Falling in Love with Kingsdown……18 Years and Counting

Eighteen years ago, I made the move to Kingsdown, not fully realising that I wasn’t just changing my address—I was finding home.

From the moment I arrived, there was something about this village that quietly gets under your skin. Nestled between the rolling countryside and the ever-changing sea, Kingsdown has a timeless charm that makes you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and feel part of something special. What began as a move soon turned into a love affair, and all these years later, I can’t imagine bringing up my family anywhere else.

One of the biggest reasons Kingsdown felt right was the sense of community and the incredible opportunities for children. My own children were lucky enough to grow up here, surrounded by friends, freedom, and some truly excellent schools.

Kingsdown Primary School was a wonderful start—small, nurturing, and right at the heart of the village.

As they grew, they went on to attend Northbourne Park School and St Edmund’s in Canterbury, all within easy reach and each offering outstanding education in their own way. Having access to such a range of respected schools nearby gave us peace of mind and flexibility as our children found their paths.

 Village life here is exactly what you hope it will be. My children were able to walk to the beach, roam safely with friends, and take part in local clubs that made their childhoods so rich. Cubs and Beavers were a big part of their early years, teaching them confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging—all right here in the village. There’s something incredibly grounding about seeing your children grow up with the same coastline, lanes, and landmarks as their friends.

And then there’s the beach. Kingsdown’s shingle shoreline is never far away and always changing—dramatic skies in winter, calm swims in summer, and endless walks all year round. The houses that line the village reflect its character perfectly, from charming fishermen’s cottages full of history to stunning, million-pound homes along Wellington Parade, where the sea feels almost close enough to touch. It’s a place where old meets new without ever losing its soul.

Social life in Kingsdown is another of its great strengths. For a village of its size, having three pubs is something rather special. Each has its own personality, whether you’re after a relaxed pint after a walk, a lively evening with friends, or a cosy corner on a winter’s night. Add to that the fantastic Kingsdown Golf Club, with its breathtaking clifftop views and welcoming atmosphere, and you have amenities that rival those of much larger towns.

What truly sets Kingsdown apart, though, is the feeling of community. People look out for one another here. Children grow up known and supported, friendships span generations, and there’s a shared pride in the village and its surroundings. It’s the kind of place where you move for the scenery but stay for the people.

Looking back over the past 18 years, I feel incredibly grateful. Kingsdown has given my family a safe, beautiful, and enriching place to grow up—a village that offers the best of coastal living, outstanding education, and genuine community spirit. It’s not just where I live; it’s where my children grew, where memories were made, and where my heart firmly belongs- Beth