Yalding is a small village located in Kent that is just six miles southwest of Maidstone. It sits where the Rivers Teise and Beult meet the River Medway. The parish also includes the charming villages of Benover, Laddingford, and Queen Street. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Yalding has something to offer.
Yalding’s story dates back to Saxon times when it was known as Twyford, meaning “two fords.” Its modern name originates from the Old English “Ealdingas”, referring to the people of Ealda. The village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Hallinges.” [1]
One of Yalding’s most striking historical landmarks is Twyford Bridge, a stunning medieval stone bridge and one of the longest in the southeast of England. The village was also significant during the English Civil War, with a battle between the Roundheads and Cavaliers taking place at Town Bridge in 1643 [2] [3].
In more recent history, Edith Nesbit, author of The Railway Children, described Yalding as a “river of dreams.” Additionally, the village was home to a chemical manufacturing plant from 1912 to 2003, a key part of its industrial past [4].
Yalding is a nature lover’s paradise. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, it boasts beautiful waterways and lush green landscapes. The village is known for its three historic bridges, including Twyford Bridge (Maidstone ME18 6HG) [5] [6], a key feature of its charm.
The area is also popular with walkers, as The Greensand Way [7] and The Medway Valley Walk [8] both pass through Yalding. Remarkably, the village holds 95.6% of all Common Land within Maidstone Borough, preserving its scenic beauty and natural heritage.
For a unique experience, visit Kenward Place [9], where you can walk with friendly alpacas through the stunning Kent countryside. These guided experiences provide a chance to learn about alpaca care and their natural habitat, making it a fun and educational activity [10].
This stunning wedding and events venue features breath taking gardens and ceremony locations like The Nook, The Gazebo, The Orchard, and The Barn. For food lovers, the Tipis Restaurant offers delicious dining during the winter months [11] [12].
Explore the River Medway with Elveys Canoe (Hampstead Ln, Maidstone ME18 6HG) [13], offering canoe and kayak hire. You can embark on a leisurely paddle along scenic routes, starting and finishing at Yalding Canoe Launch [14].
A cosy winter dining spot, serving classic British cuisine [18] [19].
Yalding railway station sits on the Medway Valley Line, linking to Strood, Maidstone West, Paddock Wood, and Tonbridge. The station is unstaffed, though train staff are available to assist passengers [23].
The village is served by Nu-Venture buses 23 and 26, offering connections to nearby areas.
Visitors travelling by car will find parking available at the railway station.
Yalding is part of a civil parish, which includes Laddingford. The Yalding Parish Council [25] consists of nine elected members, with one Kent County Councillor and three Maidstone Borough Councillors overseeing local governance.
Hosts the Yalding Choir, Junior Church, and regular community events.
Meets monthly at The Chequers Inn, offering insights into beekeeping.
A local football club (Vicarage Rd, Maidstone ME18 6DP) [26] playing in the Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday League [27].
The George – Mentioned by Edith Nesbit, offering historical charm. Unfortunately closed at the time of writting.
Additional local accommodations available through nearby hotels and B&Bs.
Planning a funeral is a deeply personal journey, and at Welham Jones, we understand the importance of honouring your loved one’s memory with care and respect. Serving the Yalding community, our Tonbridge branch offers a range of services tailored to meet your needs during this difficult time.
We provide a variety of funeral packages for Yalding residents to accommodate your different preferences and budgets. Whether you desire a traditional ceremony or a more contemporary service, our experienced team will guide you through the options, ensuring every detail reflects your loved one’s wishes.
Our selection of coffins and caskets ranges from traditional solid wood designs to eco-friendly alternatives. We also offer personalised options, allowing you to create a tribute that truly represents your loved one’s personality and values.
At Welham Jones, we treat every individual with the utmost dignity. Our professional team prepares your loved one for their final journey, respecting any cultural or religious customs.
If your loved one has passed away abroad or wished to be laid to rest in another country, our repatriation services can assist. We handle all logistical aspects, providing peace of mind during a challenging period.
Creating lasting memories is an essential part of the grieving process. We offer various items of remembrance, from bespoke memorials to personalised keepsakes, helping you cherish your loved one’s legacy.
Crafting an obituary that honours your loved one’s life is a meaningful task. Our team can assist you in writing and publishing obituaries, ensuring their story is shared with the community.
Planning can alleviate future stress for your family. Our pre-paid funeral plans allow you to outline your wishes and manage costs in advance, providing clarity and comfort for your loved ones.
At Welham Jones, we are committed to supporting the residents of Yalding with compassion and professionalism. Our Tonbridge branch is ready to assist you, ensuring every funeral service is a heartfelt tribute to those you hold dear.
To drive from Yalding to Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials in Tonbridge, follow these directions:
Start by heading south-west on High Street (B2010) towards Benover Road (B2162) for a short distance of about 233 feet. Then, turn right onto Lees Road (B2162) and continue along this route for 1.5 miles.
Next, turn left onto Maidstone Road (B2015) and drive for 0.3 miles. When you reach the roundabout, take the third exit onto Seven Mile Lane (A228). Follow this road for approximately 2.2 miles.
At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Maidstone Road/Tonbridge Road (A26) and continue on this route for 5.8 miles. Stay on the A26 as it leads you toward Tonbridge.
As you approach Tonbridge, continue straight onto Hadlow Road (A227) and follow it for 0.4 miles. Then, turn left onto High Street (B2260).
Your destination, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, will be on the right-hand side at 164 High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BB.
This route takes you through scenic parts of Kent and should take approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
[1] “Land of Richard son of (Count) Gilbert” via the Open Domesday website, https://opendomesday.org/place/TQ6950/yalding/
[2] History of Yalding via the Kent Past website, http://www.kentpast.co.uk/yalding.html
[3] “Medieval Village Commentary & Lessons” via the Spartacus Educational website https://spartacus-educational.com/YALDmedievalC.htm
[4] “Yalding” via the Wikishire website, https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Yalding
[5] Twyford Bridge, Maidstone ME18 6HG, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SkanBR688jSZNg7Q8
[6] “Twyford Bridge in Yalding parish” via the Historic England website, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1005186
[7] Greensand Way 8 : Yalding to Sutton Valence Walk, the Saturday Walkers CLub website, https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/yalding-to-sutton-vallance/
[8] The Medway Valley Walk, via the Kent Ramblers website, https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/MVW/index.htm
[9] “ALPACA WALKING IN KENT” via the Kenward Place website https://www.kenwardplace.co.uk/activities/alpaca-walking
[10] Kenward Place, Kenward Rd, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6AH, https://maps.app.goo.gl/AN4bZcHMwQrPYTVDA
[11] The Gardens website https://www.thegardens.co.uk/
[12] The Gardens, Benover Rd, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6EX, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ib4mSkd3GxwQuqVj9
[13] Elveys Canoe website, Hampstead Ln, Maidstone ME18 6HG, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yc5ieu3FoWmf4DFS7
[14] Elveys Canoe website, https://www.elveys-canoe.co.uk/
[15] Yalding Rail Trail, via the Explore Kent website, https://explorekent.org/activities/yalding-rail-trail-walk/
[16] Yalding River Walk, via the Explore Kent website, https://explorekent.org/activities/yalding-river-walk/
[17] St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6HU, https://maps.app.goo.gl/P9wc5v1tuYC7eNNP7
[18] The Gardens’ Tipis Restaurant, Benover Rd, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6EX, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ib4mSkd3GxwQuqVj9
[19] The Gardens’ Tipis Restaurant website https://www.tipisrestaurant.co.uk/#findus
[20] The Boathouse, website https://www.boathouseyalding.co.uk/contact-us
[21] The Boathouse, Yalding, Twyford Bridge, Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6HG, https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCEcysbkGFCHEtoNA
[22] Yalding Tea Rooms, 1 High St, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6JA, https://maps.app.goo.gl/jLxX4FZhagThRsKGA
[23] Yalding railway, Nettlestead Green, Maidstone ME18 6AD, https://maps.app.goo.gl/tiqXH2PkFHxhyxxe6
[24] St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Vicarage Rd, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6DP, https://maps.app.goo.gl/xmS197bTCrKNV7Nr9
[25] Yalding Parish Council website, https://yaldingparishcouncil.gov.uk/
[26] Yalding & Laddingford FC, Vicarage Rd, Maidstone ME18 6DP, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uAETprMHFU8hx4d8A
[27] Yalding & Laddingford FC website https://www.facebook.com/ylfc.online/?locale=en_GB
