Offham is more than just a dot on the map. It’s a village with heart, history, and a community that feels like family. And if life takes a difficult turn, Welham Jones is here for you, just down the road.
Tucked away in the peaceful Kent countryside, Offham is full of charm and character. Think village greens, ancient landmarks, and neighbours who stop to chat. From the famous Quintain on the green to the May Day traditions still alive today, it’s a place where stories are passed down, and where support is never far away.
This guide brings you a little closer to Offham. We’ll walk you through its past and present, show you what makes it special, and gently introduce the caring services Welham Jones provides for local families when they need it most.
You can feel the past in Offham. Not in a museum kind of way, but in the stones, the roads, and the stories still told today. It’s a village that remembers.
Offham’s roots run deep. People have lived here since Roman times. Back then, a key Roman road passed through the parish, linking London to the Weald. That mattered. It put Offham on the map early on.
Jump to the Saxon era, around the 9th century, and the name “Offham” was born. It comes from “Offa,” a Saxon landowner, and “ham,” which means village or homestead. So yes, even the name tells a story [1].
Then came the Normans. Offham shows up twice in the Domesday Book of 1086, one of the most important records of medieval England. Back then, it had two estates, worked by villagers known as “villans.” The land was measured in “sullungs,” an old Kentish system.
And it doesn’t stop there.
There’s a local legend that Jack Straw, a leader of the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, was born at Pepingstraw Manor in the parish. It may be folklore, but it’s part of what makes Offham feel so alive with history.
But if there’s one symbol that captures the spirit of the village, it’s the Quintain.
This wooden post with a swinging arm stands proudly on the village green. Once used by knights for jousting practice, it’s now a treasured relic [2]. Riders would charge it with a lance, miss the mark or move too slow, and the arm swung back to knock them off. It’s thought to be the last of its kind still standing in its original spot (although it was safely tucked away during WWII).
Offham’s charm isn’t just in its stories. It’s in the stones.
Many houses are built from ragstone, strong, time-worn, and local. This stone has been quarried here since Roman days and used in buildings across the southeast.
St Michael’s Church is another quiet marker of time. It started as a Saxon chapel, then was rebuilt in stone by the Normans. The base of the church tower still dates from that period, quietly watching over the village through every generation.
What makes Offham special is that history here isn’t stuck in the past.
Every year on May Day, the village green comes alive. There’s a May Queen. Morris dancers. Schoolchildren weaving ribbons around the maypole. And yes, sometimes they even bring out a replica Quintain for a bit of fun tilting.
It’s tradition, yes, but more than that. It’s the village showing pride in its roots and joy in its people.
Offham might be rural, but it’s far from remote. Roads, rail, and buses keep this little village connected. And if you’re visiting Welham Jones in Borough Green, we’ve made it easy to find your way.
The fastest way into Offham? The M20.
From the A228, drivers can follow local routes like the A20 or Teston Road into the village. Teston Road is more than just a route, it’s home to well-known local spots like The King’s Arms pub and Spadework, the community hub.
Offham isn’t on the railway line (see this here), but two nearby stations make getting here simple:
Both are on the Southeastern network with trains to:
You’ve got two main options:
Note: Route 70 is another bus that passes through on certain days, like Mondays, but it’s more limited.
If you need to reach Welham Jones Funeral Directors in Borough Green:
12 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8AG
| Mode | Key Routes / Stops | Destinations / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Road | M20 (J4/A228, J3/M26), A20, Teston Road | Maidstone, London, Channel Tunnel access |
| Train | West Malling, Borough Green & Wrotham | Direct lines to London, Maidstone, Ashford |
| Bus | Routes 70 & 570 (Nu-Venture) | Local links; 570 is the most reliable for Offham |
| To Welham Jones | Car (10–15 mins), Bus (15–20 mins) | Easy access from Offham to Borough Green |
Navigating around Offham is straightforward, whether you’re visiting friends, popping to the pub, or heading to a Welham Jones service. The road and public transport links help keep this countryside village feeling connected, supported, and cared for.
Offham has more than just homes. It’s a working village with its own character, local events, and spaces people use every day. Here’s a breakdown of what’s here and how it fits into local life.
At the centre of the village is Offham Green. It’s a shared space, used for gatherings, local events, or just a quiet walk. Right in the middle stands the Quintain [7], a wooden tilting post from medieval times. It’s one of the few left in the country and gives visitors a clear link to the village’s past. It’s open to the public and easy to find.
There’s only one pub left in Offham: The King’s Arms, on Teston Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NR. It’s near the green and well used by locals [8].
People often call it the centre of village life. It’s social, useful, and well looked after [9].
There’s plenty of open space around Offham for walking and being outdoors:
Offham benefits from more than just buildings and scenery. It has working community spaces that support local residents and bring people together.
Located on Teston Road [12], this is a charity that provides support and training for:
Spadework is also open to the public. It includes:
They run events too, quizzes, craft workshops, seasonal family activities like the October pumpkin patch [13].
Found on Church Road [14], the hall is used for a range of local events:
One of the village’s oldest buildings, with Saxon origins. It remains in use for regular worship and funerals. It also adds to Offham’s historical identity [15].
Started in 1944, the cricket club offers regular sport and is well supported [16]. It plays a key role in the village’s social calendar [17].
Everyone who lives in the village is considered a member. The Society organises events all year round, tours, talks, and social evenings [18].
Nearby attractions include:
All are easy to reach by car and give residents extra options without needing to travel far.
Offham combines practical services, local events, and a real sense of place. These are not just “extras,” they shape daily life and contribute to what makes Offham a good place to live.
Thinking about moving to Offham with kids? You’re in good hands. The village offers quality education, a nurturing school, and a solid start in life. It’s a place where children can learn, play, and thrive, right on the doorstep.
Tucked away on Church Road [19], Offham’s local primary school is small, friendly, and full of heart.
Parents speak highly of the school’s community feel and how well the teachers know each child [20].
When it’s time for secondary school, families in Offham have options:
It’s one of the closest and most likely choices for Offham families.
You’ll also find a range of grammar and comprehensive schools across the Tonbridge and Malling area.
Need help choosing?
Don’t forget to check catchment areas and admission policies, as these can affect placements.
For younger children, Offham is close to several quality nurseries:
Whether you’re looking for a Montessori approach or a more traditional setup, there’s something nearby to suit most families.
In Offham, education feels personal. Children aren’t just numbers, they’re known, supported, and encouraged. And with schools close by and nurseries within easy reach, it’s a village that’s well set up for growing families.
In a close-knit village like Offham, community matters, and when life takes a difficult turn, you want support from people who truly care. That’s what we offer at Welham Jones. Quiet support, nearby, when you need it most.
We’re not just a name on a sign. We’re your neighbours. Our team has been supporting families across Kent for over 25 years, including many right here in Offham.
We’re recommended by the Kent Downs and Malling team of churches [21], and we hold that responsibility with care. Every person we help, every service we provide, it all comes from a place of compassion and understanding.
We offer a full range of funeral services, each one delivered with kindness, respect, and clarity. No jargon. No pressure. Just real help when it’s needed most.
Here’s how we can support you:
Welham Jones Funeral Directors 12 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8AG
We’re around 3.5 to 4 miles from Offham, just 10 to 15 minutes by car. Or you can take the Nu-Venture 570 bus, which runs straight from Offham village to Borough Green High Street or the station, both a short walk from us.
If coming by car, start by heading west on Teston Road towards Tower Hill. Follow this road for approximately 1.5 miles. When you reach the junction, turn right onto Seven Mile Lane (B2016).
After just a short distance, around 300 feet, you’ll come to a roundabout. Take the first exit onto London Road (A20). Continue along the A20 for about 0.3 miles, then turn left onto Maidstone Road (A25). Stay on the A25 as it curves through the countryside; you’ll be on this stretch for roughly 1.9 miles.
As you approach Borough Green, you’ll reach another roundabout. Take the second exit onto Western Road (A227). After a short distance, Welham Jones Funeral Directors will be on your right at 43 Western Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8AL.
We understand that talking about funerals isn’t always easy. But when the time comes, having someone local, gentle, and experienced to guide you through it makes all the difference. That’s what we’re here for.
Offham isn’t just a lovely village, it’s a place that feels like home. With its deep roots, close community, and welcoming feel, it’s easy to understand why people stay. And when life brings moments of loss or reflection, it helps to know that caring support is close by.
At Welham Jones, we’re proud to serve the people of Offham. From our nearby branch in Borough Green, we’re here to help, quietly and compassionately, whenever you need us.
Whether you’re looking for information, thinking ahead, or facing a difficult time right now, please know: You don’t have to go through it alone.
Our team is just down the road, ready to listen, guide, and support you in whatever way we can.
[1] Offham, Kent via Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offham,_Kent
[2] “The History of England’s Village Greens” via the The Historic England Blog website, https://heritagecalling.com/2024/09/26/the-history-of-england-village-greens/
[3] “How to get from Offham to West Malling by bus, taxi or foot” via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Offham/West-Malling
[4] “How to get from Borough Green to Offham by bus, taxi or foot” via the Rome2Rio website, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Borough-Green/Offham
[5] Bus 570, via the Bust Time website, https://en.busti.me/maidstone/bus-570/
[6] Bus 70 timetable via the Borough Green website, http://www.boroughgreen.org/BusBits/JAN%2025%2058-70.pdf
[7] Offham Quintain (Comp Ln, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NL), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/FT9cVECcmBSgq8nB8
[8] The King’s Arms, (Teston Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NR), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/sqKHBthDXNTWxgDu7
[9] The King’s Arms website, https://www.thekingsarmsoffham.co.uk/
[10] “Best routes – Offham” via OS Maps website, https://osmaps.com/place/united-kingdom/england/kent/offham
[11] “Offham, Old Soar Manor, Platt” via the Fancy Free Walks website, https://fancyfreewalks.org/Kent/Offham.pdf
[12] Spadework (Teston Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NA), Google maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yc4KdSM3jy5zkcRx7
[13] Spadework website, https://spadework.org.uk/
[14] Offham Village Hall (Church Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/UfX6ZNwEdd89TGG99
[15] St Michael’s Church (Church Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NZ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/AVuhd5UfqRjsxVpc8
[16] Offham Cricket Club website https://www.offhamcc.co.uk/
[17] Offham Cricket Club (Church Rd, Offham, West Malling ME19 5NY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/86KE2cCTLPRmALCd7
[18] The Offham Society website https://www.offhamsociety.co.uk/
[19] Offham Primary School (1875 Church Rd, West Malling ME19 5NX), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/LmhGsgQXNxk27Ngu5
[20] Offham Primary School website https://www.offham.kent.sch.uk/
[21] Kent Downs and Malling Team, https://kentdownsmalling.church/my-big-day/funerals/
The location is easy. Deciding the flower arrangements, slightly trickier. But, when planning a funeral, we hear many family members say that writing the eulogy is the hardest part. Where do I start? What are people expecting me to say? How can I possibly epitomise an entire life in just one speech? With over thirty years of experience helping families across West Kent and South East London arrange funerals, we know how daunting this task can be. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide, with tips to help you write and deliver a eulogy that truly honours your loved one.
