Tucked between green hills and quiet lanes, Longfield is the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention, but lingers in your memory long after you leave.
It’s a village shaped by time. Centuries-old churches sit calmly beside modern shops (see post) and family homes. There’s a gentle rhythm to life here, where nature, history, and everyday comforts come together with ease.
If you’ve never been, Longfield might surprise you. It’s not just another name on the map, it’s a place that still feels like home, even on your first visit.
Longfield’s story begins with the land itself. Its name, taken from the Old English Lang (long) and feld (open ground), gives us a clue, this was once just a long sweep of countryside, open and wild [1]. You can almost picture early settlers gazing out across the quiet fields, choosing this spot to make their home.
The earliest records of Longfield go back over a thousand years. It first appeared in Anglo-Saxon charters in 964 and 995 as ‘Langanfelda’. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it was known as ‘Langafel’ [2]. These old names and documents aren’t just trivia, they’re threads that tie today’s village to a deep, living past.
Faith has always played a part in Longfield life. During the time of the Danish wars, the parish was one of several taken from the church, a sign of how turbulent those years were. Yet by the 11th century, records name a priest, Anschitil, serving the local community [3] [4]. Today, the beautiful St Mary Magdalene Church, with its 13th- and 14th-century roots, still stands in the village centre, a quiet link to centuries gone by.
Over time, Longfield grew (published here), not in a rush, but steadily, like a tree adding new rings each year. From scattered farms to family homes, the village has changed with the times but never lost its sense of place. It’s this mix of old and new that gives Longfield its quiet charm: a modern village that remembers where it came from.
Getting to Longfield is easy, whether you’re travelling from nearby towns or further afield. Tucked into Kent’s countryside, it’s well connected without losing that peaceful village feel.
Longfield is around 6 miles southeast of Dartford and the same distance southwest of Gravesend. This makes it a handy stop between two of Kent’s larger towns.
Here’s how to reach it:
If you’re travelling from our Welham Jones funeral home in Borough Green, it’s just a 9.1-mile journey:
It’s a calm and scenic route, with glimpses of countryside all the way. More info here.
Longfield is also easy to reach by train and bus.
From West Kingsdown, buses connect via local routes and can take around 44 minutes. It’s a slower pace, but the views make it worth the ride.
Longfield may be small, but it has plenty to offer. Whether you’re after history, a meal out, or a day out, there’s something here for everyone.
This historic church sits right in the village centre. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, it’s a Grade II listed building with centuries of stories in its walls. The churchyard holds over 135 memorials, a quiet space to reflect and remember [7].
Just outside Longfield lies one of the UK’s most famous racing circuits. Brands Hatch brings motorsport fans from far and wide, hosting big events all year round. It’s a lively contrast to village life, but that balance is part of what makes this area so special [8] [9].
Not far from the village, you’ll find Hartley Bottom and Fawkham. These spots show off the area’s unusual dry valleys—landscapes shaped by ancient rivers. They’re perfect for walking, whatever the season [10].
Need a bite to eat? Longfield has a lovely mix of local favourites and hidden gems.
Station Road is Longfield’s main shopping area. You’ll find:
It’s a mix of big-name convenience and local charm [17].
Longfield has good options for families with children of all ages.
This secondary school is well regarded locally. Ofsted rated it “Good” overall with an “Outstanding” Sixth Form. It offers education for ages 11–18 in modern, purpose-built facilities [18] [19].
Nearby primary schools feed into the academy. These schools offer the early steps in education, building confidence, curiosity and friendships close to home.
If you’re visiting Longfield during a difficult time, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials is here to help. Our Borough Green funeral home is just a short journey away and serves Longfield with care and dignity.
We support families with:
We’ve served Kent’s communities for over 25 years, with local knowledge and a personal approach. Longfield and West Kingsdown may be two separate villages, but they share a connection through us.
Longfield is one of those places that quietly impresses. It’s close enough to busy towns for convenience, yet peaceful enough to feel like an escape.
Whether you’re here to explore, visit family, or say goodbye to a loved one, Longfield offers warmth, history, and a sense of home. And should you need support along the way, Welham Jones is never far.
Start your journey in Longfield by heading south on Hartley Road towards Oakwood Rise. After a short 0.1-mile stretch, continue straight onto Ash Road.
Stay on Ash Road for approximately 1.9 miles. When you reach the roundabout, take the third exit onto Chapel Wood Road in Hartley. This part of the journey should take around four minutes in total.
Continue along Chapel Wood Road, which leads into Ash Road once again. Follow this road for 0.4 miles, then continue straight onto The Street for another half a mile. As you carry on, the road becomes South Ash Road, and shortly after, Ash Lane, follow this for 1.5 miles through the scenic Kent countryside.
When you reach London Road (A20), turn left. Stay on the A20 for roughly 0.9 miles until you reach a roundabout. Take the second exit, staying on London Road, and continue for another 0.9 miles.
At the next roundabout, take the third exit, remaining on London Road (A20), and drive for a further 0.4 miles.
At the final roundabout, take the third exit onto the A227. Continue for 1.5 miles, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials will be on your left-hand side at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8AL.
[1] History of Longfield via Kent Past website, http://www.kentpast.co.uk/longfield.html
[2] Longfield via the Wikishire website, https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Longfield
[3] History of Longfield Church, via the Longfield Church website, https://longfieldchurch.org/about/history/
[4] Longfield Church, Main Rd, Longfield DA3 7PG, via Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/DgPmv5F6U7pMjwwC8
[5] Longfield Train Station, via SouthEastern website, https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/stations/longfield
[6] Longfield Train Station (Station Rd, Longfield DA3 7QA), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZFwo9So33UwzHxR66
[7] St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, via Find a Grave website, https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2279055/st-mary-magdalene-churchyard
[8] Brands Hatch, via the Brands Hatch website, https://www.brandshatch.co.uk/
[9] Brands Hatch (London Rd, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks TN15 6FS), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXKNwU6FHUkQk5VF6
[10] Geology and Scenery of Hartley via nthe Hartley-Kent website, http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/history/geology.htm
[11] Efsane Restaurant website https://efsane.co.uk/
[12] Efsane Restaurant, 27-29 Station Rd, Longfield DA3 7QD, via Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/L7U8CczSatf9qzQ7A
[13] The Green Man pub, https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/south-east/thegreenmanlongfield#/
[14] The Green Man, Longfield Rd, Longfield Hill, Longfield DA3 7AS, via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rio6jCSWv3ELTLjQA
[15] Dolly’s Diner, 81 Station Rd, Longfield DA3 7QA, via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/5GwKE3j3Wkkfgcba8
[16] Nancy’s Sandwich Bar, 37A Station Rd, Longfield DA3 7QD, via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/q11AmMyTEq2EvFBT9
[17] Shops and Amenities via the Longfield Parish Council website, https://longfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk/shops-and-amenities/
[18] Longfield Academy website https://longfieldacademy.org.uk/
[19] Longfield Academy, Academy, Main Rd, Longfield DA3 7PH, via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/XucgZw3nwFvAsSNY6
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