Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chatham, England and Hove, England

If you are looking for an exciting road trip through some of the UK's most picturesque landscapes, then the journey from Chatham to Hove should be on your bucket list. This drive takes approximately two hours and twenty minutes; however, if you make time for some of the fascinating and underrated places along the way, you can easily turn this into a leisurely journey.

At the halfway point, you will reach Caterham, Surrey, and this is an excellent place to take a break and recharge your batteries before hitting the road again. In this article, we have listed five unexpected places to visit and explore along this drive from Chatham to Hove.

1. Chartwell House and Gardens, Westerham (28 minutes from Chatham)

Chartwell House was the beloved home of Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death in 1965. The historic home and the beautiful gardens provide a perfect insight into the life and times of the great statesman. The estate is vast, and it is dotted with numerous sculptures, including the famous bust of Churchill carved by the Italian artist Oscar Nemon.

Visitors can book a guided tour of Chartwell House, explore the garden's trails and enjoy the views from the terrace. The restaurant on the premises serves some of the best British food with fresh ingredients. Make sure to try their famous cream scones, served with jam and clotted cream.

2. Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells (17 minutes from Chartwell House)

Groombridge Place is a 17th-century country house and a garden with a fascinating history. This stunning example of Jacobean architecture sits at the heart of a stunning estate that includes a formal garden, maze, sunken garden, and Enchanted Forest.

The Enchanted Forest is an exciting addition to Groombridge Place's attractions and a favorite with children. Walk along the boardwalk, and you will reach a canopy walk, allowing you to see the forest's sites from above. For lunch, head to the on-site cafe, which offers delectable sandwiches and soups.

3. The Chalybeate Spring, Royal Tunbridge Wells (14 Minutes from Groombridge Place)

The Chalybeate Spring is a natural phenomenon in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Discovered in 1606, this mineral spring water is believed to have therapeutic properties. The iron content gives the clear water its reddish-brown color, and it has been an attraction in Tunbridge Wells for centuries.

The spring is in The Pantiles, a historic colonnade defined by its elegant architecture, boutiques, antique shops, and galleries. For those interested in scientific exploration, tasting the spring's water is free. Wrap up your visit by indulging in local delicacies, such as a Bakewell tart, in one of the quaint tearooms in the town.

4. Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park (10 minutes from The Chalybeate Spring)

This railway is a must-visit for anyone who loves trains. Take the steam train route, and you will have the chance to admire the glorious countryside views of the famous Sussex Weald. The train journey stops at Sheffield Park station, where you can take a leisurely walk in the park with its beautiful woodland area, water gardens, and other attractions for children.

For snacks, head to the platform cafe and try some of their lovely homemade cakes, including their famous Victoria Sponge.

5. Devils Dyke, Sussex (19 minutes from Bluebell Railway)

Devils Dyke is a scenic location, situated on the South Downs Way, which offers stunning views of the Sussex countryside. The valley is situated on one of the highest points of the Downs, and it is a popular spot for walking, hang gliding, and paragliding.

The Devil's Dyke Pub is perched on the hilltop, where visitors can enjoy delicious home-cooked food and drink. Try their classic fish and chips or steak and Ale Pie.

Conclusion

The diverse natural and architectural beauty of Kent and Sussex is a considerable draw for road trippers, and the route from Chatham to Hove offers an excellent opportunity for exploring some of the area's most underrated locations. Chartwell House, Groombridge Place, The Chalybeate Spring, Bluebell Railway, and Devils Dyke provide unexpected and fascinating stopovers on the way.

Pack your bags, a snack bag, and take a break from your hectic daily life to embark on this unforgettable adventure. You will not regret it.