A Guide to Exploring Vineyards from Alresford

Best times to visit

Spring (April-May): Vineyards reopen for tours and the town’s farmers’ market comes into full swing.

Summer (June-August): The countryside around West Malling is ideal for walking and cycling, with long evenings for vineyard visits.

Autumn (September-October): Harvest season at local vineyards like Mereworth and Yotes Court, plus food festivals in nearby Tonbridge.

Winter (November-February): Vineyards remain open for tastings, and the town’s pubs and wine bars are a cosy base.

The vineyards near West Malling

Within 10-20 minutes you can reach Mereworth, Yotes Court, and Squerryes. Slightly further is Heppington, near Canterbury. This pocket of Kent specialises in sparkling wines, with Mereworth and Yotes Court in particular offering polished visitor experiences.

What else is there to do in West Malling?

Explore St Mary’s Abbey, founded in 1090.

Wander the high street with its independent shops, boutiques, and cafés.

Walks through the Kent Downs countryside are close by.

Use the train links for quick trips to Rochester or Maidstone.

Where to eat and drink in West Malling

• Budget: Bean Rush Café - popular for coffee, breakfast, and light lunches.
• Create a splash: The Swan - stylish gastropub with a strong wine list.
• Push the boat out: The Farmhouse - modern restaurant serving seasonal menus, with English wines often featured.

There are several wine bars in town, and local merchants regularly stock bottles from Kent producers.

Where to stay

The Swan - boutique rooms above the gastropub, from £140.

No.64 at The Joiners - chic, small-scale hotel, from £120.

Country inns and B&Bs in the surrounding villages, from £90.

FAQs about West Malling vineyard weekends

• Can you get to West Malling by train?
  Yes - West Malling station is on the London Victoria line (around 55 minutes).
  
• Can you reach vineyards from West Malling by public transport?
  Not directly. Vineyards like Mereworth and Yotes Court require a taxi from the station (10-15 minutes). Remember to book ahead!
  
• Which vineyards are near West Malling?
  Mereworth, Yotes Court, Squerryes, and Heppington are all within 30 minutes.
  
• Where can you try local wines in West Malling?
  Restaurants like The Swan and The Farmhouse feature Kentish bottles. Independent wine shops also stock local producers.
  
• Are there vineyard stays near West Malling?
  Not in the town itself, but nearby Squerryes offers vineyard accommodation, and others partner with local hotels.
  
• Is West Malling a good base for a vineyard weekend?
  Yes - it’s lively, historic, and very convenient by train, with multiple vineyards just a short taxi away.