Situated at the foot of the North Downs, Wrotham (said “Root-um“) is a village where old and new sit side by side. With its deep roots in English history and a thriving community spirit, it’s a place that feels both timeless and full of life. Whether you’re stopping by, planning a longer stay, or thinking of settling down, Wrotham has a warm welcome, and more than a few stories to share.
Wrotham’s roots stretch back long before history was ever written down. By the 8th century, it was already known as ‘Uurotaham‘, meaning ‘the homestead of Wrota‘. Some say the name comes from the Old English word ‘wrot’, meaning a pig’s snout, hinting at a time when the area was alive with pigs, roaming the forests. In fact, old records show that locals once paid the Archbishop of Canterbury a tax of 500 pigs!
Wrotham’s past is rich and tangled with the wider story of England itself. In 964, King Ethelstan gifted the village to Christ Church in Canterbury, and it stayed under the Church’s wing for centuries. The Archbishops of Canterbury even had a palace here. Built around AD 964, it stood for hundreds of years before being pulled down in 1349, its stones carried off to build a new manor in Maidstone [1].
Wrotham also brushes against the dramatic world of Tudor England. It was here, in 1536, that King Henry VIII received word that Anne Boleyn had been executed, news that cleared the way for his marriage to Jane Seymour.
The Pilgrim’s Way, the ancient road walked by countless pilgrims heading to Canterbury Cathedral, still weaves through the village. Each step along it feels like stepping back through time, linking Wrotham to centuries of spiritual journeys and heartfelt hopes [2].
Wrotham sits in a brilliant spot, right between the M20 and M26 motorways, making it easy to reach by car from all over Kent, and beyond. It’s like the village has two open arms, welcoming you in from whichever direction you’re coming.
If you’re heading out from London, the quickest way is via the M25. Join the M26 at junction 5, then take the first exit (junction 2A) and follow the A20 straight to Wrotham. On a clear run, the drive takes about 40 minutes from the centre of London.
Coming from the Channel ports or Maidstone? The M20 is your friend. Leave at junction 3, hop onto the M26, and again take the first exit for the A20 towards Wrotham.
Thanks to its spot between two major routes, Wrotham keeps the peaceful charm of a village but with all the perks of excellent road links.
The nearest station is Borough Green & Wrotham, about a mile south of the village. It’s served by Southeastern Railway [3], with regular trains heading to:
During peak hours, you’ll find trains to London roughly every 10–15 minutes. It’s ideal for commuters or anyone wanting to enjoy a day out without worrying about the drive.
You’ll find several bus services linking Wrotham with nearby towns and villages:
Think of these buses like little country streams, weaving their way through Kent and making it simple to explore even if you leave the car at home.
Wrotham might be a small village, but when it comes to eating and drinking, it certainly punches above its weight.
The Bull Hotel (Bull Ln, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RF) is a real gem. This historic inn, with its old beams and crackling inglenook fire, dates all the way back to the 14th century, it was once part of the Archbishop’s Palace stables [4]. Today, it’s known for hearty, home-cooked dishes like steaks, burgers, and all the pub classics. It’s had plenty of praise for both the food and the warm welcome [5].
Just up the road, The Moat (London Rd, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RJ) [6] offers another brilliant spot to enjoy a meal. Recently refurbished, it now boasts a stunning dining terrace and beautiful gardens [7]. Inside, you’ll find a Tudor-style setting with oak beams and a menu full of traditional favourites. Food is served from midday right through to the evening, 9pm most days, 9:30pm on Saturdays, and until 8pm on Sundays.
The Rose & Crown (High St, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7AE) [8] rounds off Wrotham’s trio of excellent pubs, offering a friendly atmosphere and classic fare that keeps both locals and visitors coming back [9].
If you fancy something a little different, The Vineyard Restaurant (London Rd, Wrotham Heath, Sevenoaks TN15 7RU) [10] at Wrotham Heath is just a short drive away. It offers modern European dishes with a British and Thai twist, ideal for a slightly more upscale dining experience [11].
There’s more to Wrotham than good food, it’s packed with history and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
St. George’s Church (High St, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7AH) [12] is a must-see. Built in the late 13th century, it stands on the site of what’s believed to be the first church in Britain dedicated to St. George [1]. Inside, you’ll find a 13th-century font, medieval memorial brasses, and one of Kent’s oldest clocks, dating back to 1614. Don’t miss the stone outside with deep grooves, made by archers sharpening their arrows before practice!
In the churchyard, you’ll also spot the famous Wrotham Pinot grape growing. It’s a hardy variety thought to trace its roots right back to Roman Britain.
For nature lovers, Wrotham Hill and Wrotham Hill Park [13] offers sweeping views across the Weald of Kent. Nearby, Wrotham Beacon marks the site of England’s first FM broadcast tower, built in 1955.
If you’ve got more time to explore, there are some fantastic places close by:
All these spots are within easy reach, making Wrotham a brilliant base for a day out or a longer stay, a place where every corner has a story, and every path leads to something special.
Families living in Wrotham have the benefit of great local schools, giving children a strong start from their very first days in the classroom right through to their teenage years.
Set on Old London Road (Old London Road, Wrotham, Kent, TN15 7DL), St. George’s is a welcoming Christian primary school that values every child as an individual [14]. The school is built on the values St. George himself is known for, respect, honesty, courage, kindness, forgiveness, and hope [15].
Their motto, “Bringing Faith and Education Together,” says it all. Children here grow both academically and personally, supported by a caring community where every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential.
When it’s time for secondary school, Wrotham School on Borough Green Road (Borough Green Rd, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RD) [16] offers a fantastic option [17]. Rated “Good” by Ofsted, the school is known for setting high standards and inspiring ambition in its students.
Wrotham School also stands out for its international outlook. It’s an accredited school for the Career-related Programme and an authorised IB World School, offering students qualifications that are recognised all over the world [18].
Together, these schools are like careful gardeners, helping young minds to grow strong, confident, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
For three generations, Welham Jones Funeral Directors has been part of the local community, bringing family values and heartfelt care to everything they do. Our Borough Green branch, just a mile from Wrotham, offers a full range of funeral services to families in the area.
Like a steady hand in troubled times, Welham Jones blends the strength of a larger company with the personal touch of a family-run business (visit this site). Our dedication to professionalism and compassion means families receive the care and support they need when it matters most.
Welham Jones provides a complete range of services to meet the needs of Wrotham and the surrounding villages:
Every funeral service is handled with care, respect, and a true understanding that every life deserves a personal and meaningful farewell.
For families in Wrotham, just five miles away, Welham Jones funeral home in Borough Green offers a local, trusted choice for funeral arrangements.
It’s a short drive, about 10 minutes along the London Road (A20) and A227. For those using public transport, bus services 407 and 408 link West Kingsdown to Wrotham, making it easy to reach the funeral home.
Welham Jones knows the communities of Wrotham, and the surrounding area well. We offer:
With Welham Jones, families in Wrotham and beyond have the comfort of knowing that help is always close at hand, caring, professional, and truly part of the community.
Wrotham isn’t just a beautiful village tucked at the foot of the North Downs, it’s a living tapestry of history, community, and life well lived.
Whether you’re walking through its ancient streets, enjoying a meal at a centuries-old pub, climbing up Wrotham Hill for the view, or simply passing through, Wrotham leaves an impression. It’s a place where past and present meet naturally, creating a village full of character, kindness, and charm.
And when support is needed during life’s most difficult moments, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials stands ready, offering compassion, care, and local understanding to the communities of Wrotham, West Kingsdown, and beyond.
In Wrotham, history isn’t something you just visit, it’s something you feel, live, and carry with you.
If you’re travelling from Wrotham to our Welham Jones Funeral Home in Borough Green, the journey is short and straightforward, just under 2 miles by car.
Start by heading south on Borough Green Road, passing through the quiet village lanes. After about 0.3 miles, you’ll come to a junction, turn right onto the A227, which is still Borough Green Road.
Stay on the A227 for just under a mile. You’ll soon arrive in Borough Green.
Our funeral home is located at 43 Western Road, and you’ll see it on your left-hand side.
The drive usually takes around 5 minutes, depending on traffic, and parking is available nearby for visitors.
[1] “Wrotham, Kent”, via Britain Express website https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=2926
[2] “Parishes: Wrotham” via The British History Online website, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol5/pp6-32
[3] Borough Green & Wrotham Train Station via Southeastern website https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/stations/borough-green-wrotham
[4] The Bull Hotel website https://www.thebullhotel.com/
[5] The Bull Hotel (Bull Ln, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RF), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGWEgLqgdoJk1Cu2A
[6] The Moat (London Rd, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RJ), Google Mpas, https://maps.app.goo.gl/oRfCrm3tJvoK8D4G7
[7] The Moat website https://www.themoatwrotham.co.uk/
[8] Rose & Crown (High St, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7AE), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/mwqZj3yykTgGvX5h7
[9] Restaurants in Weotham, via TripAdvisor, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g1078692-Wrotham_Kent_England.html
[10] The Vineyard Wrotham (London Rd, Wrotham Heath, Sevenoaks TN15 7RU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/9PUQaeLJEo5Pev6L8
[11] The Vineyard Wrotham website https://www.vineyardrestaurant.co/
[12] St George’s Church (High St, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7AH), Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/U3TmM2haxYAzkcYC8
[13] Wrotham Hill Park, Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vg4UtGqPvGP5irpf9
[14] St George’s Church of England Primary School website https://www.st-georges-wrotham.kent.sch.uk/
[15] St George’s Church of England Primary School (Old London Road, Wrotham, Kent, TN15 7DL), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/RwNEAa6kfHi2jWkE7
[16] Wrotham School (Borough Green Rd, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RD), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/eAArCzgpes1LuCpR7
[17] Wrotham School website https://www.wrothamschool.com
[18] Wrotham School via the Kent Choices website, https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/courses/provider-details?slug=wrotham-school
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.
