stay on Tower View.
Keep following Tower View and take the second exit at the next roundabout. When you reach the following roundabout, take the first exit onto Ashton Way (A228).
Stay on the A228 for a short while, then take the third exit at the next roundabout to join King Hill. After about half a mile, turn left onto Teston Road and continue for approximately 2.5 miles.
Next, turn right onto Seven Mile Lane (B2016). Almost immediately, at the roundabout, take the first exit onto London Road (A20). Continue along for a short distance before turning left onto Maidstone Road (A25).
Follow the A25 for nearly two miles. As you enter Borough Green, take the second exit at the final roundabout onto Western Road (A227). Our funeral home will be just ahead on your right-hand side at 43 Western Road.
[1] “History” via the Kings Hill Kent website, https://www.kings-hill.com/history/
[2] Southeastern website https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
[3] “Commute to London from Kings Hill” via the Brookline Coaches website https://brooklinecoaches.co.uk/kings-hill/
[4] ALDI (2 Alexander Grove, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4XR) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/vt4Q1MwE1AiUumck9
[5] Asda Kingshill Superstore (1 Alexander Grove, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4SZ), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Bz52vP1oWKVqdj78
[6] Little Waitrose & Partners (Fortune Way, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4QJ), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/6gC37Q3gbwf35etL9
[7] Turmeric Square (11 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AU), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/puuYZ4y9rwaPoJwT9
[8] The Spitfire (1 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ei8NLupzwXSmwrx6
[9] Humphrey’s of Kings Hill (19 Queen St, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AU), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAJVsnmHrN3bwrDp8
[10] The Greedy Goose (Liberty Square Sports Bar), (10 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AU), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ofRPumSZiyFHjBdS6
[11] Kings Hill Sports Park (200 Beacon Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4QP), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgHsQE4DekPdq1M49
[12] Kings Hill Sports Park website https://www.tmactive.co.uk/centres/kings-hill/
[13] Kings Hill Golf Club website, https://kingshillgolf.com/
[14] Kings Hill Golf Club (Fortune Way, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4GF), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9F3riCrg7sAFVsbA
[15] Bright Horizons Kings Hill Day Nursery and Preschool website https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/kings-hill-day-nursery-and-preschool
[16] Bright Horizons Kings Hill Day Nursery and Preschool (60 Gibson Dr, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AN), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3p1gMBu5fwvzRMF9
[17] Kings Hill Pre-School website http://www.kingshillpreschool.co.uk/
[18] Kings Hill Pre-School (70 Gibson Dr, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4LG), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/pPiJhnMXyn53ch66A
[19] Valley Invicta Primary School website https://www.kingshill.viat.org.uk/
[20] Valley Invicta Primary School (Warwick Wy, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4AL), via Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/1nimVKnBdZkinrW99
[21] Kings Hill School website https://www.kingshill.school/
[22] Kings Hill School (Crispin Way, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4LS), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPdvWU7w4DaFtV5n9
[23] The Discovery School website https://www.discovery.kent.sch.uk/
[24] The Discovery School (Discovery Dr, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4GJ), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ACnkqt6UJxpJL839
