The village was built on a disused World War II army campThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Vigo is full of small-village charm a stone’s throw from London
It’s no wonder why many Londoners have relocated to the neighbouring county of Kent in recent years, seeking a more affordable, quieter and greener alternative to the capital that still offers excellent transport links. One commuter village that has seen a rise in interest is Vigo.
It may share a name with a Spanish city, but that’s where the similarities end – this Kentish village was actually once a disused World War II army camp. The settlement near Gravesend, constructed in the mid-20th century, is around 30 minutes drive from the South London town of Bromley, and around 90 minutes from central London on public transport.
Few remnants of the village’s military history remain, including a concrete platform at the top of the escarpment, which served as a map reading point, and a decaying assault course wall. The city is easily accessible from the nearby Snodland station. Surrounded by chestnut woodland, it provides a wonderful retreat from urban life whilst maintaining good connections.
The nearby Trosley Country Park is perfect for walks(Image: KentLive)
The village boasts idyllic scenic views and lovely natural areas, including Trosley Country Park located just south of the village. It covers 170 acres of woodland and chalk down, offering a stunning view over the North Downs.
With just over 2,000 inhabitants, this charming area offers a tranquil living environment. A significant factor in the popularity of the village is the affordability of housing. According to Rightmove, the average price of properties in Vigo over the past year was £381,809. This is significantly cheaper than the average property in London, which stands at £654,968.
Whilst travel expenses can mount up, residents stand to save around £270,000 by living in the village. Additionally, reliable bus services connect to surrounding areas, enabling quick access to nearby towns, meaning the absence of a railway station isn’t a significant drawback.
Coldrum Long Barrow is another stunning area to explore nearby(Image: asmithers via Getty Images)
TripAdvisor reviews recommend the Villager as one of Vigo’s top-rated restaurants, boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating.
One diner commented: “The pub/restaurant is situated in a little village location, on arrival we were greeted by very pleasant, welcoming staff. The food was lovely… We would absolutely recommend this pub/restaurant from our experience and we will definitely come back again.”
Numerous reviews praise the Sunday roasts, with one stating: “The beef roast was to die for and we didn’t even need to ask for extra gravy it was brought out to us before we stuck in! We will definitely be back!”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.