This charming Kent village, home to fewer than 500 residents, shares its name with a bustling airport but that's where the similarities end. The occasional aircraft might pass over this small rural parish, nestled amidst the beautiful Kentish countryside, but it's more likely to be a vintage plane rather than a commercial jet. There have been amusing mix-ups due to the shared name, with drivers mistakenly arriving to pick up someone from the airport.
Confusion must set in as they enter the tranquil village, which is approximately 53 miles away from London Stansted in Essex, an airport that sees 27 million passengers annually. Stansted, located near Wrotham in Kent, can be described as a handful of houses scattered around a crossroads. The parish, encompassing the hamlet of Fairseat, sits atop the North Downs. It's about 25 miles from London, conveniently close to the M20 and the Gravesend to Wrotham road.
One of the highlights of the village is its fantastic restaurant, adored by both first-time visitors and regulars. The Hilltop Restaurant on Labour-in-Vain Road is a stunning pub, complete with leaded windows and steps leading up to a grand entrance, reports Kent Live. This exceptional family-run restaurant has been the owners' family home since 1963. On TripAdvisor, it boasts the rare achievement of a full five-star rating from 347 reviews.
The latest review from February is brimming with praise, stating: "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.". And the preceding review is equally effusive: "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.". For those looking to explore Stansted in Kent, getting there is a breeze as it's conveniently located near Sevenoaks, Maidstone, and Dartford. For those keen on delving into the village's past, the Stansted and Fairseat History Society offers a treasure trove of detailed historical records.
This charming piece of history includes the former Stansted Post Office, serving letters and parcels since 1897 in Tumblefield Road. Not forgetting the spirited Stansted Morris Men; the majestic Kentish manor Court Lodge taking pride of place in the heart of the village amidst its sprawling 600 acres, complete with house, granary, coach house, and an oast house; as well as the sporty sides of the community, Stansted Hockey Club and Cricket Club.
The poignant Stansted War Memorial is adorned with a statue crafted by Hungarian master sculptor Alajos Strobl in 1923. Despite being nicked in 1964 "but successfully retrieved and reinstated", tragedy struck when it got pinched again in 1995, leading to its loss. Subsequently, a fresh icon, consecrated anew in 1996, now stands at the memorial created by artist Faith Winter. One mustn't miss the breathtaking medieval gem that is St Mary's Church, boasting a notable tower in Stansted. The graves in the churchyard whisper stories from as far back as 1715.
In 1991, a "major project" spruced up the church bells while the serene Cloisters extension completed in 2015 enhanced its sanctity. Today, the church vibrantly hosts services, classes, choirs and prayers and even beams its services to homes through livestreams. And for some parish-perfect socialising, St Mary's beckons with the quaint "Coffee in the Cloisters". Plus, the village buzzes with its monthly farmers' market in the village hall, recreation for all ages on the green and delights the little ones with a playground.
There are countless breathtaking walks to be had along the footpaths crisscrossing the Kentish North Downs. Plus, there's the quintessential country pub and eatery, The Black Horse, complete with a spacious garden for sunny days and a snug interior perfect for when the temperature drops. The Black Horse is celebrated for its "great atmosphere and friendly welcome" and a peek at its events calendar reveals plenty to keep patrons entertained, from quiz nights to fantastic live music sessions.
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