It also has one of the best kept cricket greens in the country
Sign up to our daily newsletter for all the latest Kent stories and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
We have more newsletters
Its name is a little tricky to get right if you are not familiar with the village of Meopham, which is famous as one of the longest villages in England. Despite the spelling, it is pronounced simply 'Mephum' and if you are into cricket, you might know it also has one of the best kept cricket greens in the country.
In fact, cricket has been played on Meopham Green since 1778. And what better place to celebrate or drown your sorrows after a cricket match than the Cricketers' Inn overlooking the quintessential village green. Or you might try the King's Arms, where King Charles I is believed to have stated during the Civil War.
But for all its village charm, with an unusual name coming from a previous Archbishop of Canterbury, it is only just over five miles to Gravesend. From Meopham it is easy to get to the coast, reach the A2 and M20 and to head to London.
Read more:The 40 unpronounceable places in Kent outsiders can never say properly
It has good schools, which can see families moving to the area in a bid to enrol. And people appreciate what the village has to offer. There are plenty of social activities, a tennis club as well as the cricket club, places to keep fit, a performing arts school and wine tasting.
There is a broad age group in the village, partly because of the schools. The primary and secondary school sees varying ages of parents and then there are the 'lifers', those who have lived there most, if not all, of their lives.
And why should they want to leave? With a real sense of community, all those activities, good connections and infrastructure including a medical centre, library, shops and five schools along with beautiful Kentish countryside, Meopham sounds perfect.
It has a stunning windmill, much photographed by locals and visitors, which is dated from 1801. Built by the Killick Brothers, the windmill is now the "headquarters" of the parish council. It is reputedly one of the best preserved widnmills in Kent.
Like all good villages, Meopham has an active Facebook group, where locals share news and views and of course, snippets of gossip, promote their businesses and events, and generally keep up to date with what's going on.
Meopham's name as one of the longest villages in England comes from its linear shape along the A227. And perhaps one of the downsides is the main road, and it can be noisy at times, but the village had managed to keep a semi-rural ambience.
It is not all about vehicles on the road, there is a railway station and a good bus route, so there's opportunity to make use of public transport. And there a restaurant and bar Bartellas which clearly hits the spot with diners, as it has 4.5 stars out of five from a whopping 1,092 reviews. It serves Mediterranean food, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
There is also The George Inn in the heart of the village, with a traditional cosy pub feel, which has 4 stars from 418 reviews and many happy customers. On The Parade, you will find the Cafe Lounge, where you can choose everything from an English breakfast to waffles, poached egg on salmon, and pancakes.
As for the five schools in Meopham. There is Meopham School, an academy for pupils aged 11 to 18, with an "outstanding" Ofsted rating. Also, with a "good" rating is Meopham Community Academy for two to 11 year olds. There is the independent special school Helen Allison School, for five to 19 year olds which is rated "good" and is run by the National Autistic Society.
Culverstone Green Primary School, an academy, for four to 11 year olds has a "good" Ofsted rating and lastly, Busy Bees Day Nursery is also rated "good". The village also has Meopham Valley Vineyard, where on 25 acres the family grow grapes for its award-winning still and sparkling wines.
There is Camer Park, which is grassy meadowland with beautiful trees. It is a great place for a picnic and spotting wildlife and insects including butterflies. According to Pictures of England's website, Meopham is an area "rich in history with many attractive places to visit".
It says: "It is up on the North Downs, with the Thames estuary just a short distance away, it is also within easy reach of Brands Hatch racing circuit, Lullingstone House and Biggin Hill."
The village sign, designed by local artist Eric Bugg "stands proudly on Hook Green", says the parish council. It was erected in 1998 to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Meopham Historical Society and was presented to the council.
Read next:
Ditton: Life in Kent's biggest village where people never move away
Aylesford: Life in the Kent village sandwiched between the M20 and the Southeastern railway track
Ightham: I had lunch at a pub in Kent's 'poshest village' but will never afford to live there
‘Canterbury does not deserve to be named Kent's worst place to live – it's only getting better'