Meopham isn’t just a village, it’s a story that stretches for seven miles across the hills of Kent.
It’s the kind of place where every bend in the road reveals another chapter. From Saxon roots to life today, Meopham has held on to its spirit.
What makes it special? It’s long, yes, the longest village in England. But more than that, it’s full of heart. Tucked into the North Downs, Meopham blends heritage with daily life, without losing its sense of place or community.
Meopham’s roots stretch right back to the year 788, during the rule of King Offa. Back then, it was called “Meapaham,” which means “Meapa’s village” [1]. That old name still whispers through the fields and lanes today. Look at here.
In the 1100s, Benedictine monks set up a priory hospital here. It was a place of rest and care, a quiet symbol of healing in a changing world [2]. Around the same time, three manors, Meopham, Dodmore and Nurstead, watched over the land. They played a big part in shaping the village’s early identity.
These days, the parish of Meopham is made up of four villages: Hook Green, Meopham Green, Culverstone, and Harvel [3]. Each has its own feel, its own place in the bigger story. Together, they’re home to nearly 6,800 people (2021 Census) – a mix of peaceful countryside and strong local spirit.
Meopham sits neatly along the A227, a road that runs straight through the village like a spine. If you’re travelling here from London or heading down from the north, just follow the A2 or M2, then switch onto the A227 heading south. It’s a straightforward drive, no complicated turns.
Coming from West Kingsdown? It’s around 8 miles and takes just 14 minutes. Take the A20 east, then turn onto the A227, a route that offers lovely countryside views along the way [4].
If you’re setting off from Borough Green, expect a 14-minute journey covering about 6.7 miles. Head north on the A227 Wrotham Road and you’ll roll right into Meopham [5].
Meopham railway station is a handy link to London and beyond. Southeastern Railway runs regular trains to London Victoria, the journey takes around an hour. Services also run to Gillingham and Dover Priory [6]. The station is staffed on weekday and Saturday mornings, with ticket facilities available on site.
A few local buses keep Meopham connected:
Together, they make it easy to get around, no matter where you’re headed.
Meopham is full of places that speak to its past, and its charm. Each spot adds something special, whether it’s history, nature, or a sense of calm.
The Meopham Windmill is a standout. Built in 1801 by James Killick, it towers over the landscape like a quiet guardian. It stopped working in 1929 but has since been carefully restored. You can visit during the summer months, just book ahead [8].
St John the Baptist Church, with roots in the 14th century, is a Grade I listed building. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass and the weight of many centuries. Over in Nurstead, St Mildred’s Church adds to Meopham’s spiritual story.
Love cricket – get the facts? Meopham Cricket Club was founded in 1776, making it one of the oldest in Kent. Watching a match here – especially on a sunny afternoon – feels like stepping back into an old painting [9].
Nature lovers can stretch their legs at Trosley Country Park. There are woodland trails, chalk grasslands, and even a quirky sculpture called ‘Wood Henge’. It’s great for all abilities, and there’s a café for a post-walk treat [10].
Wine fans won’t want to miss Meopham Valley Vineyard. Tours and tastings are available, and the views over the valley are worth the trip alone. It’s a great place to discover what Kent’s soil can produce [11].
After a day exploring the village or nearby trails, Meopham has some lovely places to sit down, relax, and enjoy a good meal.
The Cricketers Inn is a local favourite. Set beside the village green, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner with a view. Inside, you’ll find cosy log fires. Outside, there’s a covered patio to enjoy all year round [12] [13].
In the heart of the village, The George Inn blends history and hospitality. Once the home of the manorial court of Dodmore, it’s now a warm, welcoming pub full of character [14] [15].
Fancy something a bit different? Minel Meze & Grill serves up tasty Turkish dishes made with fresh local produce. It’s located at The Kings Arms and brings a Mediterranean twist to village dining [16].
Bartellas Restaurant & Bar [17] is open every day, offering a relaxed yet refined place to eat. If you’re after something lighter, Café Lounge [18] is great for a casual bite or a good coffee.
Each place has its own charm, but they all share a warm welcome and a local touch that makes Meopham feel like home.
Meopham is a village that looks after its young people, with schools and nurseries that are right at the heart of local life.
For little ones, Busy Bees Meopham offers nursery care in a peaceful spot near the village library. It’s a calm, friendly setting where children can play, learn, and grow [19] [20].
Meopham Community Academy looks after children through their primary years. Rated “Good” by Ofsted, it also has a nursery on site for children from the age of two [21] [22].
Older students go on to Meopham School, a secondary school known for its supportive environment and strong community feel. It’s set in the countryside and offers a mix of academic subjects and extracurricular clubs [23] [24].
Meopham offers local healthcare that’s easy to reach and trusted by the community.
Meopham Medical Centre [25] is the village’s main GP surgery. It looks after more than 10,000 patients and has a team of doctors, nurses, and support staff. There’s also a dispensing pharmacy on site, which makes picking up medication quick and convenient.
For hospital services, Gravesham Community Hospital in nearby Gravesend is the closest option. It provides urgent treatment, outpatient care, and a range of diagnostic services [26].
These services offer more than just medical care, they give local people peace of mind, knowing help is close by when it matters most.
Together, these schools and nurseries help local families build bright futures, with care, encouragement, and a strong sense of belonging.
Life in Meopham is about more than just peaceful surroundings, it’s about people coming together, year after year, season after season.
The Meopham Parish Council helps bring the village together through regular updates, local events, and community projects. You can keep up with what’s happening on their website and Facebook page.
Meopham Village Hall is a true hub of activity. From craft fairs and gardening shows to committee meetings and social gatherings, it’s a place where neighbours meet, share ideas, and enjoy local events [27] [28].
The churches of St John’s and St Mildred’s do more than hold services. They also play a big role in community life, supporting events, families, and village traditions [29] [30].
It’s this strong community spirit that makes Meopham feel more like a close-knit family than just a place to live.
During life’s most difficult moments, it helps to know you’re not alone. At Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, we’ve been here for families across West Kent for over 25 years, and Meopham is no exception.
Our Borough Green funeral home is just a short 14-minute drive from Meopham. From here, we offer gentle guidance, personal care, and professional support when you need it most.
Here’s how we can help:
Our Borough Green team knows the area well. We understand the traditions and communities we serve, and we’re proud to support Meopham families with the same dedication and compassion that have guided us for decades.
If you’re travelling from Meopham to Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials in Borough Green, the drive is straightforward and takes around 14 minutes.
Start by heading south on Wrotham Road (A227) and continue for just under five miles. You’ll pass through the lovely countryside as the road winds gently toward the A20.
When you reach the roundabout, take the second exit onto London Road (A20). Stay on this road briefly, for about a third of a mile, until you come to another roundabout.
At this second roundabout, take the third exit to rejoin the A227. Continue for another mile and a half. You’ll find Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on the left, at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8AL.
[1] Meopham via Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meopham
[2] History of Meopham, via the Kent Past website, http://www.kentpast.co.uk/meopham.html
[3] About Meopham, via the Meopham Parish Council website, https://www.meopham-pc.gov.uk/about
[4] How to get from West Kingsdown to Meopham via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/West-Kingsdown/Meopham
[5] How to get from Borough Green to Meopham via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Borough-Green/Meopham
[6] Meopham Train Station via the SouthEastern website, https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/stations/meopham
[7] Transport for Meopham School, via the Meopham School website https://www.meophamschool.org.uk/page/?title=Transport&pid=102
[8] Things to Do in Meopham via Tripadvisor website, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1011993-Activities-Meopham_Kent_England.html
[9] Meopham Cricket Club website https://www.meophamcc.com/a/about-us-49914.html
[10] Trosley Country Park via the Kent County Council website, https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/kent-country-parks/find-a-kent-country-park/trosley-country-park
[11] Meopham Valley Vineyard via the Tripadvisor website https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1011993-d2165196-Reviews-Meopham_Valley_Vineyard-Meopham_Kent_England.html
[12] The Cricketers Inn via Open Table website https://www.opentable.com/r/the-cricketers-inn
[13] The Cricketers Inn (Wrotham Rd, Meopham Green, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0QA) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/m2sZqfwpdWVvZFWZ6
[14] The George Inn website, https://www.thegeorgeinnmeopham.co.uk/
[15] The George Inn (Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0AH) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/FY2c76beuytLZL3H7
[16] Minel Meze & Grill via Tripadvisor website, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g1011993-Meopham_Kent_England.html
[17] Minel Meze & Grill (Wrotham Rd, Meopham Green, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0QB), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/dFiS2548muHJqf5R7
[18] Café Lounge (7 The Parade, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0JL), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/eyk1fFR9ZztK1HaA9
[19] Busy Bees Nursery in Meopham website https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/meopham
[20] Busy Bees Nursery (School Campus, Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Secondary DA13 0AH), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/wV6Sk2QHSLMyq12F7
[21] Meopham Community Academy via Ofsted website, https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/136351
[22] Meopham Community Academy (Longfield Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0JW) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/TPGMrasuT1mdkUeMA
[23] Meopham School website https://www.meophamschool.org.uk/
[24] Meopham School (Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0AH) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/VjhjSHy4MsaRg6uu7
[25] Meopham Medical Centre (Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0AH), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwFrSfibPopguLFJ7
[26] Gravesham Community Hospital via NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/gravesham-community-hospital/RYYDN
[27] Meopham Village Hall website https://www.meophamvillagehall.co.uk/index.html
[28] Meopham Village Hall (Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0AT) via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qWZJCaZbnhQqvcJ7
[29] St John the Baptist Church website https://stjohnsmeopham.co.uk/
[30] St John the Baptist Church (Wrotham Rd, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0AA), via Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/t4dNUs1mfxntNQXu9
