Stansted War Memorial – it has quite a story behind it (Image: Richard Croft)
This charming Kentish village, home to fewer than 500 inhabitants, shares its name with a bustling airport that welcomes millions of travellers annually. However, the similarities end there.
The occasional aircraft might grace the skies above this quaint rural parish, nestled amidst the picturesque Kent countryside, but it’s more likely to be a vintage plane rather than a commercial airliner.
There have been amusing instances of drivers mistakenly arriving here to pick up passengers from the airport.
One can only imagine their bewilderment as they find themselves in this tranquil village, situated approximately 53 miles away from London Stansted in Essex, which sees an annual footfall of 27 million passengers.
Stansted, located near Wrotham in Kent, could be described as a handful of houses scattered around a crossroads.
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It’s a tiny village and as you can see, Stansted is surrounded by gorgeous Kent countryside (Image: Google Maps)
The parish, inclusive of the hamlet of Fairseat, is perched atop the North Downs. It’s roughly 25 miles from London, conveniently close to the M20 and the Gravesend to Wrotham road.
A standout feature of the village is its exceptional restaurant, adored by both first-time visitors and regular patrons. The Hilltop Restaurant on Labour-in-Vain Road is a striking pub, complete with leaded windows and a grand entranceway, reports Kent Live.
‘It won’t be long before we visit again’.
This extraordinary family-run establishment has been the owners’ residence since 1963. On TripAdvisor, it boasts the coveted full five-star rating from 347 reviews.
One recent rave review from February gushes: “My niece had arranged for 17 of us to celebrate my wife’s 40th. Well what can I say, Darren deserves all the adulation that previous reviewers have lavished upon him.
“The set menu has plenty of choice, the food was excellent quality, served with great thought and presentation was lovely. The food was full of flavour and Darren and his staff certainly went the extra mile to make our evening enjoyable, even adding a couple of extra chairs on to our table.
“Darren was so easy to plan with, very easy going and relaxed, put your mind at ease. Everyone that had not been there before said they will be coming back, one couple said they would have even stayed the night if a room had been available as there was snow on the ground outside and it was very cold and slippery.”
Hilltop Hotel, Stansted (Image: Hilltop Hotel)
And the accolades continue in an equally enthusiastic prior testimony: “What a fabulous meal. We were greeted and treated like friends.
“The food is delicious, the service is efficient and unassuming and the two maitre de are just a joy, so attentive. We felt privileged to share.
“Great value for money. This is our second time and it won’t be long before we visit again.”
Looking for directions and activities in Stansted, Kent?
Stansted can be conveniently accessed as it lies proximate to Sevenoaks, Maidstone, and Dartford. Anyone intrigued about the village’s past can indulge in a wealth of historical accounts meticulously compiled by the Stansted and Fairseat History Society.
The former Stansted Post Office, established in 1897 on Tumblefield Road, is among the venerable landmarks featured. Delve into the traditions of the village with an insight into the Stansted Morris Men; as well as exploring the historic Kentish manor, Court Lodge, sitting at the heart of the village surrounded by a whopping 600 acres and boasting a house, granary, coach house, and oast house; not to mention the active Stansted Hockey Club and Stansted Cricket Club.
A statue sculpted by Hungarian artist Alajos Strobl adorns the Stansted War Memorial, set up in 1923. While it was regrettably stolen in 1964, “but successfully retrieved and reinstated”, it faced theft once more in 1995 and was tragically never found.
The current statue, unveiled anew in 1996, was crafted by the talented Faith Winter.
When in Stansted, don’t miss out on the impressive medieval St Mary’s Church, known for its striking tower. The ancient tombstones scattered within the churchyard trace back to as early as 1715.
Back in 1991, the church bells were restored courtesy of a “major project”, followed by the completion of an addition named the Cloisters in 2015. Still very much a hub of spiritual activity, St Mary’s conducts regular services, educational sessions, singing, prayers, and even broadcasts live so followers can join from the comfort of their homes.
Plaxdale Green Road in Stansted (Image: Chris Whippet)
Moreover, St Mary’s hosts congenial social gatherings like the inviting “Coffee in the Cloisters”. The community spirit of Stansted thrives further with events like the monthly farmers’ market held in the village hall, while the local recreation ground and childrens play park offer leisure and enjoyment for all ages.
The Kentish North Downs, a picturesque slice of the Garden of England, offer ramblers a wealth of stunning trails to explore. Amidst this scenic splendour lies The Black Horse, a quintessential country pub and restaurant, complete with an expansive garden ideal for sunnier days and a cosy interior perfect for when the mercury dips.
Famed for its “great atmosphere and friendly welcome”, The Black Horse boasts an activity-packed events calendar. Regulars are particularly fond of the quiz nights and live music sessions that add liveliness to the local scene.
A recent glowing review on TripAdvisor elaborates on their exceptional dining experience: “We booked a table for eight and was well looked after by the bar staff and chef Lizzie. The starters were very generous portions, especially the deep fried Brie.
“We had the beef, pork and mixed roast, all of which were delicious with stuffing, pigs in blankets, cabbage, beetroot, roasted veg, mash, roast potatoes and Yorkie puds. Will definitely be back.”
But what’s the cost of sinking roots into this idyllic village?
While Stansted might be a stone’s throw from the buzz of Brands Hatch, it exists in a tranquil world of its own, free from the hustle so says its parish council, a fixture in community life for over a century.
Furthermore, prospective homeowners might find the proximity to London Golf Club appealing, along with the latest property statistics. Rightmove reports that the average selling price for a home in Stansted over the past year was £532,500.
Despite this, there’s been a sharp 33 per cent drop in prices over the previous year and a significant 46 per cent plummet since the 2009 peak, which hit almost £1 million at £987,500.