Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were designated by Government under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, solely on account of their natural beauty and with the aim of conserving and enhancing it.

The High Weald was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) over twenty years ago in 1983. Many of the towns and villages in and around Tunbridge Wells are within the High Weald area and Doorknobs let numerous properties within it. The High Weald is still essentially a medieval landscape, something that can be said of few other places in the country.

Weald means wilderness or forest and is derived from the Germanic word wald. The High Weald was once an untamed, wooded area, with patches of wild grassland and heathland and by Domesday – 1086 - the High Weald remained the most densely wooded area of England and today boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country together with rolling hills draped by small, irregular fields, hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.

This landscape attracts families who enjoy living in the countryside and the recreational facilities that are on their doorstep, whether this is riding ancient bridleways, walking, hunting or fishing. London commuters find it as a place to escape the hurly burly of City life, even though rail connections means they are only an hour away from their offices. Few areas in the country boast such a rural idyll.

In the heart of the High Weald on the Kent and Sussex Border near Lamberhurst, you’ll find Bewl Water, the largest stretch of open water in south east England. This reservoir is host to a huge variety of wildlife and one of the region’s most popular attractions. It is used by fisherman, windsurfers and for sailing and canoeing.

If you are interested in living in The High Weald, take a moment to search for properties or Register Your Requirements. Doorknobs manage and let property in the following areas:

Kent: Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge, High Brooms, Langton Green, Lamberhurst, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Penshurst, Rusthall, Sevenoaks, Southborough, Speldhurst

East Sussex: Cross in Hand, Crowborough, Five Ashes, Frant, Hadlow Down, Heathfield, Mayfield, Rotherfield, Uckfield, Wadhurst