An insider viewpoint on the quirks that make a Kent 'commuter town' one of its best

Outside Basil’s soon to enjoy the delicious food
-Credit: (Image: KentLive/Abi Imas)


I hate the expression ‘commuter town’. Yes, Sevenoaks is a quick trip from London (30 minutes by train to Charing Cross) but its little quirks and the energy locals bring to the town make it stand out from other commuter-esque towns.

One of the reasons for this is the copious number of cafés suitable for quiet reading at the Café in Sevenoaks Bookshop, instragrammable food at Eat n Mess, intimate conversations at Soprano’s, a crazy cheap takeaway bagel from Beaux Bagels (starting from £2.30), or a café doubling as a late-night cocktail spot with Spanish dancers at Life on High.

My top spot is Basil’s, an independent-run wholefood café. I think this must be why Sevenoaks came in second place in the best towns to live in Kent, as Basil’s originated in Tunbridge Wells (the number 1 town)! I can’t recommend the caramel shortbread enough, my go-to after their seasonal salad selection, or fresh paninis.

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The Sevenoaks Bookshop is another speciality of this unique town. Rather than reduce costs during the pandemic the Sevenoaks Bookshop doubled in size, adding a café and a children’s reading area.

The bookshop’s developments have proved a great success as it has since been named the best independent bookshop in 2022. It will be the site for the upcoming Sevenoaks Literary Festival, featuring several talks held throughout September and October with big names such as Liz Earle (September 19).

The famous Sevenoaks Bookshop is located at the bottom of the Sevenoaks High Street
The famous Sevenoaks Bookshop is located at the bottom of the Sevenoaks High Street -Credit:KentLive/Abi Imas

Where else can you find an award-winning bookshop, just a short walk from beautiful greenery at The Vine? The Vine is always bustling with ‘beer on the vine’ on Saturdays in summer, then transforming into a Bike Festival starting on September 21!

Food and markets are key features on the Sevenoaks High Street. The markets are open on either a Wednesday, where the markets are in Buckhurst car park, or Saturday, where the food market and other independent sellers are open on the main high street and in Bligh’s Meadow.

The passageway to The Vine, a beautiful green space at the bottom of the high street.
The passageway to The Vine, a beautiful green space at the bottom of the high street -Credit:KentLive/Abi Imas

I do have one problem with Sevenoaks, probably shared with a lot of towns, that is the parking price nightmare. But after many years spent working out the best spot, I have found Buckhurst car park is the cheapest while still being in the centre of town, and free parking is located along Vine Court Road but only at the weekends.

If you get the train there is a hill to climb before reaching the town centre, but it is worth it for the top. I usually stop in at the chocolate shop on my way, perfect for a sweet treat!

I think there may be too much to do in Sevenoaks! The Stag Theatre is perfect for a rainy day when beautiful country walks are not an option. Picture a traditional retro cinema, with decent-priced popcorn and pick-n-mix options for children!

Sevenoaks High Street has traditional pubs, high-quality restaurants and a variety of shops
Sevenoaks High Street has traditional pubs, high-quality restaurants and a variety of shops -Credit:KentLive/Abi Imas

But, if it is not raining then I suggest Knole Park. At Knole Park, deer will roam around and come genuinely so close to you, especially if you have a 4-pack of yum-yums. Seriously, don’t feed the deer... Knole Park is also the location of the Knole Run (a school cross-county race), where David Beckham’s son once ran. Sevenoaks is sometimes even a place for celebrity spotting!

Historic sights, great schools, traditional pubs, and independent shops. The town captures key elements of the community, and new developments are coming with an injection of £435,000 to further invigorate the high street. I think we will continue to see Sevenoaks feature as a top town!

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