Pean Hill

Settlement in Kent Canterbury

England

Pean Hill

Services on the Thanet Way The A299 Thanet Way has been greatly improved in recent years and in this area has been transformed from a suicidal three-lane road to dual-carriageway. This has reduced accidents and traffic hold-ups on sunny summer weekends. Whitstable is visible on the left. — Services on the Thanet Way Credit: Penny Mayes

Pean Hill is a small rural settlement located in the county of Kent, England. Situated approximately 8 miles south of Maidstone, it is nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is part of the civil parish of Harrietsham and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green fields, and charming woodland areas.

Pean Hill is known for its tranquil and idyllic setting, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village retains its rural character with a scattering of traditional cottages and farmhouses, some of which date back several centuries.

One of the notable landmarks in Pean Hill is the historic St. John the Baptist Church, a Grade II listed building that stands proudly at the heart of the village. Built in the 12th century, the church features stunning architectural details and is a testament to the area's rich heritage.

While Pean Hill is predominantly a residential area, it benefits from its proximity to nearby towns and amenities. The village is well-connected to the surrounding areas via a network of country lanes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The nearby town of Maidstone offers a range of amenities including shops, schools, and recreational facilities.

Overall, Pean Hill offers a charming and peaceful countryside setting, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rural retreat while still having access to nearby amenities and attractions.

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Pean Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.318333/1.0122447 or Grid Reference TR1062. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Services on the Thanet Way

The A299 Thanet Way has been greatly improved in recent years and in this area has been transformed from a suicidal three-lane road to dual-carriageway. This has reduced accidents and traffic hold-ups on sunny summer weekends. Whitstable is visible on the left.

Penny Mayes

New road from Plumpudding Lane

Local lanes which used to make dangerous junctions with the A299 Thanet Way now cross it via bridges with a complex network of slip roads. Plumpudding Lane, just visible, runs from the hamlet of Highstreet to Dargate but if you want to get to either place from Waterham you must use this road. Clay Hill in the background.

Penny Mayes

Thanet Way viaduct

The A299 Thanet Way crosses the edge of Seasalter Levels near Yorkletts.

Penny Mayes

Drain by Seasalter Lane

Penny Mayes

Fox's Cross Bottom

A sign on the gate indicates this is part of Wraik Hill Nature Reserve "A place for people and wildlife. The fields and hedgerows at Wraik Hill are a haven for wildlife. In winter, woodcock feed on the wet grassland and fieldfares feast on thorn berries. In summer, nightingales nest in the dense scrub and on sunny days the air is full of the songs of crickets and grass-hoppers, including the scarce Roesel's bush cricket... Look out for plants like pepper saxifrage, grass vetchling and spiny restharrow which grow only on grassland that has not been 'improved' with chemicals". The gate was firmly padlocked.

Penny Mayes

Fox's Cross Bottom

Rough pasture south of Fox's Cross Hill.

Penny Mayes

Elysian Fields

On Wraik Hill

Penny Mayes

Windy Ridge

This guest house on Wraik Hill has an extraordinary stone wall on its road frontage, incorporating several arches. The house also has stone cornices. Their website says "...originally a pair of farm cottages, the house was rebuilt and extended using reclaimed timber and stone to create an unusual building of unique character."

Penny Mayes

The Dove at Dargate

Sited at the junction of Butler's Hill with Dargate Road and Plum Pudding Lane this popular eating place was catching the low spring sunshine. I'm surprised the inscription cut into the stone above the door has not come out in the photograph as it was very clear to the eye. It reads "The Dove . Shepherd . Neame & Co . Fine ales"

Penny Mayes

Eastern end of the Blean

This squared off clearing on the edge of the wood was plainly cleared many years ago as it shows on the 1940s OS map. It is east of the hamlet of Dargate and seen from the Dargate Road.

Penny Mayes